Clarion Announces Exclusive Text-to-Speech Capable Top Social Media Apps for Next GATE In-Vehicle Intelligent Smartphone Controller for iPhone® 4 and iPhone 4S

CYPRESS, Calif., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America (CCA) announces the availability of their exclusive FB4car and Tweet4car applications designed for in-vehicle use via the Next GATE that was recently made available to the public. Clarion's Next GATE presents a smarter way to stay connected in your vehicle.  The smartphone controller for the iPhone utilizes optimized apps which now make it easier to safely navigate popular social media channels Facebook® and Twitter while in the vehicle.   

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120820/CL59613 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120731/DE49249LOGO-b )

FB4car and Tweet4car allow the user to view the social media sites in the Next GATE's seven inch screen. When the iPhone is connected to Next GATE in the vehicle, users will even be able to update their status, check-in and reply to Tweets on the go via voice with Nuance's Vlingo© support.  The text-to-speech functionality allows users to hear friends' posts and to be able to interface with the social media sites all while keeping their hands on the wheel.

Additionally, the Next GATE integrates DriveSuite4car.  This available app enables the user to have more within their reach including VL4car (Voice Launcher), News4car, Weather4car, Calendar4car and Contacts4car.  These apps, as announced at launch offer more ways to make the most efficient use of your time while on the go.

Next GATE is easily connected and controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for advanced functionality in virtually any vehicle.  Bluetooth functionality allows for hands-free calling and enables iPhone features such as voice dialing and voice activation.  In addition to Tweet4car and FB4car, other vehicle-friendly app partners include:  TuneIn®, Pandora®, Vlingo©, INRIX Traffic, and Odyssey® with a series of more new apps coming soon.  Clarion is working with numerous app partners to greatly expand the functionality of Next GATE.  

The launch of these two new apps increases the offerings of the Next GATE which continues enhancing the way iPhone users interact while in their vehicles. "The introduction of these exclusive apps displays Clarion's dedication to further enhancing the capability of this revolutionary in-vehicle device," states Frank Pierce, Vice President, Clarion Corporation of America. "We are committed to launching numerous apps near-term to expand functionality, making the user experience in the vehicle seamless and more convenient to keep the focus on driving."

The Next GATE comes equipped with a microSD slot, built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, built-in microphone, an optional external microphone and a 7-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor.  The Next GATE is compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, has a 12 volt power adapter for easy connection and allows for charging the iPhone while in-use.  The system is connected via an easy to set up auxiliary connector while the Clarion Smart Access app manager is a free download on the iTunes® app store.

Clarion Next GATE Features and Benefits:

• Controls approved smartphone apps optimized for in-vehicle use 
• Compatible with Clarion's Smart Access cloud service and app
• Leverages application functions such as navigation, internet radio, social networking and voice control/ text readout for select functions
• Built-in Bluetooth hands-free interface (HFP)
• Music/Audio playback
• Built-in microphone and external microphone ready                                                
• Compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 4
• iPhone direct connect and charging capabilities (cable included)
• 7-inch Digital WVGA Touch Panel LCD Monitor
• microSD slot
• Built-in speaker
• Blue LED buttons and indicator
• 12 volt power adapter
• AUX audio output
• 360 degree adjustable suction mount

FB4car for Clarion Next GATE  Features and Benefits:

• Text-to-speech availability for easy in-vehicle use to hear friends' posts
• Easy in-vehicle scrolling of News Feed, Messages, Comments and Likes
• Supports Check In and Status functions with location information integration
  

Tweet4car for Clarion Next GATE  Features and Benefits:

• Text-to-speech availability for easy in-vehicle use (when connected)
• Easy pre-set tweets
• Supports Retweets, Replies, @ connections, Lists and Favorites features
• Integration of location information and images to tweet
• Inclusion of tweets to Favorites feature

Clarion's Next GATE is readily available now at Amazon, Best Buy.com and Crutchfield.   The suggested retail price is $269.99. To learn more about Next GATE and other innovative products from Clarion, visit www.clarion.com/us

About Clarion

Clarion Corporation of America, headquartered in Cypress, California, is a subsidiary of Clarion Co. Ltd., headquartered in Japan, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006 and an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940.  The company is involved in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, communication and safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments.  Clarion has been the recipient of numerous awards for design innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations and customers alike.  The company has marketing and sales affiliates in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.  Clarion is located on the web at www.clarion.com.

Like us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ClarionUSA

Follow us on Twitter:   http://www.twitter.com/ClarionUSA

SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America