Clarion to Redefine In-vehicle Connectivity Using Google's Cloud-based Voice Recognition, Mapping and Search Services

CYPRESS, Calif., June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarion Corporation of America, a leader in consumer and commercial mobile electronics, announced today that the next generation of Clarion's in-vehicle multimedia and navigation systems will feature advanced natural speech recognition as well as search and positioning technologies from Google.

By incorporating Google's sophisticated cloud-based Google Places within its Smart Access connectivity platform, Clarion infotainment systems will allow users access to the same type and level of location-based search services in their vehicles that they are already accustomed to on their mobile devices and at home. In addition, users will benefit from the comprehensive worldwide coverage and regularly updated content available through Google Places, allowing Smart Access equipped Clarion systems to offer users access to the most accurate and reliable information and entertainment while on the road.

Clarion will also leverage the highly advanced Google Voice Search technology to bring reliable voice recognition to the vehicle which, coupled with Clarion's exclusive noise elimination technology, will allow its Smart Access equipped products to effortlessly recognize naturally spoken words for operation of the vehicle systems and online content while significantly minimizing driver distraction.

"Interoperability with a variety of consumer devices, such as smartphones and tablets, as well as access to web-based portals such as Social Media services, are rapidly becoming an indispensable requirement for in-vehicle information and entertainment systems," stated Paul Lachner, President of Clarion Corporation of America. "Clarion's ultimate goal for the deployment of its cloud-based Smart Access system is to offer a simple and uniquely seamless environment inside the vehicle for distraction-free access to vehicle systems as well as online content anytime and anywhere." 

Given the wide availability of Google Places and Google Voice Search worldwide, Smart Access will be able to offer Clarion's OEM partners and consumers the most comprehensive and easy to operate cloud-connectivity solution for in-vehicle use. Dependability, safety, reliability, and customization capabilities of Smart Access will also be enhanced further as Clarion's global data system accesses information from Google's continuously updated sources.

"Clarion's Smart Access infotainment system will provide drivers with a connected, secure and comfortable in-car experience. The integration of the Google Places API means access to a rich and constantly refreshed database of over 80 million restaurants, stores and other points of interest to explore. Send-to-Car will allow drivers to send a Google Maps destination like a restaurant, store or park, directly to their car's Smart Access system and, with Google Voice Search, drivers will be able to safely discover destinations by naturally speaking their queries instead of having to type them," said Richard Suhr, Director of Enterprise Geo Japan and Asia.

Clarion's commitment to further develop its award-winning Smart Access cloud-based infotainment system has been driving innovation inside the company, as well as facilitating development of partnerships with best-in-class service and application providers on a global scale.

About Smart Access

Exclusive to Clarion and powered by Hitachi's renowned Global Data Center, Smart Access is the world's most advanced and extensive cloud-based information access, analysis and sharing platform.

Smart Access provides proactive real-time analysis of destination routes on the go, allows for customization of entertainment options, enables safe and easy access to social media networks, monitors status of the vehicle, and provides an easy, distraction free way to use many of the popular smartphone apps while driving.  Learn more on the web at www.clarionsmartaccess.com.

About Clarion

Headquartered in Cypress, California, Clarion Corporation of America is a subsidiary of Japan-based Clarion Co. Ltd, which has been a consolidated subsidiary of the Hitachi Group since 2006. Clarion has been an international leader in car audio and electronics since 1940.  The company is engaged  in the research, development, engineering, design, manufacturing, sales and marketing of mobile entertainment, navigation, infotainment, communication, safety and security products for the automotive, marine, recreational vehicle, commercial fleet and heavy industry environments.  Clarion has been the recipient of numerous excellence awards for design, innovation, support, manufacturing and product reliability from independent organizations.  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.

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SOURCE Clarion Corporation of America