Parrot ASTEROID, the New Generation of Connected Car Receiver

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CES -- Parrot ASTEROID, the latest offspring from Parrot -- one of the leaders in wireless peripherals for mobile phones -- is a car receiver combining advanced hands-free telephony, connection to web services and access to innovative applications and multi-source music listening.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110105/NY24888 )

Easy access to new services

Parrot ASTEROID is a car receiver working on the Android™ operating system. Once connected to a GPS dongle (provided) and a 3G key (not provided), it enables access to services* like:

• Geo-location
  • Parrot Maps is a cartography service enabling the identification of streets and businesses close to the vehicle. With a zoom on the address, the user can dial, hands-free, the indicated phone number or plan an itinerary.
  • Other services, such as finding parking or gas stations.
• Information
  • Traffic and construction alerts.

Parrot ASTEROID will be regularly enriched with new services aimed at making the road more manageable for drivers.

Multi-source and hands-free music listening

• Multi-compatibility

Parrot ASTEROID enables listening to music from various sources: USB key, iPhone® / iPod®, MP3 player, SD card and now web radio stations (thanks to 3G). Music files can also be sent to the car receiver from a mobile phone and via Bluetooth® stereo A2DP. Parrot ASTEROID offers the functionality of traditional car receivers like tuner AM/FM and RDS text+ service.

• Music voice search

Pushing a dedicated button on the Parrot ASTEROID announces the name of an artist or an album without using the textual search or the wheel button to navigate in the menu. If the artist or album is not found in the peripheral(s) connected to ASTEROID and if a 3G key is connected to it, a search will be automatically done on online music libraries.

The excellence of hands-free telephony

Compatible with all brands of Bluetooth® mobile phones, Parrot ASTEROID offers advanced functionality of hands-free telephony. Paired with a mobile phone (two telephones can be simultaneously connected), it synchronizes and automatically updates its phonebook. Access to the phonebook can be done without any manipulation thanks to voice synthesis (Text-To-Speech) and training-free, multi-user voice recognition. Drivers only have to announce the name of a contact then dialing is automatic and the conversation will be diffused through the audio system of the car. No manipulation is required with incoming calls: drivers just have to say 'accept" or "reject".  

A minimalist and elegant design

Deep black with backlight buttons, Parrot ASTEROID integrates itself perfectly in all interiors.

• Detachable, the left part is equipped with a magnetic guiding system for easy and fast insertion of the faceplate. Discreet buttons give access to the main functionality of hands-free telephony or music listening, and a rotary button facilitates the navigation of the menus.  
• The right part is a large 3.2" TFT color screen which displays all information: phonebook, menus, music, playlist, album covers, internet applications and services.

The reduced depth of Parrot ASTEROID facilitates the installation in standard head unit location and is compatible with all cars equipped with 1 DIN module.

Multi-connectivity

Parrot ASTEROID is equipped with:

• 3 high speed USB ports to connect a 3G key, a USB key and/or the provided GPS antenna
• 1 full speed USB port dedicated to iPhone® or iPod®
• 1 jack cable to connect an MP3 player
• 1 SD card reader
• 2 pairs of RCA pre-amp outputs
• 1 pair of RCA for subwoofer

Price and availability

Recommended retail price: To be announced

1st Quarter 2011: France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux

2nd Quarter 2011: United States

Technical Specifications: http://www.parrot.com/usa/products/bluetooth-hands-free-car-kits

About PARROT

Parrot, a global leader in wireless devices for mobile phones, stands on the cutting edge of innovation. The company was founded in 1994 by Henri Seydoux as part of his determination to drive the inevitable breakthrough of mobile phones into everyday life by creating high-quality, user-friendly wireless devices for easy living. Parrot has developed the most extensive range of hands-free systems on the market for cars, motorbikes and scooters, including wireless multimedia products geared towards audiovisual applications. In 2008, Parrot launched a new prestige line of high-end products bearing the hallmark of renowned artists and in 2010, the AR.Drone, the first quadricopter piloted via wi-fi and using augmented reality.

Parrot, headquartered in Paris, currently employs 450 people worldwide and generates 85% of its sales overseas. Parrot is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris since 2006. (FR0004038263 – PARRO)

More information : www.parrot.com / www.ardrone.com / www.parrotoem.com

®The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Parrot S.A. is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

*the proposed services/applications may not be available in all countries

SOURCE PARROT