Parrot Asteroid has unveiled the Mini, Tablet and Smart range of GPS devices, which the company says are set to take driving to the next level.
Speaking at the launch event in Johannesburg last week, sales manager, Middle East, Africa and India, Francois-Xavier Charbonnel, explained how Parrot developed a system that could make driving a little more convenient through apps and improved connectivity.
"When we were developing the software for the devices, we were looking at convenience and innovation. Our devices allow easy access to music and apps while not disturbing the driver through the voice recognition application," he said.
With a 3.2-inch screen, the Mini can be installed onto the vehicle's dashboard and comes with a GPS antenna and a wireless remote control, which is attached to the steering wheel.
Connected to the Internet through 3G or to a mobile phone via Bluetooth or a USB, one is able to download apps and other services from the Asteroid Market.
The Tablet GPS has a 5-inch multi-touch screen with an integrated GPS antenna. It also installs on to the vehicle's dashboard or windshield. The biggest of the three, the Smart comes with a 6.2-inch colour multi-touch screen. The Smart is a connected multimedia unit. Its 2DIN format fits the central column of the vehicle's dashboard.
The devices connect the driver to a mobile phone or tablet through Bluetooth or USB tethering. However, Parrot says the devices can also connect to various musical sources such as various iDevices, a USB key, an SD card and MP3 player.
"The devices are compatible with all brands of Bluetooth mobile phones on the market; automatic phonebook synchronisation; user-independent voice recognition; text-to-speech; simultaneous management of two mobile phones; noise reduction and echo cancelling,"Charbonnel explained.
"To provide drivers and passengers with applications and services adapted to in-car usage, Parrot has opened an online store, Asteroid Market, which is directly accessible from all Parrot devices when connected to the Internet. Applications can be downloaded onto an SD card and installed on Asteroid products conveniently," he added.
Parrot has also tailored applications, which include international radio stations and podcasts, a driver assist solution and tourist information, to fit the various screen sizes of each device in the range.
Prices for the Parrot GPS devices range from R3 199 to R8 799.
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