SEMA News—June 2013
NEW PRODUCTS
By Steve Campbell
Mobile-Electronics Products
New Offerings to Make the Automobile Smarter, More Efficient and More Entertaining
Only a few decades ago, most automotive systems were mechanical or analog. Carbureted engines, manual transmissions and knob-tuned AM radios were standard equipment. But even the most basic of today’s cars and trucks offer a cornucopia of electronic controls that improve functionality and the driving experience. New specialty-equipment devices ranging from telemetry for hands-free communications and satellite navigation to powertrain tuning software and radio-frequency links with the home provide an almost dizzying array of options even beyond the sophisticated creations delivered at showrooms by the carmakers.
The mobile-electronics displays housed in the North Hall of the annual SEMA Show have increased in number and scope every year, and many exhibits in other product categories—street performance, off-road, tools and equipment, you name it—derive some portion of their usefulness from high-tech components.
In the following pages, we’ve cataloged the electronic offerings that were unveiled in the New Products Showcase during the 2012 event. Retailers in particular might want to examine the listings for items that will draw consumers and boost sales.
SecureConnex SecureConnex says that its system is the world’s first plug-and-play, all-in-one system that combines safety, security and remote control with location awareness technology. | AE Distributing AlphaNav AN5650NV is a full-featured, in-dash GPS system at a bargain price. Built-in Bluetooth, touchscreen navigation and full audio control of the iPhone5 are a few of the benefits drivers are offered at a price point under $600, and the consumer enjoys a full two-year warranty. The AlphaNav AN5650NV fits most two-DIN dashes. | |
Myron & Davis by Johnson Safety Inc. Factory color-matched rear-seat entertainment headrests with built-in 7-in. monitors, a DVD player, an SD card/USB reader and wireless video streaming via iPhone. | Earthquake Sound Corp. The MiNi D1000 is said to be the most compact, most efficient (99%) class D | |
Mocar America Best fit and integrates into most vehicles. | Myron & Davis by Johnson Safety Inc. A 10.2-in. overhead monitor with built-in DVD player playback and USB port for digital media playback. Additional features include optional wireless streaming of media via iPhone. Also includes a two-channel IR transmitter for wireless IR headphone use. | |
Brandmotion Brandmotion announces a new and improved version of the Homelink wireless control system by Johnson Controls. It features a new, modern design, 30-minute installation and one SKU—and it fits any vehicle. | Brandmotion Brandmotion announces a revolution in OEM mirror design for the aftermarket. This authentic OEM mirror with borderless glass features auto dimming, compass (optional) and HomeLink by Johnson Controls. | |
Genesis International Holdings Green Driving Learning program teaches drivers to save fuel and, as a result, reduce carbon emissions to the atmosphere. | Mito Corp. Gentex auto-dimming rear-camera-display rearview mirrors combined with OEM fit and finish to provide a true OEM look and feel. The Gentex mirror can be fitted with highly desirable features, such as compass, temperature and HomeLink. | |
Function Electric Inc. Dual-battery isolation switch for performance and marine applications.
| Autosim Test or set up engine-management ECU. Generates many common trigger patterns. Camshaft patterns for variable camshaft engines can be advanced and retarded. Support for zero crossing and hall-effect-type signals. Analog and digital outputs. Four variable PWM speed signals. Software allows user to create new patterns and load them into the simulator. | |
Runner-Up—Best New Mobile Electronics Product Prodigy Pro is said to be the world’s first fully connected Android universal navigation black box. With the power of the Android operating system and backed by enough memory and processing power to handle even the busiest multitasking lifestyles, Prodigy Pro can be used with all of the Prodigy vehicle interfaces. | Brandmotion Brandmotion introduces this new, authentic OEM interior LED lighting option to the aftermarket. Simple push-push operation and get clean, cool, high-intensity LED light for any vehicle interior. | |
ScanTool.net LLC OBDLink MX is said to connect with more vehicle models than any OBD interface in the world. Automatic sleep and wakeup allows users to leave the MX plugged in without killing a vehicle’s battery. Up to four times faster than closest competitor. SW-CAN and MS-CAN protocol support (used by most late-model GM and Ford vehicles). Free OBDwiz PC diagnostic software and OBDLink app included. | DriveNTalk Jak is a multi-share USB that allows users to share their stored contents from smartphones, iPads or tablet PCs wirelessly. | |
DriveNTalk Coda One is a hands-free Bluetooth kit that comes with a magnetic visor clip for easy clip-on and -off, allowing users to easily pull it out of a car and take it anywhere they want. May be used as a hands-free car kit, for conference calls or to stream music outside with friends and for private calls in handset mode. Safety, fun and private modes. | Bracketron The Grip-iT dash mount is a dashboard mounting solution for a smartphone, GPS or other portable device. | |
Bracketron The universal USB power dock Pro Flex is an ideal hands-free solution to quickly, easily and securely mount and power a smartphone or other mobile devices in a car. | Bracketron The universal tablet cup-holder mount installs easily into a vehicle’s cup holder, providing a solution for mounting an iPad or tablet when the user is on the go. | |
Text2Car Text2Car says that its T2C-GM is the first and only system in the world that starts a GM vehicle with a factory remote starter by simply plugging into the OBD2 connector. | Bracketron The universal USB travel charger kit is the perfect three-in-one accessory for powering up a portable device just about anywhere. | |
MiT Grip Dash Mount The Mi-T grip dash mount is an innovative mounting solution for a smartphone or other portable device. | Bracketron The XTremeGrip dash and window mount is an ideal solution to quickly, easily and securely mount a smartphone and other mobile electronic products in a car. | |
Pioneer Car Electronics Multi-media receiver with integrated 7-in. touchscreen display, HD radio tuner, SiriusXM ready, AppRadio mode, smartphone compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, Mixtrax music technology and Pandora Internet radio. | Pioneer Car Electronics Flagship single-CD receiver brings the connected lifestyle into the vehicle with SiriusXM capability, Mixtrax, Bluetooth, iPhone connectivity, Android media access and Pandora Internet radio. | |
Pioneer Car Electronics Component speakers designed to deliver louder, clearer audio for any type of music, featuring a new multilayer Mica Matrix cone for producing rich mid-bass response. | RePlay XD The new industry leader in HD video for motorsports and action sports. Full HD is now smaller, lighter and easier to use. | |
Pioneer Car Electronics High-efficiency Class-D four-channel amplifier provides up to 4x150 watts of power, built-in low-pass and high-pass crossovers and speaker level inputs. | Scosche The ControlFreq app works exclusively with the Scosche car stereo receiver (SCDBTA60). This app turns a smartphone into a wireless touchscreen remote control and display for a car stereo. Change between tracks, MP3s and easily switch between various sources for a seamless media experience. | |
RePlay XD RePlay XD brings full CAN BUS control to the action-sports video market. Allows data systems to communicate and control camera; keeps video synced with the data. The new CAN control harness is available in two versions: with or without the dash-mounted manual control switch. Will integrate into Racepak, MoTec, Pi and virtually any data system. | Rosen Entertainment Systems The Piranha factory-look multi-media systems include a universal electronics chassis with interchangeable smart faceplate/harness kits that provide a true OEM look and feel. The design separates the two main components and integrates all vehicle CAN-BUS interfacing into the main system harness, which allows dealers to reduce inventory costs. | |
Rosen Entertainment Provides an integrated media docking-port option as part of the company’s AV7900 headrest entertainment system. Support included for many Apple devices, with charging plus media sharing between high-def LCD displays. Includes micro SD and USB ports. | LightSpeed Automotive Ultra-bright heads-up display projects tachometer, shift point and engine warnings before your eyes. Street mode and drag-racing mode. Visible day or night. Patented technology. | |
RePlay XD RePlay XD brings video tools, not toys, to the serious video shooter. The new HDMI ReView field monitor allows users to plug in the RePlay XD 1080 camera to allow camera-shot setup and playback in the field or on the car. | AutoAPIa The SC2 is a highly configurable and rugged telemetry device that can communicate via CAN BUS, cellular, Bluetooth, ISM-band, GPS and Iridium (satellite). The SC2 is waterproof and was originally developed for continuous outdoor use on oceanic vessels. AutoAPIa can configure both the hardware and software of this system for the user’s custom application. | |
Beanco Technology LLC Instant upgrade to legacy hands-free systems. Apple eyes-free now! Remote invocation of Siri. Command Siri through the in-car microphone, and hear her response through the car’s speakers | TrailRidge Tech The QuickVu wireless backup camera installs in a few minutes with no drilling of holes | |
Unavi Unavi OEM integrated navigation solutions for Hyundai, Kia and GM vehicles. Said to be the first-ever OEM integrated navigation system that completely retains all factory features and functions and retains the stock unit. Keeps all steering wheel control functions, stock aux/iPod connections, satellite radio, Bluetooth and much more. | Jennova (JE Wireless Innovations) Jennova introduces the self-powered wireless tachometer. This patented, small, self-powered transmitter sensor installs in minutes and transmits rpm data to a digital, analog or head-up-display receiver on the auto dashboard. | |
D’Amore Engineering Audio sine wave, pink-noise generator and precision impedance meter all combined into one tool. Allows real-time measurement of impedance at various audio frequencies. | D’Amore Engineering A handheld tool for quickly and properly setting an amplifier’s gain control. Eliminates distortion and greatly improves reliability of all components in an audio system. | |
Looxcie Featuring 1080p recording and built-in Wi-Fi, Looxcie HD records razor-sharp images and shares live broadcasts with the user’s friends. Versatile mounting options provide easy, hands-free operation. | Fuel Smart Corp. The latest microprocessor technology lets drivers use less fuel. Millions of new cars are already benefiting from this technology. It is now available as an aftermarket product for the majority of the vehicles on the road today. Do your own research, and see how users can save intelligently. | |
Runner-Up—Best New Mobile-Electronics Product Auto-i (Canada) Corp. Integrated night-vision camera with OE-fit third brake light. | AccuAir Suspension AccuAir’s iLevel provides wireless control of an e-Level air suspension system through an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. The mobile device establishes a password-protected Wi-Fi connection through the iLevel Wi-Fi module to provide instantaneous wireless control from more than 100 ft. away. | |
PLX Devices Plug and play to any ’96 and newer vehicle to obtain real-time 30+ sensor data, check and reset engine trouble codes. Up to 32 additional sensors can be daisy chained. The multi-touchscreen display makes navigating the gauge simple and easy. | XS Power Batteries XS Power’s D7500 weighs 99.8 lbs. and provides 7,500 watts, 6,000 max amps, 1,700 CA, 280 RC and 140 AH. XS says that it is simply the most powerful mobile audio battery available today. | |
PLX Devices Connect a vehicle’s OBDII port to any Android phone via Bluetooth. Compatible with ’96-and-later vehicles. Works with up to 16 daisy-chained aftermarket sensors. Gauges, mpg, check-engine diagnostics, horsepower and torque and much more. Many apps available. | Drew Technologies Diagnostic application from Alldata connects an iPhone to a car through a DrewTech CarDAQ-Plus. Allows users to read trouble codes, view live streaming data, run diagnostic tests, look up repair information and access wiring diagrams and charts. Drew Tech CarDAQ-Plus allows user to reprogram a vehicle and perform OEM diagnostics. | |
E-Motion Products Plug-and-play adapter lets user easily install any three analog gauges in a ’96–up car or truck without having to install sensors or run wires to the engine. Plugs into the car’s OBD2 diagnostic port and converts factory sensor data into analog signals needed to operate the gauges. Connects to an iPhone or Android for diagnostics, logging and more. | E-Motion Products Graphic gauge with color touchscreen. Easy to configure and customize. Replace old round gauges and connect directly to existing sensors. Fits 2-, 25/8- and 31/8-in. mounts. Display up to four sensors on screen as text, sliders, graphs and digital gauges. Set alerts and shift LEDs. Record and playback. USB and MicroSD. Optional iPhone wireless. | |
Intraphex Intraphex introduces the state-of-the-art Behind The Glass capacitive touch rearview mirror with voice-activated navigation, connected telematics, connected Google places of interest and reverse camera input. | Edge Products/Superchips Android OS-based Harley-Davidson performance tuning and monitoring device that provides optimal tuning for specific bike model, intake and exhaust. Virtual gauges in various configurations allow for performance testing and data logging capability. | |
AutoAPIa CANnect is a new mobile application that will connect the user with the car. | Bracketron An ideal hands-free solution to quickly, easily and securely mount and power a smartphone or other mobile devices in a car. | |
Kinetik The Kinetik professional series is an ultra-high-performance power cell that is made in the United States. This cell is rugged and can withstand rough handling and extreme conditions. The new professional series can be used for starting, off-road, marine and mobile-electronics applications. | PanaVise Products Inc. PanaVise 809 suction cup camera mount features a powerful suction pad that attaches the mount to any flat, non-porous surface. Ideal for action sports, point-and-shoot cameras, POV cameras, in-vehicle camera systems, camcorders or any device with a 1/4-20 threaded tripod insert. Attaches to the windshield or smooth non-porous surfaces, such as a vehicle hood or roof. | |
PanaVise Products Inc. PanaVise model 809-G window mount with 17mm ball features a powerful suction pad that attaches the mount to car, truck, van and SUV windows. Adapts to any electronic device that uses a 17mm ball-and-socket mount (such as Garmin GPS units and Motorola phone cradles). Upgrade original-equipment mount with a heavy-duty suction-cup mount that won’t fail. | Access 2 Communications Inc. Access 2 Communications says that the TextBuster will be the future standard in mobile data blocking and no-cost vehicle tracking. Hardware-meets-software combination provides security in watchdog monitoring. | |
Simple Soft Technology Co. Ltd. CAN BUS interface for VW vehicles. Functions include steering wheel control (parking, illumination, ignition, amplifier, Bluetooth), parking sensor/rearview camera information display, A/C information display and display on dashboard. | Winner—Best New Mobile-Electronics Product Access 2 Communications Inc. Attractive, eye-catching gift box design and clean graphics provide the product message without compromising appearance. Easy to hang, stack or display box design. |