Clarion Malaysia on last week unveiled its new Android powered car stereo system, called Clarion AX1. The AX1 is similar to an AVN(Audio,Visual and Navigation) system but it comes with a custom made Android device that could stream and play HD videos, music, GPS navigation, Internet surfing, among the few.
Previously known as the “Clarion Mirage”, the device has been re-branded as the “AX1”, as in “Android Experience 1.” Its key features include:
- A user-friendly Android-based interface that works like a smart phone interface, with a touchscreen, upgrade-able software and pre-loaded apps.
- An Internet browser app that allows Internet surfing, email access and YouTube viewing.
- An in-built infogo online music store app that allows users to buy, download and sync music on-the-go.
- Playback of 1080p Full HD videos on a 6.5-inch touchscreen.
- An in-built GPS navigation app.
- Compatibility with Android and Apple smart phones for Bluetooth or wi-fi playback of songs or videos, as well as file transfer.
- MicroSD and 2 USB media ports.
- Approved and safe software upgrades will be periodically available for download through the “infogo app garage.”
- A phone app that facilitates hands-free phone calls when the device is paired with a smart phone.
The Clarion AX1 will be made available in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and India. Clarion Malaysia Managing Director T.K. Tan said consumers in these 5 countries could order their units online from today.
“We are marketing the first 3,000 units of the AX1 at very special prices – RM1,599 /SGD$650 / THB16,500 / INR34,200 / IDR5,800,000. To find out more about the Clarion AX1, please visit clarion.com.my/ax1,” he said, adding that the recommended retail price(RRP) was US$725 or RM2400 in Malaysia. The AX1 will be available starting in November this year.
The cost however does not include installation chargers which may vary depending on the cars. TK said that generally, the installation chargers is similar to a standard AVN installation which may cost a few hundred.
Clarion Product Specifications:
- AM-FM Radio with RDS
- USB (2x), external SD card
- Built-in Bluetooth Handsfree (HFP, PBAP), 3.0
- iPod and iPhone audio/video playback and charging
- WiFi access point and Client/Portable Hotspot = Internet connectivity for web browsing on-the-go(requires a USB dongle/MiFi/or your Smartphone to work with)
- Automotive grade car head unit – able to withstand high/low temperatures and vibrations.
- Has undergone an industry-level testing regime (transportation, vibration, humidity, ESD tests); and its specifications, safety systems and quality will comply with international automotive standards set by car manufacturers.
- Specially designed user interface to ensure safety while driving – 3 home pages and 6 large, easy to navigate application icons.
- 6.5 inch WVGA TFT LCD display.
- Automotive Grade Capacitive Multi Touch Panel.
- Android 2.3.7 Operating System, optimized for automotive.
- 800MHz, 1GB RAM, Full automotive processor.
- Built-in navigation voice guidance.
- 6-channel RCA output.
- Automatic illumination that adjusts to the time of day.
- Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS) technology for sound staging and music enhancement (for OEM customers).
- Built-in 25Wx4ch Digital Amplifier.
- Audio streaming (A2DP & AVRCP).
- Internal and external microphone support.
- Image viewer (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, BMP).
- 1080P full HD playback, HDMI video output (HD, 720p).
- Rear Camera input.
- Smart power management/Fast boot option.
- 2-Zone/Multizone Playback.
“Since there has been much interest on the Internet about this Internet-ready device, we decided to establish an Asian Internet sales outlet for the Clarion AX1 by working with our technology partner – infogo.com. Our technology partner already operates an online music store that offers more than 22 million songs in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and India, and the local content ingestion is progressing by the day,” he said.
“If you want to order one of the first Clarion Android-driven car stereos on the planet at a very special price, please visit infogo.com now,” he added.
Check out the Clarion AX1 introduction video below:
