Harman Kardon Hits the Streets With Drive + Play II
LAS VEGAS--Harman Kardon, a leading provider of audio products for the home, computer and automotive industries, today announced the Harman Kardon Drive + Play II, the ultimate media manager for automotive use. Drive + Play II enables drivers to safely and conveniently manage multiple portable devices with a single screen and controller. The product features full browsing capability for portable music devices, including the Apple iPod® and Microsoft Zune®. Drive + Play II also includes Harman Net, an expandable port and software package for Bluetooth® hands free mobile phone communications and SIRIUS® satellite radio. In addition, Drive + Play II is user upgradeable and expandable to support future devices and functions.
Drive + Play II is a sophisticated, easy to install system that is pioneering a new genre of in-car entertainment devices.
“As high quality OEM head units coupled with complex, high-speed vehicle data buses continue to erode the traditional head unit business, industry pundits and retail stakeholders alike are writing obituaries for a once prosperous automotive aftermarket electronics business. No matter how well-equipped a new car is, however, the explosive growth of sophisticated electronics technologies creates challenges for millions of consumers who want to use the latest portable products while they drive. Few vehicles made just three years ago, for example, offer safe and easy to use interfaces for MP3 portables, Bluetooth phones, or digital satellite radios. The net result is a dangerous and frustratingly complex jumble of plug and play devices, each with its unique power supply, audio output, and user interface. Harman Kardon’s Drive + Play II opens the road to a vibrant future for automotive aftermarket electronics by providing a solution that returns pleasure, safety, and convenience to the driving experience,” said Mike Giffin, president of the Mobile Systems Division for Harman Consumer Group.
Drive + Play II combines the following innovative features:
1. Superior user experience. Incorporating a wireless control knob, 3.5 inch full color screen, and lighter adapter hub, Drive + Play II can be mounted to suit the driver’s preferred locations. In addition, Drive + Play II includes a hard-wire harness for those looking to conceal the hub and cables.
2. Unique music browsing features perfect for setting the mood while driving. With the simple touch of a button, users can create their own personal DJ. Drive + Play II recognizes the current song selection and plays more, or less, songs in the library from that particular artist, album or genre as selected. An innovative search function enables users to select a menu category and spell out their search name using the wireless control knob, making it easy to find exactly what they are looking for. Drive + Play II also features voice prompt, allowing consumers to hear what menu they are currently browsing.
3. Dynamic Channel creation takes the shuffle function to a new level. Drive + Play II organizes the content stored on a digital music player and creates distinct listening channels for the user. Selecting a channel allows users to listen to all songs and artists in their library; that fall into a specific grouping based on the content stored in any connected player. If the music within the generated channel is considered too broad, users can narrow the channel by choosing to play more or less of a particular style.
4. Bluetooth and satellite radio expansions allow these devices to be centrally controlled by Drive + Play II. A Bluetooth adapter and embedded microphone provide hands free cell phone use, while A2DP technology streams digital music from a phone to the Drive + Play II using the Bluetooth connection. A Sirius satellite radio adapter is also available, allowing station selection and search with the Drive + Play II wireless control knob.
5. Easy-to-use wireless remote control knob provides optimal menu searching and navigation. Incrementally faster scrolling and a letter announcement feature makes finding music fast and easy. The knob also features quick access to many common features by simply pressing and holding the menu button.
Drive + Play II is easily installed in any make and model automobile using an auxiliary line connection, hardwired FM connection or included wireless FM transmitter.
Pricing and Availability
Harman Kardon Drive + Play II is compatible with iPod, Zune and many other Plays for Sure® digital music devices. The system includes a wireless FM transmitter and a 3.5mm audio hub that allow Drive + Play II to be connected to any vehicle, regardless of the make or model. Harman Kardon Drive + Play II will be available at quality retailers nation wide and www.harmankardon.com beginning Spring 2007 with a suggested retail price of $399.95.
About Harman Consumer Group
The Harman Consumer Group (HCG) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a wide range of high-fidelity loudspeakers, audio and video components, and multimedia systems for use in homes and automobiles, and with computers. The group’s brands include JBL, Infinity, Harman Kardon, Mark Levinson, Revel, Audioaccess and Lexicon.
HCG is a division of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. Harman International (www.harman.com) is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, high-fidelity audio products and electronic systems for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. The company’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “HAR.”
Harman Kardon and Harman International are registered trademarks, and Harman Kardon Drive + Play II is a trademark, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
Zune is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Inc.
Plays for sure is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Inc
SIRIUS is a registered trademark of SIRIUS Satellite Radio Corporation
Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG.