Clarion Next Gate is an iOS controller for car windshields
updated 02:16 pm EDT, Mon May 7, 2012
Next Gate will control connected iPhones during drives
Clarion has introduced a new device for iPhone owners, the Next Gate. It's a 7-inch, GPS unit-like device that will attach to a vehicle's windshield using a suction cup and provides a larger, more convenient control over a wired iPhone. Unlike the recently introduced Mirage head unit that's powered by Android, the Next Gate doesn't support handsets with the Google-made OS.
The device will give users control over TuneIn and Pandora apps, and allows for navigation, hands-free calling, and voice-dialing. Facebook and Twitter will also be accessible while the vehicle's in motion thanks to the voice-activated Vlingo app.
The unit requires a 12 volt power connection and connects to the iPhone using the dock connector. Otherwise, the device has Bluetooth, a built-in speaker and an auxiliary 3.5mm output. Users can playback local multimedia content thanks to a microSD memory card slot.
The Next Gate ships on June 1 and carriers a suggest price tag of $270. iPhone compatibility is limited to the 4 and 4S.
