CES 2009

Sony stopped by the Car Tech booth at CES 2009 to install its MEX-BT3700U Bluetooth-enabled CD receiver, which features hands-free calling and A2DP stereo audio streaming.

However, this isn't a one trick pony, with neat features such as a front panel USB port that offers full iPod control, Quick BrowZer searching that helps to quickly locate the desired song, and Zappin technology, which lets you choose songs by simply listening to snippets.

(Credit: Pioneer USA)

Pioneer didn't bet too big this year at CES 2009 in Las Vegas, and has only incrementally updated its full line of car audio receivers, amps, and speakers.

Pioneer's line of audio/video head units gains three models benefiting from better iPod integration compared with its outgoing models. The double DIN AVH-P3100DVD and AVH-P4100DVD and the single DIN, motorized AVH-P5100DVD give users a variety of options for controlling their iPod, such as the Alphabet Search feature, which allows for quick navigation to large music collections. A cool feature called Link Search selects music of a similar artist, album, or genre to whichever song you're listening to in random play. iPod Passenger Mode takes the Pioneer's interface out of the picture by allowing the passenger to control the iPod directly from the device. All three devices are capable of playback from DVD/CD discs and USB connected devices containing DivX, MP3, WMA, and AAC files and have 7-inch touch screens (5.8-inches for the AVH-P3100DVD).

The DEH-P7100BT is the cream of Pioneer's new 2009 crop.

(Credit: Pioneer USA)

On the single DIN, single CD players, Pioneer has released 12 new receivers across its standard and Premier lines with feature and cosmetic enhancements made to ensure improved ergonomics and in-dash integration to all of the units, from the entry level model DEH-11E to the flagship model DEH-P7100BT.

Beginning with the middle tier DEH-P3100UB model and up, USB inputs were implemented for quick connections to portable devices. In four units, the DEH-P5100UB, Premier DEH-P510UB, DEH-P7100BT, and Premier DEH-P710BT, two sets of USB inputs were employed. This powerful feature gives users great flexibility to connect an iPod and iPhone, or two iPods, and much more simultaneously.

At the top of the line, the DEH-P7100BT and Premier DEH-P710BT feature advanced Bluetooth 2.0 from Parrot, dual USB connections, iTunes tagging, and voice control. Both units include a twin beam microphone for improved sound quality and noise reduction when making Bluetooth calls. Voice control is available to make hands-free calls easily.

A "World's-First" feature only in the two top models is a new "Tag & Share" feature using the Dual USB that lets the user "share" their iTunes tags from FM-RDS and HD Radio (with optional HD receiver module) broadcasts with another person's iPod that is connected to the unit.

With the exception of the AVIC-F 2.0 software update which came in late 2008, Pioneer's line of in- on on-dash navigation receivers is unchanged.

Two amplifiers, the GM-6400F and GM-5400T, receive a makeover with a new more efficient heat sink, an H-shaped chassis that reduces vibration and a new red color. Pioneer's TS-A line of speakers and iB-Flat slim subwoofers are treated with the company's basalt rock speaker technology, which incorporates a carbon graphite IMPP interlaced aramid/basalt fiber cone to increase rigidity for a boost in bass response.

Vinyl may be a dead music format, but that's not stopping Ion from doing a brisk business with turntable sales. It may sound crazy, but Ion's found a nice, little niche with its affordable turntables made specifically for converting your dusty record crates into iPod-ready MP3 files.

Ion also does well with its unique iPod accessories. For 2009, it is planning a mini version of the Block Rocker iPod amp called the TailGater, as well as a wireless iPod speaker system, a portable iPod audio recorder, and some wireless digital DJ gear. Browse our slide show for more details on Ion's 2009 product line.

Ion 2009 product line photos

Wowwee's 2009 lineup of iPod-friendly mobile projectors are hot--almost hot enough to make us forgive the company for unleashing Femisapien onto the world. Branded under the Cinemin moniker, WowWee's pico projectors come in three flavors: Swivel ($299), Stick ($349), and Station ($399).

Tom Merritt and I got some hands-on time with WowWee's Cinemin projectors at the CES 2009 Digital Experience showcase. Tom's First Look video can be seen on the right. For a closer look, I've included a slide show below.

To see more of the products WowWee is announcing at CES 2009, take a look at our full WowWee 2009 product gallery.

WowWee Cinemin pico projectors

The iHome's iP71 iPod- and iPhone-friendly computer speakers will arrive this spring.

(Credit: iHome)

A few months ago, we reviewed a couple of sets of iHome computer speakers that featured a built-in iPod dock. Well, the company's showing off a follow-up to the iH70s we reviewed. This model is called the iP71 and comes in black instead of silver, which is a good thing in our book.

There doesn't appear to be any significant difference between the iH70 and iP71 except for the fact that the newer model will offer GSM-shielding for iPhones. The iP71, likes its sibling, plays and charges iPhones and all docking iPod models and has a USB port for computer connections, so you can sync your iPhone and iPod to your Windows or Mac PC with a touch of a button.

The iP71 computer speakers will be released in the spring. No price has been set, but the iH70s retail for around $130, so we imagine they will be in that ballpark.

The iHome iP1 will come out sometime this spring or summer at an undetermined price point.

(Credit: iHome)

You don't necessarily associate the iHome brand with "premium" audio and cutting-edge design, but the folks there are giving it their best shot with the upcoming 100-watt iP1, which features a whole new look for the company known for its budget iPod audio systems.

The iP1 has a set of "custom-designed" 4-inch woofers and 1-inch silk dome tweeters, which are powered by Bongiovi Acoustic's proprietary Digital Power Station processor. In terms of connectivity, there's a standard audio input to connect other audio devices along with an A/V output and a remote control. Works with iPhones, too.

The iP1 is due to arrive in the spring-to-summer time frame and will most likely be carrying a price tag in the neighborhood of $250-$300, though iHome hasn't set a price yet.

Memorex may not be the most exciting brand on the block, but it's got a surprising amount of affordable, solid-looking products showcased at CES 2009. The following photo gallery rounds-up its line of audio and video accessories for the iPod, as well as some hands-on shots of its touch screen MP3 player, the TouchMP.

Memorex 2009 portable audio line photos

Griffin Navigate is a remote with an FM radio for iPod and iPhone

(Credit: Griffin)

Griffin Technology showed off the Navigate at a CES press event yesterday, though it was announced officially at Macworld several hours before. The Navigate may seem like just an ordinary iPod remote, and indeed it can be used that way. A nice bonus is that you can also use it with the iPhone, which could be a good thing if you're not crazy about the iPhone's touch-screen controls (also pretty useful when you're driving and need to not look at the screen). But the Navigate also has a built-in FM radio as well as four station presets and RDS track info display. The device itself is decent, with an OLED screen, a power switch, the typical play, stop, pause, forward, backward, and scan controls, and an EQ mode as well.

Griffin is also planning on an iPhone application called iFM that will work together with the Navigate remote. iFM will identify your geographic location and automatically lists local radio stations so you can just tap your desired radio station from the list instead of having to scan for it. iFM will also display broadcast information like title, album, and artist info. Griffin plans to release iFM sometime in March 2009.

(Credit: Sony Electronics)

Sony is expanding its mobile-audio lineup with eight new Xplod in-dash CD receivers. Of these new models, three offer built-in Bluetooth connectivity and seven feature USB ports--five of which are iPod compatible. Also among these new models is Sony Xplod's first double DIN receiver in years.

Starting with top-tier model being added to Sony's GT line of car stereos, with the high-end CDX-GT930UI features a rear USB connection for iPod, iPhone, Walkman, and other USB devices, as well as a rear aux-in. Out back, you'll also find four-volt front, rear and sub preamp outputs. On the business end, the unit features a motorized, detachable faceplate that is home to a wide area "Extended FL" four-line display with switchable blue, green, and red key illumination.

Next in line, the CDX-GT730UI model features a four-line, full-motion display similar to that of the high-end model. This CD/MP3/WMA/AAC receiver moves the USB connection and aux-inputs to the front panel. The new CDX-GT530UI model steps down to a simpler display and drops a preamp output, making it the most affordable head unit in the lineup with connectivity for iPod, while the CDX-GT430U unit's USB port loses the ability to control the iPod.

Photos: Sony expands Xplod lineup at CES 2009

Three of Sony's new head units feature Bluetooth technology for simple hands-free phone calls and audio streaming (with a Bluetooth compatible phone).

The top-of-the-line MEX-BT5700U model features a front USB port for easy connection to all digital music players, including iPod and iPhone devices. New for 2009, this unit can automatically transfer all phone book contact information from a Bluetooth connected phone to the display. The unit also features A2DP Bluetooth audio streaming with metadata of a song, which means all album, artist, and track information appear on its large four-line display.

Stepping down to the MEX-BT3700U sacrifices the external microphone and "Extended FL" screen for a simpler display. The MEX-BT2700 drops the USB and iPod control altogether, as well as one of the three preamp outputs, in favor of a low price.

The CDX-GT77UI has an odd interface with a circular theme.

Finally, for the first time in years, Sony is adding a double DIN head unit to its lineup. Designed to be compatible with most new model cars, the larger sized CDX-GT77UI unit features a rear USB connection for iPod, iPhone, and other digital music players.

All models in the Xplod series feature 52 watts x 4 channels of max-power output and, where appropriate, each car stereo features ZAPPIN and Quick-BrowZer for quick navigation through music libraries, regardless of size. They are all HD Radio ready, and come with wireless card remotes.

WowWee's 2009 product line includes everything from roving telepresence robots and pocket-size iPod projectors, to animatronic plush koalas and miniature motorized planes. They must have a lot of fun dreaming this stuff up. To take a closer look at WowWee's new wares, click through to see our photo gallery.

WowWee toys for 2009 photos