First Car Radio Without Screen

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Detroit Electric SP01

The first car without a radio screen and controls as we know them today, will debut in August from startup auto maker Detroit Electric.

Detroit Electric phone dock
Detroit Electric SP:01 smartphone dock

The limited edition all-electric car model SP:01 will have no physical radio so to speak. But hidden in the car are receivers for FM, GPS, Bluetooth and GSM.  The driver’s phone  becomes the screen and controller for the radio.

The car comes with a special dock to hold the phone (Android) and it works with a special app.  

Detroit Electric is actually a revived car brand first launched around 1907.  It plans to produce only 999 SP:01 cars, and expects to launch two more car models by the end of 2014. The SP:01 is notable in that it can run 180 miles on a single charge. The two-seater will also be the fastest electric car in production, says Detroit Electric, which rates the car at 155 mph top speed with acceleration of 0-62mph in only 3.7 seconds.

The car uses an app called SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) to provide access to a music player, navigation and to control functions including interior lighting and battery level and range,  recharge  from the phone.

SAMI also provides remote control features from the phone via GSM, so you can operate the car’s heating and cooling from outside the car. You can also locate the car remotely. But SAMI does not provide remote start.  

The full sound system in the car includes a built in amplifier and four speakers, said a spokesman.

Source: CEoutlook

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