The iRoc is joining a new class of car radios that let you swap out the traditional radio for an iPhone “slave” head unit.
The $399 iRoc fits in a typical car radio opening and lets you snap in your iPhone on the front. With the iRoc’s built-in amplifier, you get all your apps played through the car’s sound system by tapping on your iPhone’s screen.
If you’re on AT&T Wireless customer, then you get multi-tasking so a GPS app can run in the background while music plays in the foreground.
“Consumers retain access to over 350,000 applications while in their vehicles,” said Michael Gagliardi, president and CEO of Jackson Electronics, which makes the iRoc.
There’s no radio built-into the iRoc, but Gagliardi suggests you keep an old Nano in the car for music in the event you don’t have your phone.
The iRoc has a single rotary knob for volume. But there’s no USB, no radio and no CD player.
The device has a 40 watt amplifier and 6 line outs for subwoofers and speakers, plus a built in microphone so you can speak on the phone while driving.
The iRoc works with just about all versions of the iPhone and iPod. An Android version is also on the drawing board.
Other new car radios that rely on an iPhone for most of their functionality include the O’Car, distributed by Aamp of America, and Pioneer’s AppRadio.
The iRoc comes in either single or double Din formats and it can work with your steering wheel controls.
The company has been shipping the device for a week and a half and has signed up some car stereo specialists to carry it. Jackson Electronics is also speaking with several distributors about stocking the unit.
Gagliardi also suggests that users download Vlingo or similar apps to permit voice to text emails via the iRoc.
Source: Jackson Electronics
