Alpine's eX-10 Universal iPod & Bluetooth Solution

The guys at Alpine were showing the EX-10 at the show, an iPod controller with Bluetooth hands free adapter built in.  Many states have banned talking on the cell phone without the use of a wired or wireless handsfree kit, and considering how many iPods there are out there (and how many people want to integrate them into their car) this product kills two birds with one stone.  Featuring a 2.4" color screen (that displays album art as well), a high speed connection, and Bluetooth audio streaming (so you can stream music from your phone back to the adapter); this bad boy won a CES 2008 Innovations award for Alpine and is available now. Full press release with more details after the jump.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS’ AWARD-WINNING eX-10 DASH-TOP iPod AND BLUETOOTH CONTROLLER MAKES CES DEBUT
RockTheDash.com Contest Kicks Off

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 7, 2008 – With more states now enacting laws requiring hands-free cell
phone usage, consumers need to be more focused than ever on having in-vehicle Bluetooth
solutions for their communication and entertainment devices. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.,
the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, has the answer: the new
eX-10 Advanced iPod® Controller with Bluetooth®. The eX-10 is a new dash-top solution for iPod
playback and Bluetooth connectivity that works with any vehicle’s FM radio system. The eX-10 is a
no-installation product that consists of a 2.4-inch full-color display unit that sits on top of the dash, a
remote control and a power module that plugs into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter.

“With Alpine’s eX-10, consumers can add full iPod command and control plus Bluetooth handsfree
usage and streaming audio to any car stereo. It really doesn’t get any easier than this,” said
Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing and product planning, Alpine Electronics.

eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth
The eX-10 is a winner of a CES Innovations 2008 Design and Engineering Award, for the In-
Vehicle Control/OEM Integration category. It is Alpine’s first portable audio product and first plugand-
play iPod device. The eX-10 connects to any iPod with a dock connector via Alpine’s own
KCE-422i Full Speed™ Connection for iPod cable (included). If the iPod displays album art, this
art will be shown on the eX-10’s screen. The iPod music is played back through the car’s sound
system via the built-in FM transmitter or line output jack.

The eX-10 also delivers upon Alpine’s renowned sound quality. The eX-10 allows users to pick
one of 10 equalizer presets (such as Pop, Rock, Jazz/Blues or Hip Hop/Rap) for custom sound,
depending on the listener’s music preferences.

The supplied remote control offers full control of the iPod, allowing the iPod to be safely stored
away and charged while driving. A thumb jog dial on the side of the remote is used to navigate
through the iPod files. The remote lets users scroll by Song, Artist, Album, Playlist, Podcast,
Audiobook, Composer and Genre. The remote’s “View” button brings up three screen choices
that show combinations of song, artist and album artwork. Familiar iPod controls, like “Shuffle”
and “Back,” have dedicated buttons on the remote.

The combination of iPod and Bluetooth capabilities in one plug-and-play unit makes the eX-10 a
unique and convenient device. Users will no longer have to buy two separate devices to use
both their iPod and hands-free Bluetooth services in their vehicle. The eX-10 can control a
Bluetooth-enabled phone or device, allowing for a hands-free conversation to be played through
the car’s speakers. Phone features such as “Phonebook List,” “Missed Calls,” “Received Calls”
and “Dialed Calls” are accessible through the eX-10 and are displayed on the unit’s screen.
The growing popularity of streaming music playback from Bluetooth devices has created a new
demand for this type of music storage, and the eX-10 is ready to meet this need. If the phone or
device has the A2DP protocol, music can be streamed from it to the eX-10, then played through
the car’s sound system. Devices with AVRCP further allow for “Track Up,” “Track Down,” “Play”
and “Pause” functions to be controlled via the eX-10’s remote control.

The on-dash monitor measures 3.5 inches x 2.14 inches with a 2.4-inch color TFT display. The
monitor attaches to an articulated mounting base, but can be removed from the base for antitheft
purposes. The eX-10’s convenient size allows it to be mounted in a variety of locations
within the vehicle, giving users extreme flexibility and convenience.

Pricing and Availability
The eX-10 is available now at authorized Alpine retailers for a $230 SRI.

RockTheDash.com Contest
In support of the eX-10 launch, Alpine is hosting an online competition at www.RockTheDash.com.
Individual musicians and bands of all genres from the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to upload
up to five songs in the online contest. Friends, family and music enthusiasts are invited to check
out the artists’ music and to vote for their favorite artist. The top-ranked artist(s) at the end of the
contest will be awarded a complete car stereo system for its member/s. Total prizes are valued at
more than $18,000. The contest runs from Jan. 3 – March 31, 2008. Visit
www.RockTheDash.com for more details.

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is a global supplier of automotive mobile media solutions including audio,
video, satellite-linked navigation and portable device connectivity systems for original equipment
and aftermarket applications. Alpine is at the forefront of vehicle entertainment and information
system innovation, with many first-to-market technologies such as portable navigation that
docks into an in-dash unit, iPod® integration, full-range digital amplification and automated
acoustical correction sound systems.
With manufacturing and R&D facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America, and more
than 1,600 global patents, Alpine’s premium sound systems and user-friendly navigation
products combine the latest in advanced technology with an enhanced user experience.
Alpine is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world’s premier
manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics
equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an
authorized retailer.

# # #

Alpine Media Contacts:
Connie Sung or Jennifer Cody
WONGDOODY Communications
(310) 280-7963 or (310) 280-7717
connie.sung@wongdoody.com
jennifer.cody@wongdoody.com

Comments

[Doug]

hey thats the screen from the x001... I suppose someone with that deck would just still get the bluetooth adapter...

[Murph]

This looks like a home run for Alpine. Before now all we had was the HK Drive and Play.

[Chris]

Hi, how does the antenna work on the ex-10. I'm trying to get a better quality sound from my iPod but I can't. Please help.

[gifts for men]

This looks awesome and i wanted to run for Alpine. Thanks for sharing.