Alpine Electronics launches ICS-X8 supporting MirrorLink standard on Nokia smartphones

MirrorLink, an industry wide standard introduced by Car Connectivity Consortium, provides seamless connection and control of Nokia smartphones and applications on the Alpine ICS-X8. Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA), Frankfurt Germany, September 13, 2011 – Alpine Electronics, a leading automotive systems and audio specialist, and Nokia, a leading provider of mobile communication devices, introduced today the world’s first in-car infotainment solution based on MirrorLink. The new Alpine ICS-X8 App Link Station and Nokia smartphones, both equipped with the first commercial implementation based on the MirrorLink standard, allow users to navigate, listen to music and place calls from the car’s dashboard. Controls, display and audio integration offer a more convenient, pleasant and optimised way of using a Nokia smartphone and its applications in the car. The solution also provides standard hands-free operation of a mobile phone via Bluetooth connection. The ICS-X8 has been developed under a strategic partnership between Alpine and Nokia as announced in March 2010 and is the first aftermarket solution announced based on MirrorLink.
MirrorLink, formerly known as Terminal Mode, is a recently introduced standard for connecting smartphone devices to vehicle-based infotainment systems. It is a cross-industry solution supported by leading automotive manufacturers, system suppliers, consumer electronics manufacturers and handset manufacturers as part of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC). MirrorLink offers seamless and convenient use of smartphone-based applications. For example, the touch-screen display of the infotainment system and the car audio system offer an optimal driving and travel experience. MirrorLink based Nokia smartphones can now be connected with the Alpine ICS-X8 in-car system. Once connected, consumers are able to intuitively and safely use smartphone applications from its 7-inch high-resolution display.

Nokia Car Mode
Nokia Car Mode is an optimized UI (User Interface) for in-car usage. It provides direct access to key applications such as Nokia Drive (Navigation) and music player. Music and voice guided turn-by-turn navigation are actively managed and sent to the car infotainment system to ensure smooth audio transitions across different applications. For example, the music player mutes when voice guided navigation is required. Via the ICS-X8’s high-resolution touch-screen display, drivers can enjoy a highly intuitive navigation experience. Controlling navigation and music player become even easier and more comfortable on the head unit’s display. Different kinds of information can also be displayed simultaneously. Nokia Drive will also connect to the car’s GPS receiver, allowing even more accurate navigation in areas of weaker signal strength.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Hands-free calling is available from the ICS-X8’s built-in Bluetooth module. Features such as echo cancellation and microphone gain adjustment provide the ability to fine-tune the Bluetooth sound quality to match virtually any vehicle interior. Contacts in users’ phonebooks can be rapidly scrolled through or searched by name. It also remembers the last call volume, supports call waiting, and can be configured to announce navigation guidance during a phone call. Users can keep navigation map on-screen and make a call at the same time.
Sound Quality Features
The ICS-X8 continues Alpine’s legacy of high sound quality, featuring a 50W x 4 amplifier, three high voltage pre-amp outputs, 9-band Parametric EQ, digital time correction, and digital crossover. To tackle the lossy nature of compressed digital music, Alpine’s exclusive MediaXpander„¢ technology ensures richer music playback more true to the original recording. These sound quality features are available as well for Nokia Music playback.
Nokia Phone Compatibility
Connection between the ICS-X8 and a Nokia smartphone is achieved through the ICS-X8’s supplied USB cable, which also will charge the smartphone battery while driving. MirrorLink connection will be available for compatible Nokia smartphones with Symbian Belle, such as Nokia 701, Nokia 700, Nokia 600 and it will also become available for Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia C7, Nokia X7 and Nokia C6-01 models at a later date. Support for the Nokia N9 is also planned.
Future-Proof Design
The Alpine ICS-X8’s operating software can be updated via USB connection to ensure compatibility with future smartphones and other new smartphone based applications designed for use in car.
Availability
The ICS-X8 will be available in November at Alpine authorized dealers. Please visit http://www.alpine-europe.com”> to locate a retailer. The MirrorLink app for Nokia smartphones will be available for download soon from http://store.ovi.com”>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdHBFsy930A

About Nokia
Nokia is committed to connecting people to what matters to them by combining advanced mobile technology with personalized services. More than 1.3 billion people connect to one another with a Nokia, from the most affordable voice-optimized mobile phones to advanced Internet-connected smartphones sold in virtually every market in the world. Through Ovi (www.ovi.com), people also enjoy access to maps and navigation, a rapidly expanding applications store, a growing catalogue of digital music, free email and more. Nokia’s NAVTEQ is a leader in comprehensive digital mapping and navigation services, and Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the leading providers of telecommunications infrastructure hardware, software and professional services globally.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that supports drivers in over 60 countries and provides the world’s leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specialises in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine’s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirement of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing products that are safe, easy to use, and eco-friendly for the automotive environment.
For more information about Alpine Electronics, visit http://www.alpine.com. For more information about Alpine’s aftermarket product, visit http://www.alpine-europe.com
About Car Connectivity Consortium
The Car Connectivity Consortium is dedicated to cross-industry collaboration in developing global standards and solutions for smartphone and in-vehicle connectivity. Car Connectivity Consortium members are among the world’s leading automotive, mobile communications and consumer electronics industry companies including Alpine, Clarion Co. LTD., Delphi, Denso, Daimler, Garmin International, Inc., General Motors, Honda R&D Co, Ltd., HTC, Hyundai Motor Company, Ixonos, J & K Car Electronics Corp., Jambit GmbH, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, Nokia, Panasonic, PSA Automotive, Samsung, Sony Corporation, Sony Ericsson AB, RealVNC Limited, Toyota and Volkswagen. The Car Connectivity Consortium is open for any industry member to join.
MirrorLink is the recently announced commercial trademark for the technology previously known as Terminal mode and owned by the Car Connectivity Consortium who are responsible for the development of the specification, certification and branding of MirrorLink type of smartphone to vehicle integration.
And The Device Itself

DVD/CD Player
. DVD-Video, DVD±R/RW, DVD-VR, CD, CD-R/RW Playable
. MP3, WMA, AAC, DivX Compatible
. Track or Chapter Up/Down
. Fast Forward / Fast Backward
. Repeat
. M.I.X. Random Play
. File/Folder Name Search for MP3/WMA/AAC Files
. Direct Folder Selection
. CD Text Compatible
. CD Text Name Search
. DVD Direct Menu Control
. Forward Frame-by-Frame Playback
. Slow Motion Playback
. Angle Selection
USB Connectivity
. Mass Storage Class Compatible
. USB Extension Cable Included (2pcs)
. Music File Playback (MP3, WMA, AAC)
. Video File Playback (DivX – .avi, .divx)
. File/Folder Name Search
. Tag Information Search
. Direct Up/Down for Playlist/Album/Artist/Composer/Genre
. Folder Up/Down
. Repeat
. M.I.X. Random Play
Disc Player Specifications
Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Channel Separation: 85 dB
Dynamic Range (at 1kHz): 95 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (at 1kHz): 0.008 %
Wow & Flutter (%WRMS): B.M.L.
Audio Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB
Colour Signal System : NTSC, PAL
Horizontal Resolution: 500 lines or greater
Video Output Level: 1 Vp-p (75Ω)
Video Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 60 dB
MP3 Decoding: MPEG-1/2 AUDIO Layer-3
WMA Decoding: Windows Media„¢ Audio
AAC Decoding: AAC-LC Format ‘.mp4a’ file
DivX Decoding: Version 3, 4, 5, 6 (.avi, .divx)
Works With Nokia
. Works with supported Nokia Phones
. ‘Nokia Drive’ and ‘Nokia Music’ Compatible
. Micro USB Cable Included
. Music File Playback (MP3, WMA, AAC)
. File/Folder Name Search
. Tag Information Search
. Folder Up/Down Control
. Battery Charging
Bluetooth
. Bluetooth Module Built-in
. Hands-free Calling (HFP compatible)
. Audio Streaming (A2DP compatible)
. Audio Streaming Control (AVRCP 1.0/1.3/1.4 compatible)
. Simple Secure Pairing (SSP) Compatible
. 5-device Pairing Possible
. Phone Book Search (Percentage search)
. Short Cut Dialling (3 Phone Number Presets)
. Redial
. Phone Book Synchronization
. Call History Display (Dialled, Unanswered, Received, Missed)
. Auto Answer
. Call Waiting
. Speech Volume Level Adjustment (Outgoing/Incoming)
. Voice Output Switchable
. Incoming Call Ring tone Level Adjustment
. DTMF Ready
. Signal Strength Level Indicator
. Output Speaker Selection
. Firmware Updatable
. Microphone Included
Bluetooth Specifications
Bluetooth Version Bluetooth V2.1+EDR
Output Power+4 dBm Max. (Power Class 2)
HFP (Hands-free Profile)
OPP (Object Push Profile)
PBAP (Phone Book Access Profile)
A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile)
AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile)
Monitor
Screen size: 7.0 inch
LCD Type: Transparent Type TN LCD
Operation System: TFT Active Matrix
No. of Picture Elements: 1,152,000 (800x3x480) pixels
Effective No. of Picture Elements: 99.99%
Illumination System: White LED Backlight
Colour Signal System: NTSC, PAL
Made For iPod/iPhone
. Made for iPod/iPhone
. USB Connection (KCU-460iV is required)
. Music & Video Playback Compatibility
. Search for Playlist, Artist, Album, Song, Podcast, Genre, Composer and Audio Book
. Alphabet/Percent Search
. Direct Up/Down for Playlist/Album/Artist/Composer/Genre/Podcast
. Repeat
. Shuffle Play (Song/Album/All)
. iTunes Tagging
. Artwork Display
. Cover Flow
. Battery Charging
Sound Tuning
4-volt Pre Output (Front/Rear/Subwoofer)
. Digital Crossover Setting
. 9-band Parametric Equalizer
. Digital Time Correction
. Pre-setting Equalizer (10 mode)
. Media Xpander„¢
. Subwoofer Level Control
. Subwoofer Phase Selection
. Application Volume Level Setting
. Defeat
General
. 4 x 50W High Power Built-in Amplifier
. 7 inch WVGA High Resolution Display
. Motorized Display Operation
. Touch, Drag and Flick Control
. HOME screen Display
. Favourite Menu Display
. Media View Screen
. Simple mode & Info mode Display
. 5 Colour Illuminated Button (White, Blue, Green, Red, Amber)
. 4 Display Colour Selection (Blue, Green, Red, Amber)
. 3 Pre Output (4-volt)
. Alpine Rearview Camera Direct Connection
. General RCA-type Rearview Camera Connection (NTSC/PAL)
. Rearview Camera View Angle Selection(Rearview, Panorama view, Corner view, Ground view)
. Front view Camera View Angle Selection(Panorama view, Corner view, Ground view)
. Front view Camera View Angle Selection
. Rearview Camera Guideline Display
. Camera Guideline (Front/Rear) Adjustment
. Alpine Navigation System Input
. Navigation Guidance Mix
. 1 A/V AUX Input/Output(iPod video input can be used as additional AUX Input)
. Steering Wheel Remote Control Ready
. OEM Sub-display Output
. GPS Antenna Connection (KAE-100GPS is required)
. Wallpaper Customization
. Auto Dimmer
. Remote Control Ready
. Menu Language Selection (15 languages)
. Anti-theft Security Code
. Calendar/Clock Display
. Firmware Updatable
GPS
GPS Antenna Type: Micro-strip Planar Aerial
Reception Frequency: 1,575.42 ±1 MHz
Reception Sensitivity: -130 dB Maximum
Reception Method: Parallel 12 Channels