Accel Telecom unveils Voyager, an Android smartphone that wants to stay in the car (video)
Remember the days of yore when carphones used to be attached to the car -- permanently? Accel Telecom wants to take you back there with the Voyager, an Android smartphone with car-centric functions that can stay put in your vehicle. To start with, the handset will feature a dedicated Waze launcher key for GPS navigation duties, and will also sport "high level noise reduction and echo cancellation," along with hands-free voice activation. Other features include a 3G-WiFi hotspot, a "driver-centric" design with large physical keys, multiple car-focused apps and "crystal clear, echo free sound quality." Interestingly, it'll also connect to your vehicle's on-board diagnostics system via RS232 or Bluetooth and ping you if any parts are about to break off. Accel told us that it'll launch Voyager in Europe and the US "with operators that offer a second sim device," to let you share your current phone number. There's no sign of pricing yet, but there is PR and a video after the break.
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Accel Telecom Launches First Standalone Connected Car Smartphone
VOYAGER connects drivers easily, clearly and safely
Tel Aviv- Israel: February, 18th, 2013-Accel Telecom, a leading Israeli telecommunications company, has officially launched VOYAGER, the ultimate Connected Car Smartphone device. VOYAGER is the first standalone Connected Car Smartphone device that can be easily installed in any car and operates using an existing phone number via a twin-SIM.
VOYAGER is a dedicated Connected Car Smartphone device that provides drivers with a safer and superior Connected Car experience. The device combines Android based Smartphone technology with an HSUPA Qualcomm module to deliver a driver centric device that ensures safer calling, easy navigation via a dedicated Waze launcher key and multiple car focused applications.
VOYAGER is designed to enhance safe driving with hands-free dialing, dedicated large physical keys, crystal clear, echo free sound quality and an in-car 3G WiFi Hotspot connection among the many core features. VOYAGER also connects to the car on-board diagnostics (OBD) to allow car diagnostics, fleet management applications and more.
At some point in the future, every car will need to be connected to the outside world through a cellular network. The most user-friendly and secure way to enable this is by embedding a SIM card and a communication module inside the car.
GSMA's mAutomotive Report, 2012
Shmulik Keret, VP Waze said: "VOYAGER will provide drivers with a superb Waze navigation experience and we are excited to partner with Accel Telecom on this innovative connected car device."
Marc Seelenfreund, CEO Accel said: "Our user-friendly, cost effective and secure Carfone devices have seen substantial market success. We expect strong demand for the new generation VOYAGER Connected Car Smartphone device in both European and US markets in line with recent industry reports and our own research with industry influencers."
Key features:
· Android UI
· HSUPA Qualcomm based device
· In-car 3G-WiFi Hotspot connectivity
· Integration with Google and Exchange
· High level noise reduction and echo cancelation
· Voice activation
· Driver centric design to ensure safe driving
· Dedicated hard keys for safe intuitive operation
· Car centric applications for advanced communication
· Dedicated Waze launcher key for easy navigation
· Crystal clear echo free sound quality
· Connection to OBD via BT or RS232
