Tony Mercado • (310) 761-8216
tmercado@us.jvckenwood.com
• NFC simplifies pairing on select models, and up to 10 devices can be registered to each receiver over Bluetooth, with two devices actively paired at one time
• Pandora® Internet Radio and iHeartRadio® smartphone apps can be controlled from the receiver
• “The ability to interface with a user’s smartphone is perhaps the most important functionality aspect of any new receiver. The phone is literally a book containing a person’s friends, tastes and preferences. We’ve enhanced our 2016 line to make it easier for a driver to maintain access to that wealth of information and entertainment while in the vehicle, yet do it in the safest way possible.”
Four topline models feature full host of improvements for connectivity, entertainment access
LAS VEGAS – January 6, 2016 (MEDIAWIRE) – KENWOOD USA continues its tradition of evolution with the announcement of 13 new CD receivers for 2016, 11 of which replace 2015 versions. Changes include more informative displays, improved audio performance and a dual-processor platform that promises increased speed when accessing and adjusting entertainment sources. But most significant in the line is the feature set that supports and enhances integration with a smartphone, letting users extend their portable experience into the vehicle. Four models—KENWOOD eXcelon KDC-X700 and DPX792BH; and the KENWOOD KDC-BT765HD and DPX702BH—include all of this year’s new connectivity features, while the remaining new models include a selection based on price point and market segment.
“The ability to interface with a user’s smartphone is perhaps the most important functionality aspect of any new receiver,” said Rick Noetzli, product manager for KENWOOD. “The phone is literally a book containing a person’s friends, tastes and preferences. We’ve enhanced our 2016 line to make it easier for a driver to maintain access to that wealth of information and entertainment while in the vehicle, yet do it in the safest way possible.”
New this year is the addition of Near-Field Communications (NFC) to select models, which allows two compatible devices to recognize each other and pass data when in extremely close proximity. Android™-based smartphones with embedded NFC can easily pair with NFC-equipped KENWOOD receivers by simply touching the two devices together. This simplifies the pairing process that otherwise involves accessing Bluetooth menus and entering pairing codes on both devices.
Also added is the ability to register up to 10 devices to each receiver over Bluetooth, and most important, have two devices actively paired at one time. This allows a driver and passenger to both use the audio system as a hands-free platform, with the ability to select either phone when making or receiving calls, and access both phones’ contact lists from the receiver’s menu.
With a late-model iPhone® or Android-based smartphone connected via Bluetooth to the KENWOOD receiver, the user now has more options to select, play and control music from the smartphone using the receiver’s controls. Select a certain playlist or make individual selections by browsing by artist, album or genre. iPhone users can also browse by composer or select downloaded podcasts.
Connecting an iPhone or Android-based smartphone using the USB port provides even more options for entertainment. Pandora® Internet Radio and iHeartRadio® smartphone apps can be controlled from the receiver, with onboard interfaces that let users like, skip and favorite music as they would on the smartphone. And while connected, Android-based smartphones benefit from new, high-capacity charging that delivers up to 1.5 amps.
The 2016 CD receiver lineup will be on display during the upcoming International CES in Las Vegas, January 6-9 at Booth #1702 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more details, please visit the KENWOOD website at www.kenwood.com/usa.
About JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation
JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVCKENWOOD Corporation and is a leading developer of imaging, home and car entertainment, and navigation products for the consumer market, two-way radio communications systems for public safety, private industry and amateur users, and video equipment for the broadcast and professional markets. For detailed information, call JVCKENWOOD USA at 1-800-950-5005 or visit us at http://us.jvckenwood.com, www.kenwood.com/usa and www.jvc.com.
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