Dash: Smartphone-docked stereo for your car

The Dash is an outlandish car audio device that docks an iPhone or iPod for streaming music. Devium, a car audio firm, is working to realize the Dash, which was conceived by Paul Lizer, an engineer and former soldier. Besides DVDs or other sources of MP3s, Dash makes use of touchscreen handsets for car stereo. Remarkably, the Dash can replace a GPS navigator, DVD, MP3 player, FM radio and mobile charger in your car.

Devium Dash

The Dash is a smarter, easy-to-use, well-connected and affordable audio device for your car. As of now, it only supports iPhone and iPod. Of course, other phones will also suit the accessory, which sports a faceplate to fit in the handset. Devium says it will produce suitable faceplates for new models of iPhones and non-iPhones as well. Devium is now seeking financial support for the project on Kickstarter.

You don't have to learn anything new to operate Dash. Being an iPhone or iPod touch user, you know how to access music, play tracks, navigate apps, make phone calls and use GPS navigator. So it is easy to use Dash on your car’s dashboard. The accessory measures in at 4-inch x 7-inch. Remember, the Dash gets rid of the need for a separate GPS system.

The Dash contains two parts: the faceplate and body. The faceplate is the interchangeable part of the accessory. Made from CNC'd aluminum and plastic (the rear panel), the faceplate is where your phone will rest. Devium has plans to produce faceplates that suit non-iPhone devices and new iPhone upgrades if required. Presently, iPhone and iPod have almost identical form factor; so the same faceplate is required for both. The faceplate leaves better cavity, thus helping you fit in even an iPhone with a bumper.

The body is the standardized part where you mount the faceplate. It is actually the power house of Dash, which features charging capabilities and audio amplification systems. Dash features 4 x 50W to power the speakers. It also has two preamps that run at 2V a front and rear/sub. The amps used in Dash are developed by Maxim, a firm based in Sunnyvale, CA.

Devium is planning to ship Dash in July this year. Its Kickstarter campaign has already attracted 15 backers, who contributed $2,751 out of the pledged of $45,000 goal. It is high time you can toss the chargers, CDs, MP3 players and FM transmitters from your car. All these facilities will now land in your car with Dash. Yes, there is a single place for everything. Indeed, it will be a cheap deal for you when compared with the total price required for other options.

Via: Kickstarter