The 2012 CES is kicking off today and here is one interesting Android product that caught our attention – the Parrot Asteroid. Although the original Parrot Asteroid was introduced last year, this year the AR Drone maker is bringing a whole new line-up of Asteroid’s to make your time driving even more enjoyable.
The Asteroid platform is a modified Android based platform made by Parrot bringing the power of Android to your car. With its new line-up, Parrot is introducing more functionality to its year old Parrot Asteroid with 3 new Asteroid’s, Asteroid CK, Asteroid Nav and Asteroid 2DIN.
The base model, Parrot Asteroid CK features a 3.2-inch screen with Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone. Internet connectivity to web apps such as web radio and geo-localization is available via 3G tethering from your phone or local Wi-Fi. Note that this base model does not have a turn by turn GPS functionality. Other functions include voice recognition to make phone calls or to just select your music. If you prefer, you can also control your Parrot Asteroid system directly from your steering wheel thanks to the wireless remote control.
The other 2 models, the Parrot Asteroid Nav and the Parrot Asteroid 2DIN include all the basic functions of the base model Asteroid CK with a few more features. The most notable difference is their screen size as the Asteroid Nav features a 5-inch touchscreen and the Asteroid 2DIN features a 6.2-inch touchscreen. Note that the Asteroid Nav is a portable device whereas the Asteroid 2DIN needs to be mounted in your car to become a built-in device. Both device include an advanced turn by turn navigation system.
Asteroids also include interesting features such as iCoyote, which notifies you about traffic jam and speed cameras for instance. Parrot is also setting up its own Asteroid Market to become available later this year. Android apps from the Android market should also be compatible with Asteroid devices.
All three Asteroid devices will become available later this year. Price and release date are still to be determined. Note that the original Parrot Asteroid device is still available on the market.
[Via Parrot.com]
