Clarion Next Gate is an iOS controller for car windshields

01600updated 02:16 pm EDT, Mon May 7, 2012 Next Gate will control connected iPhones during drives

Clarion has introduced a new device for iPhone owners, the Next Gate. It's a 7-inch, GPS unit-like device that will attach to a vehicle's windshield using a suction cup and provides a larger, more convenient control over a wired iPhone. Unlike the recently introduced Mirage head unit that's powered by Android, the Next Gate doesn't support handsets with the Google-made OS.The device will give users control over TuneIn and Pandora apps, and allows for navigation, hands-free calling, and voice-dialing. Facebook and Twitter will also be accessible while the vehicle's in motion thanks to the voice-activated Vlingo app.

The unit requires a 12 volt power connection and connects to the iPhone using the dock connector. Otherwise, the device has Bluetooth, a built-in speaker and an auxiliary 3.5mm output. Users can playback local multimedia content thanks to a microSD memory card slot.

The Next Gate ships on June 1 and carriers a suggest price tag of $270. iPhone compatibility is limited to the 4 and 4S.

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