CSR Debuts RoadTunes ADK 3.0, Delivering Safer, Hands-free Control of Smartphone Features In-Vehicle

RoadTunes ADK 3.0 is designed for tighter integration of smartphones to in-vehicle systems such as steering wheel switches, head unit controls or vehicle touchscreens, enabling drivers to control smartphone apps without diverting their attention to the smartphone touchscreen – helping to ensure that drivers keep their eyes on the road for a safer, more enjoyable ride. RoadTunes ADK 3.0 is delivered as a fully tested, production-ready ADK with a list of compatible Bluetooth handsets representing the most popular devices on the market.

RoadTunes ADK 3.0 is compatible with fully embedded connectivity and audio platforms such as CSR’s BlueCore5™ Multimedia, a single-chip Bluetooth solution designed to facilitate integration of wireless multimedia functionality into embedded devices. Featuring a powerful 64 MIPS DSP and on-chip memory, BlueCore5 Multimedia offers best in-class audio quality, power consumption and radio performance, making it an ideal platform for automotive hands-free systems.

Livio Connect API Support

CSR and Livio engaged in a close collaboration to be able to offer Livio Connect API in this production-ready RoadTunes ADK 3.0 release. Livio Connect makes interacting with smartphone apps while driving safer, starting today with Internet radio, by mapping app controls to the in-vehicle MMI (man-machine interface). Tomorrow’s designs will interact with not only Internet radio, but also traffic, parking and many other smartphone apps in much the same way as on-board music and navigation is controlled in the car today.

“Consumers today expect to be able to integrate their smartphones seamlessly into their in-vehicle infotainment system to stream music and other content and to perform other functions such as navigation, traffic updates and hands-free messaging in addition to calling,” said Thomas Carmody, Head of Connectivity Marketing for CSR’s Auto Business Group. “Livio and CSR are making it a priority to address these requirements by allowing drivers to more safely control smartphone features and functions and keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.”

Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad Support

RoadTunes 3.0 ADK also incorporates the required software for Made for iPod/iPhone/iPad Bluetooth accessories. Running on the BlueCore5MM platform, RoadTunes 3.0 ADK satisfies the requirements for wirelessly interfacing with Apps running on iOS™ devices allowing for tighter integration, and safe use of iOS devices with in-vehicle systems. Cutting the cord between iOS device and in-vehicle system reduces cost and mechanical design complexity increasing the design options available to customers.

Improved In-Car Audio Quality

RoadTunes v3.0 ADK also includes a new version of CSR's leading echo and noise suppression solution, CVC™ v4.5.1, which brings wideband speech support to RoadTunes customers. CVC v4.5.1 will allow customers to provision their in-car Bluetooth enabled systems for the higher quality made possible by HD voice. A GSMA association initiative for increasing the bandwidth available for voice calls over cellular networks, HD voice is designed to dramatically improve the hands-free calling experience for drivers by delivering crystal clear voice calls, even in noisy environments, to the in-vehicle audio system via Bluetooth. HD voice is already available on cellular networks in Europe, the U.S. and Asia, with most of the major smartphone vendors already offering this technology.

About RoadTunes

Originally introduced in 2008, RoadTunes has been continually and substantially upgraded with improved performance, interoperability, and feature set enhancements to meet the evolving needs of the automotive marketplace. Designed to satisfy the range of existing and emerging Bluetooth applications in automobiles, RoadTunes can be quickly integrated into embedded infotainment systems, or into aftermarket products including PNDs, and offers rich Bluetooth Profile application software support and a simple high-level API. A choice of packaging ensures that developers have the right options, whether they are making low-cost PCBs or looking for a compact plug-on Bluetooth module. RoadTunes features full hardware and software components including a RISC and DSP processor, CVC™ noise reduction, and third-party echo cancellation. It also includes source code, allowing designers to fully customise their end designs.

Visit the CSR booth at Telematics Detroit 2012 (Stand 44) to see a demonstration of location, audio and connectivity products for the automotive industry powered by CSR.