'One Look Navi' from Alpine - the terrific new INE-S900R

[+] More Images

Alpine's recently launched 'All-In-One Navigation/Multimedia Solution' has a unique new interface that makes operation much easier, say the company. We certainly think it has some truly useful features and makes a complex in-car system relatively easy to manage. The INE-S900R 'ONE LOOK NAVI' continues the move towards double-DIN size units, now accommodated by more and more vehicles, and has an interface that allows drivers to display two applications of their choice on the screen, so they can see exactly what they want, depending on the driving situation.

This extremely easy-to-use interface, say Alpine, offers the ability to combine the company's advanced navigation features with Bluetooth phone use, rear camera views, and much more. “This product is one of our most exciting and important introductions in the current decade," Keith Holness, Senior Business Manager for Alpine's Aftermarket Division, told MMSA News. "Its unique 'One Look' aspect means that it is so user friendly, informative and simple to use, that our customers will be just as pleased with it as we are here.”

One Look Operation
The INE-S900R provides a choice of views: full screen or main and side screens. The dual-screen mode gives the user two clear views with just “one look” and is fully customisable. The user first decides what should be shown on the main screen - for example, the basic navigation map - and then chooses from among many possibilities for the side screen, such as a second navigation view, information on each iPod song, incoming phone calls, clock time, etc.

Another appealing ONE LOOK NAVI innovation is the ability to switch the main screen and the side screen. For example, have the navigation map on the main screen while driving in the city, then on the motorway switch the music source to the main screen or bring up the iPod playback screen. An entirely different side screen can be selected at any time.

The navigation system is only the beginning of what the INE-S900R offers. It keeps users entertained with a built-in DVD/CD player (MP3/DivX/WMA/AAC compatible), an AM/FM tuner, a USB connection for iPod, iPhone or USB sticks, and an AUX-in port on the front panel, for enjoying both audio and video from portable media players. Users can also add Alpine options like their Freeview DVB-T TV tuner or even an advanced USB video interface, providing even more USB playback choices. Controlling all these sources is simple via the touch screen and the easy-to-use interface.

One Look Guidance
Unlike most portable Sat-Navs, the INE-S900R uses both a gyro sensor and a speed pulse feed to ensure accurate positioning at all times. Even with temporary loss of the GPS signal, such as in tunnels or near many high buildings, the system maintains the highest level of accuracy.

Start-up time is claimed to be much quicker than other systems and route calculation is ultra fast: for example, for a 1600km route, calculation is done in under six seconds, up to 10 times faster than many competitors' products.

Best of all, Alpine’s ONE LOOK NAVI interface provides a wealth of useful information at one glance, with the main screen plus side screen offering many viewing and information options. It is possible to view two maps at the same time - for example, a zoomed-in view on the main screen and a low-zoom map on the side screen for a broader view. Other features include Advanced TMC, which lets drivers see useful information about traffic delays with one look and also lets them decide, via a single button, to take a new route; Highway Mode, which provides detailed information such as upcoming rest stops; Personal POI (Point Of Interest) Importing from Google Maps and POI websites; full route overview after calculation, and more.

Alpine offers map software for 35 countries and route guidance in 18 languages.

Integrated Bluetooth for Hands-Free Calling
Alpine not only makes driving more pleasant and easier, but safer as well. The One Look Safety functions use the latest technology for safe driving. A built-in Bluetooth Module lets the driver safely handle phone calls without having to hold the phone. It is compatible with most of the latest Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, including Apple iPhone 3GS, Nokia N97 and N95 8G, HTC Hero and Touch Diamond, Samsung S8000 Jet, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 and many more.

Users can see all of their contacts and make calls from the phonebook with one touch. For inputting numbers, a 10-key keypad pops up on the screen.

When receiving a call, a special Bluetooth window automatically comes up on the side screen with the caller’s name and buttons to accept or decline the call. The side screen does not overlap the navigation map or anything on the main screen, as Alpine claim happens with most other systems.

Driving is both safer and easier thanks to support from Alpine’s Rear Camera System HCE-C107D, which lets the driver check the view when parking or doing any type of difficult maneuvering. For even greater convenience, green, yellow and red pylons are superimposed on the screen to show how close the vehicle is to walls and other objects. The pylons are adjustable to match the vehicle. Further driving safety is available with a Multi-View Rear and Front Camera Kit.

Perfect Vehicle Integration
Alpine offers car-specific solutions for perfect integration of the INE-S900R into a great many vehicles. There are a variety of custom-sized trim panels to fit the differently sized and shaped dashboards of various manufacturers, and Alpine will continue to bring out more integration kits, making it easy for customers to achieve a neat, attractive system. In addition, Alpine offers many interfaces for existing vehicle steering wheel remote controls and vehicle information displays, for direct plug-and-play connection to view iPod playback information, caller ID/phone number, and so on. Customers can also access wallpapers and customise the background colour to match the dashboard illumination. For theft prevention, a security code can be set, which must be input if the unit is disconnected from its power source.

Pricing and Availability
The INE-S900R Navigation System is available now (August 2010) with a Typical Selling Price of £999.99, through authorised Alpine dealers. To learn more about the INE-S900R, visit an authorised Alpine retailer (check our list of MMSA recommended specialists here on our website) or visit www.alpine-electronics.co.uk.