The Alpine headunit I tested was plugged into a iPod nano instead of an iPhone but an Alpine representative assured me it has the same functionality when connected to an iPhone.

Alpine's has had iPod compatibility for a few years and the iXA-W404's menu navigation for the iPod and iPhone is nothing new. There has always been touchscreen navigation based off your iPods media folders and this works the same with the iXA-W404's 4.3-inch touchscreen.

The only notable feature is Alpine's attempt at mimicking Apple's Coverflow. The album cover browser is like a very basic Coverflow and only allow you to select full albums rather than specific tracks within an album like the real Coverflow.

Yea, this imitation Coverflow is a cool idea but using it on a small 4.3-inch screen is stupid because there is not enough screen real-estate to browse through a ton of albums, especially when trying to drive a car. This issue made me question why Alpine chose a 4.3-inch touchscreen form factor over their popular 7-inch touchscreen media loving IVA-W505 unit which would have made finger navigation of music by album cover a valuable feature.

Beyond the touchscreen navigation, the iXA-W404 meets "Works With iPhone" and "Made For iPod" designations, it also features a dedicated USB input (can also play iPod/iPhone video files), Bluetooth connectivity (with a separate module) and the ability to connect to additional music sources like HD Radio. A price and release date have yet to be determined.

Other releases include:

•iDA-X305: 2.2-inch color TFT screen, iPhone/iPod compatibility, USB input, built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier, three pairs of pre-outs and a 24-bit DAC. Price: TBD
•CDE-102 CD Receiver: USB, iPhone/iPod compatibility, built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings), HP crossover and two sets of pre-outs. Price: TBD

Further details are available in the press releases below.

Alpine iXA-W404 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver

The iXA-W404 is Alpine’s first touch-screen digital media receiver. Designed to deliver a
fully integrated iPod®/iPhone® experience in the car, the receiver has no CD
mechanism. The iXA-W404 meets Apple Inc.’s specifications for the “Made for iPod” and
“Works with iPhone” designations, and features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and superior digital sound quality. The USB input also enables
connection to USB memory devices. The iXA-W404 can also play iPod/iPhone video
files.

The 2-DIN iXA-W404 gives users two ways to navigate and access their iPod music via
their in-dash head unit: the double-encoder knob and the vibrant 4.3-inch QVGA color
touch-screen monitor. The unit’s intuitive user interface and search menu are very
similar to the iPhone/iPod Touch interface, so that users can continue the familiar iPod
experience in the car. The unit’s ultra-responsive touch-screen lets users quickly browse
through their file collection by lightly dragging the on-screen album covers with their
finger. The current album is shown in the center of the screen, with the previous two
albums/songs and next two album/songs on either side of the current selection. Users
can also navigate through files alphabetically via an alphabet bar shown on the right side
of the screen.

For those who want more from their aftermarket head unit, the iXA-W404 delivers. It is
enabled for integrated Bluetooth connectivity so that users can conduct hands-free
phone conversations through the car’s sound system. (Separate Bluetooth module
required.) The iXA-W404 can also connect to a variety of additional sources, such as HD
Radio™ with iTunes® Tagging and multicasting, satellite radio, navigation and more.
(Additional products and subscriptions required.) Discerning audio enthusiasts can enjoy
custom sound processing with the addition of a separate Alpine IMPRINT Audio
Processor.

The iXA-W404’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine iDA-X305 Digital Media Receiver

The iDA-X305 represents Alpine’s third generation of mech-less Digital Media Receivers. It
has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity and is designed to deliver a fully
integrated iPod/iPhone experience in the car. It features a dedicated USB input for optimal
iPod/iPhone connection and premium digital sound quality.

The iDA-X305’s crisp 2.2-inch color TFT screen displays artist, album and song
information, as well as album art. The unit’s double-action encoder knob enables maximum
control over all iPod/iPhone music search functions, including search by playlist, artist,
album, song, genre, podcasts, audiobooks and composer. Quick Search and Alphabet
Search make it fast and easy to navigate the largest of music libraries.

Built on Alpine’s proprietary Ai-NET platform, the iDA-X305 can connect to a wide variety of
digital entertainment options for a more enjoyable driving experience, including hands-free
Bluetooth; HD Radio with iTunes Tagging and multicasting; and satellite radio. (Separate
tuners, adapters, subscriptions and cables required.) The head unit’s dedicated USB input
also allows connection of USB MP3/WMA players and USB mass storage devices.
Discerning audio enthusiasts may enjoy customized, superior quality IMPRINT sound with
the addition of the PXA-H100 Audio Processor (sold separately).

The iDA-X305 features a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier, three pairs of pre-outs and a 24-bit
DAC. Users can also choose blue or red illumination.

The iDA-X305’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

Alpine CDE-102 CD Receiver

The CDE-102 head unit features a front panel USB port for memory sticks and portable hard
drives, as well as a front panel auxiliary input. It is ideal for consumers looking for an
integrated solution for music playback from a memory stick, portable hard drive or portable
music player.

The CDE-102 also has “Made for iPod” and “Works with iPhone” connectivity, which is
available through the KCE-433iV Full Speed Connection for iPod/iPhone cable (sold
separately). Both offer fast access to music files from the head unit and on-screen display of
song information. The Percentage Search feature divides music libraries into six sections
that can be accessed via six preset buttons on the head unit, making file navigation quick
and easy.
When used with the KCE-400BT Bluetooth module (sold separately), the CDE-102 allows for
hands-free mobile phone use with full phone book access, as well as calling information
displayed on the head unit’s screen. The built-in “Phone” button on the head unit offers easy
one-touch access to a paired Bluetooth phone. Users can also enjoy streaming music from a
Bluetooth device equipped with A2DP or AVRCP protocol.

With a built-in 18W RMS x 4 amplifier (at CEA-2006 power ratings), HP crossover and two
sets of pre-outs, the CDE-102 offers flexible opportunities to build a complete Alpine sound
system.

The CDE-102’s suggested retail index is $TBD.

But ironically enough, this eBay-buyable Batmobile, a converted 1973 Opal, is filled with tech that's been out of use for well over a decade. (Superman's grandma has a newer cellphone than this "superhero.")

1. SONY Digital Navigation System #NVX-F160

2.SONY Pre-Amp XDP-U50D

3. SONY Magic Link System with pager. This is the original vehicle PDA system before there were PDAs. Google Sony Magic Link System to get an idea. I do not know how to use it but it is there. I think you send emails, messaging, etc.

4. SONY Magic Link SkyTel Card

5. SONY 10 Disk CD Changer CDX-U404

6. SONY Hi-8 VCR

7. Pioneer CD player DEH-85 in the dash....comes with the batman theme on cd!

8. Alpine Bat Phone #91530

9. Pro Series Boston Acoustic Kicker Box #6-2 with bat decals inside clear plexiglass

10.Rockford Fossgate Puch 45 Amp

11.Super Nintendo NES Game system with Batman Forever game.......yes, a game system that plays batman!

12.SONY Interface Equalizer #XE-744

13.Alpine 80-80 Remote Commander RMX 38 (something to do with the alarm I think)

14.Alpine Alarm 8401 with paging system, unlocks and opens doors, windows...It will take you a full day just to learn the alarm system.

Poor Batman, calling back Alfred on an analog network after getting his page...only to look up cheat codes for his one SNES game. If the Joker gets wind of this, there will be no living with him. [eBay via Jalopnik]

So while he's roasting a pig...or two...or three...Seville can listen to an unspecified but bold looking wattage-worth of Polk Audio speakers and Alpine amplifiers. He can watch his Samsung TV complete with Valor DVD receiver. And then, when he's all done partaking in the digital deliciousness, he can sink his teeth into some succulent smoked ribs, or maybe just a simple brat and beer.

Damn we need to get to an Octoberfest already. And fast. [Crutchfield via Bornrich]

Toshiba Presents Automotive HD DVD Player [Tech On]

In addition to giving you turn-by-turn directions, it doubles as an MP3 player, too, where you can fill up an SD card with your favorite tunes and rock on. Sounds like it's time for a road trip. Available now for $750, it's also equipped to receive Radio Data System traffic info starting this summer, but that will cost you a $60 annual fee.

Product Page [Alpine, via Autoblog]

Alpine Electronics knows how to make a classy-looking product. With all the other portable GPS units looking kind of clunky and not easy on the eyes, the Blackbird PMD-B100 is sleek and runs on the Windows CE platform, has an integrated traffic receiver and comes with NAVTEQ map coverage for the US and Canada. It can be carried around from car to car or connect to a wired docking station, to be controlled through one of Alpine's touchscreen-based AV head units. But what I love about this product is its other multimedia qualities, including a built-in SD/MMC slot, USB 2.0, an embedded Windows Media Player and 256MB of flash memory for listening to MP3 or WMA files. Retails for $750.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS INTRODUCES BLACKBIRD:
NEW PORTABLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH IN-VEHICLE DOCKING SOLUTION [Alpine]