GROM Audio releases updated adapter compatible with Apple's new iPhone 6

GROM Audio is excited to announce our new and improved audio adapter, the GROM-USB3. Our replacement to the USB2P, this new audio adapter has all the same features, with even better seamless integration and more compatibility!

With the release of Apple's new iPhone 6, early adopters are already looking for equipment to integrate with their new phone. The highly anticipated Apple release has been at the forefront of the technology industry for months and GROM has developed an adapter that will can integrate with the latest features the iPhone 6 creates.

Like the USB2P, the new USB3 delivers crystal clear sound quality through its seamless direct-connection. Apple users can now use the Apple USB cable to effortlessly connect their smartphone to their factory car stereo through their GROM adapter. Giving drivers connected-car features without the connected-car price tag, GROM continually delivers aftermarket solutions that allow drivers to utilize the most up-to-date technology while on-the-go!  

GROM will sell its USB2P through the end of October 2014, before officially converting to the new and improved USB3. 

How To: GROM Audio explains downloading music to your Android device

For Apple users, uploading and downloading music to and from iTunes seems to be almost automatic. With over 13 years since the release of the first generation iPod, it is no surprise iTunes is still going strong. But other providers have made leaps when it comes to music on-the-go, giving consumers a choice when it comes to music mobility. Google's Android operating system has seen a serious influx of users over the past few years, making the Google Play application key component to Android users' listening experience.

As the first aftermarket car audio company to provide seamless integration of Android devices to factory car stereos, GROM Audio wants to ensure all of our users can listen to their music library while driving. Through just a few easy steps, GROM Audio can show you how download music from your computer to your Android device, allowing drivers to take control of their music selection!

For Windows Users:

1. Connect your computer to your Android device using a USB cable
   - If you are prompted to select a USB connection option on your device, select Media Device (MTP)
2. Locate the music files on your computer and drag to your device's music folder

For Mac Users:

1. Download and install Android File Transfer to your computer
2. Connect your computer to your Android device using a USB cable
   - If you are prompted to select a USB connection option on your device, select Media Device (MTP)
3. Locate music files on your computer and drag them to your device's music folder via Android File Transfer

After you have downloaded music to your Android phone, you can use GROM Audio's AALinQ application, a music player created to function seamlessly with our adapter.

To use the AALinQ app, download it from the Google Play marketplace. (Just search for the AALinQ in the Google Play search box)

1. Open the app, go to Settings

2. Tap "Music home folder" to specify what folder you want AALinQ to take the music from

 

Please note: Usually AALinQ will grab all the music that you have on your phone, but sometimes you still need to adjust the destination music folder for AALinQ

Start using AALinQ!

GROM Audio Hosts Successful Silicon Valley Automotive Open Source Meet Up

Last week GROM Audio hosted the Silicon Valley Automotive Open Source Meet Up event with special guest speaker, QNX Senior Automotive Product Manager, Kerry Johnson. As first time hosts of the event, the GROM Audio corporate office was a full house of Meet Up group members dedicated to learning the latest about in-vehicle infotainment (IVI). Serving as a network to connect a variety backgrounds ranging from engineers to entrepreneurs, the over 65 attendees met to listen to Johnson speak about Qt, the latest cross-platform application framework for desktop, embedded and mobile i.e. even infotainment.

Event host, ICS Liaison, Peter Mui opened the event with a few words just after 7:15, before GROM founder Dmitry Borisov stepped in to thank guests for coming, while also introducing many attendees of GROM's aftermarket infotainment solutions.

GROM Audio Founder, Dimtry Borisov introduces guest speaker. 

Starting the discussion with a background of QNX software, Kerry Johnson discussed the importance of open source and sharing knowledge to help better technology.
"These Meet Ups help us come together and move forward,"Johnson said.

Qt, which was developed as an open source project, follows this idea, according to Johnson, who discussed that the framework can integrate with a wide variety of platforms including the most popular iOS, Android, OS X and Windows. Working well with other languages, widgets and interfaces, Qt integrates to create faster transitions, better 2D & 3D graphics and quick speech references.

"An infotainment system is the integration of a lot of things, there are all kinds of things that need to be brought together," Johnson continued.

Guest speaker, QNX Senior Automotive Product Manager, Kerry Johnson

According to the 25-year industry veteran, Qt can better in-car infotainment integration, but safety will be biggest challenge for car manufacturers to overcome. Safety certification is crucial in moving forward with connected cars and according to Johnson OEMs are creating the hold, while they wait for Google and Apple. But with Qt integration automakers do not have to lock into a specific OS like Android or iOS, although it is unclear if Apple's CarPlay will support Qt.

Although the feature of connected cars is still very vague, it is clear that consumer electronics will continue to blend with the auto industry, creating smarter cars, smarter drivers and one day driverless vehicles.

"I love to see things change, but the reality is it will take a while," Johnson said.

GROM Audio Products are Compatible with Apple's iOS 7 Update

Apple has officially released its latest software update, iOS 7. The launch has been met more praises than complaints so far, unlike its previous update that unveiled Apple Maps and its countless kinks. Giving Apple users some much needed updates, the technology giant brings customers new security features, multitasking abilities and file/data sharing through Airdrop, just to name a few. All of which are viewable through the new streamlined iPhone/iPod/iPad design, giving users more screen space and a minimalist easy-to-use display. 

To ensure Apple users, who are also GROM Audio users, can utilize these new updates while driving, GROM has spent the last week testing all of its Apple compatible products. The car audio company is pleased to announce that with testing complete, all GROM car audio adapters, add-on products and cables ARE adaptable to iOS 7.

Drivers will still have all the luxuries their GROM audio interface brings them while on-the-go, but with more features than ever!  

GROM Audio Helps Drivers Use Apple Maps with iOS 7

On the cusp of Apple's latest operating system launch, iOS 7 is set to be revealed to the public September 18. The Silicon Valley technology giant replaced its Google Maps app with their previous operating system update (iOS 6), back in September 2012—causing an uproar for travelers across the world.The replacement, Apple Maps, was quickly met by a flurry of malfunctions, sending drivers, runners and walkers alike off the beat and path, to say the least. 

Now ready to unveil its latest update, Apple is happy to bring drivers and GPS users a new and improved Apple Maps, along with several other new Apple applications. 

GROM Audio is ready to help drivers take advantage of the company's latest improvements with iPod car audio adapters. With the ability to connect your iPod/iPhone/iPad to your car, drivers can not only take advantage of voice turn-by-turn directions to avoid getting lost but can also utilize a plethora of applications stored on your Smartphone. Let GROM make your drive less stressful, through easy-to-use iPod car adapters, compatible with AUDI, BMW, Honda, Fiat, Acura and more.

GROM Adds Direct Android Connection for High-Quality Sound and Listening

Most Apple users have come accustom to countless products to adapt to their iPhones, iPads, or iPods. Companies, including GROM Audio, create iPod car adapters, auxiliary cables and/or Bluetooth devices allowing drivers the ability to listen to music in the car, make calls hands-free, connect to GPS and much
more.

But what about Android users?

GROM Audio is the only car audio company to meet the growing demand for Android-compatible equipment to connect Google devices to your vehicle. The more people switch to the Android operating system, the more they will find that there is a clear lack of Android adapters to connect their devices to their vehicles. This is why GROM Audio has spent the last year on Android development, creating car audio adapters, which give Android users the same capabilities as as Apple users.

Through adapters such as the GROM-AND2, Android users have the ability to directly connect their phone or tablet to their vehicle. Then they have the same luxuries Apple users have, including the ability to connect wirelessly through Bluetooth, stream music through apps or listen to their own music library. These Android audio adapters also give drivers GPS capabilities and hands-free calling through Bluetooth, making being on-the-go so much easier!