Alpine Radios Can Now Do This!

Alpine Electronics of America entered the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling several of its aftermarket navigation systems the ability to control garage doors and smart lighting.

Owners of select Alpine navigation systems can open their garage door via their radio as they’re approaching their home, as well as turn on the lights so the house is lit when they enter, and activate the “Home” mode on their Nest Learning Thermostat so the house is at a comfortable temperature when they arrive — all from the Alpine touch screen.

Alpine has teamed with Chamberlain Group, maker of Chamberlain and LiftMaster garage door opener brands.  Their garage door openers work with a MyQ app on a smartphone. The app can also turn on/off lights and control Nest thermostats.  An Alpine Connect app will work with the MyQ app and link to an Alpine radio via Bluetooth so the content from the app is fed through the Alpine radio and controlled by the radio touch screen.

“Over the past few years, we’ve increased the capabilities of our Alpine in-dash systems to allow control over other vehicle accessories,” said Mike Anderson, Vice President and General Manager, Alpine Brand Business division.  “Our partnership with Chamberlain Group and their MyQ app presents a logical progression for Alpine to now expand into the Internet of Things.”

The MyQ and Alpine Connect apps are available now on the App Store and Google Play. There is a subscription fee of $1/month or $10/year to link the MyQ app to Alpine Connect.

The following Alpine navigation systems will work with the new IoT service:

• 7-inch In-Dash Navigation System: models INE-W977HD, INE-W967HD
• 8-inch In-Dash Navigation System for Select Vehicles or Custom Installation: models X208U, X108U
• 9-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2011-2017 Jeep Wrangler: models X209-WRA, X109-WRA
• 10-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2014-2017 Chevy Silverado: model X110-SLV
• 10-Inch Alpine Restyle In-Dash Navigation System for 2014-2017 GMC Sierra: model X110-SRA

The new Alpine system is on display in a Jeep Wrangler demo vehicle at the SEMA Show through November 3 in Las Vegas, NV.  The Wrangler is in the Smittybilt booth, South Hall Upper Level #35061.