Next Generation of Automotive Smart Detection System Combines Cloud Services, Location-Based Services and Crowdsourcing for Community Sharing of Radar/Laser and Safety Alert Info
CHICAGO, IL - October 26, 2011 - Cobra Electronics Corporation (NASDAQ: COBR), celebrating 50 years of innovation in 2011 as a leading designer and marketer of award-winning radar detection systems and mobile electronics, today announced the general availability of Cobra iRadar Community, which is included in the latest software release of the company's award-winning Cobra iRadar app. Today's announcement represents the next phase in the evolution of the iRadar platform. It will be available as a free app with free lifetime updates for Apple® iPhone and iPod Touch devices beginning November 1, 2011, and coming soon for Android™ smartphones.
Since its debut one year ago, the Cobra iRadar app has been downloaded and installed by hundreds of thousands of Cobra customers, with a nearly equal distribution between Apple iOS and Android smartphone users. Additionally, Cobra's first-to-market innovation in Automotive Smart Detection has been honored with eight design and innovation awards from some of the industry's leading authorities including the CEA, CTIA, SEMA, the Industrial Designer Society of America (IDSA), and Mac|Life Magazine.
Cobra's innovative connected detection platform takes the Cobra iRadar smart detection system to a new level. In addition to Cobra's AURA™ database, iRadar users now have access to the iRadar community. The community allows users to report and alert other iRadar users to live police, caution areas, and photo enforcement areas. What's more, when an iRadar unit detects a radar or laser alert, it can automatically share this information with other iRadar community users nearby. Cobra iRadar users can now rely on a real-time network of detectors for superior situational awareness while driving.
"The Cobra iRadar system is a breakthrough in driving safety, and we are continuing to build momentum and category leadership with a host of new capabilities in our iRadar Community release," said Sally Washlow, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Cobra Electronics. "By leveraging the eyes, ears, and detection units from our network of iRadar users in tandem with our incredibly powerful AURA database, Cobra has created a driver safety system that will constantly grow and improve, and truly sets a new benchmark in detection and automotive safety."
The Cobra iRadar system consists of a sleek, compact, and powerful dash-mounted Cobra iRadar Detector Unit combined with the Cobra iRadar app. The free app gives users access to GPS-based alerts, as well as allowing for control of the detectors settings, alert viewing, and other value-added features. The app also leverages the smartphone's data connection for online access to AURA, the only 100 percent verified database of known driving threats and hazards throughout the GPS/navigation industry. While iRadar alerts drivers in real-time to detected safety alerts, AURA provides access to a host of additional safety information, including red light camera locations, dangerous intersections, known speed trap locations, and more.
Cobra iRadar & iRadar Community Features:
Provides advanced detection of all radar and laser guns including Ka, K, and X Band varieties
Automatically records and shares radar and laser alert information and notifies users when they are entering high-threat areas
Allows for manual user reporting of live police, caution areas and photo enforcement locations, which are shared with the iRadar community
Alerts drivers to live speed and police enforcement areas
Warns of upcoming speed & red light camera locations
Offers advance notice of dangerous intersections
Provides 360-degree detection
Reduces annoyance alerts with City/Highway mode filters
Pricing and Availability:
Cobra iRadar retails for $129.95, and is available at over 45,000 points of distribution across the continental United States. For more information or to locate a retailer, please visit www.cobrairadar.com.
Cobra iRadar Community Software Downloads:
The Cobra iRadar Community release for the iPhone® and iPod® Touch will be available as a free app upgrade to iRadar users starting November 1, 2011 at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cobra-iradar/id385569150?mt=8
Cobra iRadar Community for Android devices will be available in January 2012 at: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cobra.iradar
About Cobra Electronics:
Cobra Electronics is a leading global designer and marketer of communication and navigation products, with a track record of delivering innovative and award-winning products. Building upon its leadership position in the GMRS/FRS two-way radio, radar detector and Citizens Band radio industries, Cobra identified new growth opportunities and has aggressively expanded into the marine market and has expanded its European operations. The Consumer Electronics Association, Forbes and Deloitte & Touche have all recognized Cobra for the company's innovation and industry leadership. To learn more about Cobra Electronics, please visit the Cobra site at www.cobra.com.
Follow Cobra on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CobraElectronic and Like Us at www.facebook.com/CobraElectronics.
