This month's feature : Mobile Electronics

10 Questions With Magazine Pros

As part of our monthly "10 Questions" series, SEMA News recently inter-viewed three in-the-know magazine professionals about what's hot and what might be fading in the world of mobile electronics. Our panel included Ben Oh, editor of Car Audio and Electronics magazine, Michael Griffin, associate publisher of dialD magazine, and Rich Rukavina, independent rep for the 12Volt News Group.

SEMA News: What has been the most important technological development in mobile electronics over the past five years?

Ben Oh: Navigation gives the industry an opportunity to find new consumers and new markets. Last year in both portable and in-dash units navigation went up 25% to 35% in each segment. Portables are taking off, but that's partially due to the price points on the entry level units, but people will probably want to upgrade eventually just because they'll grow tired of seeing the portable on their dash.

Michael Griffin: The interfaces that allow aftermarket companies to work with the OEM systems now provide the ability to interface with the OE systems. They can interface with all types of electronics such as amplifiers, speakers or head units and still be able to retain factory systems such as OnStar. Some of the models can also run rearview cameras and satellite radio.

Rich Rukavina: iTunes and the iPod have changed the course of car audio. The OE units that are being used now adapt to iPods. They virtually killed the CD changer and are having an impact on the CD market. The bottom line is that people are carrying their stuff with them...read more

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