Clarion Corp. of America (CCA) has announced the Next Gate (http://www.clarion.com/us), a smartphone controller for the iPhone. It controls applications residing on the smartphone, allowing for functionality in any vehicle. 

Vehicle-friendly app partners include: TuneIn, Pandora, Vlingo, INRIX Traffic, and InfoGation with more to come. Clarion says its new Smart Access Cloud Telematics Service will enable users to download additional approved apps under development now and in the future. Bluetooth functionality allows for hands-free calling and enables iPhone features such as voice dialing and voice activation.  

Aside from the app integrations, Next Gate comes equipped with a microSD slot, a built-in speaker, blue LED buttons and indicator, auxiliary audio output, built in microphone, external microphone ready and a seven-inch digital WVGA touch panel LCD monitor. It’s compatible with the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, and has a 12-volt power adapter.

Clarion’s Next Gate will be available beginning June 1 at Crutchfield and on Amazon.com. The suggested retail price is US$269.99.