In an example of the type of “electronic ecosystems” that are brewing here at CES, Chicago-based Cobra Electronics on Tuesday showcased the iRadar, which becomes GPS-enabled by downloading an app that syncs the device to an iPhone or iPod Touch.
In the spring, the app will be upgraded to include a real-time data gathering component. “The iRadar detectors will be able to share information, kind of like Tweeting,” Cobra senior vp marketing Sally Washlow said. “So if I’m driving around and I pick up a radar signal it will upload it to a cloud, and will send it out to other iRadar users.”
The device detects the location of conventional radar as well as red light- and speed cameras. An Android version is scheduled to debut in March.
“The neat thing is, the iRadar detector is $129, whereas most radar detectors with GPS built in cost $400 and up,” Washlow noted.