Garmin on Thursday announced it will roll out a series of all-digital audio panels that feature voice command technology, wireless connections and other audio improvements. The 350c, 35c and 350Hc provide Bluetooth connections to smartphones and tablets. The panels also can be paired with Garmin’s Virb video camera to capture cockpit audio and the Pilot app to transmit terrain, obstacle and traffic alerts during flight. Voice commands can switch audio functions hands-free, while the 3D audio feature helps the pilot distinguish between audio sources. The GMA 350c can be a direct replacement for existing GMA audio panel installations and is a slide-in replacement for the GMA 350. The GMA 350c, GMA 35c and helicopter-compatible GMA 350Hc are expected to be available in the third quarter of this year. The units will retail for $2,295.
“Garmin continues to focus on simplifying the flying experience with the GMA 350c all-digital Bluetooth audio panel, so pilots can focus more readily on the task at hand – flying the aircraft,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “With the GMA 350c, it’s easier to complete important tasks such as opening a flight plan on the ground before departing an uncontrolled field. This, coupled with Telligence Voice Command and 3D audio, combine to make this the most-capable audio panel on the market.”
