The phatbox doesn't have voice recognition, just voice prompting; it also isn't as flexible as the empeg in that the pull-out part doesn't play music.

We (as empeg) did the first changer-bus MP3 player back in 1999 (I think there are some pics on riocar.org?), but the UI is pretty limiting when compared to the full empeg-car setup.

The products are aimed at different markets though; the Riocar is for a high-end audio enthusiast with a huge music collection. The phatbox is more for someone who has some MP3s and doesn't want to (or can't) change the head unit in their car.

Of course, our new automotive developments cover a wide range of markets...

Hugo