Bluetooth Car Kit News

In anticipation of the new law comes into effect in Thailand from 8 May, Motorola are expecting the market for Bluetooth headsets to grow from 300,000 units sold last year to 1.5 million this year. This is in the market in Thailand that has about 54 million mobile phone users.

In addition to new Bluetooth headsets, Motorola expected to launch more than 20 new handset models in 2008

        

In the USA, Massachusetts have moved a step closer to going handsfree. Last month, the lower house passed legislation to ban texting whilst operating a vehicle, and also requiring drivers to use handsfree technology while making voice calls.

The bill was approved 107 votes to 47; Police would be able to stop drivers that are in violation, landing first-time adult offenders a $100 fine.

If passed, the hands-free bill would make Massachusetts the 6th American state to make handsfree compulsory, but it still has to pass through the Massachusetts Senate where there is opposition from key legislators.

        

Whilst there are a great number of Bluetooth car Kit is available, the chances are that they will not connect into your existing in car entertainment system, meaning that you end up with an additional box to clutter up your car dashboard.

An alternative you may want to consider is retrofitting either an entirely new in car entertainment system, or if the option is available, modifying your existing system.
One manufacturer that offers such kit is JVC. The KS-BTA200 Bluetooth Interface comes and with a small microphone, but otherwise connects directly into your existing JVC car stereo.

it is compatible with the following models:

KD-NX5000

KD-AVX11

KW-AVX800

KD-DV7301

KD-G731

KW-XG701

        

The Ego range of Bluetooth car kits look amazing and the Ego Flash is no exception. This is their mid range product, but combines style with features.

There is a high definition OLED display, with caller display, text messages, and phonebook integration and inside the sleek black casing the EGO Flash boasts full audio streaming and MP3 integration either with your mobile phone or with a bluetooth enabled MP3 player (so you can connect your bluetooth enabled ipod).

There is full no training voice recognition, and has advanced DSP echo and noise cacellation features.

Review full features of the EGO Flash.

        

Parrot, already an established manufacture of hands-free Bluetooth car kit`s, have announced a product suitable for motorcycles and scooters.

The innovative handlebar control connects wirelessly to the speaker and microphone attached to your helmet, and via Bluetooth to your mobile phone which you can leave in your pocket or bag.

In addition to promising crystal clear sound, and volumes that increases with your speed, the kit has an FM RDS radio (it actually speaks the name of the station when it is tuned in!) and the capability to connect to a Music player on your Bluetooth mobile, or via a cable to your MP3 player.

Full information on the SK4000 Motorcycle handsfree kit

        

Here is a frightening statistic; apparently 66% of American teens text while driving. If talking on your mobile whilst driving is dangerous then how much more so is texting?

Now this statistic comes from a company called Yap, makers of software that will allow you to dictate text messages without needing to touch your mobile, and will also read back received text messages to you - obviously both safer than holding and looking at your mobile whilst driving, something you see all too often happening in this country, And which is clearly in breach of the current law. (more…)

        

For all you eco-warriors out there, and to everyone else who hates it when their Bluetooth car kit or hands free headset runs out of power in the middle of a long journey, the Anycom SCK-1, may be the answer.

Fitted with a solar panel to the underside the Anycom SCK-1 fits to the inside of your car windscreen, and with three hours of sunlight give a charge lasting approximately 30 minutes talk time. Whilst a car charging cord is also included, formost applications the solar panel should be sufficient to charge your Bluetooth hands-free car kit, thus making it the most environmentally friendly product to run, that is currently on the market.
Fully charged the battery gives up to 15 hours of talk time, or 25 days of standby time. it is easily mounted to the windscreen with suction caps and can be easily removed when you leave the car to prevent theft.

        

The CK-15W, that was previously announced on BluetoothCarKits is now available.
Complete with a 2.2 inch 65k colour screen, the CK-15W has Send, End, and Mute keys and has voice recognition with compatible phones.

Other useful features include the caller’s number and details displayed on the screen, last numbers recall, and radio mute (where fitted to a compatible radio).

Best Prices on the CK-15W from Amazon.co.uk

        

Hot on the heels of the BH 803, Nokia have announced the release of the portable Bluetooth speakerphone kit, that will clip on to your sun visor was during the car, or sit on your desk for great hands-free communication in your office.

Expected to be released in the third quarter of 2007, and retail for approximately €90, the HF-300 has scratched that is battery powered and comes complete with auto shut off to preserve that battery life, which is estimated at 20 hours talk time.

        

Nokia has announced the launch of three new wireless headsets including the BH -803, a stunning black and silver earpiece with high-quality audio and Digital Signal Processing, to help keep out background noise and reduce echoing.

There is a touch sensitive volume control as well as a mute option. The unit weighs 11.3 g and should be compatible with all Bluetooth mobile phones.