a2dp

Whether on an iPod, a USB drive, or a cell phone that plays MP3s, more and more drivers are carrying an ever-increasing percentage of their audio on digital audio players.

These users don't want to go back to shuffling CDs when it's time to get behind the wheel, so car stereo manufacturers have responded to the market by including aux-inputs, USB ports, dock connectors, and Bluetooth connections in their stereos. We've compiled a list of some of the best car stereos for use with digital media.

Click here to view the best car stereos for digital media.… Read more

As you approach the Mazda Mazda6 i Grand Touring, your walkway is illuminated by the Welcome Lighting on the underside of the rearview mirrors. Don't bother taking the smart key out of your pocket, a mere touch of the door handle will unlock the vehicle. Don't bother futzing with the headlamps or windshield wipers either, it's automatic. Just settle into the heated leather-trimmed seats, press the start button to bring the peppy engine to life, and you're off.

For 2009, the Mazda6 has grown in both size and ambition. When viewed from the front or rear … Read more

I don't often get excited about Bluetooth headsets, but Altec Lansing's BackBeat series is definitely worth a look. CNET's David Carnoy already reported the details of these Bluetooth beauties earlier in the week, but I thought I'd add some of my first-hand impressions, as well as a few photos. Hit up the Altec Lansing BackBeat slide show for all the details.

Toyota invited us out to preview its new for 2009 Venza. Billing the Venza as "car-optimized," Toyota downright refuses to call it a wagon or a crossover. Curiously, Toyota expects the Venza to be compared with the Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, and Nissan Murano, all of which are crossovers. They say you're judged by the caliber of your enemies, so I guess that makes the Venza a crossover as well.

Whatever you call it, the Venza is an interesting vehicle. It rides almost like a Camry, but with carrying capabilities that are just shy of the Highlander. … Read more

It's been awhile since we've seen anything from U.K. audio manufacturer Acoustic Energy here in the U.S., but the company is returning to the American market with a stereo Bluetooth speaker system. The AE-29 Bluetooth Speaker--already available overseas--is a three-part system, so the detachable speakers can be placed up to 3 feet away from the 20-watt amp for maximum stereo separation.

The AE-29 offers one-button pairing to any A2DP-compatible Bluetooth audio devices for wireless audio streaming from many cell phones and music players. Alas, that list doesn't include the iPod or iPhone, but you can … Read more

At first glance, the Motorokr T505 seems like an average visor-mounted speakerphone. Its calls are clear. Its design is unobtrusive.

However, when we looked a little deeper and really explored its features, we found a much more complex and flexible device hiding under the T505's simple exterior. A2DP music streaming, a built-in battery, and a built-in FM transmitter make this device much more than just a speakerphone.

Read the Motorokr T505 review.

It's not often we get excited about a Philips MP3 player, but the Bluetooth-wielding, Rhapsody-integrated GoGear SA5245BT is a notable exception.

The GoGear SA5245BT sports a video-worthy 2.8-inch screen, along with a photo viewer, FM radio, voice recorder, and music player, for about $130 (4GB) and $170 (8GB). This GoGear MP3 player also comes embedded with Rhapsody subscription music DNA and an A2DP Bluetooth audio feature that works with both music and video playback.

If you're in the market for a wireless MP3 player with an accommodating screen, then be sure to check out our full review … Read more

The Sony NWZ-A820 series Walkman has arrived, and it's a stunner. As a follow-up to our beloved NWZ-A810, the A820includes a larger screen, brilliant EX-style earphones, a detachable kickstand, and best of all--wireless Bluetooth audio.

As we reported back in February, the NWZ-A820 comes in both 8GB and 16GB capacities, priced at $270 and $320, respectively. If you don't care about Bluetooth, an identical-looking version of the player (the NWZ-A720) can be snatched at a discount.

We'll have our in-depth review of the NWZ-A820 Walkman up later this week. In the meantime, check out our Crave photo gallery. … Read more

A source within Qualcomm has confirmed that the company quietly acquired Open Interface North America in December of 2007. Founded in 2000, Open Interface North America (OINA) is an embedded Bluetooth software developer that has provided Bluetooth software for companies such as Sharp, Sprint, Motorola, and LG. One of OINA's most recent accomplishments was a new Bluetooth streaming audio codec named Soundabout Lossless, which promised a dramatic improvement over the prevalent A2DP Bluetooth audio standard.

Qualcomm has yet to formally announce the acquisition of OINA or hint at its intended applications for the patented Bluetooth technology. When we spoke with … Read more