Crave

The Cobra BT 200 is a bit of a blunt instrument, but sometimes that's just what you need.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

The Cobra BT 200 is a heavy-duty Bluetooth handset that features a fairly limited list of features. It connects to your phone to make calls, and that's about it. During our time with the BT 200, we encountered a few inconveniences, such no automatic contact-list importing and an unintuitive interface for advanced features like inputting numbers into the phone book.

However, when you're using a device in an outdoor environment, sometimes the strongest feature can be rugged simplicity, which the BT 200 has in spades. With its water, UV, dust, and everything else-proof design, the BT200 can take a beating from Mother Nature without blinking. That way you can keep your precious iPhone dry while you make calls from the wild.

Check out our full review of the Cobra BT 200 heavy-duty Bluetooth handset.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

We're big fans of Alpine's line of car audio receivers, particularly the mech-less media receivers like the iDA-X305 that we recently reviewed. These receivers have great interfaces and work extremely well with iPods and removable drives, but they don't really offer very many features out of the box. This is where Alpine's line of add-on modules comes in, such as the Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module.

The KCE-400BT is a hideaway black box that connects to your Alpine headunit via a high-speed, proprietary Ai-NET connection to add Bluetooth connectivity. Powered by Parrot--makers of the excellent sounding Minikit Slim--the KCE-400BT features an external microphone and Active Echo Cancellation technology for clear voice transmission. The additional benefit of using your vehicle's speakers and amplifiers for audio output means that callers' voices come through loud and clear.

Alpine has taken advantage of the addition of Bluetooth connectivity to a car stereo by also including support for the A2DP audio streaming protocol, effectively giving users a bonus audio source for connecting music phones and Bluetooth-enabled MP3 players.

Check out the full review of the Alpine KCE-400BT Bluetooth Interface Module. To add even more functionality to your Alpine receiver take a look at the Alpine TUA-T550HD HD Radio add-on module.

Tired of fumbling around the iPhone's onscreen keyboard to send a text message? Soon you can skip that altogether, as long as you can speak English properly.

(Credit: Promptu)

This is thanks to a new iPhone application that Promptu, a talk-and-type mobile phone application developer, introduced Monday called ShoutOUT. The application is going to be the first voice-to-SMS application for iPhone users in the United States.

The application lets you dictate text messages instead of typing on the iPhone's touch-screen keypad. It also allows for checking the transcribed messages for errors and make corrections if necessary before sending them out to the intended recipients.

This seems an overdue application for iPhone, considering the ubiquity in the usage of text messaging. According to Gartner Group, by 2010 the total number of sent text messages will reach 2.3 trillion.

I wonder if this app also means you can send text messages while driving in California, where since Januray 1, texting and reading text messages while driving has been banned. It's not that I think people should text behind the wheel, just that if speaking on the phone via a hand-free device is allowed, sending text without using your hands should be, too.

ShoutOUT will soon be available at Apple's App Store. For now it's unclear how much it will cost. A non-English version of the application will also be available to European users.

Sony Ericsson is claiming a segment topping 25 hour talk time on their new HCB-108.

(Credit: Sony Ericsson)

On Tuesday morning in London, Sony Ericsson unveiled its new HCB-108 Bluetooth speakerphone. The most interesting feature can't be seen by looking at the photos. Rather, it requires a peak at the specs, specifically the claimed battery life.

Sony Ericsson claims that a fully charged HCB-108 can remain in standby for a month, which is the longest claimed standby time in its segment. For those who'd rather use their hands-free device than watch it sit idle, the HCB-108 will let users talk for a claimed 25 hours before needing a recharge. Of course, these are claimed times and your mileage will most likely vary.

Moving past the battery tech, the HCB-108 is also a full duplex speakerphone with echo cancellation and DSP. Full duplex is at the top of our wish list for any speakerphone, as it allows for fluid back and forth conversation without having to wait for the other person to stop talking.

The HCB-108 will be officially revealed at the Paris Auto Show in October and will hit shelves in Fall '08.

The HCB-108 will be available in silver and black.

(Credit: Sony Ericsson)

The numbers are in for Bluetooth headset sales in California, and the retail hype around the new hands-free-driving law seems to have paid off. The law boosted device sales to four times the national average, according to a report by retail market researcher The NPD Group.

A display at a San Francisco RadioShack touts Bluetooth headsets prior to the July 1 implementation of the law.

(Credit: Holly Jackson/CNET News)

NPD said California's four largest markets--San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego--saw a major Bluetooth boost in the months before the law went into effect effect July 1.

In March, San Francisco sold two times more Bluetooth headsets than the national average. By May that number had risen to four times the national average in all four cities.

In other U.S. cities, where laws requiring drivers to use headsets when talking on cell phones have not been implemented, Bluetooth sets sold below the national average.

While NPD will not release the amount of revenue generated by the sales, it said the data was calculated by units of Bluetooth headsets sold per store.

According to Ross Rubin, director of industry analysis for market researcher NPD, the hands-free laws have helped Bluetooth makers, which are designing new headsets due to increased consumer demand.

Hot or not?

At first, I thought California's new hands-free calling law was a great idea. Though it's debatable whether cell phones in the car can ever be safe, I took a lot of comfort in knowing that holding your phone to your ear while driving was now illegal. True, there's no guarantee that both hands will now be on the steering wheel, but I thought my chances of being run down by a yakking driver were just a bit smaller.

But, only a few days after the law went into effect I realized that it had one unfortunate consequence: a very rapid proliferation of Bluetooth dorks. Since headset-use is now required by law, the number of people wearing their headset when they're not in the car or on the phone has exploded. The sight of these people has always made me cringe, but now it appears they're here to stay. I'm know I'm not the only one who feels this way so I encourage my fellow Californians to remember this: please remove your headset when not in use. You're not a Borg drone; it doesn't make you look important or edgy, and it's not a fashion statement. If you need a place to stash it you can always buy the LG Decoy, but otherwise your pocket or purse should suffice.

Break the law, get a free headset?

It might sound a little odd, but online retailer Headsets.com has decided to make that idea the focus of a new marketing and educational campaign related to the new hands-free legislation that takes hold Tuesday in California and Washington.

In effect, if you get ticketed for talking on your cell phone without a headset while driving, pony up the $20 or $50 (depending on how many times you've been caught), then send documentation of your offense to Headsets.com.

A ticket could lead to a free Plantronics 925 headset.

(Credit: Plantronics)

The most surprising part? You'll be making a hefty profit by breaking the law. According to CEO Mike Faith, Headsets.com will, for a limited time at least, give away the Plantronics Discovery 925, which retails at $149.99.

"Some people might not be able to afford to upgrade to a headset, and we're not going to give them a low-end one," Faith said.

According to Faith, the objective is not to have people deliberately break the law to get a free, expensive headset, though it's unclear how the company will be able to determine who is going that route.

The other goal of the campaign is to draw attention to the law itself, Faith said, in hopes that most people will buy a headset instead of continuing to drive with one hand.

"Our goal is to get people to think about it," Faith said. "They really shouldn't be talking on the phone while driving and (should) start using two hands."

If you do happen to break the law, which CNET News.com does not suggest, the hotline 1-800-headsets or the Headsets.com Web site can start you on the path to a new headset.

Hi everyone. Starting this week, I will be answering reader questions about all things GPS right here on Miss Direction and Crave. If you need product recommendations, have questions about the technology, or ever wondered if a GPS can actually tell you to drive into water, this is the place to be. I'll be posting these Ask the Editor blogs every other week so don't be shy, send in those questions, and I'll do my best to answer them all. So without further ado, on with the show.

Q: Can you help me? I am looking for a GPS that also has hands-free functionality. I live in California and as of July 2008, you cannot use a cell phone that is not hands free. Is there a GPS that has voice function? --Allen, via e-mail

TomTom GO 930

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

A: Hi Allen. You're in luck. There are quite a few portable navigation devices (PNDs) with integrated Bluetooth, which allows you to wirelessly connect a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or smartphone to the GPS and use it as a hands-free speaker system. Some Bluetooth-equipped PNDs include the TomTom GO 930, Garmin Nuvi 660, and the Mio C520. Having reviewed a number of these devices, I'd have to say that Garmin and TomTom offer the easiest setup and best user interface for this, but you can also find more options in our roundup here.

Once you pair the PND with your phone, you'll be able to make and receive calls, and if a point of interest lists a phone number, most GPSes will allow you to dial directly to that business with just a tap of the screen. Some devices, such as the GO 930, are even more advanced and will automatically synchronize your phone's address book and call history to the GPS itself.

And thanks for pointing out the hands-free law, Allen. This goes into effect in California on July 1 and joins a number of other states and districts with similar laws, including New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. And while we think it'd just be safer to not be on the phone at all while you're driving, we know this is wishful thinking, so the use of a hands-free system like a Bluetooth-enabled PND can be a good alternative, especially if you need help in the navigation department.

Beginning July 1 of this year, new laws in California and Washington will require drivers to use a hands-free device when using a cell phone. California goes a step further for drivers under 18; they will be prohibited outright from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Washington does not make any age distinctions, but since January 1, the Evergreen State has prohibited composing or sending text messages while driving. After the laws go into effect, Washington and California will join the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut in enacting statewide hands-free calling legislation. In other states, regulations range from hands-free mandates in municipalities, such as Chicago, to complete cell phone bans for drivers with a learner's permit.

The Aliph Jawbone is one of the best Bluetooth headsets we've reviewed.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

So what to do?
If you're a California or Washington resident, or if your a New Yorker who's late in getting onboard, you have a few options for keeping both hands on the wheel. The good news is that all existing cell phones are compatible with some form of hands-free device. Some handsets will be compatible only with an old-fashioned wired headset, but there's no need to buy a new phone. That is, unless you're using the new laws as an excuse to upgrade (more on that later). The last point you should remember is that to fully comply with the law, you'll need to keep your hands off your phone completely. That means that dialing numbers or scrolling through your contacts list could result in a ticket. So to be extra safe, your phone should support voice dialing as well.

Jabra is a respected Bluetooth headset maker, including the tiny JX10.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

A wired world In an age of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the wired cell phone has been regulated to the bottom shelf of the cell phone store. But even so, a wired headset is one of the best hands-free options available. Not only is every cell phone compatible with a wired headset, but also they're a steal when compared to a Bluetooth model. In fact, most phones come with a wired headset in the box (if you can find our box). These free headsets won't be fancy, and the sound quality may be variable, but they're the cheapest and most convenient option.

If you didn't get a wired headset when you bought your phone, you can find a wide variety of products online or at your carrier store. Basic models will cost under $20, but if you want to splurge there are flashier options available. Indeed,we've seen headsets with retractable wires, changeable earbuds and even models in bright colors. As Bluetooth continue to proliferate, the selection of wired headsets will grow increasingly smaller but rest assured they're not going to the cell phone graveyard. Just remember to choose carefully and select a headset that will work with your phone. The type of headset jack can vary widely, even between phones from the same manufacturer, so it's important to know what you'll need. And don't even think about using a stereo headset designed to work both for music and phone calls. Using a headset that covers both ears would defeat the purpose of the new laws.

The Plantronics Voyager 855 has a unique design

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Going wireless
Though Bluetooth was an exclusive feature just a couple of years ago, the technology has started to make its way into simpler cell phone. Of course, the biggest advantage of Bluetooth is that it iswireless, so there's no danger of getting tangled up in cords while you drive. Also, while wired headsets have reached the peak of their functionality, Bluetooth continues to evolve with new features. CNET's Quick guide to Bluetooth headsets will tell you everything you need to know about the technology, from its origin and uses to the range of devices available. Also, check out our choices for the Best Bluetooth headsets.

On the flip side, you'll need a cell phone that supports Bluetooth. Most phones introduced in the last year support the feature, particularly smartphones and multimedia devices, but basic models and handsets more than a couple of years old are another story. Another Bluetooth caveat is that it does not come cheap. While using the technology is free you will have to shell out between $50 to $100 (some high-end models can cost more) to buy a headset. It's rare that you'd get a free headset when you buy a new phone.

Tekkeon makes this ET6000 Bluetooth speakerphone.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

As with wired headsets, there's a wide range of Bluetooth headsets available. Designs include range from big and clunky to small and stylish (well, as stylish as a Bluetooth headset can be). The comfort of the headset also is important so be sure to try on a few samples and see how the feel. Finally, you should consider what features you'd prefer. Some headsets offer last number redial, some offer call mute and some even offer a tiny display that shows caller ID. If your current phone doesn't have Bluetooth but you'd like to use the feature, talk to your carrier about an upgrade. If you're a long-term customer, you should be able to get a new phone at a discount, though you will have to sign a new contract.

Speak up
The last option is a speakerphone. You can use your handset's integrated speakerphone (almost all cell phones have them) or you can buy a Bluetooth speakerphone that you can position in your car. Alternatively, if your car supports Bluetooth you can connect your phone to your car's system and use it to make calls. Just keep in mind that a phone with voice dialing is a must if you want to use the speakerphone completely.