Thanks to California's new hands-free phone law, I have been dragged into Bluetooth land. It's not somewhere I really ever saw myself landing. I never really saw a need; I don't use my cell phone as frequently as anyone else I know, and my car tends to sit in the garage undriven for days, sometimes weeks.
With the enforcement of laws beginning in California and Washington last week, Bluetooth earpieces have become the rage--even when people aren't behind the wheel. Sorry in advance if I offend, but this strikes me as a bit odd--maybe not as odd as the Bat Utility Belt look of a decade ago when the "tech savvy" would stock their overstressed belts with pagers, cell phones, and PDAs, but certainly in the same league. So that option wasn't very attractive.
The Dual BTM60 Bluetooth module attaches to several of Dual's in-dash car stereo decks.
(Credit: Dual)However, about six months ago, I upgraded the stereo in my car to a model that also happened to support Bluetooth cell connections. The stereo I replaced was the factory double-din that came with it when I bought the car 13 years ago. The CD player was skipping like crazy, and my wife was about to give birth to our first child, so this seemed like the right time to spend money on a new stereo for a car I seldom drove and expected to drive even less after the child was born (it's a two-seat convertible).
So I dove into research models, options, and prices. I ended up buying a Dual XHD6425 off Amazon.com for about $100. An installer at Best Buy said he didn't think the deck would fit in my car, but a handy tool at Crutchfield.com told me different (guess who was right).
This little unit does things I wish my $300 Onkyo TX-SR605 home receiver did: in addition to playing MP3 and WMA CDs, it also receives HD Radio signals, has an auxiliary input for your MP3 player, and a USB input for flash memory drives. It also has a connector wire at the back of the unit that will plug into Dual's BTM60, a Bluetooth module that transmits voice signals to your cell phone. The audio from the person you are speaking with is broadcast over the car speakers.
Since Dual already sold a module specifically designed for my deck, the choice was an easy one. New modules that used to retail for $99 can be found on eBay for less than $25 if you are patient. Mine was delivered Saturday, and like a kid on Christmas morning, I had it up and running in less than an hour.
The Dual BTM60 includes a 3-meter cord that attaches to the back of several Dual car stereos--the XHD-6425, in this case. The two wires plug in to each other, with the guidance of two arrows.
(Credit: Steven Musil/CNET News.com)Installation could not have been easier--it's practically plug and play. The module itself is about the size of two wine corks and attaches to the visor like your garage door opener (that location is actually much closer to your mouth than anywhere you could place it on your dashboard), and the connection to back of the deck just snaps into place with the guidance of arrows on the ends of each wire.
The most time-consuming part was hiding the wire between those two points. It wouldn't easily pinch against the windshield, so off came the weather stripping and convertible top anchor to allow access to the driver-side A-pillar cover. After threading and squeezing the wire behind the pillar cover, tying up the wire slack under the dashboard, and replacing the weather stripping and convertible top anchor, it was time for the easiest part of installation: pairing the cell phone to the stereo deck.
Hiding the module's connection to the in-dash deck inside the A-pillar was the most time-consuming part of the installation. After the wire is safely tucked away, the weather stripping slides back into place.
(Credit: Steven Musil/CNET News.com)The phone and module did most of the work for me--I just had to hit a few buttons when prompted.
And it worked from the get go, syncing up my cell phone as soon as I turned the key and delivering audio quality that sounded as good as the cell phone, at least in the comfort of my garage. But how about on the road, with the top down? Just as good, although you may have to adjust the speaker volume on the dash deck to hear your calls better.
When a call comes into your cell, it rings across your car stereo. You simply push the button on the module to pick up the call. You can also use the in-dash deck to place the call, although I think it will be some time before I master that skill.
I saw plenty of people driving around town this holiday weekend with cell phones plastered to the side of their face, so I am not sure how well obeyed the new hands-free law is going to be. After all, the fine if you get caught is only $20, but it can be 10 times that with other court costs factored in. That's more than my entire stereo upgrade.
So there you have it: Bluetooth functionality without the odd factor--unless you consider that you are talking to your visor and allowing the other drivers stopped at traffic signals to listen in on your phone conversations.
Hmmmm...
A start-up called Ozmo Devices is taking on the popular short-range wireless technology Bluetooth with a new flavor of Wi-Fi.
On Monday, the Bay Area start-up, which has raised $12.5 million since 2005, officially introduced a new low-powered Wi-Fi chip and software that will allow device makers to connect accessories like headsets, computer mice, speakers, and keyboards to laptops, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics using Wi-Fi.
For laptop and device manufacturers, using Ozmo's software means not having to include a separate Bluetooth radio in these devices to connect peripherals. With the Ozmo software installed on their devices, these manufacturers can simply use the Wi-Fi chips that already exist in laptops, gaming consoles, mobile handsets, and other devices.
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Ozmo Devices)
Wi-Fi is already integrated into almost every laptop that hits the market today. And as more mobile handsets such as Apple's iPhone and music devices like Microsoft's Zune come with embedded Wi-Fi, the market for Wi-Fi is growing. It's these mobile devices that Ozmo executives believe offer the biggest opportunity for their company. Unlike Bluetooth, which only provides short-range connectivity between peripherals and devices, Wi-Fi is used primarily to provide Internet connectivity.
"Manufacturers are putting Wi-Fi in devices because they want their devices to connect to the Internet," said Roel Peeters, co-founder and vice president of marketing and business development for Ozmo. "And now we're giving them the ability to use that same technology to also connect to low-powered peripherals, like headsets and speakers, as an added bonus."
In order for the Ozmo technology to work, device makers will have to embed Ozmo's software. And peripheral makers will have to integrate the Ozmo chip, which includes a subset of the Wi-Fi standard, into their devices. While it will certainly take time to seed the market with its technology, the small start-up is already off to a good start. Intel, the world's largest producer of Wi-Fi chips, has invested in Ozmo through its Intel Capital venture capital arm, and it plans to include the Ozmo software in its Centrino notebooks later this year. Intel has said the new technology will allow a single radio on a laptop to connect to the Internet while also connecting up to eight different peripheral devices.
While Ozmo executives claim there is enough opportunity for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to co-exist, the fact is that the Ozmo technology is essentially a replacement for Bluetooth.
"We don't have to displace Bluetooth for us to be successful," Peeters said. "But we think of Bluetooth as a legacy technology. Ultimately, consumers will choose which experience they prefer. But I think we have strong differentiators."
For example, Peeters explained that Ozmo's technology offers faster data transfers and better battery life on the actual peripherals, such as headsets, than Bluetooth offers. And because security is already built into Wi-Fi standards such as 802.11n, Ozmo's Wi-Fi technology is also more secure than Bluetooth, Peeters said.
While it's unlikely that Bluetooth will disappear overnight, Wi-Fi will certainly give the technology a run for its money, especially if the performance and cost benefits live up to Ozmo's claims.
The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile: Bluetooth speaker with rechargeable battery
(Credit: Logitech)As it's moved beyond PC speaker systems, Logitech has produced some of the better "cheap but good" iPod speakers we've seen in recent years. And now the company is adding a portable Bluetooth speaker to its lineup. The Logitech Pure-Fi Mobile boasts four 2-inch speaker drivers--two active, two passive--and a rechargeable battery that (according to Logitech) will deliver 12 hours of AC-free playback time. In addition to supporting wireless streaming from A2DP-enabled audio players, the Pure-Fi Mobile can double as a standard Bluetooth speakerphone. If wireless isn't your thing, the speaker can also accept any stereo audio source via its auxiliary line-in jack. And to round things out, it can double as a PC speaker via the USB port, which can also be used to recharge it. To complete its travel-ready pedigree, Logitech also throws in a soft carrying case.
... Read more
Hyundai brings its cars upscale, starting with the Genesis sedan.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)Microsoft and the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group announced today an agreement to put Microsoft's Automotive Platform, the technology behind the Ford Sync system, into Hyundai and Kia cars by 2010. Ford Sync lets users integrate MP3 players and cell phones with their cars, allowing for hands-free calling and voice-command music selection. There are no details yet about what features will be offered, but we can expect similar functionality to Ford Sync, along with anything else Microsoft can come up with in time for the assembly line. Hyundai Kia has been pushing hard over the last few years to go upscale, with the upcoming Hyundai Genesis luxury sedan being hotly anticipated. At this year's New York auto show, Kia showed off its first use of a GPS system, in the Borrego.
We spoke with Martin Thall, head of general manager of Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit, about the deal. He emphasized that the current announcement only covers the strategic partnership, and doesn't detail which models might carry the new system, or even how Hyundai Kia will brand it. Mr. Thall stated that Microsoft is interested in developing a strong speech experience with its automotive platform, and looks to a future where the platform becomes the head unit in vehicles. He also suggested that automakers are looking for low-cost navigation, and said one solution might be using dashboard left/right indicator lights for route guidance, rather than an expensive LCD.
Another part of the Microsoft/Hyundai Kia agreement includes an automotive innovation center in Korea that includes the Korean government as a partner. This center would work on Korean government initiatives concerning the environment and safety, and give Korean technology companies a leg up into the automotive market.
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 Open Interface's Rick Romatowski in July of 2007, it was clear that OINA was excited to see its Soundabout Lossless software licensed for use in high-end wireless headphones, car audio, and home theater receivers.
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Plantronics)
In the perfect utopia that exists only inside my head, all cell phones and MP3 players incorporate A2DP, also known as stereo Bluetooth. As a result, they're all compatible with stereo Bluetooth headsets like the Plantronics Voyager 855, which CNET rated 8/10, and which Newegg currently has on sale for $57.99, shipped. That's a pretty big savings over the $149.95 list price.
During business hours, the Voyager 855 functions as a fairly standard headset, albeit one with a cool sliding boom mic. When you want to get your groove on, you just connect the second earpiece and presto: stereo earbuds. Once you've experienced the ecstasy of walking around with your phone in your pocket and music piping wirelessly into your head, you'll never go back to corded headphones.
Just make sure your phone supports A2DP. Many models do, but for some reason it's not available on all handsets (cough Palm Centro cough). And it's pretty much AWOL on MP3 players, which mystifies me because (as I may have mentioned) wireless earbuds rawk.
Anyway, I've used the Voyager 855 myself, and while I like the noise-canceling nature of the earbuds, I agree with CNET's reviewer that sliding the boom mic does kill the fit. Still, music sounds great, and $57.99 is less than you'd pay for many non-stereo headsets. And now, back to my personal utopia, where my 60GB iPod touch supports A2DP. Ahhh.
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Philips)
For those who are iPhoneless, for moral or fiscal reasons, wouldn't it be cool to use the same headset for talking on the phone and listening to music? And what if it muted the music for the duration of the call? You wouldn't have to switch devices when you're walking along engrossed in the Brandenburg Concerti and your broker calls to say sell, sell, sell! You won't have to undo one set of headphones and reload a second pair just because your mamita calls you in the midst of Fat Joe's 1993 classic, "Shorty's Gotta Fat A**."
This, my friends, is technology at its most socially important.
Today Woot is offering this modern marvel at an 80 percent discount. See below for details.
What: Philips Bluetooth MP3/Cell Phone Headset VOX340/17
How much: $12.99
Shipping: $5
Where: Woot
When: One day only
Click here for CNET.com's product overview of the Philips VOX340.
The USBIRXR3: One man's quest for IR support on the PS3.
(Credit: Mike Muecke)One of our original and most persistent gripes about the PS3 has been the lack of any sort of IR support that would allow you to program your universal remote to command the system. As you're probably aware, the PlayStation 3 uses Bluetooth technology for its wireless controllers, as well as an optional Bluetooth remote that's designed for movie watching. While home-theater buffs may love their PS3's AV capabilities, they tend to find the lack of IR really irritating. It means that every time you want to watch a movie (or play a game) on the PS3, you have to switch to a second controller. Not so with the Xbox 360, which has an IR port on its face.
One would think that Sony would put out some sort of IR dongle that would solve the universal-remote compatibility issue (or hopefully integrate IR into the next version of the PS3), but thus far, no such Sony dongle has emerged. However, a handful of other USB dongles are trickling their way onto the market.
... Read moreYou have music, and you have a personal music player. You likely haven't purchased either from Philips, but the Dutch electronics maker wants to be the relay guy that passes music from your device to a home or office audio system.
The Philips BTM630. Click for a gallery of the other products shown off Thursday.
(Credit: James Martin/CNET News.com)The best example of Philips doing that is the BTM630, a Bluetooth-enabled desktop audio system with a lot going on. An iPod dock/charger is embedded in the top, along with an SD card slot and a USB port. The slot-loading CD drive on the front can be used--besides playing music--to rip audio files that can then be transferred to a USB drive using just the Philips system and no PC.
Any device equipped with stereo Bluetooth, like a cell phone, can play music from the phone over the BTM630. An LCD on the unit's face will show the song playing, so if someone calls mid-song, the system pauses the tunes, displays the caller's number and will allow hands-free Bluetooth calling right over the audio system itself. It's officially available in September for $199.
The iPod Remote is a lot less hardware for the same price, but it also takes up much less space. The dock plugs directly into any audio system or television and doesn't do anything fancy really. But the remote does--it's a regular universal remote, but on the top is an LCD screen that shows the iPod menu and can be navigated via the remote itself. It's also $199 and ships in September.
For more Philips audio products, click on the gallery.
A survey released today says the 2008 model year will yield the highest percentage of gadget-filled cars in history.
2008 BMW 5 Series: Techiest car in the world
The study, conducted by Telematics Research Group (TRG) and based on 100 cars announced for the 2008 model year, says almost 70 percent of cars for sale in North America will offer voice-activated, hands-free Bluetooth phone support. Navigation systems will come standard in 80 percent of announced MY08 models.
Portable music player support will also be at an all-time high. According to TRG's Technology Availability Index, 50 percent of cars will have direct iPod connectivity, and 90 percent will have auxiliary input and/or flash memory interfaces. (Not too long ago, those of us wanting to connect our iPods directly to our cars had to shell out around $300 for a stereo shop to install a third-party solution.) Some automakers are also taking a chance on the growing popularity of USB; 20 percent of upcoming models will offer support.
Other technology becoming more widespread in new cars includes safety systems like parking assistance; 60 percent of cars will have ultrasonic park assist as standard or optional equipment. Camera-assisted parking will be available on 30 percent of MY08 vehicles.
TRG named the 2008 BMW 5 series the most technologically advanced vehicle in world for that model year. According to the survey, it has the highest number of electronic features and gadgets available as standard or optional equipment. The German car beat out the Lexus LS-460, which led the pack in the '07 model year.
Availability of features for 2008 model year
