Jalopnik: Bluetooth

How Houston uses your Bluetooth phone to fight traffic

Matt Hardigree — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EDT

A massive wall of video screens displays real-time images from a network of cameras, while employees look at a million points of data on their own computers. It's Houston's other mission control, and they've now got a new tool to combat congestion: your Bluetooth device. More »

LG Solar Handsfree Speakerphone Is Greener, Safer

Travis Hudson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:20:00 EDT

All right, Californians, we know you're saddened by the new mobile phone law that will come into play next month, but there are other options out there to help you comply with the law without looking like a Bluetooth headset-wearing tool. One interesting option is to select one of the increasingly popular Bluetooth speakerphone systems. And one of those in particular seems to cater to popular Californian sentiment: The LG Solar Hands-Free Bluetooth 500. This small and simple Bluetooth speakerphone suction-mounts onto your windshield. But wait Johnny, there's more... More »

Motorola Unveils H620 Bluetooth Headset With Road-Noise Adjustment

Travis Hudson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Today, Motorola unveiled a refresh to its H-series line of Bluetooth headsets. Most notably is the release of the H620 in-car headset. The H620 has been optimized for the driver with one particularly nice feature. More »

Parrot Gets Viral About Cell Phone Driving Laws

Travis Hudson — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:20:00 EDT

With the California hands-free law looming ever closer, it's prime time for all the hands-free and Bluetooth companies to peddle their wares. Today we find a particularly humorous and viral-ish video from Parrot, a manufacturer of speakerphone-type hands-free devices. The video shows a kid taking cell phone calls while participating in a driving test. There is a smidgen of vulgar language, so those Jalopnik faithful working in churches may want to turn the volume down. [Youtube; Parrot] More »

Bluetooth Handsfree Visor Car Kit Has Caller ID

Travis Hudson — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT

This post is dedicated to the residents of the second best state in the continental United States: California. You folks only have a little over a month left until the handsfree type of devices are required by law so we're here to help you get ready for that with some viable options for continued chatter. One option is this Bluetooth handsfree visor car kit. This device clips to the visor and acts as a speakerphone and microphone all rolled into one. What makes it stand out from the usual lot of Bluetooth handsfree speakerphones is the inclusion of an LCD screen to act as a caller ID. That way you can avoid those calls from your boss while driving. For those non-Californians, you can still enjoy this device as well. Hell, there's a chance that a handsfree-law is already in place for your state. This portable handsfree Bluetooth kit is available for $100. Or save the $100 and don't talk on the phone while driving. [Product Page via CG] More »

Study: California Hands-Free Law Could Save Hundreds Of Lives

Travis Hudson — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:20:00 EDT

It's inching closer to July 1, the day that California, one of the highest vehicular-populated states will enact a law requiring the use of a hands-free type of cell phone device while driving and completely banning mobile usage for those under the age of 18. A recent study has shown that this law could prevent upwards of 300 fatalities per year, all in the highly lucrative profession of event planning. More »

Pioneer AVIC-F Series Media, Navigation Systems Features Advanced Voice Recognition

Travis Hudson — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:40:00 EDT

Pioneer has announced a few new additions to its line of car navigation systems. The AVIC-F700BT, AVIC-F900BT and AVIC-F90BT come with features like iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, MSN Direct, HD Radio, XM, Sirius, CD, DVD, USB, SD and more. Although, the real specialness comes from their voice recognition abilities. More »

Lamborghini-Branded Bluetooth Headset: Coincidence Anyone?

Travis Hudson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:05:00 EDT

We love Lamborghinis as much as the next guy around these parts, but there's always something peculiar if not alarming about the drivers of these cars—at least those who use Lamborghinis as daily transportation. And yes, these are the kind of people who thrive on Bluetooth headsets. They always have one on, waiting for a phone call to come in so a big...deal...involving...what kind of business is some dude using a Lambo as his everyday sled into, anyway? We're not thinking hedge funds. More like Caspian oil futures. So, it's only appropriate that Lamborghini has decided to brand a Bluetooth headset, named Bello. More »

DS-400GB Integrates GPS, Bluetooth, Kitchen Sink Into Rear-view Mirror

Travis Hudson — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:20:00 EDT

The DS-400GB is a new solution to the problem of dash clutter—you know—when you have Bluetooth modules, navigation units, backup camera displays and more all over the dash. This device takes all of those goods and integrates it into the rear-view mirror. The right side of the rear-view mirror is sectioned off as the GPS navigation unit and display for a back-up camera. More »

BlueTouch Adds A Bluetooth Dialpad To Your Vehicle

Travis Hudson — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:45:00 EDT

Using Bluetooth in a car is pretty damn snazzy—whether it's just a headset or integrated with the entertainment center, it's just a nice convenience. The one problem that still remains with these types of systems is dialing. In most cases, you still have to grab your phone and find your way through a phonebook, therefore taking your eyes off the road. Bluetouch is looking to solve that problem. More »

Neck-Mounted Bluetooth Headset Won't Make You A Beauty Pageant Winner

Travis Hudson — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:45:00 EST

By now you should be well aware of the cellphone usage laws for your state, but if you can't bear wearing a Bluetooth headset on your ear, there are other options. This takes the traditional Bluetooth headset and turns it into a god-awful ugly neck-mounted contraption is that will draw more blank stares than if you just used a regular Bluetooth headset. It does include one nice feature. More »

Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Speakerphone Can Talk To You, Isn't KITT-Related

Travis Hudson — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST

Slow down commenters. Yes, this is a gadget inside of your car capable of talking to you, but it isn't Knight Rider-related so cool down a bit. The Sony Ericsson HCB-150 is a Bluetooth speakerphone that attaches to your visor and includes one heck of a feature not seen in very many car cellphone accessories. More »

SurfaceSound Compact Is a Bluetooth Speakerphone of a Different Flavor

Travis Hudson — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST

In the overcrowded world of automotive Bluetooth speakerphones, innovation isn't all that common. But the SurfaceSound Compact has broken from the pack, defied the odds, and proved itself to be both intuitive and innovative. The speakerphone mounts conveniently on the visor. Rather than sporting unnecessary and complicated buttons simply pulling the mic down will activate the SurfaceSound Compact for use and sync it with your cellphone, once you have set up a connection. More »

Anycom Solar-Powered Bluetooth Speaker Eliminates Unnecessary Cables

Travis Hudson — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:00:00 EST

Anycom is touting what it believes is the world's first solar-powered cellphone car speaker system, complete with Bluetooth wireless technology. You know, I'm thoroughly sick of all of the "world's first" labeling that gets thrown around, but I'll reserve that for a separate rant. Fact is, this "world's first" device isn't too shabby. More »

Parrot RK8200 Head Unit Looks Too Much Like a Cellphone

Travis Hudson — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST

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All right, I get it. People like to talk on the phone in the car. This is an established behavior that I have to deal with, but the RK8200 from Parrot is just a bit too much. This after-market head unit looks like a cellphone. The green and red buttons to the 12 button dialpad and even the LCD screen just scream CELLPHONE! More »

Plantronics Hates Bluetooth-Wearing Jerks, Develops 12V DC Charging Headset

Travis Hudson — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:30:00 EST

There is a time and a place for using a Bluetooth headset and the most common is in the car. I'm sorry if you do it, but if you wear one of these in public, you are a grade A, private first class asshole, period. Plantronics' 665 is a headset looking to combat and reduce the number of assholes, at least until car companies stops dicking around and include Bluetooth compatibility in all models standard. This Bluetooth headset includes a cradle that can charge the device via a 12V DC adapter. More »

OnStar No Longer General's Only BFF? GM to Add Bluetooth by 2009

Travis Hudson — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:15:00 EST

What's going on with GM and OnStar? For the past forever, all GM models (Cadillac STS excluded) have not included any kind of Bluetooth compatibility in order to ensure there's no competition with OnStar's cell service. That is, until now. Comparing OnStar to a Bluetooth compatible car and personal cellphone is like calling a McDonalds burger a filet mignon. No offense, McDonalds, my alcohol-lined stomach loves those burgers at 3 a.m. More »

Lambo-Jogging T*** Busted by Bluetooth

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:59:47 EDT

We'd planned to tell the story of the UK guy busted for running over a parked Lamborghini. With his sneakers. The drink-sodden wanker dented the Lambo's roof causing something like 20,000 Britpounds in damage. Like many YouTube suspects, the guy's exploits and name were caught on video, but how he got caught is a matter for the geek Darwin awards, should such a thing exist. We'll let the Fast Lane Daily kids tell the story, considering they spent all day in the back of a Bentley Continental GTC, and have apparently ditched Oksana Baiul. [via Winding Road] More »

Cadillac Unsure Whether There Is "Consumer Interest" In Bluetooth?

Ray Wert — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 11:15:00 EDT

We've finally had the chance to check out the General's newest addition to its blogging empire — a blog all about the Cadillac CTS. Because who doesn't want a blog all about one model with little to no online enthusiast following? But whatever — for those of us users of the newest of new technology, we're always looking to make sure our cars work with our gadgets. Which is why we found the response to a question posed back in April of "Will the CTS have Bluetooth capability?" so interesting. Here's what the General has to say:

"Bluetooth capability will be a dealer-installed accessory for 2008 CTS models. There's a very simple "pack" that dealers install quickly and easily to enable this capability. We're investigating a more-comprehensive approach for subsequent years if consumer interest continues to grow in Bluetooth. But the CTS absolutely can support it for 2008. Stay tuned on this front. Cadillac will have some really interesting features to discuss later this summer that will be in the CTS right off the bat."

Good to hear the General's right at the bleeding edge of technology — so bleeding edge they're "investigating a more-comprehensive approach" to a dealer-installed "pack" on a technology available in the majority of cell phones on the market — but only if "consumer interest continues." This does not bode well wethinks. So if you, as a consumer, is interested in Bluetooth — why don't you head on over to GM's Caddy-blog and make sure to drop them a comment on the post below telling them so. – Ray Wert More »

Bluetooth for Engine Tuners

Mike Bumbeck — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:15:00 EDT

Innovate Motorsports has teamed up with BradaTech to keep cable clutter from tangling up engine tuning. Bluetooth adapters are now available for the entire range of Innovate tuning products. Running air-fuel ratio signal from wide band O2 or other sensors and data from test runs can be dumped wirelessly onto a PC or Pocket PC. With a 100 foot range one could theoretically even log data from another vehicle. Drilling crazy holes through the firewall and cabins that look like the inside of ENIAC will soon be a thing of the past. – Mike Bumbeck More »

Ford And Microsoft Get In "Sync" To Offer Wireless Internet In Your Car

Ray Wert — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 13:32:07 EST

The Wall Street Journal's confirmed Bill Ford's FoMoCo and Bill Gates' MicrosoftNotMoCo will be unveiling a joint project next weekend at both the Detroit Auto Show and the Consumer Electronic something-or-the-other. We're assuming it's the same one we were talking about before — the one supposedly modeled after the software maker's joint project with Fiat called "Blue & Me" it's a system that:

" will allow for hands-free cellphone communication and other wireless information transfers inside the car, including the ability to receive email and download music."

We're also hearing... More »

Detroit Auto Show Preview: Ford And Microsoft Scheming, Making Plans — Doing The Bluetooth Thing?

Ray Wert — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 17:22:41 EST

Autoblog's sister site EnGadget is of the opinion FoMoCo and the big software behemoth out in Redmond, WA are scheming on some sort of joint project to win over the hearts and minds of the nations motorists. Supposedly said heart-winning is to come via Bluetooth connectivity a la Chrysler's uConnect feature and it'll be jointly (or not-jointly) announced at CES and the Detroit Auto Show. We don't know if that's exactly what it'll end up being that FoMoCo/MSFT will end up showing, or even if they'll end up showing anything at all. But now we're curious as to what other announcements may be on the horizon — an Apple and General Motors Chevy iSuburban perhaps? Keep your eyes tuned here via the Detroit Auto Show page or the RSS feed all the way through the end of the show on January 10th for more deets as we learn them. – Ray Wert More »

Mercedes Drops Better Bluetooth

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 15:30:56 EDT

A new Bluetooth system from Mercedes may keep those wacky apocalysts from writing a new "Left Behind" book about Bluetooth phones in hot cars. A new module lets users operate a Bluetooth-compatible phone from a car's multifunction steering wheel, audio system, and central display. The best part is, there's no cradle or docking station — the system recognizes a phone from wherever it is (jacket, briefcase, geeky belt clip) and links it up with no fuss. No word on whether it'll be available in the US. More »

Ciao, Babies: Fiat Launches Line of Cellphones

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 11 May 2006 14:44:03 EDT

Agnelli heir Lapo Elkann's penchant for cocaine and transvestites hasn't dampened his brilliance in marketing the Fiat name and logo to a new generation of Europeans. He started with track jackets and shoes, and — according to a story on Carscoop — has moved on to electronics. A new line of Fiat-branded cellphones will show up in boutiques across Italy this month, in a novel package that includes a brushed-aluminum piston as a base. They're a perfect tie-in with Fiat's intention to roll-out Bluetooth across its model range. More »

The Mirror Has Eyes: The Modoofree Car Kit, With Parking Sensors

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 10:41:10 EST

Drivers of many large, luxury SUVs are already familiar with the beckonings of parking sensors. Get too close to a parked car, and the bastard chatters away like a sparrow caught in a basement meth lab. Now, a new, aftermarket solution offers that kind of backseat driving action on any car. It's the Modoofree PLUS kit, which includes a Bluetooth-enabled rear-view mirror and a set of parking sensors that can be attached to a car's bumper. Mobile phone features include a speakerphone with noise and echo-suppression filter, and a display of a caller's number on the mirror. The display also indicates the car's distance from obstacles, which may prevent accidents, but won't prevent the onset of in-car buzzer madness. More »

Mac Mini-Equppified Infiniti M45

Davey G. Johnson — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 15:09:18 EST

Here's some sheer-wiz tomgeekery: an Infiniti M45 Sport packed to the gills with Apple-type gadgetry. Rockin' Stevie J.'s brand-spankin' new FrontRow multimedia dealy, it kicks out the sound via a Griffin iMic, with remote control via Bluetooth to a Palm Treo 650 running Salling Clicker. More control? It's got a Bluetooth mini-mouse for runnin' the compy itself. Using Rsync X via Wi-Fi the crazy thing syncs itself to the owner's home G5 at night for any noteworthy updates. We're waiting for the backseat wireless car-control joystick ourselves. [Thanks to Brooks for the tip.] More »

Scosche Bluetooth iPod Connection for the Car

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 17:13:43 EDT

Car-audio supply firm, Scosche industries has developed an iPod add-on that just may lead us to invest in a car audio system that uses that 'ol wireless Tooth of Blue. The company's Bluetooth Wireless Interface, which will be available this month for around $250, connects directly to the headphone output connector of an iPod (or other portable digital audio unit) and transmits to an Bluetooth receiver, whether a vehicle's head unit or home audio system — in CD-quality sound. Sure, it's pricey, and sure it needs a pricey Bluetooth-capable head unit (or new, pricey high-end luxury vehicle that comes equipped with one). But the joy of crushing our FM-band crapfest solution under foot is worth all four figures, minimum. More »