In Car Blog | In-Car & Car Audio Blog: Industry Updates & Expert Views

Choosing Between a Wired or Bluetooth Car Kit

September 9th, 2009

There are a lot of options available to the customer when buying a car phone kit, with all the different car kits out there, what are the main differences between them and specifically a wired car kit and a Bluetooth one? Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages which must be considered when choosing which kit to purchase.

Wired car kits require the phone to be placed in a cradle upon entering the car. The cradle charges the phone, and calls are routed automatically through the device, and if the device is a hardwired connection to the vehicles head-unit, audio can be heard through your car’s speakers. Any actions you want to perform – making, answering, and ending calls, or using menu options – must be done directly from your phone, so it’s essential that the cradle is positioned correctly for comfort and convenience. There are also negatives to having a cradle, the cradle will only match 1 phone or in some cases a specific brand. This means you can’t use more than one phone, rendering the kit useless if you upgrade phones or if family members or work colleagues have different mobile phones.

With a wireless Bluetooth car kit, calls are automatically routed from your phone to a small speaker or through your stereo and car speakers – your phone never has to leave your pocket or purse. The connection is established automatically when you enter your vehicle and start it. Any functions of your phone that you need to use are controlled from the dashboard control unit or via voice command, instead of from your cell phone. Additional benefits of the Bluetooth kits include the extra options available. Including additional inputs including iPod, AUX Mp3 and on some occasions USB.

Essentially, if you’re on the road for long periods of time and are concerned about phone battery life or you prefer to use your phone to control calls instead of learning to use the dashboard control unit, then the wired kit is probably for you. However, if you like the idea of using the dashboard control panel, or the convenience of not having to place your phone in the cradle when you get in the car, or you like additional music then the wireless bluetooth car kit is a better option.

Author of aritcle Nick Janaw

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Bluetooth Car Kits: Is anybody listening to my calls?

September 8th, 2009

Many people have had the experience of talking on a cordless or cell phone, and hearing snippets of another person’s conversation, a police radio, etcetera. Therefore, the concern over having someone eavesdrop on your conversation, or even steal data from your mobile phone, because you are using a Bluetooth device, is a legitimate one. However, these kits are designed so that doing so is extremely difficult for hackers.

Bluetooth kits utilize a common frequency for signal; the same frequency used by many mobile phones, cordless phones. However, even though it would seem as though Bluetooth devices would cause, or receive, a lot of interference because of this, the manner in which two Bluetooth devices are paired (or set up to discover and recognize each other) results in no interference. Bluetooth devices must be connected to one another, and once they are they establish a closed network of signal, which is very difficult to hack.

It is possible to take extra steps to protect yourself; if you set your phone and kit so that they are not “discoverable” by other Bluetooth devices, it is much more difficult for anyone who might want to steal your information to do so. Also, because Bluetooth devices operate on an extremely low-powered signal, which only has a diameter of about 30 feet, the likelihood that there is someone within 30 feet of you who is trying to steal the use of your phone is very low. So, despite the concerns of the ease of hacking wireless devices, the manufacturers of Bluetooth devices have safeguarded the technology against most opportunities to do so.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits | Comments Off

Bluetooth Car Kit Installation – Things to think about

September 4th, 2009

When the time comes to purchase a new Bluetooth hands-free car kit, the first priority is obviously to decide which model to purchase. Price varies, and some have far more features than others. However, once you have decided on the kit that works best for you, the next step is to decide where to buy it, and who should install it.

Most Bluetooth car kits come with an installation guide, which allows the consumer to install the kit himself. The process is fairly straightforward, and the manual walks the Bluetooth owner through the process, step by step (where to position the microphone, et cetera). Often the most tricky areas are routing the wires and positioning microphones. However, there are several important factors to take into consideration. One has to ensure that no part of the Bluetooth device blocks access to the mirrors, controls, gearshift, or any other parts of the vehicle used while driving. Also, some manufacturers consider the Bluetooth’s warranty null and void if a consumer installs the device by himself. This is only usually the case if any part of the kit is damaged during the installation.

The other option, of course, is to have a licensed and experienced technician install your Bluetooth kit. Always ensure that the person who installs your kit is familiar with your vehicle, and has worked on others like it in the past. The installer will be able to provide a guarantee that if the kit doesn’t work when tested, the problem will be fixed. (If it doesn’t work, some installation providers will refund the price of the kit, if you purchased it there, but not the cost of the installation labor.)

Bottom line: if you have done jobs like this before, and you are confident that installing the kit yourself, you should attempt installing it yourself, and save the extra charge. However, while it may cost more, having a licensed professional do the job is usually the better option.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits, Car Bluetooth, installation | Comments Off

Dension iPod Car Kits – The Users Choice for iPod integration

September 3rd, 2009

Dension iPod car kits are a great option for those who want to be able to listen to their entire music library on-the-go. Dension has a variety of car kits available, ranging from a simple auxiliary cable, to an active dock which charges your iPod while it plays. Another popular model is the Dension ice>Link one, which works with virtually every vehicle, and plays your iPod via seven user-selectable FM frequencies. (Of course, with this model, getting great sound quality isn’t difficult to obtain, as its hard-wired connection into the radio aerial, and blocks out additional frequencies. The most popular and user-friendly models appear to be the Dension Gateway 100 and 300.

The Dension Gateway models (100 and 300) allow users to play music from their iPod (or any USB media player) through their car’s stereo. Users can choose to control their music and options through the Gateway user interface, located on the car’s dashboard, or via their iPod clickwheel. The Gateway also charges the iPod as it plays, and users can see album, artist and track title information on the dashboard screen (Where compatible), instead of having to look at their iPod’s screen while they are driving. Optional accessories include a Dension BTA1500 model (compatible with the gateway 500), which allows the user to make handsfree phone calls and play music stored on a mobile phone, or a Dension AVR, for playing iPod videos and DVDs. Available features vary, depending on the vehicle, but there is a Gateway interface that allows iPod integration available for just about every car.

Posted in Dension Gateway, iPod Car Accessories, iPod Car Kits, iPod Kit, ipod car kit, ipodcarkitdirect | Comments Off

Bluetooth Kits: Are they really the safer alternative?

September 3rd, 2009

Many studies have been completed, in an attempt to ascertain the safety of using a Mobile phone while driving. The outcome of most, if not all, of these investigations has proven that Mobile phone use is a significant contributor to the likelihood of being involved in a collision. For many, Bluetooth kits are the answer to that problem; the kits allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, and their eyes on the road, while having a conversation. But just how safe are these kits?

Bluetooth kits allow drivers to keep their hands and eyes focused on the task of driving while using their cell phone. However, the fact remains that while a driver’s senses may be focused on the road, a driver’s mind will most likely be focused on the phone conversation. Then by extension the driver is not fully concentrating. Therefore, while many Counties and towns are prohibiting the use of Mobile phones while driving, some are also considering banning the use of Bluetooth kits.

How much of a distraction is a Bluetooth kit, really? For those who need to use their phones while on the road for business purposes, a Bluetooth kit is a necessity, not a superfluous distraction. As many if not all drivers know distractions can come in many forms. Anyone who has driven with the radio on, or with passengers – especially children – knows that there are other aspects of driving which can be just as distracting, if not more so, than a phone call. A perfect example of this is the Satellite navigation systems on the market today. Many of which are now more detailed than ever before, offering more detailed maps and accurate positioning (Even to the point of the angle of your vehicle on the road). Drivers often rely on these products to navigate around specific areas and motorways. In doing so, often the driver’s concentration is on the navigation unit and not the road. So, while the desire to eliminate any unnecessary distractions behind the wheel is a legitimate one, it is unrealistic to think that it is possible to rid drivers of ALL distractions. It is also unrealistic to think that those who use their Mobile phones for business purposes will be willing to give up the ability to talk and drive, equally as with the need to navigate around the counties or country, Despite the potential consequences. As such, a Bluetooth kit is clearly and not only a safer option but a necessary option rather than using a handset while driving.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits, Car Bluetooth, Parrot Bluetooth | Comments Off

The Bluetooth Bury – Style and Functionality Combined

September 2nd, 2009

The Bury Bluetooth technology is one of the most complex in Bluetooth in-car kits on the market today. The three main kits – the CV9040, the CC9050, and the Burry CC9060 – feature touch-screens that allow the user to easily utilize the device’s various functions at a touch. The large display makes these kits easy to use on-the-go, and allows users to access various functions of their mobile phone – contacts, text messages, etcetera – without having to locate their handset, or take their eyes off the road to locate small buttons. Touch screens not your thing? That’s okay, the steering wheel-mounted remote controls for these models vary from a simple, 3-button version, to a full keypad, allowing you access to all of the kit’s functions, all while keeping both hands on the wheel. Various other functions of these models, such as text-to-speech software which allows the device to read text messages aloud in up to four languages, and the ability to automatically mute your car’s stereo when a call comes in, make these devices even more desirable for the savvy Bluetooth user.

While some may worry about positioning their Bluetooth device’s display, that’s not really an issue with these kits. The CV9040, for example, has the LCD screen built into a convenient and small flip-style device; the kit automatically rotates the display, so it can be positioned anywhere inside the car. With the other kits, the versatile and easy-to-use mounting bracket makes positioning the kit a breeze. It can be mounted on the car visor, the dashboard, windshield, et cetera.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits | Comments Off

Bluetooth Headset vs. Bluetooth Car Kit: Things to Consider

September 1st, 2009

Most people are aware of the advantages of having a Bluetooth headset – no more searching for the phone when it rings, you never miss a call, and using a Bluetooth while driving is far safer than using a handset. However, what are the differences between using a Bluetooth earpiece, and having an installed car kit? How would you decide which one to purchase?

The Bluetooth earpiece is inexpensive, and its functions are simple; for most earpieces, one button will dial the last number and answer calls, and then there are volume buttons. That’s it. Also, if you get out of the car for some reason – to pump gas, go into a store, et cetera – the earpiece goes with you, making it slightly more versatile than a car kit.

Bluetooth kits, on the other hand, have far more functionality. Many have voice-recognition software that allows you to dial a number or contact verbally; some will automatically mute your car radio when you have an incoming call; there are even models with touch-screens, or steering-wheel mounted remotes, which allow you to perform multiple functions without touching your mobile phone. Some models have text-to-speech functions that allow the driver to hear a received text message. You also don’t have to wear an earpiece.

Essentially, Bluetooth earpieces are a good choice, if you want simplicity, if money is an important factor, or if you want to be able to leave your car and continue using a hands-free device. However, Bluetooth kits are usually the better option, if what you’re looking for is functionality and style, along with convenience.
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth system and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits, Car Bluetooth, Parrot Bluetooth | Comments Off

A bad batch of iPods?

August 26th, 2009

There have been a few news reports lately regarding a bad batch of iPods which have been “exploding”. News reports suggest that an 11 year old girl from liverpool had heard hissing noises from her iPod before it popped and she could smell burning. Apple had thrown out reports of a bad batch and suggested it was an “isolated incident”. News quickly got around and before long, quite a number of people were “claiming” that their iPods had gone faulty on forums and around the internet. Apple released a statement saying that these were simple lies and that only a very limited number of Apple iPods had been replaced with these faults, less than 10 infact.

As this has became big news, a few people have jumped on the bandwaggon. All isn’t bad though, some fun and games has arrived from this media hype. A game was developed called “iPop – Make iPods Safe”. Its a nice quick game to cure some boredom. Check it out here.

Posted in General, Uncategorized, iPod Car Kits, ipod accessories, ipod car kit, ipodcarkitdirect | Comments Off

Bluetooth for the Business Man / Woman

August 25th, 2009

For anyone who is self-employed, or travels a lot for his or her job, a cell phone is a necessity. Missing calls while on the road is simply not an option for those who own their own business, or need to be contacted by employers or customers on a regular basis. With the creation of bylaws in many States / countys and towns prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving, a Bluetooth device is a necessity for those who use their cell phones on the road. Everyone has missed a call at some point while driving – whether because they can’t hear the phone ring, or because the phone falls under a seat or in another inaccessible location. Missing a call while driving can be a much bigger problem for self-employed people, or those who travel for work, than for the average person, who uses their mobile phone only for personal purposes.

With a Bluetooth headset, the problems inherent with using a cell phone while driving are ameliorated, or eliminated. Missed calls are a thing of the past, because the Bluetooth device is always accessible, and audible. Users won’t have to worry about being pulled over and cited for using a phone while driving, because in most of the places where using a mobile phone is prohibited, Bluetooth devices are still allowed, because the driver can still keep his or her hands on the wheel while talking. Also, the chances of getting involved in a collision are lessened, because drivers’ reaction time is unimpeded with a hands-free device. And for those who spend a large portion of their time driving company vehicles, or their own commercial vehicles, anything that lessens the chances of a collision is certainly a benefit.
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth and ensure you and other road users remain safe.

Posted in Bluetooth Adapters, Bluetooth Car Kits | Comments Off

Hifonics Release 09/10 range of Brutus Amps

August 12th, 2009

Maxxsonics’ new Hifonics Brutus amplifier line up offers the most versatile and comprehensive Super D-Class series than ever before.

For years, Brutus BXI amplifiers have been recognized the world over as some of the best subwoofer amplifiers in their class. The new Brutus amps are 1-Ohm stable, but also run at 4- or 2-Ohms for a much tighter bass response.

Simply put, watt for watt, a Brutus amplifier produces more output with less impact on a car’s battery and charging system, than many other amps available today. Translated into cost, that’s more wattage output with less battery current used, equaling more watts per dollar.

For SPL, nothing compares to the Super D-Class grade microprocessors developed exclusively by Hifonics. In relying on this super-speed enhanced chip-set, Brutus BXI amplifiers offer higher current capacities and more precise digital to analog conversion. The result is very low distortion, even at high listening levels. For high performance sound, Hifonics doesn’t miss a beat by also including a Brutus A/BClass amplifier in the line.

According to John Studley, Vice President Product Development, “Our Brutus amps not only sound great, but look great with an extruded aluminum chassis and an illuminated Hifonics logo. We spend just as much time and detail on the technology of our products as we do on the exterior.” Studley concluded by saying, “Even the Hifonics logo was designed so that it has a soft haloed illumination that is tasteful and not distracting.”

See the Brutus series and complete line up from Hifonics at the Maxxsonics booth, North Hall 1809 at CES.

MODEL	RMS POWER	MSRP
A/B-Class
BXI610	1 x 150 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 300 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 600 W @ 1 Ω	$ 449.95
*D-Class*
BXI1210D	1 x 450 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 900 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 1200 W @ 1 Ω	$ 649.95
BXI1610D	1 x 550 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1100 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 1600 W @ 1 Ω	$ 799.95
BXI2010D	1 x 650 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1300 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 2000 W @ 1 Ω	$ 999.95
BXI2610D	1 x 850 W @ 4 Ω, 1 x 1700 W @ 2 Ω, 1 x 2600 W @ 1 Ω	$1199.95

Posted in Audio Assault, Car Audio, Quality Car Audio | Comments Off

Choosing Between a Wired or Bluetooth Car Kit

Bluetooth Car Kits: Is anybody listening to my calls?

Bluetooth Car Kit Installation – Things to think about

Dension iPod Car Kits – The Users Choice for iPod integration

Bluetooth Kits: Are they really the safer alternative?

The Bluetooth Bury – Style and Functionality Combined

Bluetooth Headset vs. Bluetooth Car Kit: Things to Consider

A bad batch of iPods?

Bluetooth for the Business Man / Woman

Hifonics Release 09/10 range of Brutus Amps

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