Students Get Paid To Use A Bluetooth For The Car

Sometimes it pays to use a Bluetooth For The Car.  In the state of Iowa, adhering to state and local laws concerning hands free communication while driving can pay out

Corey Walker, an attorney plans to reward Newton High School students who sign a pledge not to drive distracted by mobile phones. He wanted a way to keep new inexperienced drivers from talking and texting while driving.  He and his wife, Beth, offer $25 iTunes gift cards as well as $100 college scholarships to students who sign the pledge.  In this pledge, they promise not to use talk or text while driving until graduation.

Oprah also offers a "No Phone Zone" Pledge on her website, although there is no monetary compensation or message to use a Bluetooth for the car. The pledge reads:

“I pledge to make my car a No Phone Zone. Beginning right now, I will do my part to help put an end to distracted driving by committing to drive as responsibly as I can.” 

At the time of this post, there are over 420,000 people who submitted pledges.  Click here to make your own pledge

http://bit.ly/oprahpledge

Now You Can Talk To Your Car Stereo

GPS FOR THE REST OF US

For the half-dozen or so consumers that do not have GPS in-car or a cellphone with a GPS chip embedded into it, Dual AV's XGPS150 external Bluetooth GPS module brings navigation capability to devices that do not have it. The product will work with any cellphone or tablet that has the capability of running navigation applications that require a GPS chip. The product is placed on the car dashboard, receives signals and coordinates, and wirelessly transmits them via Bluetooth to any nearby pre-configured device. It has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 8.5 hours, and also includes a car cigarette lighter adapter as well as a nonslip pad that can be put onto the dashboard so the product won't slip off. But the most interesting accessory that comes with the product is an adjustable strap that can be used to mount the device as an armband. Nothing says "I know where I am and I know where I'm going" like accessorizing with a GPS module. $100; visit dualav.com

TALK TO YOUR JENSEN

The little-used iPhone voice control has migrated to the car stereo, and it will be interesting to see if it gets better use on a bigger stage. Jensen's VM9314 DVD Receiver boasts a seveninch motorized touch screen, a front-panel USB and SD Card slot, the ability to read MP3, MPEG, XVID and AVI files and support for the company's addon 110BTM15 Bluetooth interface. The unit arrives with a microphone that allows users to utilize the iPhone Voice Control without being anywhere near their iPhone.

It's a good addition in that voice control is theoretically an ideal way to operate the car stereo when driving. But, rather than leveraging Apple's voice control, we'd prefer if the manufacturer had developed its own system so that people who don't already drink the iPhone Kool-Aid wouldn't get cut out of all of the talk-talk-control fun. As much as we like the iPhone, we think its voice control is humdrum. But Jensen deserves credit here because innovation should always to be rewarded. $420; visit jensen.com.

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On-Star FMV Bluetooth For The Car Rear View Mirror

On-Star postponed the debut of its aftermarket Bluetooth for the car rear-view mirror with embedded On-Star technology until the summer so it would include an external microphone. This option increases hands-free cellular voice quality to OEM On-Star systems and aftermarket Bluetooth speakerphone kits standards. The external microphone is fitted into the headliner or above the overhead console.

The Bluetooth for the car rear-view mirror features hands-free calling, auto crash response, turn-by-turn navigation, security services like a stolen vehicle locater and stolen vehicle slowdown. Automatic crash response uses a built-in accelerometer that detects the sudden shock of front, side, or rear impacts and triggers an automatic call to an On-Star adviser. If there is no response, an On-Star adviser directs emergency responders to the exact GPS location of the vehicle.

On-Star also changed the name to On-Star FMV, (For My Vehicle).  On-Star FMV will be offered with several service plans that start at $18.95 a month ($199 a year.)  In attempts to expand its market beyond owners of newer GM vehicles, On-Star said a rear-view mirror with embedded GPS, cellular, Bluetooth for the car speakerphone and accelerometer will be priced at a suggested $299. Installation costs estimated at $75 to $100.
(Source: TWICE)

Crysis 2 Bluetooth Headset For The Playstation 3--Awesome!

Later this month, Performance Design Products will be releasing a new Crysis 2 branded hands-free Bluetooth headset for the PlayStation 3.

Use the Crysis 2 Bluetooth Headset for Playstation 3 to strategize and make the last stand to save humanity as the Nanosuit 2 wielding supersoldier.

The headset offers the sleek look of the Nanosuit and features a talk time of 5 hours, 100 hours of standby and a range of 30 feet.

 

For additional product details, videos and retailers check out the website PDP.com.

NEW--BMW Automated E-mail Dictation Via Bluetooth

BMW has developed a prototype system that allows drivers to compose full-text e-mails and text messages using voice commands from a connected Bluetooth for the car. Unlike voice-activation options in existing BMWs, the technology relies on speech-recognition algorithms that offer drivers, as well as passengers, freedom to dictate original messages from over a million recognized words in the database.

The main novelty is that you can compose e-mails with the same ease of use that you would have with a PC in an office setting--without taking your eyes off of the road or using your hands. You respond to e-mail by dictating out loud what you want to say while using voice commands for editing functions, such as deleting, moving, or replacing text.  For millions of workers who otherwise waste a large percentage of their time driving every day, being able to send and receive e-mails safely while commuting would represent an obvious boost in productivity.

Does it look like he's working? BMW's voice-to-text e-mail technology complements options that BMW already offers. With BMW's ConnectedDrive, for example, you can connect your Blackberry to the dashboard console with a Bluetooth for the car connection and the audio system reads e-mail or text messages out loud as you drive. When the car is not in motion, it is possible read the full texts of the e-mails from a Blackberry inbox on the car's dashboard screen. For the iPhone, BMW will offer an app with which drivers can open and lock their car remotely.

(Reference: PC World)

Attention Star Wars Geeks - A Must Have Bluetooth Headset

The Earloomz hands-free Bluetooth headset selection lets you choose between four different scenes that are sure to thrill any Star Wars fan.  

Journey to a galaxy far, far away every time you make a phone call. Choose the scene for your Star Wars Earloomz Bluetooth Headset that speaks to your inner geek or get all four claim bragging rights that will put all other Star Wars fans to shame. 

For more info, check out the Earloomz homepage:  

http://www.earloomz.com/

Jabra STONE 2 hands-free Bluetooth Headset

Independent of the standard on-face microphone, the new and improved Jabra STONE2 elegantly wraps behind the ear to combine style and functionality.

Jabra STONE2 users’ can take advantage of the innovative all-new Voice-Control System that enables them to make outgoing calls as well as answer/reject incoming calls. Using the voice guidance feature, the name of the incoming caller is announced to the user through the headset in the exact same manner as it is the stored into the phone. In case the number is not stored or it does not support PBAP, the system then reads out the number aloud. Audio alerts for low battery and connection with mobile devices are also provided while providing easy set-up process of pairing Stone 2 to other Bluetooth-enabled multimedia devices.

With support for Jabra’s third-party apps at the Jabra World of Apps, Users can choose from the variety of apps that have undergone aggressive testing to work with Jabra’s hands-free devices. Other than voice-enabled music and entertainment apps, Jabra’s voice-to text app enables reading email messages, status update on social networking sites and notifying users of missed calls. Four “comfort-tested” and ergo-designed ear gels provide a personalized fit for different ear shapes and sizes. 

For more info visit the manufactures website below. 

http://www.jabra.com/sites/mobile/na-us/products/pages/jabrastone2.aspx

Texas Is Tough On The Texting While DrivingTrend

In Texas, the current policy bans texting while driving as well as all use of a cell phone unless it's used with a hands-free device like a Bluetooth for the car.  State law allows mobile phone usage while driving but bans texting and talking while inside school zones. This law could all change if HB 243 passes.  The bill states that an operator may not use a wireless communication device to read, write or send a text-based communication while operating a motor vehicle unless the vehicle is stopped.  Sheriff Terry Box of Collin County supports the bill and has implemented similar policy inside the sheriff's office patrol areas.

"I believe texting while behind the wheel of a vehicle should be illegal," Sheriff Box said. "This, in my opinion, will become the #1 contributing factor to all accidents in the future." 

"There is a place on the accident report for contributing factors like cell phones, but no one hardly ever checks the box because the officers don't witness it and when asked, the drivers never will admit to using the cell phone so most officers just check the box for 'drivers inattention,'" the Sheriff said. "That is probably a catch-all for talking and texting."

 

"I do believe it to be compared to drunk driving," Sheriff Box said, "and I believe in the next few years it could be as serious as drunk driving if we don't try to change our habits now. It is my opinion that everyone thinks they can do it and still drive OK and everyone else shouldn't."

Drivers' distracted operation of a motor vehicle, has and will continue to be a major issue for others on the roads. This is best summed up with statistics from www.distraction.gov the government's website for distracted driving.

Additional states including Maryland, New Jersey, California, New York, Connecticut, Delaware and Washington have also taken the steps for legislature to ban all handheld cell phone usage unless a Bluetooth for the car is utilized.

Text messaging is banned in 30 states as well as the District of Columbia. Additionally, inexperienced drivers are banned from texting in eight states: Mississippi, Alabama, Maine, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas, Indiana and West Virginia.  States such as Oklahoma and Texas have specific laws for school bus drivers who are banned from text messaging.

 

JABRA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF A NEW THREE SPEAKER, HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH FOR THE CAR

The revolutionary Jabra Freeway provides an awesome hands-free Bluetooth for the car speakerphone.  Here are some industries changing the key features of this cool device:

·         virtual surround sound, noise-cancelling and voice activation

·         provides virtual surround sound, noise-cancelling and voice activation

·         hands free Bluetooth market’s first three-speaker system

·         high-quality audio output

·         advanced three-speaker design

·         dual microphone system to reduce road, wind and other background noise

·         make or receive calls just by using their voice, enabling completely hands-free communication

·         Built-in motion sensor for simple, hands-free use, automatically turning the in-car Bluetooth speakerphone on or off when the car door is opened or closed.

·         A2DP Wireless Streaming allows users to play music and audio from GPS applications or smart phones wirelessly through the car radio

·         Multi-use™ permits two active Bluetooth® connections simultaneously, with the ability to switch between them freely

·         Universal use and connection – no additional Bluetooth stereo adapter or phone kit needed

·         Voice Control functionality to make, answer, redial and reject calls

·         Up to 14 hours talk time and up to 40 days of standby time

·         Two chargers included – USB and universal car lighter charger

This release of this hands free Bluetooth for the car device was announced in Sydney, Australia just a few hours ago.  The device will be available sometime during the middle of March and the areas of availability can be found at the manufactures website www.jabra.com.

To view a video of the Jabra Freeway, please visit: http://campaigns.jabra.com/jabra/edumarketing/FREEWAY/index.html

For related Bluetooth for the car devices, accessories and related products, check bluetoothforthecar.com

Unbelievable--Hands Free Bluetooth Jewelry That Cost $100K+ !!

Just another example of why I think people have finally lost their minds--a hands free Bluetooth headset and speakerphone intergrated into high end jewlery that cost over $100,000 bills!  Read more below.

Novero roots stem from the wireless accessory division at Nokia. Two years ago, the head of the division contacted Nokia and requested to purchase and severe the division from the company in order to create Novero. Two years later, the company has employed over 400 workers worldwide and raking in over $150,000,000 in profits.  Mainly from providing Bluetooth for the car devices for hi-end clients like Bentley, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Mercedes-Benz. The company employs engineers for making their hands free Bluetooth acessories and people from the jewelry and fashion industry to including gold craftsman.

First and foremost the new Victoria collection looks like fashionable jewelry, not technology. The pieces do not look anything like a Bluetooth headset at all, until you see a piece on the necklace can be placed in one ear during use. They have even hidden the LED battery indicator on the backside of the device.

 

The Victorian collection includes several Bluetooth jewelry pieces such as the Victoria Pearl, Victoria Stripes, Victoria Lapis, Victoria Wave, and Victoria Victor.  Each will retail for between $250 to $350 during the inital fall sale. For those with real money to burn, (or credit debt to increase) the company will also offer a "Premier Edition" which encompasses handmade pearl necklaces with several variations of pearls, diamond and gold. The necklaces will cost more than most people make in two years time, starting around $100,000.

Bluetooth hands-free sets are quite the lastest craze, but the new Victoria Collection by Novero brings hands free Bluetooth design up a notch. Eligance and functionality are fused creating acollection of stunning hands-free earpieces made from rare gemstones and precious metals.

 

The Victoria Collection by Novero comes in three styles for women: Lapis, Pearl, Stripes, Wave, and one called ‘Victor’ for the fashion conscious men. Looking stylish while talking hands-free on the mobile gets expensive—EACH individual piece retails for $120,000.

Check out their website for all the latest and greatest hands free high end Bluetooth headsets. www.novero.com

 

 

Posh Hands-Free Tie Lets You Chat In Style

A concept device outside the standard Bluetooth hands free communication craze.

The Tie Up is a new concept for hands-free communication that tackles the problem of poor sound quality (e.g., echo, speakerphone effect) while having a stylish design derived from a business/fashion icon, The Tie.

As opposed to the earpiece, which is just far from your mouth; the Tie Up provides better sound for the people you are conversing with by placing the mic right below your mouth. Simply wear your ‘techie tie’, slide it up the lanyard to answer and down to hang up. Volume can be controlled (up/down) by circular motion.

Designer Wooteik Lim has come up with a hands-free headset concept that is designed to function better than current headset technology while simultaneously allowing you to look classy. Although the Tie Up might just look a little more like a stethoscope if there are headphones involved, Lim's idea provides an interesting alternative to the standard hands-free headset tech.

iGrill, The World’s First Bluetooth Cooking Thermometer for iPhone and iPad

I know this Bluetooth device is a little off topic of my standard Bluetooth for the car, hands free Bluetooth or Bluetooth headset post, but this seems pretty cool.

iGrill, the world’s first bluetooth cooking thermometer for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. Designed to provide you with perfectly cooked steaks every time, the iGrill offers multiple probe options and will let you know the status of your food via bluetooth. The press release appears below:

March 8, 2011, Canton, CT — iDevices www.igrillinc.com announced today that iGrill, the award-winning world’s first wireless cooking thermometer for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad via a long-range Bluetooth® and App-enabled connection, has signed a catalogue distribution deal with Frontgate, America’s premiere indoor and outdoor home outfitters and a website distribution deal with Omaha Steaks, the world-famous Nebraska-based company that manufactures, markets, packages and distributes beef, seafood and other comestibles.

Winner of both the Bluetooth Innovator of the Year 2011 Award and Bluetooth SIG Best of CES Award, iGrill turns your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into your own personal sous-chef, enabling you to multitask between your grill or oven and guests with the peace of mind that your food is perfectly cooked, at target temperature and safe for consumption.

“We are extremely excited to have partnered with these two outstanding companies,” said Chris Allen, CEO, iDevices LLC. “Frontgate will bring us into the homes of consumers across America and Omaha Steaks will put us in front of our target market. Both of these companies dominate their industry, so the choice to partner with them fit our niche distribution strategy perfectly.”

The first Bluetooth and App enabled device on the market today, iGrill consists of:
· iGrill Thermometer with Projection Display and Probe – features easy-to-clean touch interface and multiple probe options.
· iGrill App for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – tells you status of food via Bluetooth.

Now Available in Black or White through Apple Stores & iGrill Site -

Priced at $99.99, iGrill is available immediately through the iGrill site at: www.igrillinc.com, phone: 1-888-WE-iGRILL(1-888-934-4745). Apple online store, and Apple retail stores across North America, with availability in April.  Now available in black or white, iGrill comes with one iGrill probe and display equipped with long-range Bluetooth®, useful Apps, and 4 AA batteries. iGrill is the first in a line of products created by iDevices geared towards the Apple lifestyle.

iGrill – Now You’re Cooking

Maverick Nica Sunrise v2 Bluetooth Headset

Another cool Bluetooth for the car accessory. 

This is the Nica Sunrise v2 Bluetooth headset by Maverick Lifestyle. These are version 2.1 Bluetooth profile headsets, and they are also "multi-point," which means you can pair them with two phones.  The rechargeable lithium polymer battery provides 4 hours talk time and 150 hours standby time. Besides the included mini charger, users can also get the $19 desktop dock and $29 car dock for easy loading.  The device itself will run you $79.95 for the Nica Sunrise Bluetooth headset.  For additional information, reviews and hands free Bluetooth for the car devices, check out this blog: BluetoothForTheCar.com

Check out the companies website here
 Maverick Lifestyle Bluetooth Headset

General Motors New Hands Free In-Car Bluetooth Smart-phone System

General Motors is revealing its new version of in-car connectivity utilizing a driver's smart-phone.  This device is expected have more features and rise above Ford's competing integrated system, Ford Sync.

Similar to the Ford Sync, it will allow drivers to utilize their smart-phone, play music and manipulate additional vehicle functions by voice command. It boast feature such as artist song and name display. Pandora online music service will be linked to the device as well.

"We're taking the infotainment system to the next level," Micky Bly, GM's chief engineer. "We've spent a lot of time on the human machine interface making sure customers do not have too many distractions."

The GM system, Chevy MyLink, will first debut sometime later in 2011 first in the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric Jetson's car and the Equinox crossover. The system will eventually be offered on other GM vehicles.

See the full gallery on Posterous

MyLink adds stereo audio streaming and wireless control of smart-phones. GM built the MyLink chassis on the Bluetooth hands-free calling capability already offered in some of its vehicles. 

As displayed above, MyLink includes a high-resolution, 7", full-color touch-screen display that makes media selection a breeze to navigate. Above all, it retains all capabilities of today's high tech entertainment units.

Bly says the system is in no way a response to Ford Sync.  General Motors has realized the popularity of smart-phones and the stringent hands free laws most states are dealing with today.

On-star has been GM's longest running optional in-car system that uses a live operator through a hands free integrated system. Ford introduced the Microsoft Sync system several years ago which changed the way a driver communicates hands-free through the in-car devices -- from smartphones to MP3 players. Hyundai and Kia now have similar systems and Toyota is currently working to get it's version on the market.

For additional information related to in-car Bluetooth devices, Bluetooth headsets and hands free Bluetooth equipment, visit Bluetoothforthecar.com