Latest Bluetooth gadgets make driving easier, safer
Bluetooth devices allow drivers to talk on cellular phones without taking their hands off the wheel. In the past year, the number and quality of Bluetooth devices has exploded as states have imposed regulation on driving with cellular phones.
The ubiquitous little devices are showing up for other applications that make driving more enjoyable and safer. For instance, rear-view mirrors with caller ID may be installed quickly and inexpensively without the need to run wires.
"In the past year manufacturers have introduced a variety of new products that improve usability," said Sean Meckley, marketing program manager at the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. "They help you avoid distraction and keep both hands on the wheel."
The latest products also offer better battery life, improved sound quality and simpler setup. bluetooth technology 2.1 was introduced during the past year and eliminates the need to program the device or enter passkeys. Pairing a single device or multiple devices to your phone is as easy as pushing a button.
Bluetooth technology is particularly popular in states such as California and New York, where it is illegal to drive while holding a cell phone to your ear. Instead, drivers may communicate through a Bluetooth device such as an earpiece.
Bluetooth technology began as a collaborative project between international companies and Ericsson, based in Scandinavia, was the first to develop a specification. The project was named for a 10th century Danish king, Harold Blatland (translated "Bluetooth"), who is credited with uniting warring factions of Nordic tribes.
What kinds of Bluetooth devices can help drivers keep their eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel?
Meckley quickly listed several devices drivers should consider. For newer vehicles that offer Bluetooth support, drivers can integrate accessories such as a GPS navigation system or a back-up camera.
For older vehicles without Bluetooth support, drivers easily can add a wide variety of Bluetooth devices without tearing up the floorboards. Bluetooth technology eliminates wires and can communicate efficiently up to 32 feet or so.
"A visor-mounted speakerphone is among the simplest ways to meet hands-free laws," Meckley said. "It stays in the vehicle so you don't have to worry about forgetting it when you rush out of your house."
The latest Bluetooth devices often include noise canceling technology to reduce road noise and provide a clearer connection, Meckley said.
Some hands-free devices offer a capability known as "speech to text," which lets drivers listen and respond to text messages using voice. Traditionally, GPS navigation devices required drivers to enter a destination manually. Now, drivers can give the devices a verbal command into a Bluetooth headset and hear a spoken reply from the navigation device.
Meckley offered the following suggestions for drivers looking for Bluetooth devices:
- Visor speakerphone. These are often battery powered and automatically connect to your cellular phone when you enter the vehicle. No special installation is required.
- Wireless Earpieces. These take just moments to set up. The devices also help drivers comply with hands-free laws.
- GPS navigation devices. Drivers can communicate to the navigation device through a Bluetooth headset and make hands-free calls.
- MP3 players that sync up to your <?php echo $brandposess; ?>sound system. This allows you to stream music and control your MP3 player from the stereo head unit.
- Rear-view mirrors with caller ID and speaker phone.
- Headsets for listening to music. Passengers can listen to music without plugging wires into the sound system or MP3 player.
"There's a Bluetooth device for every budget and audio preference," Meckley said. "The latest models offer improved battery life and sound quality."