Bluetooth In Cars

Bluetooth wireless technology has made my life so convenient. I’ve had a Bluetooth headset for my phone for almost four years and I’ve been syncing my laptop to my PDA phone via Bluetooth for about three years. I don’t know what I would do without it.

When most people hear about Bluetooth, they associate it with mobile phones and headsets. In a nutshell, Bluetooth provides a way to wirelessly connect and exchange information between devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, printers, mobile phones or digital cameras. It allows the voice or data transmissions to be transmitted via a short distance radio link.

The expansion of this technology in the past year has lead to the greatest growth in the automotive industry. There are now over 20 car companies that offer standard or optional Bluetooth enabled communications in their newer models. Some of the popular car brands that offer Bluetooth built-in or as an option are Acura, Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, Lexus, Toyota and Volkswagen.

The newest Bluetooth-equipped vehicles enable drivers to keep their cell phone tucked away while the on-board system provides hands-free calling, and some systems can even download the cell phone's directory into the vehicle's display. The most common Bluetooth feature in cars (in several variations) is the ability to control your mobile phone wirelessly from your steering wheel or the dashboard. For those of you who aren’t going to buy a new car soon, there are aftermarket devices available such as the ones made by Parrot. Most of the kits are easy to use. You just plug it into the cigarette lighter, and you’re ready to be hands-free. The prices range from $100 - $200 (www.cnet.com).

Other Bluetooth features in cars include keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring. The Audi A6 3.2 lets you open the car just by walking up to it, and starting the engine with the push of a button. Pirelli’s X-Pressure AcousticBlue, available this September, will allow you to check the pressure on your tires without getting out of the car.

Who knows what they will think of next. With all the advancements and more to come, I say that buying a car with a Bluetooth system will almost be like buying a computer because there’ll always be something new and exciting coming out. Note that in order for your phone to work with your Bluetooth-ready car, your phone must be Bluetooth enabled. Keep your eyes open for new Bluetooth things to come. For more information go to www.bluetooth.com.