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Bluetooth devices enhance ride comfort and make communicating on the move easy

Bluetooth is a wireless networking technology used in exchanging data between devices like mobile phones, computers, GPS and others over short distances. By connecting two or more devices together, Bluetooth creates a Personal Area Networking (PAN). The technology centres of Ericsson mobile communications first developed this technology. Later, along with many mobile phone manufacturers, the technology centres of Ericsson mobile communications formed the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG). For any device to carry the Bluetooth logo, the companies have to register themselves with Bluetooth SIG and meet the highly specific product requirements. This standardisation of specification enables the interconnectivity of Bluetooth devices worldwide, regardless of their make or brand. Once a scarcely used technology, it is very common now and is used for many more purposes other than connecting to a mobile headset.

Following are some of the Bluetooth devices which help in making one's life easy while on the move.

Bluetooth hands free car kits

Most countries have passed laws which prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Driving with long wires hanging from the ears causes inconvenience. With Bluetooth hands free car kits, a driver can answer a call as well as manoeuvre his car easily through the traffic without taking his hands off the steering wheel. Many car manufacturers provide these communication systems as standard or optional accessory. World wide, around 30 car manufacturers offer Bluetooth - compatible cars. Generally, these models have a microphone fitted on the rear view mirror, a steering wheel/ dash mounted control panel and a Bluetooth receiver. Some also have digital display part as well. Any mobile phone with Bluetooth capability can be connected to these standard accessories supplied by car brands. Cell phone companies have Bluetooth car kit models with different features. While a basic model helps in answering or rejecting calls, reading SMS with the touch of a few buttons, slightly advanced models have voice recognition, sync the address book with the phone, music player and other facilities. Other than Bluetooth car kits, there are Bluetooth wireless headsets and wireless speakerphone accessories to help hands free communication while driving.

Bluetooth GPS Navigators

Initially, people did not know the use of Bluetooth GPS Navigators. However, many makes and models featured Bluetooth GPS Navigators which resulted in their popularity and usage. From just displaying the maps and telling the user the current location, the navigator guides the user on how to reach his destination easily. The human interface device in the console is connected through the Bluetooth with the satellite receiver. Many models also come with voice guidance. This feature helps in communicating with the user through voice, understanding the voice commands and in giving instructions. Besides guiding through turns, these devices also provide alerts on intersections, traffic signals and curves. It provides details on the traffic conditions and suggests alternative routes that are available. In India, these devices are preloaded with most of the important cities and towns. With its increasing popularity, maps of more number of towns, important highways and smaller places are being added. It also allows you to download new maps from respective websites. This device helps in saving a great amount of time and energy while driving.

Bluetooth car stereos

The latest car audio systems are integrated with Bluetooth interface. It allows the user to synchronise with any device, mobile phone, a lap top and other gadgets. Music files can be easily uploaded to the stereo from any device. Models like JVC Kameleon KD-AVX40 have touchscreen controls and can play video files as well. It has a screen on the panel which plays only when the car stops. The rear screens entertain occupants in the rear seats. You can connect it to a mobile phone and when the call comes, the volume gets automatically lowered. When the call gets over, it resumes back its previous volume level. There are a large variety of Bluetooth models available in the market today.

Apart from all these devices, various manufacturers are developing integrated communication, navigation and entertainment platforms for their vehicles. Such in-built devices will co-ordinate with multiple devices like mobile phones, GPS systems and music players through Bluetooth technology. Microsoft's windows automotive is such a technology which will work as a platform on which various automakers like Ford and Fiat are building unified communication system for various devices inside the car.

In a forecast made by market watcher 'iSuppli', there is a huge rise in the number of car manufacturers adopting Bluetooth technology in their products. According to the forecast, 82 percent of manufacturers in the U.S. will introduce Bluetooth technology in 2009 alone, to woo buyers.

Bluetooth technologies have made driving easy and comfortable. Hopefully, they will also bring down road accidents worldwide.

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