No more wires! (for cellphone music)
Friday, January 18, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Tags: FM Transmitters, Mobile Audio, Verizon Wireless
I've been complaining recently that one of the issues surrounding satellite radio retail products is the amount of wires necessary to get it up and running in your car. For first-time buyers, it's all a bit too daunting (especially with the FM transmitter regulations the FCC has slapped on the industry).
So along comes the Venturi Mini, which uses (gasp!) an FM transmitter to connect your cellphone to your car stereo, now being offered by Verizon Wireless.
With this handy-dandy device, music get streamed via stereo Bluetooth and relayed to your car's headunit. Completely wire-free. It will even pause you music and act as a handsfree kit when you receive a call.
Here's a thought, how long do you think it'll take for someone to come out with a "car dock" that does the same thing?
[Engadget]
Thanks Sean!
Featured Entries
Search Orbitcast:
Latest Poll
Comments
Interesting. And Public Radio is ok with this? These cell phones could be running all over their weak signal that no one listens to.
Posted by: CalGoldenBear | January 18, 2008 11:24 AM
So it's a transmitter that transmits a transmitted signal? I smell horrible audio quality.
Posted by: emptyspaces | January 18, 2008 11:50 AM
Hmm... a hands free cellphone kit that broadcasts over FM. This sounds like a great opportunity for audio voyeurs everywhere! Why tune into syndicated talk radio when you can tune into that redhead in the car next to you?!
Posted by: Chris M | January 18, 2008 12:09 PM
My question is.. Why are they able to use an FM transmitter while the satrad industry cannot? This is a big issue. The Fm transmitter was HUGE benefit, and now the hardwiring process eliminates some potential satrad subs right off the bat.
Posted by: TheHoff | January 18, 2008 12:37 PM
@The Hoff:
Because the NAB isn't afraid of losing business to Verizon.
Posted by: TVGenius | January 18, 2008 12:47 PM
It's GPRS/EDGE, which means if you figure out how to stream Sirius/XM over your cell phone, it's likely going to be 32Kbps, which is going to suck for your car stereo.
Posted by: realwx | January 18, 2008 1:37 PM
How come satrad is the ONLY industry that cannot use FM modulators (at the required level to be useful)? I-PODS, cellphones, independant transmitters, everybody else seems to be able to blow away any local FM station but Sirius and XM can't put a decend FM mod in their units.
Posted by: IdRatherBeSkiing | January 18, 2008 2:13 PM
Here's a thought, how long do you think it'll take for someone to come out with a "car dock" that does the same thing?
NOT SOON ENOUGH!!
Posted by: Prozac | January 18, 2008 2:16 PM
EVDO can handle internet radio bandwidth well...
The Sprint Musiq has the FM modulator built into the handset.
Posted by: Anonymous Coward | January 18, 2008 6:51 PM
Ok... so this takes audio from a cell phone via Bluetooth A2DP, then retransmits it over FM. Not a bad solution, especially for stock head units... but an increasing number of aftermarket manufacturers are already including the Bluetooth A2DP profile in their head units, or in OEM interfaces, so that such an FM transmitter isn't even necessary.
I would actually like to see XM embrace Bluetooth audio transmission, and try to get away from FM. Partner with Scosche, or another company that has aftermarket Bluetooth OEM interfaces, and this is a great way around the FM transmitter problem. Of course, a Scosche interface needs to be connected to the back of the head unit, but since most of the current satellite radio models require professional installation to run all the wiring anyway, there's still nothing different. Just a couple less wires to run, and great audio, regardless of the FM situation in your area.
Posted by: MikeV | January 20, 2008 9:13 AM