The use of hand-held mobile phones while driving was banned (in the UK) back in 2003, and for good reason. The latest statistics show that phone-driving is far more dangerous than first anticipated. Several studies have been undertaken by government departments and driving charities to learn more about the effects of this increasing trend whilst driving.
Studies show that the reasons for phone-driving being dangerous are the two fold, firstly physically breaking contact with the vehicle steering wheel & taking your eyes from the road for prolonged periods (Obviously far more dangerous when texting). Secondly lapsing in concentration when being involved in the conversation. The second although as serious as the first, is some what of a null point as many other distractions can cause the driver to lose concentration, e.g chatting to passengers, changing the radio (or CD's) or even applying make-up while driving.
These lapses in concentration are now considered more dangerous than drink driving and you are as likely if not more likely to cause an accident. The lack of concentration on driving the vehicle severly reduces our reaction speeds when on the phone, therefore when we need to react to an incident on the road we have far less time than we would when driving normally.
There are obvious advantages to having a mobile phone present in the vehicle, 9/10 people carry them as a social habit anyway . However being able to contact people in the case of a break down or other emergences can be vital in any situation. Its the work of road safety charities and government departments to try ensure this is the only time mobiles are used in the vehicle (by the driver) with out the aid of handsfree buletooth car kits.
Police are now able to hand out on the spot fines of $50 and points on your licence for careless and dangerous driving. The police force however do recommend the use of handsfree car kits when driving as they cut out the first set of problems when using the mobile. Calls can be received & answered via steering wheel controls or voice commands, on a lot of new bluetooth car kit products allow the user to browse the phone book, messages and settings with out having to pick up the phone.
Driver safety is paramount, if you do anything dangerous whilst in control of a vehicle you are likely to penalised at the very least. If you think their is no problem using a mobile phone while driving remember this; you are more likely to cause or be involved in an accident while using a mobile as you are drink driving, and i know must of you look down upon that.
Government & charity campaigns are starting to sink in with the majority of people and handsfree bluetooth kits are becoming very popular, however not enough of us are using them.
The solution to this problem is simple. In the form of handsfree bluetooth car kits. These kits are readily available and come in two forms, an integrated kit that connects into the vehicle's stereo & speaker system, and unviersal bluetooth kits that can be swapped into different vehicles. The integrated system has far better sound quality and more functions than the universal kits however both reduce the chances of having a accident significantly.
Universal Bluetooth handsfree kits can be exchanged between vehicles and are provided with a power cable to keep the charge, Integrated Bluetooth car kits are hardwired into the stereo system and provide excellent sound reproduction and automute functions
The most popular technology in recent years would have to be Bluetooth. Bluetooth is a type of wireless communication allowing you to connect to Internet, phones, cars, and satellite without the vast array of cables holding you down. Most people unknowingly come in contact with some sort of Bluetooth technology every day. The wireless world is advancing, offering better communication abilities, navigational skills and integrated service. Bluetooth technology is all around you but to access its abilities you have to have the latest accessories.
The latest accessory to the Bluetooth family is the car kit. The car kits enable wireless access to your phone and navigation system with your voice. With a car kit your phone doesn't even to come out of your pocket. The system can be accessed completely with your voice. If you need a phone number from your phone simply ask and your car system can find and call the requested number. The Bluetooth car kits came just in time, because many states are enacting legislature making handheld cell phone usage while driving illegal.
You can set the numbers, or menus to show in your rearview mirror or allow them to be voice activated. Another feature of the new Bluetooth car kit is when you have an incoming call the technology works together, turning your car audio system down and alerting you to the call. The caller ID system can announce the caller or you can have it displayed on the rearview mirror. With all the distractions on the roads, having your hands completely free to drive is sure to help prevent more car accidents.
Other accessories to the Bluetooth family are the integration of Bluetooth and the Mp3 players. There is no longer a need for the wire connection. Your music can be accessed, stored and played with Bluetooth. This new technology also enables the ability to share music between your phone, PDA, and computer. You can send pictures and files to other people's cell phones in an instant.
There are unlimited options with the new technology available from Bluetooth. Business offices are benefiting from the lack of cables and wires, clearing precious cubicle space for employees and additional work. With wireless PDAs, coworkers are able to send meeting notes and information to each other before, during and after meetings with the touch of a button. Offices are becoming more flexible in work schedules realizing that with Bluetooth employees can access office computers from home.
There are so many options available for using Bluetooth technology in the world today. As companies work to improve efficiency in and around the office, having wireless technology available gives them a significant advantage. With wireless connectivity in our homes, cars, and offices the ability to communicate with others can happen wherever you are.
Dice electronics an American manufacturer of iPod related hardware have released an updated version of the Dice iPod car kit. The new kit called the Dice Silverline is available for all the car models previously compatible with the older kit but the Silverline has updated firmware that supports the new iPod models and allows additional features.
The Dice Silverline iPod car kit has similar functionality to the previous model and in reality is pretty much the same kit except the new features allow the user to browse through Songs and playlist before making a selection, this allows the user to keep listening to the music while cycling through the current list to make the next selection, no other kit currently on the market allows the user to do this.
The ipod car kit is wired into the CD Changer connection on the back of the headunit (3&6 pin connection in the boot in BMW's) and converts the apple iPod AAC file format to a compatible format the factory fitted stereo understands. This allows the iPod to charge & automatically switch on and off when the CD changer source is selected.
The Dice Silverline can also be controlled through the car's steering wheels controls (where available) and the New advanced interface allows you to find tracks via playlist, song or artist making it much easier to find the tracks that you are looking for.
The DICE iPod Car kit was designed to provide the ulitmate experience for iPod Vehicle integration, it also features an auxiliary jack that can connect to any external audio device offering a fantastic all round performance.
Dice iPod Car Kit - The Definitave brand of iPod Vehicle integration kits. Dice electronics have spent a significant tim and resources producing the latest edition of their iPod kits. The Silverline edition of the Dice kits provides complete integration of the apple iPod to your vehicles factory fitted radio. Simply connect the harness to the CD Changer input (3&6 pin pre-wired lead in BMW's) and you can have access to all of your music collection stored on your iPod at the touch of a button. Listen to CRISP, CLEAN sounding digital music when ever your on the move.
Full Integration - As the Dice unit is hardwired into the headunit (CD Changer input socket) It acts as a ghost CD Changer, so when you select / deselect the CD Changer source on your headunit the Dice interface will appear and automatically switches the iPod on/off accordingly. The Silverline kit charges the iPod while connected however the smart sensor provides you with the security of knowing that you can leave you iPod connected without draining the car battery.
Lightening Interface - The Latest Dice Silverline iPod car kit is the most recent to hit the market. Dice have increased the features on previous versions to allow users to browse through songs, albums and playlists before making a selection. The main and most important update of the new kits is that it has adopted the same principle heirarchy as the iPod (playlist, artist, album & song) this gives you (the user) a much more indepth and user friendly way of browsing through your tracks, in fact more choice than any other kit available on the market today.
System Operation - The Silverline operation is simple; the kit s controled by the CD Changer buttons and steering wheel controls. The new and improved interface allows you to cycle through and make selections on Playlists, Albums and songs and in most vehicles text information will be displayed. However this depends on your factory stereo, Some stereos are not equipped to support this feature. As a rule if you receive text information now you should with the new silverline.
Your iPod interface will remain unchanged, you can select if you want to use the iPod interface to access your music or the Dice interface to contol the system from your stereo.
What the Silverline provides - When you purchase the Dice Silverline Poor Music is a thing of the past. You can forget all about the poor quality cassette adapters, illegal transmitters and cigarette lighter cables as the Silverline is compatible for a large amount of vehicles and factory fitted radios
The Dice kit will allow you to play your music through the car stereo in excellent digital quality, in addition to this the silverline also has a 3.5mm AUX input as standard allowing the connection of other MP3 and auxiliary devices such as DVD and CD players
The Dice Silverline is compatible with the following iPods;
4th Gen 4th gen colour, video, mini, nano, nano 2nd gen, touch 1 & 2nd gen, classic, iPhone & iPhone 3G
The Dice Video Cradle can be added to the package (additoinal cost) to allow the video to be played via a 3.5mm jack (any screens must have AV input connection to display videos)
Dice Key Features:
- Dice VLP Technology
- Control your iPod from stereo and steering wheel controls
- CD Quality Audio
- Navigate music by song, playlist or album
- Keeps the iPod charged
- Comes as standard with a dock cable
- Supports unlimited playlists
- Additional AUX input allows aftermarket devices
Belkin introduces the new TuneBase FM and TuneBase Direct that allows you to pick up a call on your iPhone while in the car, hands-free. Both TuneBase can also be used to listen to music from iPhone in your car.
They can be connected to your car’s stereo system, which means the call’s audio and music will come through the car stereo. The TuneBase Direct comes with a 3.5mm cable include for connecting the stereo system. The TuneBase FM instead offer FM tuner with ClearScan technology. They can also charge iPhone and iPod players and be used as speakerphones.
The TuneBase FM will come in mid-July while the TuneBase Direct in early June.
Whilst we like to feature Bluetooth car kits that are compatible with many phones and cars, we realise that specific situations may need a dedicated solution. The ViseeO MBU1000 and MBU2000 Mercedes Bluetooth adapter is the solution to just such a problem.
Mercedes-Benz is offering drivers new mobile phone use options by fitting modules with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) software allowing selected Nokia and Siemens sets to be used while carried in a pocket or handbag.
Quite simply, this device will convert a factory fitted Mercedes carphone to make it compatable with any bluetooth phone, including the iPhone. So for Mercedes drivers who have upgraded (or who need to upgrade) thier mobile phone, they can use the built in handsfree system installed in their car.
As this system is a bridge between the factory fitted car kit – the speakers and the microphone built into your Mercedes – the call quality you get will not change, but it will mean compatability with modern phones, without needing to replace the installed car kit, or your car!. There are two versions available, one for the older Nokia phones and one for Mercedes UHI/MHI cradles. If you drive an older Mercedes one of these Mercedes Bluetooth adapters may just be what you need.
"Once registered, the Bluetooth (SAP-Profile)-compatible mobile telephone is recognised by the new system as soon as it comes within range of the vehicle," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group Middle East. "In addition, access is also possible to the internal memories of specific mobile telephone models."
This means that the user is not only able to telephone, but can also search for a stored number or read a SMS. All these functions can be easily controlled by the driver via the multifunction steering wheel, the audio system and the central display in the instrument cluster. This comfortable feature is an addition to the Mercedes-Benz range of telephone equipment.
Thanks to Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) the new telephone module provides the connection to the GSM network via the exterior car telephone antenna. This means the mobile telephone has no GSM network connection and access is automatically deactivated when the unit switches to standby mode.
The telephone module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) enhances the mobile telephone system in many current Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Because the plug connections are compatible it can be simply plugged into the mobile telephone pre-installation in the centre armrest.
The Mercedes-Benz Telephone Module with Bluetooth (SAP-Profile) is available in two variants from Mercedes-Benz general distributors. The first as a closed-box system in autonomous design or as a handset with handrest and passive cable-connected receiver.
Both models are fitted with a Bluetooth (SAP- Profile) and SIM card reader, and their shape and size have been adapted to the Mercedes-Benz mobile telephone pre-installation. The ergonomically designed handset also offers a Privacy Mode so that other passengers cannot hear a conversation. The hands-free system is muted in this case.
When you drive off the lot in your new car from Ford Minneapolis, chances are that it is equipped with the popular SYNC technology. This means you get to pair up your phone and music and not have to worry about taking your hands off the wheel for anything. There are tons of new laws going into effect on a pretty consistent basis regarding the use of cell phones in cars. And with all the options on the cars from Chevrolet Chicago there really is no excuse for talking on your cell phone while driving. Bluetooth is included on most non-base model cars and is usually an option as well.
For drivers who have an older car from Used Trucks Seattle, there are ways for you to be a safer driver as well. Aftermarket options have been available for a few years now, but with increasing knowledge and improved technology, some of the newer options are better than ever. You have the option of dropping your car off and having it hardwired for the Bluetooth technology. There are also aftermarket sets that use speakerphones and receptors in the car to mimic the voice activated controls you will find in a Bluetooth equipped car. Lastly, some of the portable navigation systems also have Bluetooth features so you can be an even safer driver.
One of the best units on the market right now is going to cost you $300, but the noise cancellation technology of the Parrot MKi9200 makes it worth the money. This hardwired option will require professional installation unless you feel confident playing around with electrical systems in your vehicle. Once you sync the unit with your phone, it will retrieve your phone book and allow you to voice dial. Plus, it comes with a 2.4-inch color screen so you can easily see what you are controlling, whether it is your phone or your music storage.
The iPod car kits today have become not a thing of luxury but a matter of necessity. Today they are not thought of as accessories but as necessities. If you have to spend major part of your time in the roads, the iPod car accessories are indeed necessary for you. They can make you feel relaxed and help you to drive with a piece of mind.
It may not be always possible to carry the loads of music collection wherever you go. In that sense, it is best to have these different car kits with you so that any where you may listen to any kind of music that you want to listen.
The ipod car kits would not engage your hand and would let you hear music with the use of the earphones. This would enable you to drive safely. You can also get the iPod speakers and position them well in your car with the help of the different iPod car accessories that are available in the market.
If your iPod is out of battery you would also be able to charge it and continue listening to the songs of your choice. You can purchase only a single piece of accessory or a combination of a few that can serve all your functions well. However, while you purchase, you must make sure that the accessories are compatible with your iPod. If not it can cause serious problems in your iPod and it might not run well.
If you are in search of the best iPod car kits that would serve all your purposes well and help you get a pleasurable music sensation, you can try out the dension gateway 500. The Dension iPod car kit can make your driving experiences pleasurable and comfortable.
This range from Dension Gateway is quite sleek and stylish and when you install it in your car, your car would look more luxurious. The product has been designed in such a manner so that it can well equip to all the needs of your iPod. At the same time, the Dension Gateway 500 would also allow you to make and receive calls while you are driving your car. This would be carried out in an absolute safe and secure process.
The Dension Gateway 500 keeps the quality of the music well. It connects directly to the car stereo system by means of a fiber optic cable. It can also keep a control on the head unit of the car stereo. It is also absolutely safe for your car.
The number of features with which this device is loaded with is simply amazing and perhaps none other that this device can serve as the perfect accessory for the car iPod well. In fact they have succeeded to create a lot of buzz and are considered to be a great addition in the trend of car accessories for iPod.
We all probably get a little frustrated while driving on occasions, maybe because its been a long day, or possibly the start of one? One way to reduce the frustration of driving on today's congested roads is listening to your favourite music.
There are many ways of listening to music in your vehicle whether it be via CD's, USB stick or radio. However in my opinion the best way of listening to your favourite music is via your iPod. The reasons are obvious, you have all of your favourite tracks loaded and ready, its easy to carry around, Finding music is simple and the quality is second to none.
To Help Remove the stress and boredom of driving I'd recommend listening to the following 20 Classic Driving Tracks, Guaranteed to improve your mood.
1) Stereophonics - Dakota
2) Ocean Colour Scene - Riverboat Song
3) The Killers - Mr Brightside
4) Queens of the Stone age - No One Knows
5) Guns & Roses - Sweet Child Of Mine
6) AC DC - Back In Black
7) Queen - Dont Stop Me Now
8) Blink 182 - Whats My Name Again
9) Coldplay - Yellow
10) Greenday - American Idiot
11) Linkin Park - Points of Authority
12) Kings Of Leon - On Call
13) Newton Faulkner - Dream Catch Me
14) King Of Leon - Sex On Fire
15) Oasis - Wonderwall
16) The View- Same Jeans
17) Jay-Z - 99 Problems
18) Eminem - Lose Yourself
19) Vampire Weekend - A punk
20) Jay-Z - Young Forever
Have a listen to the tracks above, they may not be your thing however all of them will pick your mood up. If you don't like them just cycle through the next tracks on your iPod via simple interface on the Dension Gateway Lite or Dice Silverline.
Once you've decided to purchase an iPod car kit, inevitably you've chosen the Gateway Lite produced by Dension. You only have one further obstacle to hurdle, the installation. There are two options available to you for installing the kit. The first option, Pay a professional engineer to install the kit, either travelling to them or they can travel to you. The second option, is to install the iPod car kit yourself. Which is by far the more cost effective option and probably most convenient too. See below an installation guide to judge whether your capable of the installation, should you choose to go ahead.
The installation of the Gateway lite is fairly simple and pain free. Although this is a generic installation guide, it will suit 99% of vehicles.
Before you begin the installation, please remove the keys from the ignition and check that any radio codes are recorded for future reference.
Step one is to remove your car stereo, this will usually involve radio removal tools which will vary depending on what vehicle you have. Radio removal keys are readily available and the majority of online shops or traditional vehicle based retail outlets stock them. Radio removal tools are extremely convenient and can save you a lot of time and energy. This should take between 1-5 minutes
Step two is to remove the harnesses from the back of the stereo, Most vehicles have a Quadlock connection, this is a fairly large connection block that houses the wires to and from the stereo. If the Harness is a Quadlock connection the Dension harness will usually replicate the original harness exactly. The Dension Lite harness simply fits into the vehicle harness and then back to the stereo, basically a link between the vehicle and the stereo.
If the vehicle doesn't have a Quadlock connection, the gateway lite harness fits into the CD changer port on the the back of the stereo. Usually located in the top right of the stereo as your looking at the back of it. Most of the time the harness simply connects straight into place, however occasionally the harness may have to be connected into the original harness then re-connected. This stage should take 2 minutes.
Step three is to connect the Gateway Lite PCB (the little black box) to the Dension harness, its the most straight forward step of the installation. This will take 30 seconds.
Step Four is to connect the iPod dock and USB extension cable to the PCB, again very straight forward. Once this stage is done its usually a good idea to turn ignition on to check the system works. (Follow the user manual to perform the operations for iPod/USB track selection) Again this will take 1-2 minutes.
Step five, Route the cables through into position within the vehicle, this is usually the most time consuming part of the installation. Depending on the vehicle this can be a complex job and may require the removal of some of the fascia / Dashboard. This part of the installation may take up to 30 minutes depending on difficulty, especially if you want a professionally installed look.
Step Six, replace the stereo into its fittings. Read the operational instructions from Dension and enjoy the use of your iPod and all of your music while you're driving.
Get a fully integrated iPod car kit in your vehicle, the installation is simple, pain free. There's no need for cheap FM Transmitters when fully integrated iPod car adapter are available. View the Dension Gateway Lite for your vehicle.
More and more people are utilizing cell phones, both for business and personal reasons. With this rise in ownership, comes a rise in the number of people using their cell phones as they drive. All of us have heard the studies regarding cell phone use and driver safety, and the general consensus appears to be that using a phone while driving creates a hazardous environment for the driver, his or her passengers, and the other drivers on the road. Many insurance companies now ask if you were on your cell phone at the time an accident occurred.
That being said, many states and towns are enacting bylaws which make using a phone while driving illegal. Some are even creating a rule that drivers must have both hands visibly on the wheel at all times, eliminating the possibility of performing any other activities behind the wheel, such as eating, drinking, applying makeup, et cetera.
Many people say that they haven't gotten a Bluetooth yet, because it's too expensive; with the economy being what it is, no one wants to spend more than they have to. But, when one weighs the risks and the benefits, it seems pretty obvious that anyone who uses their cell phone on a regular basis would benefit from having a Bluetooth kit. Drivers are typically not cited for using a Bluetooth kit while driving, unlike if they are using a cell phone. The fines for using a Mobile phone while driving vary, but all are above the price of an average Bluetooth kit - not to mention the deductible, and increase in insurance premium, if one causes an accident because of cell phone usage. Considering the potential fines, and the financial and safety risks of potential collisions, can anyone really afford NOT to have a Bluetooth?
A Bluetooth Car Kit is a device that provides a safe and convenient way to communicate whilst driving. Your Phone can connect to the Car Bluetooth and ensure you and other road users remain safe.