Capabilities of a Bluetooth Car Stereo System

Now that we've got a handle on Bluetooth 101, let's see what
it can do in a stereo. Bluetooth car stereos are commonly
integrated with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, and when the
two devices are within range of each other, they can
communicate in a number of interesting ways. Depending on the
particular models in use, it may be possible to make and
receive calls without even pulling out your phone or pushing
a single button. You can even hear the calls through the
vehicle's speakers. Other models may require a few
button-pushes, but usually with more ease than plodding
through cell phone menus. You may also be able to view other
information such as the phonebook, incoming calls and call
status on the stereo panel. When the phone rings, the
speakers will automatically turn down the volume on any music
or movies that are playing while you chat on the phone and
resume when the call is over.

Some Bluetooth car stereos can store your phone's entire
address book and other contact information; others have
built-in phones which copy all the information off your
phone's SIM card and take over the functions for calling.
Your cell phone is disconnected from the piconet, not only
saving its battery power but also providing a stronger
connection.

These innovations come almost as much out of necessity as
convenience -- at least for people who can't stand being in
the car without making a quick phone call. Many places now
enforce laws limiting the use of cell phones while driving,
and Bluetooth car stereos are one way to bridge the middle
ground.

Besides augmenting your ability to connect with the outside
world through phone calls, Bluetooth car stereos can also
enhance the environment inside a vehicle. Transmitters can
be used to stream music from iPods, MP3 players and satellite
radio straight into the stereo without creating a mess of
tangled cords. Some car stereos can display video on
full-color LCD displays, although this usually isn't
an option when the car is moving. If you have some passengers
in the back who could use a movie to settle down, lots of
Bluetooth-enabled car stereos also come with the hookups
needed to turn your vehicle into a mobile entertainment
center. Connections for other devices like GPS navigators and
USB flash drives are among other common fixtures.

And with each passing year, the technology grows and evolves.
Comparing Bluetooth-enabled car stereos to cassette-enabled
car stereos already seems like a throwback to the Middle
Ages, so who knows what the future has in store.

If all this talk about Bluetooth car stereos has you hooked,
on the next page, you can read about some of the
considerations you'll want to make before you head down to
the electronics store.