Bluetooth has become one of our most popular categories at WSS Westminster Speed & Sound. It is a technology that allows the wireless transfer of data between two devices. In an automobile it is typically used for two main purposes: Hands free cell phone use (HFP) and wireless music streaming (A2DP). Let’s explore both of these a little more closely.
Bluetooth Hands Free Phone Use
Maybe you own a 2008 Honda Pilot and you love it, but it did not come with Bluetooth. If you live in a state where it is illegal to hold a cell phone in your hand while driving, you could either use a Bluetooth earpiece or you could pull over. Either of those two methods work, but an integrated Bluetooth car kit is much more convenient and functional. When you go out to your vehicle, about 20-30 seconds after you start it the Bluetooth car kit will pair to your cell phone wirelessly. Now when you drive up the road and someone calls, your music is muted. You will never miss a call because you were jammin’ out to one of your favorite songs or you had your phone on vibrate. You press the answer button on your Bluetooth kit and the person is now talking to you through the front speakers of your vehicle. You are talking back to them through a microphone that gets installed in an inconspicuous place and is aimed at the driver. When you are done with the phone call you press the end button on the Bluetooth kit and the music in your car resumes. Sound pretty easy? It is very easy.
Bluetooth kits are installed into a vehicle into two main ways:
- A kit that is designed to integrate with the factory installed stereo in the dash. If you have a newer vehicle, a vehicle where it is not practical to replace the factory radio, or you just want everything to look original, this style is for you. In certain vehicles we can utilize all of the factory stereo controls for the Bluetooth kit. Some vehicles require a controller to be installed in a convenient location. We even have Bluetooth kits with small color displays that can show caller ID, and some that have integrated navigation systems.
- A replacement radio that includes Bluetooth in it. If you are the kind of person that wants the latest technology, or if you have a vehicle with a factory stereo that is wearing out or even broken, replacing the radio might be for you. We can install a new radio in most vehicles that not only includes Bluetooth, but will also allow you to integrate many of the features of your Smartphone. Some systems even allow a backup camera, navigation system, or satellite radio to be integrated as well.
Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
Bluetooth A2DP wireless music streaming is becoming more and more popular. Our clients don’t want wires all over their front seat but they do want to interface their music streaming device to their audio system. A2DP solves this issue. For most vehicles we can install a Bluetooth music streaming device to meet your needs. As with hands free phone use, there are several options to accomplish this.
Voice Controlled Assistants (Siri)
One final but important note is that many Smartphones now come with voice controlled assistants. Siri is a popular example of this. We have multiple products that allow you to utilize this technology in your vehicle. You can now get in your vehicle and by only pushing one button, you can send a text, call a friend on the phone, have an email read to you, and on and on. This is a very exciting technology as it lets a driver focus much more of their attention on driving their vehicle. And isn’t that what technology should really be about? Making our lives better.