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Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Benefits of BMW Bluetooth Integration

It's possible to get greater functionality from your BMW vehicle, as well as greater convenience and safety with BMW Bluetooth integration. It is no secret that use of a cell phone while driving can be hazardous to your safety and that of others - and increasingly, this practice is being outlawed throughout the nation. Using this technology, the main danger of using a cell phone while driving is eliminated and you'll be able to make outgoing calls and receive them without ever having to touch your actual cell phone!

About Bluetooth

Bluetooth (named for a Viking king who brought the entire Scandinavian Peninsula under his rule for a short time during the Middle Ages) is an industry-wide standard, electronic protocol that allows a range of different digital devices to "talk" to each other without the need for cumbersome, tangled cords. These run the gamut from personal computers to game consoles today, but the earliest use of Bluetooth was to integrate cell phones into automobiles, so drivers could use these devices without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

BMW Bluetooth integration means just that - you'll be able to use your cell phone while keeping your eyes on the road and maintaining control over your vehicle. No physical connection between your cell phone and your vehicle is necessary.

Features Galore

this allows you to control your cell phone using nothing more than your steering wheel and radio controls. You'll be able to go though your digital phone book, dial numbers and adjust the volume easily and safely.

If your cell phone supports such features, you can also display information on your BMW's dashboard console and even activate it using voice commands. By using a quality kit from a reputable audio dealer means you'll never miss an important call just because you're listening to the radio. Whenever you make an outgoing call or receiving an incoming one your cell phone mutes the programming playing on your sound system at that moment.

Easy and Affordable

An audio factory pre- assembles each integration kit from genuine BMW parts. These kits use the original OEM wiring and come with clear, step-by-step instructions. With virtual "plug-and-play" capability, you'll have your vehicle ready for "hands-free" cell phone operation in minutes.

The kits come completely compatible with your existing equipment, as long as your vehicle is not equipped with BMW Assist (this must be removed before installing a new kit). BMW vehicles that were not originally manufactured for the U.S. market must also have a factory installed phone system or "Option 640" pre-wiring.

If you want to experience the ease and safety of these types of features, consider talking with a reputable audio sound system installer. With just a few bits of information about your BMW, their experts can tell you exactly what you need in order to enjoy BMW Bluetooth integration.

Audio sound system expert Wayne Hemrick details how BMW Bluetooth integration works. There are many options available for a BMW Bluetooth upgrade and Wayne helps you understand what will work best with you vehicle. For those new to BMW Bluetooth, Wayne discusses the history and uses of this technology

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Staying On The Funny Side Of Bluetooth

"I'm excited about your birthday present," my husband said to me, holding up a small Fedex package with a bow attached, wearing the same expression as last year when he handed me my new gutter irrigation system. "It's something you can use," he said, "to make your life easier." No way could that package hold an overweight Russian nanny named Svetlana who loves Chuck E Cheese and cleaning toilets. I wasn't buying it.

"It's a Bluetooth!" he exclaimed as I stared at this odd little black device that looked like a plastic roach. "You put it on your ear. It's so you can talk on your cell phone without using your hands!" His face flushed in excitement. "This way you can carry the groceries while you talk!" What a kind man - to be so concerned with my welfare. I knew he was still mad at having to fish my cell phone out of the toilet. I'm not technologically savvy, but I must admit that the idea of being able to make calls without using my hands was appealing. Even if he did have to spend an hour explaining how it worked.

"Does it play music?" I asked, turning it over.

"No, sweetie, you can't download music on it," he said with a condescending smile.

"What about TV channels? Will it get American Idol?"

"No, you can't get American Idol. It's a phone." He gritted his teeth.

"What about GPS like in the commercial? Can it give me directions in my ear? That would be really cool."

He looked at me like he didn't recognize me and spoke really slow. "It's Bluetooth. You use it to talk on the phone without using your hands. That's it."

"Oh."

It was weird at first, having this device in my ear. It didn't look right with my hair or any of my outfits. And it was so light that I'd accidentally brush against it and once I thought it was a roach and swore I felt it move and I screamed and almost ran the car into a homeless guy. But somewhere along the way I started to enjoy the benefits of modern technology. I liked the looks I would get from people who figured I must be somebody important. I began to wear it everywhere - the drugstore, the doctor's office, the gas station. Suddenly I couldn't wait for the phone to ring so that I could now do sixteen things at once instead of the mere fourteen I was limited to before owning this life saving device.

Three days I wore that thing and not one call, except for the Verizon telemarketer who has now removed me from his calling list because I kept him on the phone for thirty minutes while I tested all the features. "Okay, now let me call you this time and practice putting you on hold. If we disconnect, call me back. And I still want to try this button to the right. Ooh, here's the volume. Now this is cool, can you call me again and this time put me on hold? What about Fred in the cubicle beside you? Can we bring him on again? Okay, can you hear me now? Get it? Hear me now? That is you guys isn't it?"

Now I understand what all those people were doing - talking to themselves in cars with both hands still on the wheel - chatting at empty walls in airports. The cute guy I thought was hitting on me and the lady I chatted with all the way from auto parts to cat litter. No wonder she kept giving me weird looks. I thought those people were a little touched and added them to my prayer list. But they weren't crazy - except for the lady brushing her stuffed dog - pretty sure she was the exception. Now that I owned a Bluetooth I worried that people would think I was talking to myself, until I realized I talked to myself before I owned Bluetooth so this device would actually give me more credibility. I finally had an excuse. Ninety percent of the time I talked, the thing wasn't even turned on.

I try to be a polite Bluetooth user but I have an annoying habit of yelling when I talk on my Bluetooth. I can't explain it, but something about that device makes me think anyone who calls me is deaf. Turns out my Bluetooth is voice-activated to recognize verbal commands which I also feel compelled to yell. My Bluetooth and I have a love hate relationship. When we're good, we're really good. When we're bad, it's not pretty.

I was so excited about the voice activation feature that I spent the entire first day yelling commands: CALL MOM - CALL BILL AT WORK - CALL THE POST OFFICE - CALL VOICE MAIL. I would get distracted and while waiting for change at McDonald's yell, "CALL HOME" to the complexion-challenged red-head who was still mad at me for yelling "CALL 911." At first it was cool to talk to my Bluetooth - with the exception of that little incident where I was so busy talking I knocked over a display rack of pantyhose. Yeah, it was fun at first. Not so much anymore. Mainly, because I am from the south and apparently my Bluetooth isn't. We seem to have a verbal disconnect. I think she (yes, she) gets mad because I yell and call my voice mail every hour for no other reason than just to play with the device. And I think every so often she gets into a bad mood and just wants to remind me who's in charge.

"CALL HOME PLEASE," I yell, deciding to check my messages for the third time in an hour. Oops. Not turned on. Okay, let's try again.

Bleep. "Please enter your command," she says for the fourth time that day. I swear I hear her sigh.

"CALL HOME PLEASE," I yell, a little louder this time.

"Did you say, call police?" she asks sweetly.

"NO, I SAID CALL HOME PLEASE!"

"Did you say, call Belize?"

"NO! HOME, CALL HOME!"

"Did you say, call Shalome?" she asks.

"NO! AND WHO WOULD YOU CALL ANYWAY? WHO IS SHALOME? I SAID CALL HOME. H-O-M-E - HOME. CALL HOME!"

"Did you say call Rome?" she asks.

"NO! I DIDN'T SAY CALL ROME, I SAID CALL HOME!"

"Calling Rome, please wait," she says. I swear she's smirking.

I hang up, debating whether or not to try it again. Yes. It is now a matter of principle.

Bleep. "Please enter your command," she says for the fifth time that day.

"Call home," I say in my best northern accent, trying to disguise my voice.

"I'm sorry. Could you repeat your command?"

"OH FORGET IT! I'LL JUST DIAL THE STUPID NUMBER MYSELF!"

"About time," she whispers.

Thank you dear hubby for my new toy. I thought road rage was my anger threshold. Nice to see that the bar has now been raised. Thank you for the gift intended to make my life easier.

(PS: And for the record, your calls are not free when you use your Bluetooth - especially during something called peak hours. My husband says he'll explain it to me when he's calmed down.)

Kelly Swanson
Staying on the funny side...
http://www.kellyswanson.net
kelly@kellyswanson.net

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Bluetooth iPhone Accessories - Bluetooth iPhone Wireless Headset Review

When you look at the iPhone, it's hard to argue with the notion that it's really ahead of all the other smartphones when it comes to style, functionality and looks. Yes, the iPhone is in a category all by itself and therefore you've also got to find a great looking Bluetooth headset that compliments your phone perfectly.

When it comes to buying Bluetooth accessories for the iPhone, a quality headset is essential to how well you'll be able to enjoy using your new smartphone. Fortunately, there are several top-notch wireless headsets that will fit your needs.

VXI BlueParrott B100 Wireless Headset

The VXI BlueParrott is a professional headset that is ergonomically designed for comfort. It has a noise canceling microphone, which you'll appreciate if you're going to be using your iPhone in an office environment. It has a 75 foot range, but that seems to vary a bit depending on the area. The clarity is pretty good, but you may sound a little muffled to some callers. This headset is also compatible with standard desk phones.

Plantronics Voyager 510 Wireless Headset

The Plantronics Voyager is truly a new age headset. It can switch back and forth between your iPhone, your PDA or laptop. This is really a smart headset that can detect which device you are using at the time, pretty cool, huh?

It's comfortable and has excellent sound clarity on both ends. If you're looking for great style, unfortunately, this headset doesn't have it, in fact, it looks pretty basic, plus it's a bit bulky, but if you love functionality, this is one you should really consider.

Jawbone Noise Shield Wireless Headset

If you love style, the Jawbone is your kind of headset. It has a very modern, futuristic design that will make you look cool when wearing it. It's noise canceling system works like a charm to block out surrounding noise. It can also be worn in either ear.

That sleek design comes at a price. The control buttons are hidden on the back, something you'll get used to once you use these for a day or so. Also, it's a little bigger than some other headsets, but it's also very lightweight. A major problem seems to be trying to get a proper fit that's comfortable. It's recommended that you try all of the earbuds and hooks that come with the unit until it fits properly.

Gomadic Wireless Headset

Gomadic claims that this is the best iPhone wireless headset around. Indeed, it has a nice, sleek design and digital noise reduction. The talk time is 12 hours. However, these are not specially made for the iPhone, since they are compatible with other phones, as well. The scoop is that Gomadic is attaching itself to the iPhone for marketing reasons. Therefore, don't buy these because Gomadic claims they're the best, compare these with all the other models and make up your own mind.

As you can see, there are lots of great wireless headsets that are a good fit with your new iPhone. When choosing one, it'll come down to your own personal preferences for size, style and functionality. It's quite possible that you'll choose more than one headset. Whichever you buy, make sure you're getting your money's worth - your iPhone deserves it.

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