April/May 2003

An off-the-shelf Bluetooth "plug-and-drive" hands-free car kit has been unveiled by Kent-based Parrot. DriveBlue is claimed to be the first such kit on the market, and requires no installation (it simply plugs into the car cigar-lighter socket).

The housing incorporates a microphone, speaker and voice recognition system, and establishes a Bluetooth radio connection using one of the mobile phone's audio profiles, working either with a headset or in hands-free mode. The range is 10 metres, so the connection works regardless of where the phone is in the vehicle, so long as it is turned on.

Parrot says DriveBlue will work with many Bluetooth-enabled phones, including models by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, Philips and Siemens. The phone automatically switches into hands-free mode the moment it detects the Bluetooth hands-free system.

For users of Ericsson and Siemens Bluetooth phones there is automatic synchronisation with the mobile's phone book. Retail price, including VAT, is around £115.