RSSMotoROKR Leverages Car Audio for MP3, Bluetooth Speakerphone
By Tim Conneally | Published October 31, 2007, 2:46 PM
Motorola has announced its MotoROKR T505 A2DP FM Transmitter - a car-mounted device that can turn any FM radio into an MP3-playing speakerphone - for the first quarter of 2008.
Though it resembles a garage door opener, the Motorola MotoROKR T505 is actually a Bluetooth FM transmitter that also handles speakerphone duties. It can pair with stereo Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players, and then broadcast the signal to a free station on your car's FM dial.
Featuring a technology that Motorola calls StationFinder, the T505 automatically finds a free FM station on which to broadcast. When music is playing, the device can automatically pause tracks for incoming calls, which are announced with audio caller ID. The device's built-in microphone reportedly cancels echo and reduces noise as well.
Adding to the versatility of this device is a built-in 2-watt speaker, so the motoROKR can act as a wireless speaker for other MP3 players, or as a speakerphone amplifier outside of the car.
Standard Bluetooth phones can utilize it as a speakerphone, but for its music functions to properly work, an A2DP device is needed.
The device is expected to hit the market in the first quarter of 2008, with pricing to be announced.
what about security? can people nearby tune in too?
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|Security??? In case they 'steal' the music you broadcast the same way they 'steal' radio music?
Should be more worried about getting sued for copyright infringements nowadays, if you use this device.
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|for the FM broadcast side, actually, yes. Just like being close to any FM transmitter, people close to your vehicle will be able to hear whatever is being broadcast. Fortunatly, these devices utilize a very low power signal that is meant to be just strong enough to be picked up by your head unit and your's alone.
On the bluetooth side, no. It's a direct pairing between your phone and the device.
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|Why even bother? The sound quality through FM (short range) transmission is worse than a 64kbps mp3! Just use the audio input jack, all car sterios worth more than $5 have 'em. Thanks for trying tho....lol
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|Because most cars that weren't built in the last few years don't have an audio input. The same goes for lower end after market head units produced before the last few years.
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