Verizon offers Bluetooth FM transmitter for cars

Verizon today announced it now offers the Venturi Mini, an A2DP bluetooth FM transmitter that can broadcast music and voice calls through in-car audio systems.

Similar in function to the Motorola MotoROKR T505, the Venturi Mini pairs with stereo bluetooth-enabled phones and broadcasts the phone's audio over the car's audio system on a free FM channel.

Music can be streamed from the phone, and when a voice call comes in, it is automatically switched to speaker mode. The unit has a built-in mic to accept the user's voice, and when the call is ended, music is automatically resumed.

The Venturi Mini is quite different from its Motorola counterpart in design, as it resides directly in the car's 12 volt outlet (aka cigarette lighter) instead of relying on an onboard battery. This also serves to make the device smaller.

The Venturi Mini is available for sale now through Verizon for $129.99 USD.