Bluetooth Gadget Integrates Phone and Music Player Control in a Car Device
If you do a lot business-related traveling of the automobile-related sort (or if you just drive around a lot yakking on the phone and listening to music), you probably rely on some sort of balancing act to keep you from driving off the road when making a call or switching tracks. Chances are, this juggling display isn't too safe – taking your eyes off the road never is. Phones come with voice-command features that allow you to make calls, but music players don't – and you certainly can't control all aspects of both devices at all once…until now.
The Bluetouch, demoed (to some acclaim) at CES last week by German manufacturer Peiker, is the supposedly the first system in the world that allows you to control your phone and your music device via one system. There's a caveat, of course: the music device either needs to have A2DP or be an iPod for the Control system to work; all others will have to plug in via a standard 1/8" jack and continue being "hands-on" as in the past, but despite what Engadget might suggest, the iPod control makes the Bluetouch a unique item in the marketplace.
After connecting your phone via Bluetooth and your iPod via the control cable, you have access to address books, track listings, your phone's keypad, voice commands and a few other cool options in a manner that, while it isn't hands-free, looks like it might be easier to see and access than fumbling around for your device of choice.
