Parrot Releases MINIKIT Smart Smartphone Docking Bay for your Vehicle
Lookin quite snappy, Parrot! Today Parrot sent out a press release all about their brand new Parrot MINIKIT Smart, a docking bay that connects to your car and holds your phone, giving you full range of motion for driving (exactly what you SHOULD have) while you continue to work with calls, maps, and other such stuff. The Parrot MINIKIT Smart works with Bluetooth and all your smartphones, (just so long as they're 56mm to 70mm in width).
Make hands-free calls and tell that phone where to take you with the navigation apps you already use. Calls and that lady speaking directions using GPS guidance are broadcast through the 2W speaker integrated into the MINIKIT Smart. Also depending on if your phone is up to the task, MINIKIT Smart can put GPS functions on hold if you get a call in the middle of hearing the lady speak, then have those directions started again where you left off after you're done taking a call.
MINIKIT Smart is compatible with all navigation software available and works on all operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Symbian, Bada, etc. and will cost around $129.99 MSRP at the following locations: BestBuy.com, Crutchfield.com, 6th Avenue Electronics, Car Toys Al & Ed's, ABT Electronics, Car Toys, 6th Avenue Electronics, Fry's Electronics, Bell Canada and ParrotShopping.com. Read the whole press release below for further details:
Parrot MINIKIT Smart:
Get more out of your Smartphone!
Southfield, Mich., Nov. 2, 2010 – In order to fully benefit from telephone and navigation capabilities of Smartphones, Parrot, leader of wireless peripherals for mobile phones, created the first Bluetooth hands-free and multifunction kit adapted to all models and compatible with all operating systems: Parrot MINIKIT Smart.
A docking bay for all Smartphones
The Parrot MINIKIT Smart is a Bluetooth® hands-free kit for the vehicle with a docking bay designed for all Smartphones, whatever their size (from 56mm to 70mm width).
The connection between the two devices is done via Bluetooth and the MINIKIT Smart can simultaneously manage hands-free conversations and navigation applications available on Smartphones. Calls and GPS guidance will be broadcast through the 2W speaker integrated in the MINIKIT Smart
Depending on the capability of each Smartphone, the MINIKIT Smart could put on hold the GPS functions, and restart them once the conversation ends.
MINIKIT Smart is compatible with all navigation software available (free or paid) and all operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Symbian, Bada, etc.
The MINIKIT Smart allows drivers and passengers to always be reachable and not lose their way, even on long trips. When the Smartphone is docked in the MINIKIT Smart, it can recharge via one of the USB cables included in the box. (Micro USB, Mini USB, Apple).
A smart solution, with no installation — The Parrot MINIKIT Smart is equipped with a swiveling suction cup to be fixed on the windshield or the dashboard of the vehicle. The docking bay is equipped with a magnet for quick and easy positioning.
Once positioned, the MINIKIT Smart can be set to portrait or landscape mode so that the screen of the Smartphone is easily seen by the driver.
To enable high-quality conversations, the MINIKIT Smart is equipped with a retractable microphone that can be positioned according to the interior of the vehicle. The Parrot MINIKIT Smart has one-week autonomy on standby, 10 hours of talk time and can be recharged using the in-vehicle DC power outlet.
Advanced hands-free functionalities — Once paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, the MINIKIT Smart synchronizes and automatically updates its phonebook. The MINIKITSmart can store up to 10 different phone books (2,000 contacts per Smartphone,) and can then be used by several drivers.
Thanks to the voice synthesis of the names and a voice recognition system that requires no prior training or installation, the phonebook is available without changing any settings on the Smartphone.
To call one of the contacts in the phonebook, simply say the name and the MINIKIT Smartwill dial the number. If several numbers are associated with a contact, the MINIKIT Smartwill offer options and user can vocally choose one.
Price and availability: Parrot MINIKIT Smart will be available in November 2010 at $129.99 MSRP through BestBuy.com, Crutchfield.com, 6th Avenue Electronics, Car Toys Al & Ed's, ABT Electronics, Car Toys, 6th Avenue Electronics, Fry's Electronics, Bell Canada and ParrotShopping.com.
Technical information available at: http://www.parrot.com/fr/produits/kits-mains-libres-Bluetooth-portable