Alpine Announces 2 New Products With Bluetooth Support

Alpine today announced two new ways for drivers to enjoy the benefits and convenience of hands-free Bluetooth® wireless technology in the vehicle. The CDE-103BT CD receiver features built-in Bluetooth wireless technology powered by Parrot, while the DCS-BT1 standalone module enables users to conduct hands-free cell phone calls with one simple push of a button.

Alpine CDE-103BT

Alpine’s 2010 Bluetooth wireless technology product line up also includes the KCE-400BT hideaway module, which adds hands-free capabilities to Alpine in-dash receivers, and the iXA-W407 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver with built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. With these options, consumers can choose the best solution for their in-car needs. Three of the four products feature Bluetooth wireless technology modules powered by Parrot. (Compatible phone or device required; consumers should check with their Alpine dealer for compatibility.)

“Having hands-free cell phone capability in the vehicle isn’t just about convenience; it’s required by law in many states,” said Mike Anderson, assistant vice president, sales and marketing, Alpine Electronics. “Alpine is making it easier than ever for consumers to integrate Bluetooth wireless technology in their cars with the CDE-103BT, our first 1-DIN head unit with this feature built in.”

“Parrot is dedicated to creating connectivity solutions which enhance the user experience with an emphasis on phone compatibility and acoustics,” said Eric Riyahi, OEM executive director at Parrot. “These Alpine products, with integrated Parrot connectivity solutions, are primary examples of that dedication. Parrot is pleased to support Alpine with the launch of these products.”

CDE-103BT CD Receiver with Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology

The new CDE-103BT 1-DIN CD receiver has a Bluetooth wireless technology module powered by Parrot built into the unit, providing integrated hands-free support with full mobile phone access and wide phone compatibility. A “Phone” button on the receiver’s faceplate enables users to easily connect to their Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled device and answer and place phone calls, with the conversation played through the vehicle’s sound system. Phone book and call information can be shown on the head unit’s LCD display, including Missed Calls, Dialed Calls and Received Calls. Caller ID is available if the caller is already listed in the user’s phone book. The CDE-103BT comes with a separate Bluetooth wireless technology microphone to help ensure sound quality.

The CDE-103BT will be updatable to support new phone models; future software and other upgrades will be downloaded and installed via a PC and the wireless Bluetooth connection.

DCS-BT1 Standalone Bluetooth Wireless Technology Hands-free Speaker

With the new wireless DCS-BT1 hands-free speaker, drivers can now conduct hands-free phone calls via a small, extremely easy to use device. Thanks to its unique speaker and omni-directional microphone design, the DCS-BT1 can be mounted onto a window visor or in other areas in the vehicle cabin without sacrificing sound quality, even if the visor is flipped down. The unit’s simple one-button control allows consumers to pair a Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled device, answer and end calls, and power the unit on/off using the same button. The DCS-BT1 also is equipped with a small LED light that flashes to signal an incoming call. To control volume, users simply use the rotary knob that surrounds the button. Additionally, consumers can choose their voice prompts from nine different languages. For added convenience, the DCS-BT1 supports voice dialing if the paired device has this option.

Equipped with audio streaming capabilities, the DCS-BT1 also can access audio from an A2DP-supported device and play it through the DCS-BT1’s speaker. If the phone allows navigation driving directions to be streamed through A2DP, these directions also can be played through the DCS-BT1.

The DCS-BT1 boasts up to 400 hours of standby time and up to 14 hours of talk time. To preserve battery life, the unit will automatically shut off if the paired phone or device is out of range for 30 minutes or longer. The DCS-BT1 can be charged in the car using the included cigarette lighter cable.

KCE-400BT Bluetooth Wireless Technology Interface Module

The KCE-400BT Bluetooth wireless technology interface module, powered by Parrot, is a small hideaway unit that can be added on to Alpine 2008, 2009 and 2010 model in-dash receivers. (Consumers with 2008 model head units should consult with their Alpine dealer about compatibility.)

The KCE-400BT enables drivers to conduct hands-free phone conversations through the vehicle’s sound system. Missed Calls, Dialed Calls, Received Calls and phone book information can be displayed on the Alpine head unit as long as the phone or device can display this same information. Caller ID is available if the caller is already listed in the user’s phone book. It also supports voice-tag dialing and auto-answer, if the paired phone or device has these features. The KCE-400BT can wirelessly control and stream audio files stored on Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled cellular or portable devices that support audio streaming, allowing music to be played through the car’s sound system and song information (if supported by the device) to be shown on the head unit’s display.

IXA-W407 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver

The iXA-W407 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver features a 7-inch QVGA color touch-screen display and a built-in Bluetooth wireless technology module powered by Parrot. The iXA-W407 is optimized for iPod®/iPhone® music playback through its high-speed USB input and fast, intuitive access to songs within large music libraries. The built-in Bluetooth wireless technology module allows users to view their phone book and call information on the iXA-W407’s display – including Missed Calls, Dialed Calls and Received Calls – as long as these features are supported by the paired phone or device. Caller ID is available if the caller is already listed in the user’s phone book. Audio files stored on a Bluetooth wireless technology-enabled cellular or device that supports audio streaming also can be streamed to and controlled from the iXA-W407. The unit comes with a separate Bluetooth wireless technology microphone to help ensure sound quality.

Pricing And Availability

The CDE-103BT CD receiver will be available in January for $250 SRI. The DCS-BT1 standalone hands-free speaker will be available in January for $130 SRI. The KCE-400BT Bluetooth wireless technology interface module is available now for $180 SRI. The iXA-W407 2-DIN Digital Media Receiver is available now for $800 SRI.