Alpine offers up KCE-300BT Bluetooth Interface Module for in-car head units

Alpine's got a fine streak going with regard to integrating consumer electronics into its snazzy head units, and now it's continuing the trend by offering up a do-it-all Bluetooth Interface Module. The KCE-300BT accessory acts as a bantam liaison between your Bluetooth-enabled handset and that brand new Ai-NET-compatible stereo, giving users the ability to hold handsfree conversations sans wires or complicated installations, and also allowing A2DP / AVRCP-compliant mobiles to stream tunes and control playback functions. Co-developed with Motorola to work specifically with Alpine's 2007 lineup of Ai-NET head units, it's possible this module would actually work with other BT-enabled units not manufactured by Alpine, but we're not so sure we'd press our luck. Anyways, the interface also allows users to peep caller ID information, missed / dialed calls, and on certain high-end units, you can even scroll through your address book, which we're certain is exactly what everyone around you on the freeway hopes you're eyes are glued to. Regardless, Alpine's KCE-300BT can add another dash of utility to your otherwise average in-dash media player next month for a (slightly steep) $220.

[Via BlueTomorrow]

[George Kirkaldie @ Jan 13th 2007 10:06AM]

Actually, this doesn't use the Ai-Net, it plugs into the ipod "full-speed" connector port, and then the ipod cable plugs into the BT unit.

Maybe the ipod connector is alpines newest connector, and the Ai-Net may be going the way of the M-bus?

I'll probably be getting this unit, since it offers features that the current one doesn't, like Caller ID, and onscreen keypad, etc... better interactivity

Anyway, the owners manual for this unit is up on Alpines site, with installation instructions.

[bebobman @ Jan 13th 2007 12:33PM]

"and on certain high-end units, you can even scroll through your address book, " Well, a big whoop-dee-doo to that! I have the Sony MEX-BT5000 Head Unit and it does all that the Alpine unit does and more - and it costs less. I can connect an Ipod or any other mp3 player plus my GPS and stream wma files from my T-mobile Dash through this units Bluetooth feature. Taking and making hands free call(after I paired my Dash to the unit) is as easy as just getting in my car and turning on the radio. So many units are made to just work with the Ipod only, this unit also works with the Ipod but it also works with my Creative Zen Vision M as well as any other player. Oh yeah, one last thing, it also has a USB port so I can hook up a laptop and/or charge my Dash. You do need the Sony XA-300 to connect with the head unit but I only paid $49.00 American. http://www.xplodsony.com/xplod/accessories/XA-300

[unhookt @ Mar 16th 2007 2:17PM]

There's no comparison to be made. Even Alpine's lowest-end head units are superior to Sony's top HUs in terms of sound quality and electronics - they're in totally different market tiers. People who buy Alpines are looking for high-quality sound first, bells and whistles second.

In the second tier - where Sony competes - there are a number of bluetooth integrated head units that you could choose from. And yes, at lower cost that Alpine's solution. But you'd be sacrificing sound quality for telephony features.

[unhookt @ Mar 16th 2007 2:56PM]

There's no comparison to be made. Even Alpine's lowest-end head units are superior to Sony's top HUs in terms of sound quality and electronics - they're in totally different market tiers. People who buy Alpines are looking for high-quality sound first, bells and whistles second.

In the second tier - where Sony competes - there are a number of bluetooth integrated head units that you could choose from. And yes, at lower cost that Alpine's solution. But you'd be sacrificing sound quality for telephony features.