Vero ENB-100 Bluetooth kit offers solar-powered hands-free calling

Those that make a habit of chatting it up all day in their vehicle may want to consider Elan's new Vero ENB-100 device, which the company claims is the "world's first" solar-powered Bluetooth hands-free car kit. As you can no doubt surmise, it promises continuous charge-free operation as long as there's sunlight, and it'll even give you 15 hours of operation on a single charge if the weather isn't cooperating. Otherwise, you can expect the usual array of hands-free calling features, including a noise-canceling, omni directional microphone, a 1 watt "high-performance" speaker, and a voice dialing feature to let you keep your hands on the wheel. From the looks of it, however, this one's only available in the U.K. at the moment, where it'll set you back £60 (or about $120), although there's nothing to stop you from ordering one.

[Via Crave]

[adium @ Oct 26th 2007 3:25PM]

one problem: here in scotland its never sunny

[michael @ Oct 26th 2007 3:52PM]

lmao. I know. But this year its been sunny up to the end of October. At least it has been in Greenock.

Onyway. *slevers* that thing is bootiful *slevers*

[LondonConsultant @ Oct 27th 2007 9:06AM]

You could always come down to the South once a week to charge up your kit - and maybe also reduce any Seasonal Affective Disorder...

[t-bone @ Oct 26th 2007 4:09PM]

I'm surprised more car accessories aren't solar-powered.

[Alexander @ Oct 26th 2007 4:17PM]

Because, you know, people only drive during the day. Or when it's sunny. And warm.

[t-bone @ Oct 26th 2007 4:58PM]

That's why we have batteries.

[Alexander @ Oct 26th 2007 4:44PM]

"PS: Even if it isn't sunny it still recharging."

I seriously doubt it. It doesn't look like it's got enough area to be able to charge unless it is in full-sun. Not to mention if you are using it, then it's drawing quite a bit of milliamps for the radio and the speaker.

[Peter Diertens @ Oct 26th 2007 5:24PM]

Already available in sunny Holland:

http://www.halfords.nl/NL/Multimedia/Catalog/ProductDetail.htm?productId=180403

A bit cheaper, about 86 dollar and change.

I think daylight in enough to keep it charged

[chai guy @ Oct 26th 2007 6:33PM]

You're surprised more car gadgets aren't solar powered??? Why? Your car is already generating electricity. Many new cars come equipped with a built in converter, and you can usually purchase a car specific charger for your device.

[Peter Diertens @ Oct 26th 2007 9:43PM]

That's gonna be a bit crowded at your cigarette lighter, the only means for power in a car. I've seen some extension cables with 3 or 4 cigarette lighter sockets, just to charge a phone, ipod or handfree set. Ugly as hell and e real cable mess. Solar powered handfree set is the way to go. Real sweet, this puppy. Just the ticket, i've order some for my company to be sure

[deesugar @ Oct 26th 2007 8:33PM]

According to one website (http://www.redferret.net/?p=9469)it has voice recognition built in it too!!!

"Furthermore, due to the voice recognition feature, the Vero ENB-100 automatically dials the number upon saying only the name, even without touching your mobile phone…."