Nextar cuts the cord with solar-powered in-car handsfree kits
While we feel that some objects shouldn't be solar powered for the sake of being solar powered, we can't help but dig Nextar's approach here. The NXBT-001 / NXBT-002 seem to primarily differ only in the amount of charge they can hold, with the former offering 250 hours of standby time / 10 hours of talk time and the latter boasting 150 hours of standby time and 6 hours of yappin'. As for functionality, both devices are designed to enable handsfree calling in the car with any Bluetooth-enabled mobile, and of course, they each soak up the sun while you're out cruising about. The best part? The fact that you no longer have to run yet another power cable to that 8-port cigarette adapter hub sitting in your center console. The pair will ship this Spring for $59.99 / $69.99 (thanks to a bundled caller ID display), respectively. Full release is after the break.
Nextar Harnesses the Sun at CES to Power Bluetooth Headset and Hands-Free Cell Phone Kits for Driving
Two Advanced Technologies Provide Smart – and Green – Solution to Cell Phone Driving Usage; Items to Be Featured at 2009 CES along with Other Advanced Nextar Products
La Verne, CA – December 30, 2008 – Nextar™, a designer and marketer of bold and new consumer electronic products with mass appeal, is combining Bluetooth® technology and the power of the sun in providing a solution for hands-free cell phone usage while driving: solar Bluetooth car kits (models NXBT-001 and NXBT-002). Bluetooth 2.0 technology provides up to 30-feet of hands-free capability. The 'green' solar chargers recharge while a vehicle is driven, eliminating the need to have a charger plugged in during use. Nextar will feature the units at the upcoming 2009 CES in booth South 3 31753.
"Many states have passed laws prohibiting cell phone usage while driving, unless it is through a hands-free device," commented Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. "By combining two advanced technologies, Nextar makes it possible for drivers to keep their hands on the steering wheel while using their cell phones. Our Bluetooth car kits also have the added advantage of being solar powered, making them 'green' friendly."
With slim, fashionable designing, the units are engineered with Bluetooth v2.0 class 2 technology and have an effective radius of approximately 30 feet. They feature auto Bluetooth connection, pick up/off calling, last calling, voice calling, DSP for echo canceling and noise reduction, full duplex, and mute functions.
NXBT-001 offers 250 hours of standby time and 10 hours talk time when fully charged. It includes a LED signal display, supports profiles A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) and AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). These two profiles, respectively, define how audio can be streamed from one device to another and allows for a single remote control to control a series of A/V equipment.
NXBT-002 offers 150 hours of standby time and 6 hours talk time when fully charged. Additionally, it features caller name and ID display on a super-bright LCM screen.
Accessories for both models include a car adapter and bracket.
Model NXBT-001 measures 3.7" x 2.12" x 0.4", while model NXBT-002 is 4.09" x 2.16" x 0.6".
Pricing and Availability
These two new Nextar solar Bluetooth car kits will be available in Spring 2009 at leading retailers across the country and online. The NXBT-001 has an SRP of $59.99, while the NXBT-002 has an SRP of $69.99.
