RIM's BlackBerry Remote Stereo Gateway to offer Bluetooth music streaming

The FCC is on a roll this morning. It appears RIM has a Bluetooth music streaming device in the works, the BlackBerry Remote Stereo Gateway, and the device just got the A-OK from the FCC. The unit works pretty much exactly like you'd expect: you just pair your BlackBerry device with the Gateway, plug some speakers into the 3.5mm jack, and you're off to the races. Music is in stereo, and while we're guessing that means A2DP, there's nothing in the user manual that indicates this is compatible with other types of phones. While RIM has been leaning this way for a while, it's still odd to see the company produce something so overtly media-oriented, but we guess we're just old fogies like that. No word on price or a release date.

[Via BlackBerry Cool]

[hen @ Jan 31st 2008 10:51AM]

if they let me connect my laptop with bluetooth, they're on to a winner

[Jeff @ Jan 31st 2008 10:54AM]

Seriously...this device is pointless...with a capital LESS

[tom @ Jan 31st 2008 11:09AM]

size of ipod shuffle, really, what is the point of getting that if it is just a music gateway?

[jmattick @ Jan 31st 2008 11:02AM]

@ Jeff:
Really? I mean, you prefer getting an adapter to plug into the port on your phone, then leaving your phone by the speakers/stereo that'll likely drown out any ring or vibrate the phone would do in a phone call.

To me, having a device that would sync up with my phone when in close quarters with the stereo, and would allow me to simply choose the music I have stored on my phone and bam, it comes out of the speakers, is a great thing.

And then, I can feel my phone vibrate during a phone call. So instead of walking over to the stereo to pick up my phone, I can just pull it out of my pocket.

[Jeff @ Jan 31st 2008 11:13AM]

Good point. I just dont store music on the phone, so for me it really is a useless device. But for those who do and using your method, I could see that it may be useful.

[jegHegy @ Feb 1st 2008 6:08AM]

I have music on my PDA, my notebook, and my desktop PC, and I can't for the life of me find a (non-Sony) amp with a BT A2DP client, so this would be a heavensend if it worked.

Something like this that works with all Bluetooth devices would ROCK. If anyone knows of a similar device that's already on the market, please post it.

[Right Move @ Jan 31st 2008 11:13AM]

RIM is going the "component system" route (ala audio/visual systems now) with their devices - mix-n-match and let the devices talk to each other as needed.

Well done.

[Jeff @ Jan 31st 2008 11:17AM]

I love the direction too. And as hen pointed out earlier, a pc/mac-enabled streamer would be clutch.

[Jonathan @ Jan 31st 2008 11:19AM]

What the hell kind of ruler is that? It looks like millimeters, but each line is 2mm??? That doesn't make any sense.

I hope it's not feet! This thing is HUGE!

[Nicholas @ Jan 31st 2008 11:43AM]

This is pretty nifty. How the hell does it get power however?

It would be nice in the phone of “i” had bluetooth stereo capabilities, particularly for headphones. It would also be nice if somebody made a dock with an amplifier to power speakers, rather than having multiple components.

[James @ Jan 31st 2008 11:48AM]

Yes, but will it blend?

[Jonathan @ Jan 31st 2008 12:07PM]

Are we still doing that??

[Seth @ Jan 31st 2008 11:50AM]

I wonder if the stereo will work with the 8800 series... on the Curve and Pearl spec sheets it says Stereo Bluetooth but on the 8800 series it only says Bluetooth

[Bob @ Jan 31st 2008 12:04PM]

This is what the Airport Express should be. A small box with a line out that connects to Airtunes.

[Mpaper @ Jan 31st 2008 1:13PM]

I did a mini review on this at CES earlier this month. I am also being sent one from RIM to review.
http://morningpaper.typepad.com/morning_paper/2008/01/stereo-gateway.html

[OneLove @ Jan 31st 2008 2:58PM]

I thought blackberries were for business?

[Sam @ Feb 14th 2008 6:54PM]

RIM introduces BlackBerry Remote Stereo Gateway for wireless music at Mobile World.

New BlackBerry smartphone accessory enables users to play music wirelessly from their BlackBerry smartphone.Now you can play the music on your BlackBerry smartphone wirelessly through your home or portable stereo with the BlackBerry® Remote Stereo Gateway.

Its easy to use, plug the unit into your sound system, then walk away. Use the Bluetooth connection to change tracks, adjust the volume and play or pause the music – without having to be near your stereo. Carry your music on one device so that you can enjoy it anywhere.

BlackBerry Stereo Gateway is small, stylish and easy to use. Just a finger tap on its touch-sensitive surface will bring it to life or put it to sleep. It can support up to eight different devices and is also compatible with other media players enabled with the A2DP stereo Bluetooth profile.

Available at Fommy.com (http://www.fommy.com/view-full-page.asp?skuno=80912)