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Parrot intros PMK5800 plug and play car kit
We love anything that comes a-packin' no muss, no fuss technology -- even more so when you can install it in a few seconds and don't need a toolkit to get the job done. Parrot's newest Bluetooth carkit, the PMK5800 consists of a single part which plugs directly into your car's 12V accessory socket or cigarette lighter. Using a built in FM transmitter (a la iTrip), the set will stream tunes via A2DP from your handset or your voice calls to your car's stereo deck to give you that auto-filling sound you love. When the phone rings, just hitting the FM preset you configure for the PMK5800 will automatically answer it and mute your music. While not an embedded kit, it packs all the goodies you would expect like DSP, echo and noise cancellation, full duplex sound, and voice recognition all in something that can go from car to car without effort. Look for these to land sometime this summer for about $120.[Via PR Newswire]
Parrot introduces Bluetooth Boombox
Parrot's a long, long way from home (wireless car gadgets) these days, but it looks like they're settling down nicely in Bluetooth-device-land. Their latest device, a Bluetooth 2.1 compliant boombox with a rather clever monicker: Boombox. Capable of playing back A2DP audio (or wired RCA) in 60 watt sound, the Boombox also has a magnetic speaker grille. Unfortunately Parrot hasn't listed price or release date, but we've got a hands-on gallery for you.%Gallery-2316%
Parrot intros A2DP-enabled MK6100 handsfree Bluetooth car kit
Our favorite Bluetooth gurus are readying yet another in-car handsfree kit, but unlike the run-of-the-mill offerings already crowding store shelves, the Parrot MK6100 adds a bit of musical delight as well. Aside from giving users the opportunity to hear conversations through their stereo system, this two-piece system boasts a built-in microphone in the horizontal display (which just so happens to be a svelte OLED), and also plays on the emotions of audio lovers everywhere. The A2DP-enabled kit features a separate wireless remote that can be used to cycle through the tracks on your handset, play and pause the tunes, and easily fit into your glovebox when you exit the vehicle. Additionally, users will be graced with DPS, automatic phonebook synchronization, text-to-speech capabilities, and voice dialing, and while we're not quite sure of the pricing deets just yet, you can probably expect to find out for yourself in Q2 of this year.
Parrot unveils Bluetooth-equipped "boombox"
It's no secret that the folks at Parrot have a love for all things Bluetooth and, if this latest product of theirs in any indication, it seems that they're far from running out of gadgets to spread their affection to. Set to be released sometime in the second quarter of this year, the so-called Parrot Boombox will wirelessly snag music off your Bluetooth-equipped cellphone or MP3 player and pump 'em out at a relatively hefty 60W, with the usual Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR mojo (including AD2P and AVRCP) ensuring as little loss in quality as possibile. Parrot's also seen fit to include an RCA input for those that haven't gone completely wireless. While the "boombox" is intended mainly for use with mobile devices, the unit itself is anything but, measuring approximately 17 x 7 x 8.8 inches and tipping the scales at over 12 pounds. Look for this one to set you back 229 Euros , or just under $300. [Warning: PDF link][Via Generation MP3]
Parrot Bluetooth Conference speakerphone doesn't repeat what you say -- what you say
The Bluetooth crazy folks at Parrot are back at it, with their $299 Conference product -- a wireless speakerphone powered by three lithium-ion batteries capable of running up to ten hours, and packing built-in Skype connectivity (via USB dongle, bundled for $339), available second quarter '07. Of course, it's got the the usual speakerphone specs like full duplex and echo cancellation, ensuring you won't hear any parrot-like repetition. They make no guarantees of sound quality after you've put back a couple shots of blue curaçao ... or mouthwash. We're really not sure what they're drinking.
Parrot launches 7-inch Bluetooth digital picture frame
Parrot -- well known for its array of wireless devices -- is announcing a Bluetooth Photo Viewer for CES. The frame, which can be dressed up to hide that tech-look synonymous with these kinds of gadgets, features a 7-inch screen with 720 x 480 pixel resolution, and 128 MB of internal memory (capable of holding up to 500 pics). Also of note is the bump to Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (BIP, OPP, and FTP profiles) from the Bluetooth 1.2 used in the previous 3-inch version, which is a more than welcome improvement considering the competition. [Via Shiny Shiny]
Elipson Planets tease audiophiles, sport A2DP Bluetooth
No, a decent Bluetooth-enabled sound system isn't impossible to find, but tracking one down with "audiophile" potential is understandably tougher. High-end French boutique Elipson has teamed up with Bluetooth guru Parrot to bring us the self-proclaimed answer to the audiophile's quest in locating a simple, wireless, BT-enabled set of speakers. The Elipson Planets boast a sleek, black (or white), spherical design scheme, and sport a "custom built" Bluetooth 2.0 EDR module which enables each speaker to automatically pair up when turned on. The tunes flow from the two-way 60-watt drivers, and while it only reaches down to 48Hz, it purportedly rocks a "bass-reflex" design to handle the thumps. Aside from plugging in your standard stereo cable, these orbs can receive data from any A2DP-compliant device, be it your PDA, cellphone, or third-party Bluetooth adapter. Although we're digging the design and wouldn't mind a nice set of perfectly precise speaks ourselves, whether or not they're honestly worth the €999 ($1,323) price of admission is certainly debatable.[Via TrustedReviews]
Parrot's NOMAD handsfree kit promises killer sound quality
There's certainly no shortage of Bluetooth handsfree kits designed to keep your hands on the wheel (without necessarily making you safer), but they can be notoriously difficult to use in noisy environments -- like cars, for example. Parrot is showing off its new NOMAD kit, touting the three years of research it allegedly poured into signal processing algorithms to maximize sound quality. The device conveniently clips to a visor and seems portable enough to tote around as a personal speakerphone, offering 10 hours of talk time and over a week of standby. Pricing is unknown, but expect it drop this month.[Via BlueTomorrow]
Porsche Design working on a GPS receiver?
We've seen the Porsche Design team try its hand at radios already (both self-branded and in conjunction with Grundig), and now it's apparently looking to enter the GPS game with an upcoming receiver powered by Navigon software. Dutch site Pocketinfo is claiming that their mole contact inside Navigon has revealed a device known as the P9611 (supposedly standing for Porsche 911 + Mobile Navigator 6 -- seems like P9116 would make more sense, though) which features a 520MHz Xscale processor, 4.3-inch, 480 x 272 pixel display, built-in traffic update support, and even an embedded Bluetooth car kit from Parrot. Details are still pretty thin at this point, but Pocketinfo is reporting that the unit will start shipping in October, for a Porsche-like $950. Apparently the P9611 will also work in non-Porsche vehicles, but it'll be pre-programmed with the locations of all Porsche dealerships worldwide, and will beep like crazy every time you pass one until you finally cave in and pick up at least a Boxster.
