While trying to place an order with one of our vendors, our sales representative informed Chris that they had a new product we should try. It is a Bluetooth Audio piece that will work with ANY radio and any Android phone with Bluetooth (iPhone information coming) . How funny. I was just stating a few days ago how soon it would be available at a lower price and it was too bad more people couldn’t enjoy it. Coincidentally, there is now a piece available that will work with ANY factory radio and any aftermarket radio.
For those of you not in the know, Bluetooth Audio allows you to use your smartphone as an audio source; WIRELESSLY! Yes, any music files on your phone, internet radio, etc., can now be another audio source in your vehicle. No, the quality does not sound like your bluetooth handsfree phone calls. The sound quality is excellent. Boaters, this is the best thing for your marine audio as well. No more wired remotes cutting holes in the back of your boat or losing itty bitty remotes. You most likely have your phone glued to your hand anyway, so use it!
For around $120, you can now stream music from your Android phone and, yes iPhone. The issue with the iPhone is this. Currently, there is no app for this piece to be used with the iPhone. The app is currently only available for Android phones. However, the app’s purpose is only for allowing the user to power up the unit and change the FM station from the phone instead of the radio. We tested this here and it seems inconsequential if the user is in the front seat; so iPhone users, go for it.
Did I say FM? Yes, I did. But don’t be annoyed or roll your eyes. This part is for hard wired FM modulation only. It is not a wireless FM modulation piece that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. Many of you have probably tried and regretted using these types of FM modulation pieces before. However, this part does not come with the plug and play accessories. By directly hard wiring to the FM of your radio, the quality of sound will be dramatically different. This type of install allows the user to have the clearest FM signal for their source and they most likely will not have to change the FM at all while traveling; which is why the app to change the FM station isn’t really needed. The only extra part a person might need is an antenna adapter for certain vehicles using the FM modulation method. These range in price from $19 – $29 each. You would only use FM if you do not have auxiliary input on your factory or aftermarket radio.
The aux input can be in the rear or in front. If you do not have an auxillary input and you refuse to use FM modulation for a digital device and Bluetooth Audio, (which is certainly understandable) then there is also another solution. There are parts that add auxillary input to many factory and aftermarket radios. There are compatability issues to consider first but often auxillary inputs can be added. Adding the auxillary in would then allow you to use the Bluetooth Audio device at its best level of quality.
Have any of you noticed I have only said Bluetooth Audio? Yes, it is for audio only. It is not for handsfree calls. Odd, but true. So, although there is something now that is cheaper for Bluetooth Audio, you won’t be getting the handsfree calling. So, to get both you WILL have to upgrade to a different radio or an all-in-one piece that would mount on your dash.
The beauty of all of this is that this is not a piece that is mounted somewhere on your dash. You will not need to see this new piece to use it, because – it’s Bluetooth audio! We have played with this piece here at our store and we really like it. It works really well and we say this loving Bluetooth Audio. If you have any questions about this product or other Bluetooth Audio possibilities, please give us a call.
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