Alpine's New KCE-350BT Now Shipping
A couple of weeks ago, TeamSoundDomain's Robert Petty gave us a hands-on review of the Alpine KCE-300BT, a handy add-on Bluetooth module that turns your Alpine source unit into a hands-free cellphone kit. Well, the good just got better as Alpine has announced the release a newer version, the KCE-350BT.
The 350BT displays caller ID info on the radio's LCD or screen, and offers access to missed calls, dialed calls, and received calls, as well as access to phone book information and voice dialing for compatible phones. The conversation is broadcasted through your car's speakers, and the included echo-canceling microphone provides crystal clear conversations while on the go. If you want to check one of these out and find out if your phone is compatible, hop down to your local Alpine dealer for a demo. They've got all the answers!
For more details on this little gem, follow the jump for Alpine's full press release.
TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2008 – As more and more
states require “hands-free” cell phone use while driving, Alpine Electronics of
America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media
solutions, offers a new Bluetooth® solution for in-car use. The new
KCE-350BT Bluetooth Interface Module is now available to aid drivers by
allowing hands-free conversations to be handled through the vehicle’s sound
system.
The new KCE-350BT is a fully integrated solution that works with
all of Alpine’s Bluetooth-ready 2007 and 2008 model head units, including the
IVA-D106, IVA-W505 and IVA-W203 Mobile Multimedia Stations™ with touch screen
monitors. “Caller ID,” “Missed Calls,” “Dialed Calls” and “Received Calls”
information is displayed on and controlled through the connected Alpine head
unit. Pressing the dedicated “Phone” button on the 1-DIN head units or the
phone pickup soft key on the Mobile Multimedia Stations picks up incoming calls.
When a call comes in, other audio being played is automatically muted.
The KCE-350BT offers voice-activated dialing capability (when paired
with a Bluetooth phone that uses voice dialing). The Mobile Multimedia Stations
also have a 12-key input on the touch screen which can be used to directly dial
a number. Another feature of the KCE-350BT is the new object push profile that
allows users with smart phones to “push” their stored contact information from
their Bluetooth phone to the module and have as many as 150 contact numbers stay
in its memory. Then, each time the phone is used with the KCE-350BT, users do
not have to wait for the phone to sync up, making start-up and interfacing much
quicker and easier.
Additionally, the KCE-350BT offers advanced echo
cancellation to reduce noticeable echo noise in the car for significantly
improved voice quality. The KCE-350BT works with many of today’s
Bluetooth-capable phones. Consumers should check with their local Alpine
retailer to verify the compatibility of their phone.
“Many states are
moving in the direction of requiring hands-free cell phone use in the car, if it
is not already the law. Alpine’s KCE-350BT is an integrated solution that
allows phone conversations to be played through the car’s speakers so consumers
do not have to fumble with ear buds or other attachments,” said Stephen Witt,
vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics.
Pricing and
Availability
The KCE-350BT is available now for $230 SRI at authorized
Alpine retailers. To find a retailer, visit the Dealer Locator section at http://www.alpine-usa.com .
More info: Alpine USA
Share this story:
