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.

Fail: Zivio Bluetooth Headset Falls Short

I first reported on the Zivio headset during our CES 2008 coverage, and was really looking
to checking it out. The extended boom mic and sleek and intuitive design really looked like ti was going to be a grand slam out of the park. Well, the guys over at Engadget got their hands on one and it turns out a grand slam it wasn't... more like a really bad foul tip that popped backwards and caught the ump in the square face. Based on their findings this thing seems like nothing sure of a flop.

Source: Engadget

Alpine Bluetooth Install & Hands-On

Team SoundDomain member Robert Petty has been building up his toy arsenal again, this time adding an Alpine KCE-300BT Bluetooth adapter to his IVA-W205. But since Robert is an engineer by trade and a gadget geek by hobby, he wanted to take his install a bit beyond what Alpine provides instructions for. Robert's Acura CL-S came equipped with an analog OnStar system (which was made useless after OnStar switched to an all-digital system not too long ago), and he successfully incorporated the factory OnStar microphone in his rearview mirror with the Alpine set-up. Now Robert has a stealthy hands-free solution for his mobile phone and can even stream audio from his cell into his W205.

Check out Roberts hands-on of the KCA-300BT, including screen shots and install progress, in the Head Unit Help forum, and take a peek at his competition SQ CL-S build in the Team SoundDomain forums.

Friendly Reminder: Handsfree While Driving is a Good Idea, the Law

Just a public service advertisement announcement that driving handsfree is the law in many states as of July 1st. And honestly folks, even if it's not the law, it's just a good idea.

Handsfree Is The Way To Be Pt 2: Video Showcase

With the new handsfree laws kicking in across the US, having some sort of mobile phone handsfree device is more of a necessary than just a cool accessory. A few weeks ago we told you about some of the cool new Bluetooth gear from Scosche and to help give you a better idea of how those product work, Scosche put together a cool video showing it action! I'm still a really big fan of the visor-clipped chit-CHAT speakerphone - it's easy to use, transportable, and a clean design.

Which do you think is the coolest of the bunch?

in the forums!