Bluetooth Autocom

[SilverFish]

Heard a rumour that despite their complete denials at the NEC show, Autocom are to introduce a Bluetooth based solution for release in April 2005. Coincidently when BMW and Schuberth release theirs..

Mike

 

[Mike Werner]

Had an email exchange with them a couple of months ago about an article I was writing about BT and bikes.

Autocom stated that they did not think the technology was mature enough, and they'd wait before doing anything....Sounds a bit like Bill Gates saying that 10 Mb discs will be enough for any user with a PC

After last week's article on my site, I've been contacted by several manufacturers detailing their plans, including several phone manufacturers working with accessory and helmet manufacturers. More shortly !! But no email from Autocom....

 

[SilverFish]

Bluetooth has obvious advantages for use on bikes.

One disadvantage though, is that if it doesnt work, then its a return to 3rd line for investigation/repair. One of Autocom's best assets is that the main points of failure can be easily repaired or replaced.

I think that it is their reputation that they are concerned about, and they have been waiting for other manufactures like Vemar, to make the mistakes first and learn from them.

Whatever happens though, 2005 should be a good year for improving rider comms.

Mike

 

[John Armstrong]

Discounts and April

If you're the type who doesn't believe in consequences, then the end of the Autocom discount in Feb 2005 and bluetooth in April have nothing to do with each other.

I'll probably go with the discount route as it'll be two more things to charge (the helmets) each night and I've got the betty and music leads already.

 

[Fanum]

Until they work out some sort of inductive charging system, units with 12 hour battery life or can make small solar panels that will go on the back of your helmet, I certainly won't be getting one......who's going to spend the sort of money that these will cost to get 3 hours maximum out of it?

 

[Mike Werner]

Until they work out some sort of inductive charging system, units with 12 hour battery life or can make small solar panels that will go on the back of your helmet, I certainly won't be getting one......who's going to spend the sort of money that these will cost to get 3 hours maximum out of it?

Don't think there are that many people who will be speaking & riding for 12 hours straight....

Also BMW's and Schubert's units are for 5 hours TALK time !!

So things are shaping up....

 

[Cheesy Mike]

The fundamental problem with the current Bluetooth specification is that it doesn't support stereo. Until the new spec is ratified and makes it into real products, what is the point of of a bluetooth Autocom?

Mike

 

[Greg Masters]

Autocom have a Bluetooth telephone interface available now. It's not cheap at over a hundred quid, but it means that my phone can stay in the top-box.

Greg

 

[Fanum]

Don't think there are that many people who will be speaking & riding for 12 hours straight....

I'm not saying we do Mike, but if you're on a day out or tour, you wan the thing to last out the day until you can get it plugged in.

The 5 hours you mention in your subsequent post is better, but we both know that 5 hours theoretical will only mean 3 hours turned up and in use......and most people here will regularly do more than 3 hours in the saddle in a day.

 

[Mick_rw]

Maybe....

Until they work out some sort of inductive charging system, units with 12 hour battery life or can make small solar panels that will go on the back of your helmet, I certainly won't be getting one......who's going to spend the sort of money that these will cost to get 3 hours maximum out of it?

on your top box...

Flexible/Portable Solar Panels

 

[Mike Werner]

I'm not saying we do Mike, but if you're on a day out or tour, you wan the thing to last out the day until you can get it plugged in.

The 5 hours you mention in your subsequent post is better, but we both know that 5 hours theoretical will only mean 3 hours turned up and in use......and most people here will regularly do more than 3 hours in the saddle in a day.

Yup, but I think they mean talk time....

 

[Telford]

How about a wind turbine on top of the helmet

 

[skipper]

autocom bluetooth

bought one at the NEC fitted and works a treat .....(GSA)

The main advantage for me is not forgetting to plug the phone in when on the bike and unpluggging it when you stop for coffee breaks.....

keep it warm and dry in your jacket at all times ......switches over to bluetooth as soon as you turn on the ignition and back again when switched off....

Well pleased

 

[Manni]

Skipper,

Can't find the bluetooth autocom phone device on the autocom website. Is it available right now? Thanks.

Manni

 

[Greg Masters]

Can't find the bluetooth autocom phone device on the autocom website. Is it available right now? Thanks.

They are out of stock - I rang yesterday!

Greg

 

[Manni]

Thanks Greg. Did they tell you when to expect a new batch? Cheers.

 

[Greg Masters]

Thanks Greg. Did they tell you when to expect a new batch? Cheers.

You need to get hold of Sam - he wasn't about on Friday when I rang, so all I know is there's no stock of the special lead that links the Nokia Bluetooth device to the Autocom. Richard (who I spoke with) couldn't tell me when they'd be getting more in.

Greg

 

[Manni]

Thanks, I'll check later this week with Sam.

 

[garyfzs]

5 hours talk time no good to me