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Parrot Rolls Out New Docking Kit For Smartphones

Parrot, the French maker of wireless peripherals with its North American headquarters in Southfield, has rolled out what it says is the first Bluetooth hands-free and multifunction kit adapted to all models and compatible with all operating systems, the Parrot Minikit Smart.

The Minikit Smart kit has a docking bay designed for all Smartphones, whatever their size (from 56mm to 70mm width).

The connection between the two devices is done via Bluetooth and the Minikit Smart can simultaneously manage hands-free conversations and navigation applications available on Smartphones. Calls and GPS guidance will be broadcast through the two-watt speaker integrated in the Minikit Smart

Depending on the capability of each Smartphone, the Minikit Smart could put on hold the GPS functions, and restart them once the conversation ends.

Minikit Smart is compatible with all navigation software available (free or paid) and all operating systems: Android, iOS, Windows Mobile, Blackberry, Symbian, Bada and more. 

And when the Smartphone is docked in the MINIKIT Smart, it can recharge via one of the USB cables included in the box.

The Parrot Minikit Smart is equipped with a swiveling suction cup to be fixed on the windshield or the dashboard of the vehicle. The docking bay is equipped with a magnet for quick and easy positioning.

Once positioned, the Minikit Smart can be set to portrait or landscape mode so that the screen of the Smartphone is easily seen by the driver.

To enable high-quality conversations, the Minikit Smart is equipped with a retractable microphone that can be positioned according to the interior of the vehicle. The Parrot Minikit Smart has one-week autonomy on standby, 10 hours of talk time and can be recharged using the in-vehicle DC power outlet.

Once paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, the Minikit Smart synchronizes and automatically updates its phonebook. The Minikit Smart can store up to 10 different phone books (2,000 contacts per smartphone) and can then be used by several drivers.

Thanks to the voice synthesis of the names and a voice recognition system that requires no prior training or installation, the phonebook is available without changing any settings on the Smartphone.

To call one of the contacts in the phonebook, simply say the name and the Minikit Smart will dial the number. If several numbers are associated with a contact, the Minikit Smart will offer options and user can vocally choose one.

The Parrot Minikit Smart will be available by the end of November at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $129.99 through BestBuy.com, Crutchfield.com, 6th Avenue Electronics, Car Toys Al & Ed's, ABT Electronics, Car Toys, 6th Avenue Electronics, Fry's Electronics, Bell Canada and ParrotShopping.com.

Technical information is available at: http://www.parrot.com/fr/produits/kits-mains-libres-Bluetooth-portable.

(c) 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All rights reserved.

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