September 9, 2007 Drivers just might have to find somewhere else to stow their tasty beverages with the Ego Cup FM from German wireless in-car communications company Funkwerk Dabendorf. The Ego Cup FM is a plug and play FM transmitter designed to slot into car cup holders that connects to a mobile phone via Bluetooth and, as well as transmitting MP3s stored on the phone to the radio, also allows calls to be taken over the integrated speaker or through the car speakers.
The Ego Cup FM features a built-in rechargeable battery, display and is designed to fit into almost all in-car cup holders. The built-in rechargeable battery provides seven hours of talk-time and up to two weeks on standby and can be recharged via the cigarette lighter using the battery charger lead. The display can be used with Caller ID to show incoming callers, while the inclusion of echo and noise reduction is designed to provide good sound quality for those important calls. The device is compatible with the latest Bluetooth mobiles and can store up to eight different mobile phones.
The unit can also be linked with an iPod thanks to Funkwerk’s Pod’n’Blue accessory, which is a small wireless transmitter that turns an iPod into a Bluetooth capable player. The adapter is simply plugged into the dock connector of the iPod and the Pod’n’Blue immediately starts transmitting digital quality audio signals to the hands-free set with the aid of an A2DP profile, allowing music on the iPod to be played directly through the car’s speaker system.
The products are on sale in Germany now with the Ego Cup FM available for 89 Euro, (approx. US$125) and Pod’n’Blue going for 59 Euro, (approx. US$83). No word yet on a release date or prices for other markets.
For further info visit Funkwerk Dabendorf.
