VIDEO: Bluetooth gains another use, streaming audio from iPhone
The iPhone 3.0 software is due to be released later this year, and in addition to allowing GPS applications to display turn-by-turn directions, Apple's uber-device will finally bring something other smartphone users have been enjoying for a while: Bluetooth audio streaming.
With the new feature enabled on the iPhone, the device can be paired with a Bluetooth-equipped stereo, allowing users to ditch their cables and those infernal FM transmitters, to enjoy streaming audio from the iPhone's music player.
KickingTires head-honcho and former Autoblog Editor, Dave Thomas, got his paws on the new 3.0 software ahead of its release this summer and put the Bluetooth functionality to the test on a Toyota Venza. The verdict? It works as advertised. And it's about time. Check out the video demonstration after the jump.
[Source: KickingTires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Igor Holas 12:35PM (4/04/2009)
ummm .. this is called "Bluetooth speakers" function and SYNC has supported it from the get go ...
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Yaroukh 12:40PM (4/04/2009)
When it comes from Apple it is first no matter when it comes.
MAAD 12:41PM (4/04/2009)
Nothing to see here, move along people.
Mazda FTW! 12:41PM (4/04/2009)
Yaroukh is correct. It's similar to Honda. Everyone might have been doing it for decades but when Honda comes out with it, it's hailed by the automotive press and the public as a major breakthrough.
Farmboy 2:04PM (4/04/2009)
+1 Mazda FTW.
I mean c'mon. It is Apple of course. Everyone else's previous releases are all worthless to Apple and their superiority. *rolls eyes*
Mazda FTW! 2:28PM (4/04/2009)
Wait till they introduce the revolutionary new iPod with...wait for it...BUILT IN FM RADIO!!!
Then the upgrade software to that will feature FM recording too!!!! GEE-WHIZ!!!
* A feature my Samsung Q1 has had for years. Not to mention 10 other features that Apple won't include and sound quality (DNSe 3.0) that Apple can't touch.
quandmeme 3:46PM (4/04/2009)
Yep, there is a list of things that even apple fanbois have been clamoring for. June will be big for iPhone catch up and I'm glad.
Tin 6:04AM (4/05/2009)
I am sticking with my AUX cable. Bluetooth Stereo is seriouly inferior in sound quality. I can live with 256bits AAC, but lossy A2DP, no thanks!
UltimoDragon 2:38PM (4/05/2009)
@ Tin: I'm in agreement with you. No data charges to hook up your own mix of music, podcasts, etc on my own music player. Well, that, and I think smartphones like the iPhone are a bit of a ripoff.
rokuroku2 12:42PM (4/04/2009)
2009MY Mazda6 already has this feature,,,,
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ckm 12:46PM (4/04/2009)
Erm, I've been doing this with my BlackBerry and a Clairion radio for a year 1/2....
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Jsams4131 1:00PM (4/04/2009)
congrats to apple for catching up to the wireless bluetooth streaming. perhaps they just couldn't figure it out when they were selling millions in ipod/iphone adapter adapters laff.
I agree with everyone here its nothing new... welcome to 2009, iphone ! I can't wait til some apple fanboy I know is like "whoa cool iphones got wireless stereo, apple is so innovative"
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Parkerman 1:05PM (4/04/2009)
Did everyone happen to miss where it said
"Apple's uber-device will finally bring something other smartphone users have been enjoying for a while"
aka, its not the first? And they didn't say that in the article.
I'm looking forward to the 3.0 update.. where it becomes more like a phone should be... MMS... and functional blue tooth.
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sitruc 1:22PM (4/04/2009)
The question should be, is it news when a crippled feature is uncrippled? Apple is presented with press looking great and like innovators when in reality they were limiting the Bluetooth profiles that competitors have been using for some time.
Jim 2:00PM (4/04/2009)
"The question should be, is it news when a crippled feature is uncrippled? Apple is presented with press looking great and like innovators when in reality they were limiting the Bluetooth profiles that competitors have been using for some time."
In all fairness, it's not like this is unique to Apple either. Verizon and Sprint are notorious for neutering the bluetooth features on their branded phones. It's there, they just ain't gonna let you have it.
In Apple's case, they most likely hadn't actually implemented it in their software until now.
Mike 3:53PM (4/04/2009)
Still, Headline should have read "iPhone Finally Gets Old Bluetooth Function" but then that harldy sounds like news... does it?
sitruc 4:45PM (4/04/2009)
@Jim: That's a fair point, but it's a bit different when the service provider limits the hardware compared to a hardware manufacturer using software to limit their own hardware.
Jim 4:49PM (4/04/2009)
"@Jim: That's a fair point, but it's a bit different when the service provider limits the hardware compared to a hardware manufacturer using software to limit their own hardware."
Yes. the former is worse. What the service providers do is intentionally restrict something that is actually already implemented in hardware and software. Apple is implementing something in their software that wasn't there or wasn't working before (and making it a free update for iPhones.)
Mobius_1 1:06PM (4/04/2009)
The iPhone is cool, which the Toyota Venza (or any Toyota, for that matter) isn't.
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RPM 2:42PM (4/04/2009)
Supra, AE86, 2000GT.
But yes, the Venza is not cool.