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Hands-Free Cell Phone Kit Responds to New Laws

Hands-free legislation, voice-activated car kit create safe driving environment

Driving while talking on a cell phone will cost drivers in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. now that the law requires drivers to use hands-free devices while using wireless phones. Similar legislation, which is also in effect in New York State, is nearing passage in California. During a grace period through July, violators of hands-free laws are being warned, but not ticketed.

This phase-in period allows consumers to prepare by purchasing hands-free accessories. Parrot, a European developer of Bluetooth automotive products, offers a line of hands-free devices. Among them is DriveBlue, the first Bluetooth hands-free car kit requiring no installation. Ready-to-use and portable, DriveBlue instantly and wirelessly provides advanced hands-free functionality. It plugs into any car's cigarette lighter and is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled phones currently on the U.S. market.

DriveBlue, which retails for $99, is a totally hands-free option for those consumers needing to comply with new laws. Simply enter your information into the system's address book and voice recognition dialing gives the user an automatic connection in full duplex mode within a range of 10m (33 feet). This means you can answer a call while driving even if your cell phone is in the trunk of the car.

Other Parrot products include the CK3000 phone system, the first-ever Bluetooth car kit. The CK3000 is hardwired to the car's stereo speakers for maximum audio quality.