Parrot To Introduce Multipoint on MKi Range

Sources within Parrot have indicated that a software update for their MKi range of Hands Free Car Kits will soon be able to connect with more than 1 handset simultaneously will be released soon.

Parrot the worlds biggest manufacturer of in car hands free systems have been the top seller in the UK and across the world for more than 5 years with their CK3100 kit which considering its age still outsells all other fixed handsfree kits.

Their MKi range of kits was launched over 2 years ago now to compliment the Apple iPhone and allow the increasing number of music phones supporting the A2DP (stereo music streaming over bluetooth) protocol with a car kit that could power to all 4 speakers in the car in stereo rather than just the front 2 door speakers in mono as the CK3100 and its competitors.

3 Kits are available in the MKi range the MKi9000

Which is a great kit providing iPod charging and music playback and all call handling and voice dialling can be done with the use of the wireless remote either strapped onto the steering wheel or fixed to the dashboard. 

Many users have used this kit in conjunction with a cradle for their iPhone allowing them not only to use the phone for calls and music on the move but also for navigation.

 

 The MKi9100

 and the MKi9200

Both come with a screen allowing you to have your iPod or iPhone locked away in the glove compartment while still letting you see your contacts and music on the small detachable screen fitted to the dashboard.

About a year later the UNIKA steering wheel control module was launched 

This enabled owners of cars with buttons already factory fitted to the steering wheel the ability to use these to control the functions of the Parrot kit without the need of the Parrot remote control

 Making for a much neater installation. For customers using the MKi9000 this meant that the installation of the kit was almost invisible on the car apart from the music connection cable hidden in the glove compartment and the small noise cancelling microphone by the interior light.

After the launch of the MKi range the French manufacturer were the leaders in hands free technology until its German rival THB Bury released the CC9060 and Bury Music kits.
On first release these kits supported the connection of 5 handsets one at a time just like the Parrot, but with a subsequent software update they were able to connect to 2 phones simultaneously with a new feature which they called Multipoint.

This new feature meant that you could have your iPod or iPhone charging in the glovebox, and 2 other phones (perhaps a work and personal) connected to take calls handsfree while you drive.

The voice command and control features of the kit are perhaps a little more advanced on the Bury range too allowing you to dial not only contacts in your phonebook but also numbers dictated and commands without taking your hands off the wheel.

It now seems as though Parrot may be hitting back with a new software update for their kit (which can be done easily with a USB memory key) which will also include the Multipoint feature. No date was given for the release of this update but as soon as it is available I will install test and report on the blog.

Thank you for reading.... :)

Fleet Vision - Vehicle Tracking: A Summary of Fleet Management Vehicle Tracking and...

Fleet Vision - Vehicle Tracking: A Summary of Fleet Management Vehicle Tracking and...: "A vehicle tracking system combines the installation of an electronic device in a vehicle, or fleet of vehicles , with purpose-designed com..."

VW Bluetooth just like the factory

Mobileinstall can now offer VW drivers bluetooth handsfree just like the factory kits with callers names displayed on the dashboard and control of the kit with the buttons on the steering wheel on basic models and using the touchscreen radio on those with the higher spec stereos

Not only that, but these kits also have full A2DP music streaming so you can play music from your iPhone Android or other smartphone through the car Hi-Fi Speakers

For more information go to http://www.mobileinstall.co.uk/factoryhandsfree.html for more information

Car Kits for Android Phones

Android Car Kits


Until now its been tricky to get a good hands-free kit for Android handsets because of hardware / software incompatability. 
Mobileinstall now have a range of cradles and car kits for all of the Android range from every manufacturer.


We now have kits for the following handsets


HTC Desire       

HTC Desire HD

HTC Wildfire

Samsung Galaxy S i9000

Samsung Google Nexus S

Samsung Galaxy GT i5700


LG Optimus One

Motorola Defy

And of course our favorite phone of 2010 the Trusty 
Google Nexus One

Parrot CK3100 Hands Free Kit

Mobileinstall Supply and install a comprehensive range of Handsfree car kits however our most poular kit for the last 3 years running is the Parrot CK3100.

In the world of modern communications technology it really is remarkable that a kit designed nearly 5 years ago now could still be outselling its quite often more modern and sophisticated rivals.  

I put this down to 3 things.

1. They don't break.

I've fitted these kits in dustbin lorries, courier van's and demolition trucks and then removed them to be fitted in new vehicles 3 years later.  This is the kit that keeps on trucking.

2.  They work with almost every phone.

Every phone that has bluetooth anyway, and if there's ever a compatibility issue Parrot have a software update for their kit available for download within a couple of weeks of a new handset being released.

3.  They're simple to use

Which is really important when you're driving, A big green button to answer, a red one to hang up, and a volume knob in the middle that also lets you select contacts from your phonebook to make calls. It really couldn't be easier.

If you run a fleet of company cars, vans or trucks then this is the kit that Mobileinstall would recommmend that you have fitted, and of course if you're located in  Manchester, Stockport, Bury, Bolton, Oldham, Wilmslow, Warrington, Wigan, Preston, Rochdale and across the Northwest. then 

We are the Nokia Accredited and Parrot Certified installer for your area.

Give us a call now for a free no obligation quotation 07811 266591

Fleet Vehicle Tracking

At Mobileinstall we fit all kinds of tracking systems for different applications but if you need the best solution for tracking your vehicle fleet be it cars vans or HGV then we recommend Box Telematics.

This unit is covertly fitted in the vehicle and uses very little power so the vehicle can be left parked for weeks at a time without it flattening the battery.  It has its own back-up battery which will last for several days in the event of the vehicle battery being disconnected.

Whenever the vehicle moves data is recorded, every change of direction and speed is monitored and all of this information is sent back to Box Telematics servers every 2 mins where it will be stored for 13 months.

Using Box Telematics software "Spot On" you can view live positions or any history of any vehicle movements.  The software can be set up to deliver reports of daily journeys mileage summaries anything you may want which can be printed off in spreadsheet format.  

You can generate exceptions which can be reported upon, the tracking unit has a clever sensor which can register harsh acceleration or braking and you can receive speed reports or out of hours use reports which can be sent to you by email or text message (text message charges apply email is free)

You can also set geofences, perimeters around certain places so that when the vehicle goes near a place or leaves a place that can be reported in the same way.

The software works on any windows PC and you can install it on as many machines as you wish with multiple users for which you can set access levels.

This requires a monthly subscription of £10+vat per vehicle payable by direct debit. 

Remote Immobilisation  

In addition we can fit remote immobilisation to the vehicle allowing you to enable and disable the starter circuit on the vehicle using the spot on software

Driver ID with remote immobilisation

This is a touch key receptacle fitted on the dashboard which must be activated by a driver key before the vehicle can be used. Not only is this an extra security measure for your vehicle but allows for different drivers journey information to be recorded separately meaning that if you have multiple drivers of multiple vehicles you can bring up the history of a driver as well as a vehicle.   The key can be overridden remotely using "Spot On". Each car kit is supplied with 1 driver key, additional keys are available for £10+vat.

All vehicle equipment is manufactured specifically to order, delivery takes 3-5 days we can usually arrange installations within a week of your order being placed.

Fore more information please visit our website http://www.mobileinstall.co.uk/box.html

Cars Stolen in The UK Theft Methods and Statistics

This graph shows car theft in the UK recently and shows the popularity of each different method.

As you can see, protecting your car with a car alarm or immobiliser will not protect against 79% of these thefts as the cars were stolen with the keys.

The most common method of car theft now is 2 people arriving at your house on a motorbike. They knock on your door and demand the keys. There's not much you can do as the thief is wearing a motorbike helmet. Once the thief has your keys either by peaceful or by violent means, they make off in your car with the other thief following on the (stolen) motorbike. They'll often load your car with your cash jewellery and even your plasma telly if there is room.

All is not lost however, with a modern tracking system from Smartrack you can get your car back in minutes. Just call the police and report your car stolen. The police will give you a crime number. Then call Smartrack and report the theft quoting the crime number. Smartrack can then pinpoint your car on a map using the tracking system's GPS and GSM technology they can speak directly to the police control centre guiding them to your car.  If your car is moved without the keys then Smartrack will be pro-actively on the case calling you on your mobile to alert you of any unauthorised movement of your car or battery disconnection which might disable your car alarm system.  They'll even send you a text to warn you if your battery is going flat, how's that for service.

For information on how to protect your car caravan motorbike or motorhome then please visit our website

http://www.mobileinstall.co.uk/vehicle_tracking.html