A Few Mobile Firsts at CES

LAS VEGAS: I’ve often wondered why it seemed that the motorcycle always took a back seat to the Bluetooth in-car technology we’ve all grown to know and love. Well, that curiosity can officially be put to rest with Parrot’s new SK4000.

Parrot is showing off its new SK4000 Bluetooth hands-free kit at CES this year. Designed especially for motorcycles, the SK4000 is completely wireless, fits securely on your helmet and links directly to your cell phone. You also have the ability to listen to FM radio, stream digital music from your Bluetooth cell phone or plug in your iPod. A really neat feature of the SK4000 is its ability to adjust the volume automatically to compensate for road and wind noise as you ride. In addition, it automatically syncs its phonebook with your cell phonebook. While browsing your phonebook via the wireless remote control that mounts on the handlebars, you are able to indicate who you would like to call by speaking the name of the person. The call is then dialed automatically. The SK4000 includes a boom mic, mini-USB jack and a rechargeable battery providing 10 hours talk time. The MSRP for the SK4000 is $189.99.

Similarly, Pioneer, not to be outdone, has come up with a mobile first of its own.