Bluetooth 2.1+EDR handsfree kits & headsets gather steam

	The BTC015 model from Zhongshan K-mate boasts 10m operating distance and 84hr standby time.

Makers also emphasize high-performance and features-rich units to cement market foothold.

Handsfree kit and headset manufacturers in China are migrating to Bluetooth 2.1+EDR to speed up data transfer and improve performance.

Toward this end, more suppliers are adopting theBlueCore5 chipset instead of the BlueCore3. Embedded with DSP core, the first can provide high audio quality, thanks to its advanced audio decoding, noise reduction and echo cancellation features. The solution likewise allows speech recognition and TTS.

Avantronics Ltd’s model BTCK-19T Bluetooth car FM kit, which is based on the BlueCore5, enables auto-reconnection, multipairing and voice dial. Its TTS program supports five languages.

Manufacturers likewise integrate add-ons to raise product value. Zhongshan K-mate General Electronic Co. Ltd’s modelBTC015 Bluetooth car kit enables three-way call function for conferencing even while inside the vehicle. Powered by a 120mAh Li-polymer battery, the unit can allow up to 6 and84hr operating and standby time.

Several makers can incorporate steering wheel remote controls.

The 378B model from Kod Electronic Co. Ltd enables such functionality in normal and steering wheel modes. The latter can work in both left and right driver seats.

In terms of aesthetic enhancements, more China suppliers are using in-house molds and designs to differentiate their products, although some turn to third-party partners. Regardless of strategy, many are incorporating UV paint and touch-sensitive buttons in their latest releases.

China’s Bluetooth handsfree kit and headset exports slipped by 11 percent YoY to 19.8 million units in 1H11 due to financial uncertainties in the US and Europe. Many makers, however, are optimistic of better revenue in the years ahead.

China suppliers provide handsfree kits and headsets for home and car applications. Bluetooth variants dominate output in both categories, but wired models are also available.

Mainstream wired handsfree kits have a 3.5mm line-in port, microphone and speaker. Some pack an FM transmitter to send audio signals to the car radio for output.

In the wireless sector, Bluetooth versions lead and are positioned as upscale units. Basic models mostly adopt Bluetooth 2.0 and boast 1.5, 1.8 or 2in screens. Powered by the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket, these integrate an FM transmitter, an MP3 player, a USB port and an SD card slot.

Many feature advanced audio distribution profile for streaming purposes.

Intermediate units pack 2 or 3in displays. The built-in flash memory typically starts at 1G and can reach 8G. Video playback supports MPEG-4, AVI or DivX formats.

Upscale variants are based on Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and integrate headset, handsfree and A/V remote control profiles on top of A2DP. They draw power from Li-ion batteries and can be used in the car and at home.

The releases can achieve full-duplex communication with echo and noise cancellation. Some models also enable three-way conferencing.

As for headsets, low-end units generally consist of monotypes based on Bluetooth 1.2 or 2.0. Midrange varieties, which employ 2.1 or 3.0+EDR, support HSP and HFP, 10m operating distance and 5 to 12hr talk time. These come with a rechargeable Li-polymer battery, volume control and an LED indicator.

Bluetooth stereo headsets run on 2.0 or 2.1+EDR. Such units enable A2DP and call function.

Selections comply with CE, RoHS and FCC guidelines, and most carry BQB certification.

Bluetooth chipsets are sourced from CSR or Broadcom. The former’s BlueCore3 is widely used in basic models, while the BlueCore4 or BlueCore5 is embedded into advanced releases to boost the data transfer rate and audio quality.

Accel, KT Micro, Quintic or Rohm are the main providers of FM transmitter chipsets.

MP3 decoder ICs, meanwhile, are obtained from Actions Semiconductor, Buildwin, MVSilicon and Sunplus.

Prices are determined by the chipset type and add-ons.

Bluetooth handsfree kits with FM transmitters and music playback go for $15 to $30. An additional $0.50 to $1 is charged for incorporating RDS feature. Entry-level mono headsets are between $5 and $15.

To offset high production and labor costs and a strong yuan, companies plan to raise prices by 3 to 5 percent. Some, however, will retain current quote levels to boost competitiveness.

Related article:
Bluetooth handsfree kits: Bluetooth gains ground in handsfree kit segment, wired still dominant

Avantronics Ltd

Model: BTCK-19T
Description: Bluetooth car kit; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; HSP, HFP 1.5, A2DP, AVRCP; DSP; CSR BlueCore5 chipset; 76 to 108MHz FM frequency; 550mA BL-5B rechargeable lithium battery; up to 400hr standby, 8 to 10hr talk time; built-in speaker, microphone

E-Song Digital Ltd

Model: ESB206
MOQ: 2,000 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: Bluetooth car handsfree kit; A2DP; FM transmitter; LCD; caller ID voice prompt, phone book; remote control; 12/24V power supply; CE, RoHS

Kiss Communications Technology Co. Ltd

Model: BTK-23
Description: Bluetooth stereo headsets; Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP; 100mAh Li-ion battery; 3hr charging, 100hr standby, 5hr music playback and talk time; clear voice capture; foldable, sweat-resistant

Kod Electronic Co. Ltd

Model: 378B
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 10 days
Description: Bluetooth car kit; Bluetooth 2.1; 88.1 to 107.9MHz FM frequency range; DSP; AFH; LCD screen; USB port, TransFlash card slot; digital remote control

Zhongshan K-mate General Electronic Co. Ltd

Model: BTC008
Description: Bluetooth car handsfree kit; Bluetooth 2.1 class 2; HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP; FM transmitter; 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response; 88.1 to 107.9MHz FM frequency range; auto-scan; 12VDC power supply; USB charging; flexible gooseneck or cigarette lighter stand