Parrot RKi8400 In-Dash Car Stereo for iPhone [Hands-Free Calls, Bluetooth Connectivity, 2.4-in LCD, Detachable Faceplate, USB/SD]

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So what are your options when it comes to integrating your iPhone into your automotive environment? You can purchase a separate Bluetooth cradle so you can make hands-free calls through your car speakers via some type of FM-band transmitter, you can jack your iPhone into your stereo if your car has a line-in option, you can connect it to a separate FM transmitter and stream your music…there are a number of options but they all tend to have the same issues, more wires. The latest product from Paris-based Parrot, the RKi8400, finally offers a fairly seamless way to integrate your iPhone into your car without feeling like you’ve just been through an Italian food fight.

The Parrot RKi8400 is a unique product in that it is an in-dash car stereo that was specifically designed for use with the iPhone. The system gives users the ability to browse the Apple smartphone’s music with album cover art on its 2.4-in LCD and automatically invokes hands-free mode when a call comes in. Equipped with a 200 W MOFSET amplifier, the Parrot RKi8400 is totally integrated into the vehicle’s audio system. Conversations and music are transmitted via the speakers and the RKi8400 has a built-in equalizer and includes sound effects that can be adapted to any style of music.

The RKi8400 has a removable front panel (behind which is located a handy storage compartment) and the main functions are all accessible via a front-mounted rotary button. The very first time you connect the Parrot RKi8400 to your mobile phone, it automatically copies the contacts in your mobile’s phonebook. To make a call, use the voice-recognition function and say the name of the person you want to call.

In addition, the unit also sports Stereo Bluetooth for wireless calling via any Bluetooth enabled cell phone and it can support just about any musical source you want: iPod, iPhone, USB flash drive, SD cards, Bluetooth stereo (A2DP) peripherals or any other analog player. Most other dockable iPods are supported, as are music files stored on USB storage devices. For anything else, the single-DIN unit also has a dual line-in jack.

The Parrot RKi8400 is now available (although currently back-ordered) in the US for $399.99. You can get the full story by going to www.parrotshopping.com.