A Bluetooth wireless technology variant will allow users to additionally stream MP3 audio from their phone, and make handsfree voice calls when driving. Nordic Semiconductor ASA has announced that Kensington Computer Products Group has specified a pair of Nordic Semiconductor nRF24L01 ultra-low power 2.4GHz transceivers into the remote control part of each of the three base versions of its line of LiquidAUX Auxiliary Car Kits with Remote Control: The LiquidAUX for iPod and iPhone; the LiquidAUX Deluxe for iPod and iPhone; and the LiquidAUX Bluetooth Car Kit.

The LiquidAUX line of products uses an audio cable from a device-charging dock plugged into the car’s cigarette lighter (CLA) to play MP3 content stored on an iPhone, iPod or music phone through the car stereo using its auxiliary (AUX) 3.5mm headphone input socket. For charging during use both versions of the LiquidAUX iPod and iPhone products include a CLA dock with powered 30-pin Apple Dock Connector, while the LiquidAUX Bluetooth Car Kit has a powered USB port located on the CLA dock.

A thumbnail-sized 4-button remote control puts control of MP3 content at the user’s fingertips with play/pause, next track, previous track, and shuffle (the latter replaced by a call control button on the Kensington LiquidAUX Bluetooth Car Kit).  By using a pair of Nordic Semiconductor nRF24L01 Ultra-Low Power 2.4 GHz transceivers located in the remote and CLA dock, Kensington was able to power its remote using a single, CR2016 3V lithium button cell.
Users can expect to get up to 12 months usage before having to replace the coin cell in the remote.
 
Music streamed from the music phone is automatically paused as soon as a call is received, and automatically resumes once the received call has ended or been rejected by the user.

For further information, contact Steven Keeping.
Nordic Semiconductor 

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