Sat Nav on iPhone

JUNE 2009 UPDATE: TomTom software has been confirmed for the iPhone – Read More.

Since the launch of the iPhone 3G last week, stories are surfacing on the availability of a full Sat Nav application. Rumours were flying around prior to its launch that TomTom had a full version of its mapping software ready to launch, and according to Gizmodo, TeleNav have a version ready for release too. Nothing as yet has been confirmed on release details, but it would seem that there are a few issues that the software vendors will need to resolve first.

Software developers have stated that the iPhone SDK (software development kit), bans the use of real time navigation, presumably to avoid any potential lawsuits from people directed into a ditch by their iPhone. No doubt developers such as TomTom and TeleNav will be working closely with Apple to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Via Gizmodo

Elan Intelli-Mutes

Elan Intelli-Mutes: What are they and why do I need one?

The Intelli-Mute from Elan is designed to install your Car Kit quickly and hassle free. Instead of hardwiring your Car Kit into the vehicle’s power supply, the Intelli-Mute allows your Car Kit to be powered using your car stereo. All call audio is routed through the car stereo speakers, taking away the need to install a separate speaker in the passenger foot well, which can often lead to muffled or distorted sounds – especially at higher speeds. The volume of the call can be adjusted through your stereo controls or steering wheel audio controls (if fitted to your vehicle).

Intelli-Mute wiring Diagram

The Intelli-Mute is a three way lead, one end connects to your existing vehicle wiring, one to the Intelli-Mute control box and the third connects to the back of your car stereo. You will need to make sure that the Intelli-Mute that you order is the correct one for your stereo. If you are not sure what connection type your stereo has, please contact your local car dealership or stereo manufacturer. To complete the installation, you will also need an Accessory Harness specific to your Car Kit.

Elan Accessory Harness

Elan Accessory Harness: What are they and why do I need one?

The Accessory Harness is the lead that connects your Intelli-Mute control box to your Car Kit. As each type of Car Kit is different, they have harnesses specific to each type and have to be ordered separately. They are really simple to fit, one end connects to the Intelli-Mute control box, and the other end to the power and speaker connections of your Car Kit. Depending on your vehicle and the amount of space in your dashboard, the Intelli-Mute and harness are designed to sit behind your car stereo. If there isn’t room, the cables are long enough for you to be able to feed from behind the dashboard where there is more space. All you will need to do then is position the microphone (and display screen if present) and feed the cables through to the Car Kit control box.

What else might I need?

Brodit produce a range of in car accessories to help make using your phone in the car easy and safe.

Brodit ProClips

ProClips are brackets that clip securely to your dashboard, giving you a firm, flat surface that you can screw your chosen phone holder on to. When it comes time to change your car or remove the kit, the bracket can be removed easily, leaving no damage to your dashboard.

Brodit Car Holders

Brodit also make two types of in car holder, Active and Passive. Active holders have a charger built in to them which plugs in to your cigarette lighter. Passive holders will hold your phone securely and allow you to use your own charger. Both holders are normally available with a fixed or tilt/swivel base.

Car Chargers

Using Bluetooth car kits and headsets can sometimes increase the drain on the battery, and as most modern Car Kits don’t have a physical connection to your phone, its always a good idea to have a car charger.

If you don’t want the hassle of installing the Car Kit and all extra accessories, Mobile Fun now offer a fitting service for your car kit. Standard Installation includes a fully trained engineer installing the kit at your home or work address. Premium Installation includes the home visit, but also includes an Intelli-mute and Brodit ProClip for your vehicle (Car kit dependant).

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Duo:
The SurfaceSound Duo is a unique device that combines the ease of a loudspeaker, with the freedom of a Bluetooth Headset. The Duo allows you to use your Bluetrek Bluetooth headset while you’re out and about. When you get home or in the car, simply take the headset off your ear and dock it onto the SurfaceSound Duo. When docked all call audio is routed through the flat panel loudspeaker. When you reach your destination, you simply undock the headset and the call is transferred back to the headset. You’re then free to wander around with no interruption to your call. Battery life is exceptional, giving up to 24 days stand-by time and up to 22 hours talk time.

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact:
The SurfaceSound is an ultra slim loudspeaker that can be used in the car, at work or at home. Its the same basic design as the SurfaceSound Duo, but without the ability to dock your Bluetooth Headset. Battery life is again excellent, with stand-by times of up to 22 days and up to 15 hours of talk time. The SurfaceSound Compact supports voice dialling (handset dependant) as well as last number redial, call return and call waiting.

Both the SurfaceSound Compact and SurfaceSound Duo include USB charging cable and car adapter.

Compatible Headsets:

• Bluetrek Sugar
• Bluetrek Sense
• Bluetrek Mini
• Bluetrek Tattoo
• Bluetrek UFO

For a better understanding of how Multidapt works, here’s a quick video that Krusell have put together.

What Fitting Options are Available?

Leather Swivel Kit
The perfect accessory for those needing a hard wearing belt clip. The Leather Swivel Kit will safely attach to a belt to provide a secure holding. It is designed to fit standard 45mm belts and available individually or as part of the Executive Pack.

Shoulder Strap

Mount your mobile phone or MP3 player onto your bag strap. Have easy access to your phone for calls, or your MP3 player to control your music. Available only as part of the Executive Pack.

Vortex Clip
A full 360 degree rotating clip, which can be adjusted at 45 degree angles. The curved shape of the clip provides an extra secure fitting when attached to a belt. Available as part of the Executive Pack.

Mini Clip
A low profile belt clip that allows convenient carrying of your device on your trouser or jacket pocket. Available individually or as part of the Mobility Pack.

Car Holdic Kit
Designed to hold your mobile device in the car, simply mount the Car Hold Kit to your vehicles and slide in the Krusell case. Each Car Hold Kit can be mounted with the supplied adhesive tape or a dashboard screw. Available individually or as part of the Mobility Pack or Security Pack.

Bike Holder Kit
Perfect for outdoor activities, allows you attach your mobile phone, MP3 player, PDA or GPS receiver to your bike whilst cycling. Available
individually or as part of the
Sports Pack or
Mobility Pack.

Slide Swivel Kit
An easy and comfortable way to carry your mobile device. Simply attach to your belt and slide your Krusell case into the Slide Swivel Kit. Each Slide Swivel Kit allows full 360 degree movement. Available
individually or as part of the
Security Pack and
Mobility Pack.

Arm Strap
A must for both in-and-outdoor activities. Attach any Krusell Multidapt case to the Arm Strap and go. The secure fitting keeps your mobile device or MP3 player close to hand whilst being active. Available individually or as part of the Sports Pack.

Steel Swivel Kit
The ideal accessory for heavy duty professions. The Steel Swivel kit is designed to endure intense pressure, ideal for those working in rough environments. Designed to fit standard 45mm belts. Available as part of the Security Pack.

Retractable Strap
Ideal for keeping keys, MP3-players, etc within easy access. The high tension wire keeps yours accessories and phone at the right length for whenever you need it. Available individually and as part of the Security Pack.

QuickMounter
The QuickMounter is used to mount phones or PDAs in your car, boat or on any other surface. Anything that sticks to a magnet can be attached. A metal plate is secured to your phone, and the Quickfix holder is mounted by adhesive tape.

Spring Clip
The SpringClip represents Krusell’s standard clip for mobile phones. The SpringClip is perfect for anyone who switches back and forth from a small pocket to larger belt. The spring in the clip keeps it secure in any situation.

Windscreen Holder
Convenient to use! Mount mobile phones, GPS and PDAs according to your requirements to windshields and windows of any kind.

Ratchet Swivel Kit
A swivel that rotates around its own axis, this Ratchet Swivelkit is something for the fastidious user, who wants the best and most user friendly holder available on the market. Stops in 8 different positions when rotating the 360°.

Phoneholdic Kit
With the Phoneholdic kit you can carry your device in a Multidapt® way without using a case. Mounted by adhesive tape to your phone.

Big Clip
The BigClip is the more robust and slightly thicker alternative to the MiniClip and therefore suitable for both larger phones and belts.