Attractive Common Sense Cup-Holder Design with Hands Free Bluetooth Functionality for in-Car iPod Use; Supports New iPod Classic and iPod Nano
Macally, a world-class designer and manufacturer of next-generation mobile and in-home electronics, today announced the release of its BTCUP, a full-channel FM transmitter with a clever cup holder design that lets customer enjoy their iPod in the car. It also features integrated Bluetooth hands-free functionality to connect with Bluetooth-equipped mobile devices.
"The Macally BTCUP will appeal to anyone who has ever tried to connect their iPod to their car audio system and then searched for a way to make it securely stay put," said Andrew Saldana, vice president, sales and marketing, Macally. "iPod users can now comfortably listen to their favorite iPod tunes through the FM car stereo receiver while also having the benefit of hands-free functionality for their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. Our continuing effort to create products that are at once useful, attractive and technologically advanced have come to fruition again with the BTCUP."
The Macally BTCUP was designed to let customers enjoy their iPods even more. With the BTCUP, everyone can enjoy the music through the car’s speakers via the FM transmitter. Fitting into standard car cup holders, the BTCUP keeps the iPod upright, giving the driver full access to the spin wheel and offering a clear view of the screen. In addition, the BTCUP features a backlit LCD display that show the channels in clear digital letters, so it is easier to read at night.
The BTCUP was also developed to be easy to use for both playing music and managing incoming calls from Bluetooth equipped mobile phones. When a call comes in, auto-switching between phone mode and iPod mode allows users to answer the call hands-free for improved safety, then returns to music play mode when the call is completed. It offers easy-to-reach buttons and switches including, a power on/off/privacy switch, a button for Bluetooth/answer/hang-up, frequency up and down buttons, as well as a "quick channel switch" button. The BTCUP also comes with an earphone for enhanced call privacy. The earphone has its own in-line microphone designed for voice use with mobile phones.
Powered through the cigarette lighter, the BTCUP supports third- through sixth-generation iPods, iPod with Video, iPod Photo, first- and second-generation iPod nano as well as the new iPod classic and the new iPod nano. The Macally BTCup also charges the iPod when docked. It can access the full FM spectrum (88.1MHz to 107.9MHz) to utilize the clearest channel available and will automatically access the last used frequency when turned on.
Macally plans to offer a BTCUP for iPhone in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Features:
# Listen to your favorite iPod tunes through the FM stereo receiver in the car
# Built-in Bluetooth hands-free function keeps you safe on the road
# Auto-Switching between phone mode and iPod mode when you answer and hang up calls
# Supports any Bluetooth equipped cell phone Includes earphone for call privacy
# Works with 2nd generation iPod nano, 5th generation iPod, 1st generation iPod nano, 4th generation iPod, and iPod Mini
# Dock and charge iPod devices simultaneously
# Fits cup holders securely in most cars
# Powered through car cigarette lighter outlet
# Full FM spectrum 88.1MHz to 107.9MHz for the clearest channel
# Easy-to-reach power on/off/privacy switch, bluetooth/answer/hang up button, frequency up and down buttons, and quick channel switch button
# Automatic last used frequency memory
# Tilted backlit LCD display with easy-to-read characters
# Designed to accept Apple dock insert shipped with iPod
# Docking inserts included to support 2nd generation iPod nano, 5th generation iPod, 1st generation iPod nano, 4th generation iPod, and iPod Mini
Pricing and Availability
The Macally BTCUP for iPod full channel FM transmitter with built-in Bluetooth hands-free functionality has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $119.99, and is now available at leading electronics and technology retailers throughout the United States. More details on the BTCUP can be found at: http://www.macally.com
