Remember back when people carried Sony Discmans in their cars, and used those cassette adapters to listen to them through their tape decks? Well, while a lot of those same cars are still on the road, the Discman has now given way to the MP3 player. That's why ION Audio has released its Cassette Adapter Bluetooth.
First of all, there are already cassette adapters that will let you listen to MP3 players, but they all require the one to be hard-wired to the other. The ION device, however, is wireless.
It looks just like a cassette, but contains a Bluetooth receiver. When inserted in a car's tape deck, it automatically turns itself on and picks up audio streamed from the user's Bluetooth-enabled music player. As a result, that audio is pumped out of the car's speakers – just like it would if it were on good ol' magnetic tape.
Not only can the adapter be used to listen to music, but it also allows drivers to take calls on a paired phone hands-free. It's powered by a USB-rechargeable battery, that should be good for about six hours of use per charge.
The Cassette Adapter Bluetooth was recently unveiled at CES, and should be available in the spring (Northern Hemisphere) for US$40.
Turn your car's cassette deck into a wireless music player.
With Cassette Adapter Bluetooth from ION, your car’s cassette player instantly becomes a wireless Bluetooth receiver. Just like that, you can stream music from any Bluetooth music player or phone. No complicated installation. No cables. No tangled or snagged tape. Just pop it in and it automatically turns on. Cassette Adapter Bluetooth contains a long-lasting rechargeable battery for even the longest road trips. Plus, you now have a hands-free solution for phone calls.
Now, you can use your car's speakers to hear phone calls and music without having to buy a new stereo head-unit. Both of your hands stay safe on the wheel while your audio source stays in your pocket. Cassette Adapter Bluetooth is the last cassette you’ll ever need and the first —and only—step to bring your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks into your car.
KEY FEATURES
· Transforms your car’s cassette deck into a Bluetooth music receiver
· Streams music wirelessly from any Bluetooth music player or phone
· Turns on and off automatically when inserted and ejected from deck
· Allows for hands-free phone calls using your car’s speakers
· Built-in rechargeable battery lasts up to 6 hours
· USB charging cable included
INCLUDES
· Cassette Adapter Bluetooth
· Charging Cable
· Quickstart Guide
· Safety & Warranty Manual
If you find yourself stuck with an antiquated music system — at your parents’ house, perhaps, or in your car — then take a look at ION’s new Cassette Adapter Bluetooth (those words are in the right order, by the way). It lets you stream music wirelessly to any stereo that has a tape deck.
Any Bluetooth-enabled device that has music on it can be used as your source, so a smartphone or tablet would do just fine. You can even use it to make hands-free phone calls while driving, if you want to. The device automatically switches on and off when it’s loaded and ejected from a stereo, and according to ION you’ll get around six hours’ worth of playing time from one battery charge (a USB charging cable comes with the cassette).
It’s easy to set up and configure, so even your mom should be able to get to grips with it, and of course there are no reams of tape to get caught up in the deck itself. The product has only just appeared on ION’s site, so we don’t have pricing or availability details as yet, but it’s a useful idea that saves you having to replace your old music center (at least for the time being).
If you’ve never been able to listen to your podcasts or digital music on the road, now’s your chance.
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