Delphi Demonstrates Totally Hands-Free Mobile Phone Operation
6 January 2000
Delphi Demonstrates Totally Hands-Free Mobile Phone Operation Through Bluetooth Local Area Network LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 -- Delphi Automotive Systems
today illustrated at the 2000 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas how
its Bluetooth(TM) wireless communication technologies will allow vehicle
owners to use their personal mobile phones to make totally hands-free calls --
even if the phone is in a pocket, briefcase or purse.
At its CES display, Delphi demonstrated how a vehicle owner could dial a
mobile phone by voice command through Delphi's onboard Communiport(R) Mobile
MultiMedia (MMM) system and the Bluetooth link.
Communiport brings more information, entertainment and communication to
vehicles. Bluetooth is a radio wave-based local area network that allows
computers, phones and other mobile communication devices to exchange
information without traditional cables. These radio waves can travel up to 30
feet and can penetrate walls and other barriers.
When a Bluetooth chip is embedded into both a personal mobile phone and a
Communiport Mobile MultiMedia unit, the consumer can make hands-free calls
from up to 30 feet away -- even if the engine is off. Further, through
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), consumers will ultimately be able to
download simple Internet images, stock quotes, e-mail and more from their cell
phones, all through voice commands.
Delphi expects the first Bluetooth vehicle applications to be available to
consumers in 2002.
The Bluetooth interface technology is the product of a multi-industry
global wireless communications initiative advocating common wireless
connectivity. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) -- headed by
industry leaders such as Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba -- now has a
membership of more than 1,200 companies, including Delphi.
Much like the famous Danish King (Bluetooth) who unified Viking kingdoms
under one crown during the tenth century, "Bluetooth technology has the
potential to unify the mobile electronics industry through the use of a common
standardized RF communication link," said Dr. Robert W. Schumacher, director
of the Delphi Delco Electronics Systems Mobile MultiMedia Business Group. "We
are excited to lead the way with these innovative technologies and proud to be
among the first to demonstrate the benefits of these technologies for
consumers."
According to Schumacher, the greatest benefits of the Bluetooth technology
are convenience and flexibility.
"This clearly enables the first step in open wireless networking and the
resulting hands-free operation of various and different mobile computing and
communications devices in cars and trucks," he said. "The day isn't far away
when devices like phones and hand-held computers will be able to communicate
with a vehicle's MMM system without cable or other mechanical interfaces.
"That means freedom for consumers to choose whatever brand or type of
device they want without concern about incompatibility with the vehicle's MMM
system.
"This is a great example of why Delphi is such an advocate of open
architecture systems and common connectivity initiatives."
Schumacher said future Communiport applications will enable audio and
voice control interfaces between dissimilar branded devices thanks to
Bluetooth, and that the first high-volume OEM Communiport system outfitted
with Bluetooth technology is very near-term.
Delphi Automotive Systems with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has approximately 201,000
employees and operates 168 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 38 joint
ventures, 51 customer centers and sales offices, and 27 technical centers in
37 countries. Regional headquarters are located in Paris, Tokyo and Sao
Paulo. Delphi can be found on the Internet at http://www.delphiauto.com
