Hands free kits are more than a marketing tool

September 28th, 2009

There are some who might advocate that hands free kits are being used as a marketing tool and as an enticement to get customers to buy their products. In the booming mobile phone industry, hands free kits are being added to mobile packages as standard.

Yet hands free kits have a necessary place in today’s society. Apart from customers being offered a great added feature when they purchase a mobile phone, they offer multi-tasking users’ great functionality. When it comes to driving, hands free kits have no equal.

The choices are vast too, and vary between the traditional two-piece ear type phones to the fast-becoming-popular Bluetooth connections. There is no doubt that any consumer will be able to find a hands free kit that suits them perfectly.

For instance, there are headsets that offer adaptors that allow users to not only make calls, but also listen to music. The practical features of these models make managing calls and listening to music easy. They also offer high compatibility features between different model mobile phones. You don’t have to buy a new hands free kit each time you upgrade your mobile.

It is true that the first attempts at hands free design were poor. But that is a thing of the past and today designers and manufacturers are making sure that their offerings employ new techniques and strategies to produce functional, comfortable and high tech features.

Hands free kits are available in a wide range of styles and designs, and are priced to suit all pockets. For a good quality headset you may pay substantially more, but the conveniences they offer as well as the safety features they provide are worth the investment.

Mobile hands free kits

September 25th, 2009

Perhaps the most redeeming feature of any hands free kit is their ability to be used when driving. Since their inception, the risk of accidents has reduced. No longer are motorists forced to navigate with one hand while holding their mobile in the other. It is for this reason that the mobile industry now offers hands free kits designed especially for vehicles.

Some kits require professional installation, yet many portable kits require none. These kits consist of a dash mount that securely and safely hold the mobile while driving.

They work via an inbuilt speakerphone and microphone that allows the caller to both hear and be heard. There are of course alternatives which include hands free kits that offer ear buds. The most economical choice is a portable hands free kit as they can be used in a variety of different locations.

Advancements in technology have produced hands free kits that offer voice recognition. This feature is both a time saving and a security feature as the caller is not distracted when punching in a number on his mobile whilst driving. Further features offer automatic muting that turns down the cars audio device during calls.

In summary, if you spend many hours on the road as part of your job the need for a hands free kit is critical. They are simple to use, easy to install and they offer portability. Hands free kits can be removed in a matter of seconds, they can offer voice recognition. They are economical, reliable and safe.

Touch screen business mobile phones

September 23rd, 2009

In business, a mobile phone is an invaluable tool. Not that long ago, representatives, for example, were incommunicado with both the office and their clients – sometimes for long periods at a stretch. Even the mobile phones of a few years back have changed and are today offering business users a range of facilities.

Today many mobile phones offer touch screen capabilities. What is great about touch screens are that they are good for those who need to send a lot of emails. With their full QWERTY keyboards and predictive text entry, they are changing the way we send emails. Many touch screen handsets come equipped with e-mail, web applications and business email synchronicity. If you are looking for business mobile phones for business use then these models will make your life easier, your client’s lives easier and your employees’ lives easier.

Touch screen mobile phones make editing or creating documents easy too, as they come pre-loaded with software that can do this. These phones also allow for easy downloading of additional software when needed. Some models also allow for touch sensitive displays which means you can see who is calling you.

Many networks offer touch screen business mobile phones as part of their packages. These phones also offer built in GPS services, which means you will never be late for an appointment again. If you need easy access to your handset and enhanced functionality you will get this with a touch screen. In fact touch screen mobile phones have all the facilities needed to create your own little office away from the office.

Integrated Bluetooth hands free kits

September 21st, 2009

These hands free kits are hardwired into a cars speaker system and come connected as standard with ISO connections. If your car has ISO wiring then these systems will fit straight in without installation. If you don’t have ISO wiring you will need to make use of wiring adaptors that convert your existing wiring to ISO.

Because integrated hands free kits are hardwired when installed, they get rid of some problems the instant they are installed. For instance they retain their charge through a power cable in the ISO harness, which means you never have to charge the kit. They also provide an Auto-Mute cable that kills your car audio when making or receiving calls.

Most integrated Bluetooth hands free kits come with separate control units, which make it easier to dial or answer, and can be situated anywhere that is convenient for the driver. The newer models provide extra features too that go a long way to improving compatibility and usability. For example there are models that are fully compatible with iPods and which can be fully operated by the control unit and allow browsing, forwarding and volume selection at the touch of a button.

Voice recognition and touch screen monitors come equipped with some models too, and these allow use of your mobile via voice commands. These kits don’t even need training as you just plug it in and go.

Integrated kits give you an all round performance and their audio reproduction is far better than universal kits. They also offer more features than universal hands fee kits, and are easier and safer to operate when driving.

If your needs call for a hands free kit that can do almost anything besides speaking, then an integrated hands free kit is your only option.

Universal and integrated Bluetooth hands free kits

September 18th, 2009

Which is better? Most styles, brands and designs essentially do the same thing. They offer hands free call functionality while driving. Among all the various hands free kits on the market, they fall into two categories which are universal kits and integrated kits.

Universal kits are also known as plug and play kits and consist of a portable speaker and microphone combined into one unit. They have strong battery storage so that, when dormant, it can be attached to the sun visor in your car until needed. Many come with a car charger as well as USB chargers that can be connected to a computer for Bluetooth connectivity. They provide excellent sound as well as echo reduction software and hardware, and today’s models pick up less background noise than their predecessors. Universal kits are offered in a host of designs, styles and sizes that range from large to small and petite.

Universal hands free kits can also offer text-to-speech technology that allows voice dictation of text messages, while the more updated kits are today offering voice-to-text technology that can be controlled by voice commands.

Other models offer menu systems that can be fully navigated by speech such as hanging up. Most of these systems can be used equally successfully by social or business users and can be removed in a matter of seconds. They are economical, reliable, aesthetically pleasing and can be shared.

If you have yet to decide which type of hands free kit is best suited to your needs then a universal kit is a great way to start.

Choosing the Bluetooth hands free set that suits you

September 16th, 2009

Bluetooth hands free kits are widely available for most phone makes and models. They come with a full set of easy to understand controls and commands. They are convenient to use. You can use them even if you wear glasses as they sit comfortably on your ear.

As the name suggests, Bluetooth hands free kits require no hands to use! There are basically two types of Bluetooth headsets. The first type involves an earpiece that loops around your ear. This headset is comfortable but does not fit all that securely. The alternative is less comfortable but more secure. Why they are uncomfortable is that they need to be inserted into the ear itself.

The battery life of these little headsets allows up to ten hours use and, in standby mode, allow up to two hundred hours. They should ideally be worn at all times but as this is not possible it is recommended that you buy the style that offers you easy attachment and detachment.

There have been many questions raised regarding radiation exposure from mobile phones. If you are concerned about radiation then a Bluetooth hands free headset is definitely a good solution.

Another reason to use hands free kits is driving. As long as you are within range of your mobile phone you can still make and receive calls, even if it is in your boot or in your handbag. Apart from safety features, it affords the driver hands free kits also discourages smash and grabs when stopped at intersections.

If you own other Bluetooth devices such as a laptop your kit will be able to connect with them. This makes receiving or making calls when you are connected to your computer very convenient. You won’t have to switch between devices, plus it is a great tool for teleconferencing.

How vehicle tracking works

September 14th, 2009

Vehicle tracking relies on a combination of technology including mobile phone networks, the internet, digital mapping and GPS. Together with cutting edge software, a vehicle tracking device ensures business owners’ peace of mind knowing exactly where their vehicles are at all times.

Data shows what route the vehicle travelled, when it was turned off and on and the amount of fuel used. The principles of vehicle tracking are simple:

They make use of data sent by GPS satellites which calculates the location of the vehicle

This data is sent on via a mobile phone network that can also be accessed over the internet

This data is placed onto a digital map so that each vehicle can be visually located right down to which street it is on

The benefits of vehicle tracking are many:

They are able to improve route planning

They are able to control and reduce overtime costs

They are able to lower insurance premiums

They are able to increase safety as they can track speed

They are able to enhance customer service

They are able to help companies control personal use and increase transparency

When the choice in suppliers comes up it is sometimes easy to make an error. The results of this error is that they system cannot fulfil a company’s needs. The best supplier is one that is not only able to completely fulfil your needs but is one that offers above-average customer support. They should be reliable and well established and their references should be traceable.

Save money on your business mobile phones

September 11th, 2009

No matter how large or small a company, the bottom line is that they are prudent spenders. Mobile phones are an expensive asset for any company, and one way to help with overspends is to ensure that you are not being overcharged on your business mobile tariffs. Company circumstances or requirements can change – or your company may grow substantially over a short time, or possibly decrease.

Therefore it is prudent to re-evaluate your business mobile tariffs whenever it is time for renewal.

The first step is to analyse your current contract to ascertain your tariff. Investigate whether or not you are using all the features you are being charged for. This simple act may find you a way to save money on your business mobile tariff.

Compare your tariffs with all other major networks. Information about current price tariffs should be available online from most reputable suppliers so it should be a simple task. It may be prudent to check details about handsets and what features they offer.

The last step is to take action. Once you have the information you need you are in a better position to make the decision whether to renew with your current supplier or move to another network that can perhaps offer you better business mobile tariffs.

Whatever contract you have should depend on what type of business you run and what your requirements are. Some companies require handsets for each employee while others require their handsets to be harder wearing or offer more features such as Bluetooth capacities or cameras. Whatever your needs your network must be able to provide for all your needs while offering you the most competitive business mobile tariffs.

The unequalled technology of vehicle tracking

September 9th, 2009

Over the last few years technology has consistently offered us services and devices that are wonderful, reliable and user friendly. Out of all these offerings, the one that stands out and has had the most impact on our lives and how we do business. This is the GPS or geographical positioning system. The concept of GPS works by using small satellite signals that send data to a GPS receiver. These signals work out where something is located on planet earth. This has resulted in a revolution in navigation and transport, and has enabled tracking systems to be installed in vehicles around the world.

In a GPS vehicle tracking system, a very small GPS receiver is fitted in the vehicle and this, in turn, works with a mobile phone and sensors. The vehicle can then track and report its own location. The information it reports is then used for monitoring or activating an action. The vehicle can be remotely tracked and monitored. Its speed is known and its location is known. There is also a host of other data that can be reported but this depends on the particular receiver installed in the vehicle.

A vehicle tracking system can track mileage, fuel consumption and remaining fuel in the tank, engine condition, temperature and whatever other information the clients requires.

A vehicle tracking device is an almost guaranteed anti-theft mechanism as it can not only locate a stolen vehicle but can also activate alarms and disable the starter. This means faster recovery and insurance benefits. For a business, vehicle tracking devices are a powerful asset management tool.

Three is the ‘mix and match’ network

September 7th, 2009

Finding a network that offers a variety of options under one umbrella may be difficult. Yet Three is a mobile phone network that offers its customers just that. With their Mix and Match plan, three allows you to choose between combination plans plus they offer very competitive business mobile tariffs.

Many alternative networks offer free minutes or free text messaging, either included in their tariffs or as a business mobile tariff add on. Three allows you to plan, Mix and Match your mobile and text messaging. For instance if your business mobile tariffs are for 300 minutes, you can Mix and Match these minutes between talk and text. They also include in their business mobile tariff 300 free minutes to other customers on their network.

Apart from business mobile tariffs, Three also offers pay-as-you-go plans as well as mobile broadband facilities along with free USB modems.

It is not hard to see why Three is a popular network choice. They make it easy to understand business mobile tariffs. Being able to combine messaging and talking makes your tariffs not only cheaper but also more convenient. You don’t have to purchase two separate bundles.

The way they structure their business mobile tariffs plus other options make it hard to find another network that can compete. If you are looking for reasonable tariffs together with flexibility and great customer service then Three mobile networks is a perfect choice. There simply is no other place to go to for your mobile and broadband needs.