The Bluetooth Answer!

[TMW597]

SCOSCHE INTRODUCES BLUEFUSION
Next Generation of OEM Interfaces Enables Bluetooth Hands-Free Streaming Audio
01/08/2008

This is supposed to be out sometime in the next couple of weeks, I've been hearing March. It looks like it's pretty much plug n' play through the XM with a T-harness.

Here's a link to the video of it in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a0KWL-3O14

OXNARD, Calif., (January 2008) - Scosche Industries, an innovator of mobile electronic products and accessories for the aftermarket, announces its new BlueFusion OEM (original equipment manufacturer) integration interfaces. The next generation of OEM interfaces, Scosche's BlueFusion enables Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio directly on a factory radio.

"Scosche is proud to bring the future of OEM integration to fruition with our BlueFusion interfaces," said Kas Alves, vice president, sales and marketing, Scosche Industries. "Along with our stereo replacement and iPod interfaces, Scosche's research and design team has developed a new standard of interfaces with BlueFusion. Offering consumers the hands-free and wireless capabilities they desire, BlueFusion will lead the market with innovative features."

An innovator of automotive aftermarket Bluetooth accessories, Scosche introduced Bluetooth to the aftermarket community with its BlueLife line of products. Specifically designed for name branded aftermarket head units, Scosche revolutionized the industry with its Bluetooth products. Scosche is also an industry leader of OEM integration interfaces. Combining Scosche's successful Bluetooth and OEM integration technologies, it developed BlueFusion to flawlessly add Bluetooth capabilities to a factory head unit while maintaining factory features.

BlueFusion is designed to interface Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio (A2DP) to a consumer's factory radio. Seamlessly integrating into the factory stereo, Scosche's BlueFusion offers advanced capabilities such as caller ID displayed on a factory screen with easy "answer" and "end call" buttons located on the steering wheel controls or assigned buttons at a factory radio. Whether listening to a CD or just tuned into a radio station, Scosche's smart interface will switch itself to the correct source to view the caller ID. The interface menu enables users to check missed calls, dialed calls, and with select phones have full access to the phone book.

Users can listen to phone conversation through the vehicle's speakers with crystal clear sound. Scosche's built-in DSP chip ensures no background noise or echoes are heard during a conversation.

Additional BlueFusion features include:
• Caller ID on Headunit Display
• BlueTooth 2.0+EDR
• Hands-Free, A2DP
• DSP Echo & Noise Cancellation
• Phone Book Sync if phone has capability
• Phone Directory Scroll Look-up
• Audio Signal Plays thru OEM Audio System
• Audio Interrupt/Source Redirect
• Volume Up/Down - Cellphone and Streaming Audio
• Adjustable Cellphone Ringer Volume
• Phone Answer/Aang up
• Track Forward/Back
• Play/Pause
• Mute Microphone
• Hands-free Microphone

Scosche's BlueFusion is easily installed and can be done with a simple plug-and-play harness. Simply route the microphone where desired and use Scosche's installation instructions to connect the interface. Connect an iPod or MP3 player to Scosche BlueLife transmitter and users can stream audio directly to a factory radio connected to BlueFusion.

Initially, Scosche will offer BlueFusion interfaces for GM, Toyota and Honda vehicles and will expand its offering by the end of 2008. BlueFusion will be available at specialty retailers across the country.

[hcvone]

That's good news, I think I will replace at least one of my 07's with an 09', they are suppose to have bluetooth. Thanks for the info

[roccos_van]

Well, well, well...

All i can say is it's a good thing that scosche is around; that way i can finally finish giving COASTALETECH the "1 finger salute"

Video in motion? Nav-tv is what i use. What about ipod integration? Hey the scosche unit works really well - i have one installed right now. And now, finally, bluetooth! While not perfect; it's seems to be integrated much better than the way the coastaletech piece works.

This is by far the best bluetooth solution i've seen bar none. I'm going to be an early adoptor of this piece for sure.

Can't wait for further info; keep us posted TMW597!!!

[roccos_van]

I'm suprised at the slow response to this thread. I really like this solution; it's much, much more seamless than other so called solutions out there.

I've called my local scosche dealer and he's in turn been in touch with the local scosche distributor and i'm hearing a couple of weeks possibly next week for availability; no pricing yet, however.

[TMW597]

I'm surprised as well. I'm glad someone said that. I thought I was crazy. It seems like people would be all over this solution. Thanks roccos_van.

[roccos_van]

Well you and I can keep this thread moving. Let's post any updates we get on the availability and also on how its working out once installed.

[TMW597]

I plan on getting it the day it's available. I can't wait to install it and use it. It's been over a year I've been wanting something like this.

[yourgmsolutions]

I don't want to rain on any parade, but month and half ago I spoke with tech guy from Scosche. And his answers did not really inspired me.
I really hope I am so wrong about that product, sounds like a great idea, hoverer
1. This unit has to be connected through your XM tuner, so people with iPod kits installed, will have to say good bye to that. plus having your bluetooth manipulating with XM is asking for more problems as it is. so for those who still wants it, I would suggest to start reading topics about iPod integration...
2. when I asked him about phones compatibility, he could not give me a clear answer, meaning with most newest phones, you'll not be able to download your phone book into that bluetooth.
3. when I asked him if they physically tested on Escalades, he said yes, then I asked for how long they drove it with this kit installed, he could not answered that question. meaning, they just bench tested that unit
4. then I made him an offer. I said that I'm currently driving 08 Escalade as a demo, and willing to buy their kit and test it in the real world, he refused my offer.

[roccos_van]

Hi Mark,

Well I don't want to seem rude but your reply does not seem to scare me one bit. I have some responses and questions for you:

1. Since the unit is connected through the XM tuner, yes, you will lose the ipod adapter capability, however, i believe this should be a personal choice; beggers can't be choosers so it is up to the individual what they value more; ipod or bluetooth. Now as far as the "I would suggest to start reading about iPod integration" comment, that is where my question comes in; can you show me where there have been complaints about the scosche unit? I know that the coastaletech piece has many, many issues but what about the scosche unit? I would really like some further info from you on this as your warning is quite vague.

2. The unit has bluetooth 2.0+. In 2004, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) was introduced with a different encoding scheme that increased the data rate to 3 Mbps. Now, i would think that most modern phones should work as this is the latest encoding. Can you be more specific about the newest phones not pairing their phonebooks? How can you be sure that new phones won't work? What do you have to base this on? I hope it's not based on a lowly tech rep telling you two months before the release date that they didn't know, so that means it won't work...

3. So let me understand, you are assuming that the unit was bench tested because some tech rep on the phone said he didn't know how long the unit was tested in the escalade? This is reaching a bit.

4. Your last point is a bit confusing, you offered to 'buy' the kit and they refused? What has this got to do with your warning about this product?

I'm not trying to be mean or whatever, but I don't understand this love affair with Coastaletech, they have shown in the past how they treat their customers, plus, their bluetooth kit STILL REQUIRES AN AFTERMARKET BLUETOOTH KIT TO WORK! So after spending $200 or whatever, i have to spend another $400 on an aftermarket kit!

I look forward to your response.

[yourgmsolutions]

Originally Posted by roccos_van

Hi Mark,

Well I don't want to seem rude but your reply does not seem to scare me one bit. I have some responses and questions for you:

1. Since the unit is connected through the XM tuner, yes, you will lose the ipod adapter capability, however, i believe this should be a personal choice; beggers can't be choosers so it is up to the individual what they value more; ipod or bluetooth. Now as far as the "I would suggest to start reading about iPod integration" comment, that is where my question comes in; can you show me where there have been complaints about the scosche unit? I know that the coastaletech piece has many, many issues but what about the scosche unit? I would really like some further info from you on this as your warning is quite vague.

2. The unit has bluetooth 2.0+. In 2004, Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) was introduced with a different encoding scheme that increased the data rate to 3 Mbps. Now, i would think that most modern phones should work as this is the latest encoding. Can you be more specific about the newest phones not pairing their phonebooks? How can you be sure that new phones won't work? What do you have to base this on? I hope it's not based on a lowly tech rep telling you two months before the release date that they didn't know, so that means it won't work...

3. So let me understand, you are assuming that the unit was bench tested because some tech rep on the phone said he didn't know how long the unit was tested in the escalade? This is reaching a bit.

4. Your last point is a bit confusing, you offered to 'buy' the kit and they refused? What has this got to do with your warning about this product?

I'm not trying to be mean or whatever, but I don't understand this love affair with Coastaletech, they have shown in the past how they treat their customers, plus, their bluetooth kit STILL REQUIRES AN AFTERMARKET BLUETOOTH KIT TO WORK! So after spending $200 or whatever, i have to spend another $400 on an aftermarket kit!

I look forward to your response.

very reasonable questions

1. yes you right, not many complaints about scosche iPod kits on this forum, but let me ask you this, how many people on this forum bought scosche kit? so far I've seen only one or two. yes coastal piece have a few issues, but its more advanced, and if coastal made a more detailed manual,consumers would have 80% less problems with those units.
I wasn't trying to say not to buy scosche product, I was actually very excited my self when I've heard about this unit. I called them right away, but was very disappointed with their response.
About YouTube video that they have. Again, they have Tahoe radio as a demo. Now,Escalade Radio is made by different manufacturer. Coastal made same mistake, that's why in the beginning of the LockPick generation, those units worked a lot better in Yukon's and Tahoe's, and had tons of problems in Escalades.
Coastal and Nav TV were first companies who made those lockpicks. Of course first release comes with problems, plus GM changing their software after first generation was made was not a big help. scosche does not have this kind of experience and knowledge to do this kind of project, but they jumped in the wagon. So what we have now, they introduced this product in January, then they said they will start shipping end of February, now they saying end of may. and who knows what will happen in may.Again, I am not trying to say they bad, those are just my thoughts.
about your question #2
1. companies like Raytel, Parrot, Bluetouch, Motorolla, Nokia, with multi million dollar recourses can't even make phone book support on newest model phones. they always behind. and Scosche all of the sudden can?
2. when I was on the phone with scosche, they told me their kit will not support many phones phonebooks, my main concern was blackberry and trios. support models that he gave me, were like 2-3 generations ago. and forget about iPhone.
3. I preload 100 + bluetooth kits a month at the dealerships, that how I know about phone book issue. plus you can go to parrot or raytell web site, and they have charts there.

your questions #3 and #4

during our conversation
Q. did you guys tested this unit in Escalade?
A. Yes we did.
Q. How did you guys do the test
A. Who are you ?
Q. I want to become your dealer and want to know more detail about your product
A. we installed it and it worked fine.
Q. what year was that Escalade?
A. they all the same
Q. no they not, anyway for how long you guys drove that Escalade with that Unit installed?
A. well, we drove around
Q. around the block or for at least a month? BTW did you guys took that escalade to the dealer and check for possible codes ?
A. what do you want ?
Q. I want to buy this unit and tested my self, I'm currently driving 08 demo escalade and want to do more tests, because I like this product, and I think it's great idea, accept hooking it up through XM tuner, but anyway, I want one.
A. we can't do it because we have only one or two of those units

and I swear to god, that was word to word part of that conversation

[TMW597]

Originally Posted by yourgmsolutions

I don't want to rain on any parade, but month and half ago I spoke with tech guy from Scosche. And his answers did not really inspired me.
I really hope I am so wrong about that product, sounds like a great idea, hoverer
1. This unit has to be connected through your XM tuner, so people with iPod kits installed, will have to say good bye to that. plus having your bluetooth manipulating with XM is asking for more problems as it is. so for those who still wants it, I would suggest to start reading topics about iPod integration...
2. when I asked him about phones compatibility, he could not give me a clear answer, meaning with most newest phones, you'll not be able to download your phone book into that bluetooth.
3. when I asked him if they physically tested on Escalades, he said yes, then I asked for how long they drove it with this kit installed, he could not answered that question. meaning, they just bench tested that unit
4. then I made him an offer. I said that I'm currently driving 08 Escalade as a demo, and willing to buy their kit and test it in the real world, he refused my offer.

I don't understand why people with iPod kits installed would suffer. If the product does what it claims it does, then there would just be a pass-through T-harness. In theory that means if you're listening to XM it should be as if you don't even have the iPod adapter installed. Could there be a problem with the Bluetooth module and XM playing well together? There could be, but let's wait and see until the unit is available before we make that assumption. I understand where you're coming from though.

As far as compatibility with all of the different phones out there, who doesn't have a phone that is BlueTooth 2.0+EDR by now? Unless you're using the very first Bluetooth phone, it's pretty safe to say that it's going to be compatible with 99% of the Bluetooth phones out there. (And of course there will be some problems with some phones, but that even happens with devices made by Garmin, Sony, etc.)

Chances are though that they are further away with this unit then they'd like to be hence not offering up a unit to you, even though you were willing to pay. After all it is their prerogative to deny you though, especially if it's at a point where they have many bugs to work out. I'm sure they don't want a half-ass unit out on the streets for someone to rip on, on all of the forums.

I do agree with you though in not getting the hopes up too soon. After all I attended CES in 2007 and saw all of the great devices from Scosche and their competitors, and those items still aren't for sale over a year later. American International claimed at the time they'd have the iPod interface that would allow you access to your entire iPod, Coastaletech ended up beating everyone to the punch.

Stay positive on this one though!!! Only time will tell.

[yourgmsolutions]

Originally Posted by TMW597

Coastaletech ended up beating everyone to the punch.

Only time will tell.

I agree with you 100 %

[TMW597]

Yeah, it's extremely unfortunate too that Coastaletech won't hire a minimum wage worker or an intern for that matter to communicate with their customers via email and the phone. They beat everyone to the punch with the technology but lack in the customer service department BIG-TIME!

Scosche seems to be on point, and takes steps for good customer service.

I'm just hoping the product is all that it should be. Can't wait!!!!

BTW, I work for NBC Universal Media and I too asked if they would advance me a unit (paid for of course) to test, and eventually move over to a fleet of GM company vehicles since the handsfree law kicks in, in a few months. I got no response.

[yourgmsolutions]

my sources told me, that coastal is working on similar project as scosche blue fusion, but they went in a different direction with that, a lot more advanced. and they may release it in april. I hope they will be nice to me and give me a unit to try it out
"Only time will tell"

[roccos_van]

I wanted to chime in on some of the heresay going on in this thread.

Somehow this has turned into a coastaletech love fest once again. Well i won't stand for it; i'm going to buy this schosche unit when it comes out and i'm going to review it honestly; give my friends here an honest opinion about the pros and cons of this scosche piece.

The irony of all this is just freaking hillarious. A scosche unit is crap, even though we have not even tried it; but it's at least in a video, but the coasteletech piece will be "A LOT MORE ADVANCED" and this is the first i've ever heard about it. So it's obvious that it will work sooo much better, right? Because of "your sources" saying so?

Hmmmm....let's discuss this secret weapon from Coastaletech that your sources tell you will be much more advanced. What makes this upcomming piece so worthy of praise? Have they tested it in an Escalade? If yes for how long? If i call them and ask them to sell me one for "testing purposes" and they say no; should i post on here and warn everyone? Also, if I call them and they can't tell me what phones are compatable, can i automatically assume that they will have problems pairing the newest phones?

Well that's my .02 - i'm going to try and settle down now and not respond to anymore rhetoric about coastaletech because i just get so freaking mad everytime. When this unit (scosche) is available, i'm going to unprofessionally test it myself.

Peace.