Filed under: Accessories, Bluetooth, iPhone
Sun-powered Scosche solCHAT Bluetooth speaker phone is a bright idea
And now for something completely different -- a post about something other than Snow Leopard. Accessory manufacturer Scosche today announced the solCHAT solar Bluetooth speaker phone. Designed to work with Bluetooth phones like the iPhone, the solCHAT attaches to either the front windshield of your car or to the driver's visor. When sitting in direct sunlight, a small solar panel charges up the solCHAT, although the manufacturer recommends giving the device an initial full charge through the included USB adapter.
When you're ready to drive, you simply punch the big button to power up and connect to your iPhone. When a call comes in, a verbal caller ID speaks the number that is calling. A Scosche spokesperson noted that a future version may sync contact information from the iPhone to allow the caller's name to be announced.
The solCHAT retails for US$99 and is available through the Scosche website or Best Buy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Unknown said 4:30PM on 8-27-2009
It's only $60 on Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026FCCSU/
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LD said 4:37PM on 8-27-2009
A solution for a problem that doesn't really exist? If it's designed to primarily be in the car all the time, where there's always power, why do I need solar power? It even comes with the car charger.
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Kyle Derouen said 4:56PM on 8-27-2009
Less wires would be cool, I know sometimes all the wires in my car get tangled up..
Dach said 5:07PM on 8-27-2009
For me, it'd be useful because my car charger is located at a very low point in the car, near the shifter. In order to put any BT device in a place where it's usable, I'd need to have a power cable hanging down in ugly, and possibly dangerous places.
Plus, the outlet in my car is switched, so any devices would not charge while the car is off.
I bought a similar device some time ago, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00116Z6GK and it was utter crap. I hope this one can actually charge up in direct sunlight.
Rick said 10:26AM on 8-28-2009
So you don't have a cable running across your car.