Bluetooth gets a green light

On Sept. 26, 1982, I saw the future. That landmark evening featured the premiere of the classic NBC television series “Knight Rider,” and I immediately knew two things: One, that star David Hasselhoff would someday be a pop icon in Germany; and two, that eventually we would all drive talking cars.

The Germans have loved David Hasselhoff for years, of course, but a car called KITT in every garage has been a prophecy much slower in reaching fruition. But the future finally seems to be motoring into view: The exciting adventures and witty exchanges I once imagined my car and I would share aren't yet ready for primetime, but thanks to Bluetooth, I can at least directly interface with my ride via wireless device.

That's right: Bluetooth, long the ugly duckling of wireless technologies, is finally beginning to carve out a niche in consumer electronics, particularly in telematics applications. One of the first Bluetooth telematics solutions to roll off the lot is automotive systems developer Johnson Controls' voice-activated HandsFreeLink solution, which is standard equipment in all 2004 Acura TL sedans. HandsFreeLink works with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, with each vehicle fitted with an overhead microphone and an electronic control module that includes a voice recognition system, noise cancellation system and Bluetooth chipset. Acura drivers activate HandsFreeLink using push buttons positioned on the steering wheel — from there, they can verbally dial up stored phone numbers as well as the numbers of locations programmed into the car's navigation system. Bluetooth also transfers incoming call data to Acura's Multi-Info Display, enabling drivers to see who's calling without fumbling for their handset.

The HandsFreeLink system is also beginning to appear in some Daimler Chrysler vehicles, with the push-button interface located on the rearview mirror instead of the steering wheel. Either way, the goal is to promote driver safety.

“We maximize the hands on the wheel and the eyes on the road,” said Michael Supanich, engineering manager of electrical systems interiors at Johnson Controls.

Motorola likewise has its fingerprints all over hands-free car talk. Its Bluetooth Wireless Car Kit provides mobile connectivity to devices within 30 feet of the vehicle. The system enables users to initiate calls via multi-language voice-recognition tags and verbally control volume adjustment and mute features. The car kit automatically connects with the driver's Bluetooth device once the vehicle is started.

“The differentiator is that the system is more integrated with the vehicle,” said Motorola product manager Fred Zimbric.

With the automobile industry and handset developers onboard the Bluetooth bandwagon, the next step is to extend the technology into other consumer electronics applications. A celebrity spokesman could go far in bringing Bluetooth to the masses.

Mr. Hasselhoff, your agent is on line one.