The AVIC-F10BT isn’t just an in-dash satnav – it’s a complete in-car entertainment system. On top of its 7-inch touchscreen display, the AVIC comes with dedicated cables installed into your glovebox for connecting an iPod or USB device, a DVD player and SD card behind the screen and built-in stereo Bluetooth. There are so many different elements to this product that the only real way to review it is to break it down into sections.

Entertainment
In the glovebox of the car is an iPod cable. It’s quite long, so you could run it all the way to the back, although you probably wouldn’t. Once you plug in your iPod or iPhone, it starts charging and all control goes through to the AVIC system. And it’s a very familiar interface – you get most of the same menus as your iPod, album art and a big “clickwheel” (although it’s really just a big four-way button on the touchscreen that looks like a clickwheel. It’s not a complete translation of your iPod though – there’s no support for Genius or Genius mixes, which is a bit of a shame.

But that’s made up for by the fact that the AVIC supports video. Sure, for safety reasons it’s restricted to when you have the handbrake on, but just the fact that you can play back video from your iPhone on your display is fantastic. If you have rear screens in your car, you can use the AVIC to send video from your iPhone to the rear seats while you use the satnav.

Of course, there’s also the built-in DVD player which will do the same thing, as well as play back CDs (both audio and MP3). The SD card also plays back music, and although I didn’t get to test it, the specs say it’ll play back DivX and H.264 files via either the SD or DVD slots.

There’s also the ability to play stereo Bluetooth through the system, and if your car has steering wheel audio controls, you can get them wired up to control the AVIC, although the car I was driving didn’t have them.

Being a Pioneer car, the audio playback was pretty awesome, but most of that was the speakers. In terms of controls, the touchscreen managed most of it, although there are dedicated volume and track forwards and back buttons on the bottom of the screen.

Bluetooth
The Bluetooth functionality is a godsend. My last car had a Motorola Bluetooth hands-free kit installed that used the car’s speakers, and despite being valued at a few hundred dollars, it had nothing on the AVIC’s Bluetooth. For a start, the AVIC has a screen, which lets you see details a more traditional Bluetooth system could only dream of. Once you’ve paired up your phone, you can see your signal strength and your network on the screen. But the killer is the ability to copy your contact list from the phone over to the AVIC’s 2GB of internal storage, which means you can easily call anyone on your contact list with a few presses of the touchscreen. You also get missed calls, recent calls and a shortcut to your home number easily located on the phone’s main screen.

Considering the legal implications of using your phone while driving these days, this is almost worth the price of admission in itself. OK, not quite, but it’s still the best implementation of installed Bluetooth I’ve played with.

Satnav
There’s a lot to be said for navigation on a seven-inch screen. It’s easy to view, easy to control and, well, that’s pretty much it. Considering I’ve long been lamenting the fact that satnavs tend to be fairly stagnant in terms of new features that are actually useful, having a device with such a big screen was quite refreshing. It uses the latest WhereIs maps, which shows off things like golf courses on the screen as you drive past them. It’s also big enough that it can display your music track information (and album artwork) on the screen at the bottom, even with the satnav running.

There are a couple of other noteworthy aspects to the satnav – first off, it’s a learning device, so if you like to take a particular shortcut, it’ll start directing you that way when you next take that route.

The other big thing is a result of the device been installed – the device will actually track your position when you drive through tunnels. No beeps and messages about lost satellite reception. No confusion about underground exits. In other words, proper navigation wherever you are. And that’s awesome. It really is.

The AVIC-F10BT comes with SUNA traffic, although I have no idea where the TMC antenna is. It’s certainly not running along the bottom of your front windshield, and doesn’t need to be plugged in each time you want to use the satnav.

The Menu
The touchscreen interface is simple. The Home screen gives you the option of Music, Satnav or Phone. But if you press the home button again on the home screen, there’s a customisable page of shortcuts to key functions of the device. Things like navigate home or launching the FM radio. That means you’re no more than three presses from all the key functions of the device, and it doesn’t get much better than that.

There’s a dedicated button on the bottom of the unit that switches between satnav and music control. That may sound like an obvious inclusion, but it’s only when you’re using it that you realise how much sense it actually makes.

Verdict
This device costs $2999, plus installation. It’s the top of the range Pioneer AVIC system though, and offers the ability to control rear screens and audio output if you have a truly kickass speaker setup in your car. It also works with a reverse camera, which can be installed as an optional extra.

But despite all that, $3K still seems pretty steep. But there are a couple of things to consider – if you’re buying a new car, you’re likely to pay that much to get a satnav option, but you’ll probably miss out on the whole Bluetooth and iPod functionality. The other thing is that Pioneer have a cheaper option, which has a smaller screen and fewer functions, but maintains the core aspects of the device (iPod, Bluetooth and satnav) selling for under a grand (plus installation). Considering top of the line satnavs cost almost a grand, that’s incredibly good value. You do need a double DIN free in your car, but if you can spare it and the cash to get it installed, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this system. It’s a complete solution for most of your in-car needs, and well worth the price of admission.

[Pioneer]

Every single time I’ve tried to Liveblog for Giz, I’m hamstrung by the fact that I’m one man with a laptop, a camera, a wireless connection and talent (OK, I made that last one up), but have to connect them all the old fashioned way. If only I could wirelessly stream the photos directly to the laptop from the camera as soon as its taken.

The Samsung ST1000 has got almost everything in the way of connections — Wi-Fi, DLNA, Bluetooth, plus GPS, 720p video recording at 30fps, and is available for an RRP of $749. There’s also a haptic touchscreen and 5x optical zoom.

If you’re a part of that sub market that needs Wi-Fi in its cameras, the ST1000 is available now.

[Samsung]

The example they gave was for people who happen to drive Porsches. What they foresee as the future of the technology is that a Porsche driver will be able to go to a dedicated portal and download the noise cancellation frequencies for his model of porsche. That way, whenever he (or she) is driving along, roof down on their fancy-pants car and Bluetooth headset sticking from their ear, the device will be able to almost pre-cancel out the car’s engine.

It’s an interesting idea, even if it’s one that will probably take a while to implement and has lots of question marks surrounding it. What do you think?

They come in a range of colours with incredibly bad puns for names, like “Drop me a Lime” (green), “Lilac you mean it” (purple), “Yello!” (yellow) and “Frankly Scarlet” (pink). There’s also black and silver. They’ll set you back $159 each, but they work a treat – the demo they showed us today demonstrated the military-grade noise-cancellation tech by pretty much silencing a blender right next to the guy using the Prime.

[Force Technology]

This DIY Star Trek Bluetooth Communicator, instantly reminded me of a my Star Trek fantasy. Bluetooth is the ruin of Star Trek. But this is a fun quick-n-dirty project.

Basically you’re cramming a Bluetooth module and a micro-controller into a toy Communicator and then pairing everything with your phone. As long as you’ve got voice-dialling, you can leave your phone out of sight and be the snazziest Trekkie on the streets. Just don’t come crying to me if someone stuffs you into a locker, rubbish bin or wormhole. [Make]

Although they launched back in April in the US, they’ve just hit Australian shores for the asking price of $165. They performed fairly well in the A2DP Battlemodo back in September, so if you’re after a pair of reasonably priced, funky looking Bluetooth headphones, these might be a good option for you.

[Jabra]

About a month ago, Jabra sent a little bag out to its regular reviewers. Inside was a stone—a literal, polished stone—and that was it. It was a cheesy PR stunt, the kind we see all the time, but when I got the headset itself, it made sense. The Jabra Stone, when docked, is a near-seamless pebble, broken only underneath, at the headset’s hollowed-out ejection point. It’s a stunning headset, actually, which sounds weird coming out of my mouth. (Or fingers! Who’s counting.)

The Stone’s specs are appropriate to its pricepoint: it’ll pair in regular and A2DP modes for voice or music listening, respectively, has a minimalist status display, a noise-cancelling mic, volume controls—though here they’re managed with a touch-sensitive shell rather than buttons—and a charging dock. The claimed talk time is two hours per charge, and the dock is good for three extra charges. Standby time is a respectable, though not spectacular, 12 hours.

And to be honest, aside from eking out a little extra battery life over competitors’ products, there’s not a whole lot a company can do to make a Bluetooth headset technologically interesting. What they can do, and what Jabra has done with the Stone, is focus on style and feel. Bluetooth headsets look dumb, and they’re awkward to wear. The Stone is a headset designed with these thoughts in mind—it looks as not-dumb as a headset can; it feels as not-awkward as a piece of plastic in your ear conceivably could. It’s self-conscious, almost embarrassed for what it is.

Long-term testing might bear out some initial concerns about battery life and the practical convenience of carrying around a slippery little battery rock, but my first impressions were uniformly positive. The Stone paired almost instantly with an iPhone, a Pre and a Hero right out of the box, sound quality was clear, and three ears of varying shapes and sizes found the angled earpiece plenty comfortable.

The Stone will be available at AT&T stores from November 8th, priced at $US130 right alongside the Platronics Voyager. From the looks of it the Voyager edges out a win on battery life, but the fact that Jabra’s put even the tiniest bit of sex into their newest piece goes a long, long way. [Jabra]

By Texas Instruments, a new, 6mm-square Bluetooth system-on-a-chip can operate for “more than a year” on a small button-cell battery (like you see in watches or very tiny remotes). Everything from mobile phones to laptops could get a battery boost from the technology, but low power, low cost Bluetooth also opens to door to sticking the technology in more places, too (imagine an RF remote or console controller that you don’t need to recharge).

It’ll be interesting to see how many companies adopt the new tech when it’s available next year, along with how many side with the latest developments in Wi-Fi instead. [Texas Instruments and Press Release]

I’ve also got the Dyson Air Multiplier here, and it’s a super sexy toy, although the novelty wears off after a few minutes. It is just a fan, after all. A very stylish fan, but a fan.

Finally, I’ve got a Flip Mino HD to play around with. I’m sure I’ll be taking lots of videos of my dog and baby, which I’ll refrain from posting here on Giz. Don’t want you guys thinking I’m a wus or anything…

What gadgets are you playing with this weekend?

Launching sometime between September 1 and November 30 (the press release says “Spring”), the Endeavor HX1 will cost $219. Sure, that’s a good chunk of your weekly wage right there, but this is military-grade technology we’re talking about, and you don’t get to play like Sam Fisher if you don’t pony up the big bucks…

Motorola Endeavor HX1 Takes Calls Where No Headset
Has Gone Before

Global Headset Leader Introduces a Revolutionary Audio Experience with a Stealth Mode that Activates True Bone Conduction Technology

SYDNEY – 06 October 2009 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), the world leader in Bluetooth headsets, today unveils Motorola Endeavor HX1, the first headset to combine Motorola’s CrystalTalk™ noise cancellation technology with a stealth mode so you can hear and be heard in the fiercest environments. When the stealth mode is activated, true bone conduction technology relays only your voice while knocking out the most extreme noise and wind for a revolutionary premium headset experience. This experience makes Motorola Endeavor the only Bluetooth1 headset to use true bone conduction technology, all without compromising comfort.
“Motorola Endeavor HX1 adds a new level of audio superiority to our industry leading portfolio and is made for people who want the freedom to take hands-free calls despite extreme noise and wind environments,” said Angela Menabue, business manager, Motorola Companion Products ANZ. “Whether you are driving in a convertible, attending a concert or standing on a busy street, Motorola Endeavor allows you to hear and be heard.”

The Truth about Bone Conduction Technology
Created with the same bone conduction technology that special military forces around the world use, Motorola Endeavor is not your average headset. Activated with a touch of a button, the stealth mode instantly triggers bone conduction technology. This technology uses an in-ear sensor to seal off outside noise, rather than relying on an exposed exterior microphone. As you speak, the sensor taps your vocal vibrations and seamlessly converts them to speech so the listener hears your voice and only your voice.

Every Word Will be Heard
Whether you find yourself battling everyday noise nuisances or extreme sound environments, Motorola Endeavor helps you fight back with the power and technology to make hands-free calls wherever you roam. Motorola’s award-winning CrystalTalk™ noise cancellation technology is always-on to reduce everyday background noise, and the stealth mode is easily activated with the press of a button, so you can be confident that you are being heard when the noise around you becomes too disruptive.

Power Up
Motorola’s Multipoint technology allows you to connect to more than one device, and you can talk more and charge less with up to seven hours of talk time. With voice prompts that instruct you on how to activate the stealth mode and how to pair with handsets, getting started has never been easier.

Availability
Motorola Endeavor HX1 will be available in spring 2009, RRP $219 including GST. To experience Motorola Endeavor HX1, please visit www.motorola.com/endeavor-hx1. For more information please visit http://www.motorola.com/bluetooth or call 1300 138 823.

[Motorola]