Venturi Mini – Streaming in-car Jukebox

The Venturi mini is a Bluetooth device that plugs into a car’s cigarette lighter ( for those politically incorrect cars that still come with a cigarette lighter.)

Once connected, the Mini serves as a Bluetooth hands-free phone connector and a music streaming jukebox from the phone to a car stereo system. As Bluetooth is becoming standard issue on new smart phones, this little device could be the beginning of the end for paired accessories.

Using Euro-standard Radio Data System (RDS) transmission, the Mini also streams track information and caller ID information to the car stereo, so compatible units are able to display the information on the radio’s LCD screen. There’s also basic audio in/out jacks so you can make direct connections if your stereo’s set up for it.

The only problem I can see with this, is the fact that it requires the radio to be tuned to a specific frequency, so if you happen to be listening to a different radio station when a call comes in, you have to switch back to that frequency. Not a major disaster, and worth the trouble I think. Look out for these crossing to the US next year.

The manufacturer’s website is here.