CES 2009: Cobra Debuts Bluetooth-Enabled Devices

By Staff -- TWICE, January 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS — Cobra Electronics will debut a variety of Bluetooth-enabled products at International CES in the Central Hall at booth 13238.

A CB radio from Cobra, the 29 WX NW BT, features NightWatch electroluminescent illuminated front panel and access to seven NOAA weather channels and alerts. The 29 WX NW BT has a suggested retail of $199 and will be available in the spring.

The 29 LTD BT, another CB radio from Cobra, is billed as the "world's first-ever CB radio to offer Bluetooth wireless technology."

The Bluetooth-enabled 29 LTD BT allows motorists to pair their cellular phone with their CB radio, so having phone conversations does not interfere with driving, said Cobra. A noise-canceling microphone allows calls to be heard over a loud engine, and one-touch features make redialing, answering or terminating phone calls easier for the driver. The 29 LTD BT has a suggested retail of $179 and is currently available.

The MR F300 BT marine handset is engineered to help boaters communicate effortlessly in the noisy marine environment. The MicroBlue technology reportedly enables boaters to stow their cellphones safely below deck or in a safe, dry place while still allowing them to make and receive phones calls over the loudest engine or wind noise. Incoming call audio is routed through the speaker, and outgoing voice audio is relayed through the noise-canceling microphone. The marine handset is waterproof and rated submersible by JIS7 specifications, according to Cobra. Suggested retail is $189, and it's available now.

Finally, Cobra will be featuring two Bluetooth noise-canceling headsets and a Bluetooth visor unit. The Deluxe (over-the-head) Bluetooth headset is designed to reduce external sounds to create a safe, hands-free solution for users to communicate wirelessly. The Premium (in-the-ear) Bluetooth headset offers a stylish design, in-ear speaker and one-touch operation, said the company.

The Bluetooth visor unit is said to have premium noise-canceling capabilities and heavy-duty design complete with a metal clip and metal-encased speaker. Pricing and availability for the headsets and visor unit were not given at press time.