CES 2009: Sony Bolsters Bluetooth With More Features

By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, January 8, 2009

LAS VEGAS — Sony's new 2009 products include a Bluetooth CD receiver with automatic phonebook operation and improved audio streaming.

Sony 's new MEX-BT5700UI can automatically recognize and decode a phone book in a Bluetooth phone, so users don't have to enter the names manually. Another new feature is that while streaming Bluetooth music to the radio, all song tags (artist, album, song and genre) are shown on the display.

The unit also has USB iPod control and can control songs on a USB device. It is satellite radio- and HD Radio-ready and has a front-panel auxiliary input. It will ship in June at a suggested retail of $299.

Two other CD receivers with Bluetooth, including audio streaming, are the MEX-BT3700UI at a suggested retail of $199 and the MEX-BT2700 at $159.