MindTree Introduces Design to Connect Wireless Headsets to Car Speakers

Bluetooth wireless product enables automotive industry suppliers to create safer devices

October 30, 2002 (Somerset, N.J.) -  MindTree Consulting Pvt. Ltd. is taking a step ahead of the industry today with the introduction of EtherMind HS, the reference design for a hands-free, wireless mobile headset enabled with Bluetooth™ wireless technology. MindTree is an international information-technology consulting firm, delivering affordable business and technology solutions through global software development.

MindTree's EtherMind HS provides the necessary building blocks for suppliers to the automotive industry, who can optimize the product to meet their own unique design considerations. The headset can be wirelessly connected to act as the device's audio input and output mechanism, providing full duplex audio. Ultimately, it will connect to, and operate off an automobile's speaker system. This increases the user's mobility while maintaining call privacy. Not only is it hands-free, but the headset eliminates all wires and can be used with the cell phone tucked in a bag or even resting in the back seat.

EtherMind HS will help reduce accidents and other hazards caused by using a cell phone while driving, which according to the National Safety Council represents about 60 percent of all cell-phone usage time. Those dangers have precipitated moves by lawmakers around the world to regulate in-car cell-phone use.

"Rather than wait for legislation, we're supplying answers to the industry," said Sharmila Saha, MindTree's director of product development. "We believe this is a giant step toward a product that will satisfy legislation, and answer consumers' demands as well."

Silicon Wave, a San Diego-based leading provider of Bluetooth RF system components, partnered with MindTree to create the product. "This leading-edge reference design reflects the advantages of combining MindTree's exceptional industry knowledge and design expertise with Silicon Wave's superior ICs for low power and high performance over an extended temperature range of -40 to +85C," said Janet Walther, director of partner programs at Silicon Wave. "Working together we have delivered a performance-optimized solution for lightweight, stylish, low cost, wireless, in-car mobile headsets."

About MindTree

MindTree Consulting is an international IT consulting company that delivers affordable business and technology solutions through global software development. Co-headquartered in Somerset, NJ and Bangalore, India, the company approaches technology initiatives in a business context, with the industry knowledge of a seasoned management team and employees exceptionally skilled in technology, business analysis and project management. MindTree Consulting develops applications to help companies enhance their enterprise operations. The company also delivers product development services and designs re-usable building blocks for high-tech companies. MindTree was selected as one of Computerworld magazine's Best Places to Work in IT for 2002. Please visit www.mindtree.com for more information.