About the Venturi Mini +- What is the Venturi Mini? The Venturi Mini is the world’s first Bluetooth mobile hands-free device that also streams music to the car stereo, takes and makes calls, and charges mobile phones and mp3 players on the move. +- How does it work? The Venturi Mini connects using Bluetooth technology, receiving streaming music from your phone, Bluetooth MP3 player or wired MP3 player. This is converted to an FM radio stream for transmission to your car radio system. FM RDS stream is utilised to send text information to your car system such as info status display and caller ID. When in the car, your mobile phone is controlled by Venturi Mini allowing hands free calling and control of phonebook functionality. +- Where can I read more about what others think of the Venturi Mini? Venturi Mini is brand new and is currently with major reviewers around the world. Watch this space for links to coverage online and elsewhere of what others have said about this exciting breakthrough product. +- Is my mobile phone compatible with the Venturi Mini? The Venturi Mini is designed with flexibility in mind and has been tested with every major handset on the market. Whatever your model of Bluetooth phone and MP3 player you will be able to benefit form the advanced technology it offers. Precise configuration options will be dependant on your phones capabilities. Feature lists for major handsets are available online here +- Is my car compatible with the Venturi Mini? Minimum requirements car radio and dashboard cigarette lighter socket. The Venturi Mini is designed to adapt to various positions and is adjustable through 135 degrees. +- Where can I buy a Venturi Mini? Venturi Mini is available from major retailers worldwide both on the high street and online. Please click here for more information on suppliers in your area. You can also purchase direct from this website. +- Where is the Venturi Mini made? The Venturi Mini is designed and developed in the UK by the experts at Venturi and is manufactured in the UK on behalf of NextGen Venturi by SONY. About NextGen Venturi Ltd +- Who makes the Venturi Mini? The Venturi Mini is designed and manufactured by NextGen Venturi Ltd, a leading UK Bluetooth research & technology company. +- Why was the Venturi Mini designed the way it was? The market for music carried on mobile phone is expanding rapidly. Industry research predicts that by the end of 2008, MP3 music enabled mobile phones will overtake dedicated MP3 players by six to one. Research also shows that people predominantly listen to their music while on the move. The Venturi Mini is positioned to take advantage of these trends, allowing the latest music enabled phones to interface seamlessly with the in-car entertainment system +- Does the company that makes the Venturi Mini sell other products? The Venturi Mini is the first in a line of innovative products which will enhance the experience and usefulness of mobile devices through design and enhanced functionality. With more exciting products soon to be announced please click here to receive updates and news of the latest Venturi products. Country Specific +- Is the use of FM transmitters legal in my country? The UK government body Ofcom have led the European Union by approving use of short range FM transmitters through legislation which came into force in the UK on 8/12/2006. The Venturi Mini carries CE certification denoting approval for use in the European Union. US FCC approval is in also in place and other countries around the world either approve or shortly will approve the use of ‘micro’ FM transmitters. +- Is it illegal to use my mobile phone whilst driving in my country? Safety studies conducted worldwide have concluded that use of handheld mobile devices whilst driving may impair judgment and reaction time more severely than alcohol. Many countries including the UK have banned the use of handheld mobile devices whilst driving and penalties are be enforced by legislation. In the UK fines and a mandatory license endorsements are enforced. Other countries worldwide have similar regulations in place banning the use of handheld mobile devices. Technologies +- What is an FM transmitter An FM Transmitter produces a low power FM broadcast in FM frequency range 88-108Mhz designed to allow music from MP3 players and similar to be listened to on existing car radio and entertainment systems. +- What is Bluetooth Bluetooth allows the connection of devices wirelessly over short distances using digital radio frequency technology. It is designed to replace connection cables on local devices to provide a wireless solution to data transmission. Bluetooth technology is based upon various standards, protocols and transfer speeds. Bluetooth v1.2 is the basic standard used in low cost devices while the latest revision is Bluetooth v2.0 and can perform up to ten times faster. Products using Bluetooth v1.2 have limitations such as reduced bandwidth, supporting fewer simultaneous devices and slower data streams. In the case of audio transmission this equates to reduced audio quality. The Venturi Mini features Bluetooth v2.0 and is state of the art outperforming devices using inferior Bluetooth v1.2 and providing ultimate audio quality. +- What is Radio Data System (RDS) The Radio Data System or RDS is a system designed by the European Broadcasting Union which allows for the transmission of digital data through the FM radio frequency range. In the US a very similar technology called RBDS is used. RDS allows text information to be sent to the radio display in realtime. +- Where can I read more about the technical details for Venturi Mini? The Venturi Mini user guide is available for download here