Around June of this year Sony is going to introduce the MEX-BT5700U (also known as the MEX-BT5700UI) head unit with Bluetooth v.2 audio streaming / hands-free calling capability. The $300 head unit is the successor to last year’s MEX-BT5100. The BT5700 has a front USB input for iPod/iPhone/iTouch and other USB equipped MP3 players as well as a front aux-in/headphone port. The BT5700 has the usual latest Sony audio technologies, including ZAPPIN, Quick-BrowZer, Jump Mode, Passenger Control, and DM+. PBAP (Phonebook Access Profile) allows head unit to link directly to a BT mobile phonebook. When streaming audio via Bluetooth, all meta data (artist, album, etc) of the music is displayed on the head unit.
This device originally debuted at CES, a device we unfortunately missed in our initial coverage. The keys will have a blue illumination to compliment the beautiful Dot Matrix LCD. Along with a FM/AM tuner, mp3/wma CD compatibility with full ID3 tag support should handle most consumer needs. Several retailers are listing the MEX-BT5700 to have AAC support, but we aren’t seeing that in the official Sony literature, so be wary. Other supported Bluetooth technologies include OPP, HFP, A2DP and AVRCP (1.3) profiles.
