The Bluetooth SIG has released a phone book access profile (PBAP) that makes information in a mobile phone’s phonebook available in a hands-free car kit. Users can download and browse the phone book from any Bluetooth mobile phone or PDA. The special interest group has also completed enhancements to its hands-free profile (HFP 1.5) that enable mobile phone features such as enhanced call control, phone status indicators, response and hold, and information about the subscriber number. HFP 1.5 also enhances audio quality.

Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth SIG, said the new profiles will improve phonebook and dialing handling in the car, thus making it more convenient and straightforward for drivers, car manufacturers and phone manufacturers to use Bluetooth wireless technology.

"In the past, there was no universal way for Bluetooth mobile phones and car hands-free systems to share phonebook and contact information, which made implementation difficult for us as car manufacturers and created confusion for our consumers," said Dr. Peter Steiner, head of infotainment at Audi. "We are very satisfied that there now is a standard way and this will be the next important step to further enhance customer satisfaction."