Parrot MKi9200 Review

If you want to be considered to be on the cutting edge of modern technology, then you certainly need to have a hands-free device for your car. If you want to be even closer to that cutting edge, then make it a wireless kit. This is exactly what the Parrot MKi9200 provides. The MKi9200 utilizes Bluetooth technology to provide a system for listening to music or speaking on your smartphone that can all be controlled via a wireless remote or simply the sound of your own voice.

When I bought this Parrot system, I chose to have it professionally installed at a shop. If you are particularly good at do-it-yourself projects, then I am sure installing the system on your own is possible. For the less tech savvy of us, I would advise taking the same route I did.

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Once it is installed, the system is great. It can be set up so that there are no wires visible. The system comes with a small, yet fairly good, wireless display. This can be mounted wherever you may choose. The two options for control of the Parrot are the provided wireless remote control or voice recognition via the provided dual mounted microphone. The wireless control can either be placed in a provided holder that can be mounted to the dashboard, or can be placed on the steering wheel with a provided steering wheel mount. I chose the steering wheel option and find it to be very convenient. It is an easy to use remote and is very easily controlled using only one thumb. The voice recognition is one of the best that I have ever used. From my understanding, the dual microphone design provides noise cancelling capability that allows for more accurate recognition of your voice. Whatever the reason, it works very well and I have rarely had any problems with recognition.

I use this device for both the music and the phone features. The music is best played by connecting your device to the provided cable hook-ups that are installed into the glove box. The kit comes with a hook-up for a USB drive, a standard headphone jack and an iPhone or iPod connection. If your music is stored on an SD card, then there is also a port for that on the back of the display although I have never used it. When using the connection for the iPhone or iPod the system provides for charging the device. The audio for the Parrot works by "hi-jacking" the speakers of your car while it is playing music or channeling a phone call. For example, if you are listening to your car radio and then decide to play a song from your connected iPod, the system will "take away" your speakers from the radio. The songs are easily selected using the wireless(in my case steering wheel mounted) remote control. Although I mostly use my iPod, I have tried the USB port and it seems very functional and provides the ability to select songs using the screen and remote.

The phone portion of the system is fantastic. The Parrot automatically connects to your smartphone using wireless. I have read that this system is compatible with many different types of Bluetooth capable phones. I have only used the system with my iPhone and it works great. After the phone has synchronized with the system, all you have to do to make a call is simply hit the "call" button on the remote and the Parrot will ask you who you want to call, simply say the name and wait to be connected. Since the system operates by "hi-jacking" the radio speakers when you make a phone call or a call comes in the music is automatically silenced. Another feature I like is that since it is a Bluetooth connection the actual phone can be located anywhere in the car. This is extra convenient for long phone calls or phone calls with a phone that is low on battery as it can be connected to the charger while I am talking. If for some reason the voice recognition is not picking up who you want to call, you can scroll through your contacts using the remote control. The system will speak the letters as you scroll through the contact list alphabetically using the controller. With the text to voice feature, the Parrot will also speak who is calling when you are receiving a call.

When you are on the phone the other party's voice is put through using the car speakers. Since you have the mounted microphone, all you have to do is talk normally. I have yet to have a complaint of the sound quality on the other end of the line being too poor.

I think that this is a wonderful product. It provides that extra feeling of convenience while I am in the car. As a safety issue, the Parrot allows me to keep my eyes on the road more often instead of scrolling through contact lists. It also allows, of course, for me to keep both my hands on the wheel while calling and listening to music. I am very impressed with the voice recognition on this product. The sound quality will depend on your car speakers of course, but I love that the Parrot has definitely performed at least as well as my current radio system. If you are looking for a high quality hands free device to make life a little bit easier while in the car, I would recommend that you purchase the Parrot MKi9200.

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