Are you tired of fumbling with your phone while driving? Do you miss the convenience of hands-free calling and music streaming in your older car? The Geartist GB01 Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kit FM transmitter promises to be a solution, bringing modern connectivity to vehicles lacking built-in Bluetooth. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the Geartist GB01 to help you determine if it’s the right gadget to upgrade your in-car experience. We’ll examine its capabilities as a hands-free calling device and its effectiveness as an FM transmitter, paying close attention to sound quality and ease of use. Bluetooth technology is crucial to modern car kits, and we will assess how the Geartist GB01 utilizes version four point zero in its functionality.
Unpacking the Features and Specifications
The Geartist GB01 boasts several features designed to enhance your driving experience. The core of its functionality lies in its Bluetooth connectivity. Employing Bluetooth version four point zero, the GB01 aims to provide a stable and efficient connection to your smartphone. This is critical for both hands-free calling and streaming music.
The FM transmitter function is another primary feature. It allows the GB01 to broadcast audio to your car’s radio through an FM frequency. The user selects an unused frequency on their car radio, and then sets the GB01 to broadcast on that same frequency.
The hands-free calling capabilities are, of course, essential. The GB01 includes a built-in microphone designed for clear voice transmission. Noise cancellation technology aims to minimize background noise during calls, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly by the person on the other end.
Beyond calls, the GB01 also supports music streaming from your smartphone. You can stream your favorite playlists from services like Spotify, Apple Music, or any other audio app through your car’s speakers. A Universal Serial Bus charging port is a welcome addition, allowing you to charge your phone or other devices while on the road. Some variations include dual Universal Serial Bus ports which may provide faster charging capabilities.
A small display is often included on the device to show the FM frequency and other relevant information. The buttons and controls allow for easy operation, such as answering calls, adjusting the volume, and skipping tracks. The ease of use is a key factor in the overall user experience.
The Geartist GB01 typically requires a twelve or twenty-four volt direct current input to power it. This means that it should work in most standard cars, trucks, and even some larger vehicles. The physical size is relatively compact, designed to fit neatly in your car without being intrusive.
Setting Up and Getting Started
Setting up the Geartist GB01 is usually a straightforward process. First, you plug the device into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or power outlet. Once powered on, the device will typically enter pairing mode.
Next, you need to enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and search for available devices. Select the Geartist GB01 from the list of discovered devices to initiate pairing. In most cases, you’ll be prompted to enter a passcode, which is usually “zero zero zero zero” or “one two three four”. Once successfully paired, your smartphone will connect to the GB01 automatically each time it’s in range.
To use the FM transmitter, you need to find an unused FM frequency on your car radio. This is a frequency where you don’t hear any radio station broadcasting. Once you’ve found an available frequency, set the Geartist GB01 to transmit on that same frequency. The display on the GB01 should show the current transmitting frequency.
The intuitiveness of the controls is vital for ease of use while driving. The buttons should be easily accessible and clearly marked. Adjusting the volume, answering calls, and skipping tracks should be simple and require minimal distraction from the road. Some potential challenges during setup could include difficulty finding an unused FM frequency in areas with strong radio signals or Bluetooth pairing issues due to compatibility problems with certain smartphones.
Performance and the Proof is in the Sound
The performance of the Geartist GB01 is crucial for a positive user experience. Let’s break down the performance into the core categories.
Hands-Free Calling
The microphone quality is paramount for clear voice transmission. Ideally, the microphone should capture your voice accurately without distortion. The effectiveness of the noise cancellation feature significantly impacts the clarity of calls, especially in noisy driving environments. The GB01’s ability to minimize wind noise, road noise, and engine noise is a key factor. It’s important to assess how well the driver can hear incoming calls. The volume should be loud enough to be heard over ambient noise, and the audio quality should be clear and free from static or distortion.
FM Transmission
Signal strength and stability are vital for uninterrupted audio playback. A weak signal can result in static, hissing, or complete loss of audio. Audio quality through FM transmission should be reasonably clear and free from excessive distortion or interference. The range of frequencies available is also a consideration. A wider range of frequencies allows you to find a clearer channel with less interference.
Music Streaming
The sound quality for music playback should be acceptable, considering the limitations of FM transmission. While it won’t match the quality of a direct connection, it should still provide an enjoyable listening experience. Compatibility with different music streaming apps is also important. The GB01 should work seamlessly with popular apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, and others.
Weighing the Positives and Negatives
Like any product, the Geartist GB01 has both its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
Convenient hands-free calling capabilities, allowing you to answer calls safely while driving.
Music streaming via Bluetooth, enabling you to enjoy your favorite tunes on the road.
Universal Serial Bus charging port for charging your phone or other devices.
Relatively easy setup and use.
Compact design that doesn’t clutter your car’s interior.
A cost-effective solution for adding Bluetooth connectivity to older cars.
Cons
Sound quality via FM transmission may not be as high as a direct connection.
Noise cancellation may not be as effective as dedicated Bluetooth headsets.
Signal interference can occur in areas with strong radio signals.
Compatibility issues may arise with certain smartphones or car models.
The microphone may not be ideal if positioned far from the driver.
Exploring Other Options
While the Geartist GB01 offers a convenient solution, it’s worth considering other alternatives available on the market. These may include dedicated Bluetooth car kits with better noise cancellation, or more advanced FM transmitters with higher audio quality. Other options may include replacement car stereos with built-in Bluetooth, which offer a more integrated solution but at a higher cost. Some may also consider using a bluetooth speaker with car kit features.
The alternatives will depend on your needs and budget. If sound quality is a top priority, a Bluetooth car kit with a direct auxiliary input might be a better choice. If you’re looking for a more integrated solution and are willing to invest more, a replacement car stereo with Bluetooth is worth considering. A simple bluetooth speaker may be a good option for someone who wants to move the car kit from car to car, or who needs a speakerphone for other purposes as well.
Our Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Overall, the Geartist GB01 Bluetooth four point zero Hands Free Car Kit FM transmitter offers a practical and affordable way to add Bluetooth connectivity to older vehicles. It’s a decent choice for those seeking hands-free calling and music streaming capabilities without breaking the bank. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations of FM transmission and potential signal interference.
This product would benefit those who need a simple solution for hands-free calling and basic music streaming. Drivers who value convenience over pristine audio quality will find this to be a suitable option. It’s an excellent choice for older cars lacking Bluetooth and for budget-conscious individuals.
Whether it’s worth the price depends on your individual needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a basic Bluetooth car kit that gets the job done, the Geartist GB01 is a reasonable choice. However, if you’re a serious audiophile or require exceptional noise cancellation, you might want to consider investing in a more premium product.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’re ready to experience hands-free calling and music streaming in your car, you can find the Geartist GB01 on popular online retailers. (Links to purchasing locations would go here). Do you have any experiences with Bluetooth car kits? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below! Your feedback helps other drivers make informed decisions.
