Audio kit is on the button

By Graeme Lambert

18th October 2008

Staying legal behind the wheel is essential, and with this new hands-free kit it is easy to avoid the temptation of grabbing a ringing mobile when driving. The iO Talk1 will even play MP3 music from your phone or iPod.
Its small microphone and remote are unobtrusive in the cabin, and we really liked the wireless control as it meant passengers could select music easily. However, the unit is designed with calls in mind and allows up to five mobiles to be connected at once.

Sound quality was excellent, and despite the lowly 20W amp, it was loud enough. Auto pairing with our phone each time we re-entered the car was a nice touch, and the spoken menu made set-up easy. However, while the rubberised buttons were pleasing to use, the main rotary control felt a little low-budget. As it is wireless there was a slight delay between input and action, which often resulted in over-compensating when adjusting the volume.

Finally, the lack of illumination, unless pressed, made controlling it in the dark a hit-or-miss affair. In the end, though, these minor points aren’t enough to stop it being a great-value hands-free with the bonus of digital music.