Electronic audio accessory for use with automotive stereo loudspeakers

A hands free device for a portable electronic device, the device comprising:

• a. a housing for accommodating electrical circuitry;
• b. a cable for coupling to a portable electronic device, the cable comprising a device specific connector;
• c. a power connector for coupling power to the device;
• and
• d. a connector for coupling to a radio back plate, wherein the connector for coupling to the radio back plate comprises at least a mute signal and an audio signal;
• wherein the mute signal is actuated when data is transmitted from the device to the radio back plate, and
• wherein the housing comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the first part has a first mating means for mechanically coupling to the second part, and the second part has a corresponding mating means for coupling to the first part.

A system for providing high fidelity hands free operation for a portable electronic unit, the system comprising:

• a. a radio having a mute input and an audio in input, wherein when the mute input is actuated the radio switches the signal coupled to at least one loudspeaker from radio reception to the audio in input;
• b. a portable electronic unit baying at least an audio output;
• and
• c. an interface device having:
• i. means for connecting the device to the portable electronic unit;
• ii. means for coupling the device to the mute input;
• iii. means for coupling the device to the audio in input of the radio;
• and
• iv. means for detecting activity of the portable electronic unit and actuating the means for coupling the device to the mute input upon detection of the activity.