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UPDATED: This new firmware version is not yet available, as Whistler is currently in the process of making some final tweaks. We will know as soon as the update as available, and will let you know immediately. Check back frequently for updates.

Whistler is close to releasing a firmware update for the XTR-690 and the Pro 78. This update will provides several improvements:

• Improved K and Ka sensitivity with POP mode OFF
• Auto Display Dimming feature improved on the Pro 78. A delay has been added to prevent the display from adjusting when light changes suddenly, such as when driving through a shadowed area.
• The display now "holds" an alert for a few seconds after the signal is lost. During brief alerts, like are seen when a signal is weak, the display would previously reset quickly not providing the driver enough time to identify the band.

Whistler has done a great job in making these improvements, specifically with the K and Ka sensitivity. The display dimming and alert hold issues were first brought up just a few weeks ago in Veil Guy's review of these detectors. I'm truly impressed with how fast Whistler moved to make the improvements.

Veil Guy has received XTR-690 and Pro 78 units with the new firmware, and has already updated his review. He found that the Ka sensitivity (with POP mode detection OFF) was now similar to that of the Bel STi Driver, and even outperformed the STi in some cases.

We are expecting to have units with the new firmware in stock soon, but if you purchased a model with the original firmware you're not out of luck! Whistler is willing to provide current XTR-690 / Pro 78 owners with the update, just call their support number (800-531-0004) to arrange sending in your detector, once the update is available.

The Veil Guy has posted an exceptional review of the Cobra XRS R9G and the XRS R7 radar detectors. This review is the most in depth look yet at these two new models from Cobra, and includes several great videos.

Keep up the good work, Veil Guy! Click here to read the review.

Cobra's new 2007 models, the XRS R9G and the XRS R7 are now available! We gave you a first look at these detectors when they were announced at CES, back in January. Both models are now in stock and ready to ship. Here is a brief look at some of the new features.

The most significant enhancement, found on the XRS R9G, is a built-in database of fixed speed camera and red light camera locations. The Cobra XRS R9G is equipped with a GPS locator, which keeps track of your current location. As you approach a camera the R9G will alert you, allowing you time to adjust your speed or stop for a red light. Cobra has worked hard to build an accurate database of fixed camera locations, and will continue to update the database as cities add new cameras. As the database is updated, you can connect the R9G to your computer (through a USB connection) and update to the latest database.

Having a GPS locator gives the XRS R9G the ability to offer several other features. A user database allows you to "mark" up to 1000 custom locations. You will receive an alert as you approach these locations in the future. This is perfect for saving areas that are commonly used by police as speed traps. A "speed display" shows the current speed of the vehicle. A GPS based digital compass is included as well, eliminating the need for calibration. It would have been nice to see a user programmable false alert database, such as is available with the Escort 9500i, but this is missing (most likely due to patents).

The GPS functions are only available on the R9G, but both XRS R9G and the XRS R7 have a truly innovative design. The radar detecting unit (RDU) is very discrete and should be mounted high on the windshield, by the rearview mirror. The display and all user controls have been split out into a separate "display unit". This display unit is wireless and can be mounted anywhere inside the vehicle. With this design, it would be very difficult for anyone to know that you had a radar detector. Both models include a direct wire kit and extended length cigarette lighter plug, making it easy to find a discrete mounting location for the RDU.

Both models offer the same full color graphical display as the XRS-9930. I still feel like this is the best display of any detector, regardless of brand. Ku band detection is supported, which is great for European customers or those travelling overseas.

While the sensitivity of Cobra detectors typically isn't in the same class as some other manufacturers, these new models offer some innovative enhancements that may make them preferable to many drivers.

We have just launched the newly redesigned RadarDetectorForums.com, dedicated to the discussion of radar detectors, radar detector accessories, and related products. We aquired this site a few weeks ago, and have been working diligently to get it back up and ready for launch.

If you have any questions at all regarding radar detectors or accessories, we encourage you to post them to this site. We will make every attempt to answer your questions quickly. At the same time, this will hopefully result in a database of common questions and answers that will help future visitors to our site.

Please visit our new forum, and thanks for shopping with us!

The Veil Guy stopped by our offices a couple of weeks ago on his way to Atlanta. While he was here, he picked up a few radar detectors to test during his return trip. Among the models he chose were the Whistler Pro 78 and the Whistler XTR-690.

Over the weekend, he posted a very detailed review of these two models. Here's a quote:

In any event, it is my opinion that these new Whistlers represent two of the greatest values in radar detector ownership, today.
If it is your desire to have a full-featured radar detector which provides good protection against police radar, particularly against Ka-band, and are budget minded, you need not look further than either the Whistler Pro-78 or Whistler XTR-690.

Please check out the entire review, it is definitely the most in-depth look at these Whistler models to date.

The new Blinder laser jammers are now in stock, but we still have a few of the M40's left in inventory (the M20's are gone for good). In order to make room for the new models, we're offering a special closeout price on the M40 of $499.99 - that is $100 off the normal price. Buy today, they won't last long.

Blinder has finally released their much anticipated new models! The new Blinder M25 and Blinder M45 are now in stock and shipping. Both laser jammers are identical, performance-wise, the only difference is the number of jamming heads (transceivers) that are included. The M25 includes two transceivers, which would provide coverage for the front of a typical vehicle. The M45 includes four transceivers, which would typically cover the front and the rear. A large majority of laser hits are from the front, but they do occasionally occur from the rear. Vehicles that have an extremely large front end, such as some trucks and SUV's, may require four transceivers to cover the front of the vehicle.

The following is a list of the updated features:

• New laser detector, with wider and more optimal detection of all the police laser systems.
• New custom made jamming LED™s, to give optimal jamming output, from the transponders.
• New interface, to supply the new high power jammers with higher voltage.
• New software to detect and jam all the latest new laser systems.

These new models replace the M20 and M40, which have been discontinued.

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we just received our first shipment of the (much anticipated) Whistler XTR-690 radar detector. We are hoping to get all backorders out today, but any backorder that doesn't go out today will ship Monday. Shipping was held up on these units because of a packaging delay, and because Whistler was finalizing a program to help ensure that only authorized dealers (like us!) are able to sell their products.

The much anticipated Whistler Pro 78 radar detector arrived today, and are now shipping! If you had placed a preorder with us for this model, then your order shipped today and you should have received an email with your tracking number.

For those that aren't aware, the Whistler Pro 78 has the same re-engineered performance of the (much anticipated) XTR-690, and will replace the current Pro 73. Unlike the XTR-690, the Pro 78 will not have a compass, but it will have a better (intense blue text) display and auto display dimming. Like the XTR-690, it will offer a 3 year warranty.

Just a quick note. We have received our first shipment of the Escort 9500i radar detector and they are now ready to ship! All of our pre-orders for this detector will ship today (4/11/07). As with all of our other in-stock products, if you place an order for the Escort 9500i through the web site before 4:00PM EST, it will ship the same day.

This is a revolutionary new detector from Escort, and we're certain that it will be very popular! Please contact us if you have any questions.