Archive for the 'Bluetooth' Category
Adesso Inc., a leading manufacturer of computer input peripherals, today announced the release of its latest addition to its extensive line of keyboards, the WKB-3100, a wireless, mini keyboard with integrated optical trackball. This compact keyboard offers the freedom of wireless computing in a wide array of environments, and is available for $79.99 at www.adesso.com.
The WKB-3100 lets users work freely, without any space, angles or distance constraints. The enclosed optical trackball delivers distinct precision and smooth motion, requiring virtually no maintenance or cleaning. The compact size of this keyboard allows for ease of use in tight spaces, including living rooms, kiosk stations, conference rooms and workgroup project environments.
The innovative keyboard is compatible with modern PC systems, flat LCD monitors and tablet PCs in various office environments. The small, compact size also allows users to work remotely, fitting snugly in any briefcase or backpack.
The WKB-3100 features the following:
Limitless connectivity angle with a wide range
6500 IDs on 12 channels, offering 30 feet of wireless freedom
Optical trackball technology that provides precision and control
Measures less than 12 inches in size
Adesso’s various product lines are available through Ingram Micro, Synnex and D&H direct vendors, eRetailers, including AMAZON, Buy.com, PC Mall, CDW, Insight, Newegg and TigerDirect. In addition, they are also available at retail stores, such as Micro Center and CompUSA, and leading catalogs, including CDW, PC Mall and PC Connection.
Scosche Industries (www.scosche.com), an award-winning innovator of mobile electronics and iPod accessories, is proud to announce the introduction of its environmentally conscious new Bluetooth speaker phone, the solCHAT (#CBHSOL). Harnessing the power of the sun, the solCHAT is powered by an integrated solar panel and lithium ion rechargeable battery combination. Utilizing voice announce technology, the solCHAT announces calls as they come in so users can keep their eyes on the road while driving.
Scosche’s engineers worked diligently to make solCHAT easy to use, even with its advanced functionality. With only three visible buttons— volume up, volume down and the answer/hang-up multifunction button —the solCHAT is exactly what consumers are looking for. Using voice announce, the speaker phone let’s users know who’s calling and actually guides them through the initial Bluetooth 2.0 device pairing process. The solCHAT automatically reconnects to users cell phones once initially paired. Users simply turn the solCHAT on when entering the vehicle and the device will automatically pair with the cell phone. Users don’t need to worry about turning the device off since the solCHAT will automatically turn itself off once the cell phone is moved out of pairing range.
Retailing for $99.99, solCHAT comes with a USB charging cable and car adaptor so you can charge at night and on days with insufficient sunlight. Also included are a windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip for easy operation and solar charging. The solCHAT is now available at www.scosche.com and at retailers across the nation.
With much anticipation, Apple took off the covers of its latest version of the iPhone OS today from its Cupertino headquarters. As believed, Cut and Paste, MMS, and tethering support was announced. Actually, tethering was brought up during the Q&A and was confirmed by Scott Forstall, Senior Vice President of iPhone Software at Apple, telling the audience, “We’re supporting tethering in the client side, we’re building that support in. We’re working with our carriers around the world.” Dozens of other features, mostly for developers, where announce as well such as support for Google Maps so applications will no longer have to send a user to the Google Maps application but rather integrate it directly into its application. This also means turn-by-turn directions will be supported though it will be “bring your own maps” for licensing reasons. TomTom has a chance!
Forstall early on admitted blowing it on a feature that should have been out last year saying, “Next, Push. You know, we’re late on this one.” Working with developers and listening to their suggestions lead to a re-tooling of Push and now Apple believes the version that is in 3.0 is much better than what it once had. Examples of push, such as IM, were shown to work very nicely much like SMS or reminders in the current version of the iPhone.
Subscriptions will also now be available for software making way to purchase multiple levels of a game or more months for a sports service, for example. Peer to Peer connectivity is also added allowing for easier connection between two or more iPhones for multi-player games or for address card exchange, though the latter was not mentioned.
Hardware vendors will also have use of the iPhone via the dock connector, finally. Examples shown were the iPhone docked in a speaker system in which you could control the tone with an onscreen EQ. SvenOnTech is aware of Altec Lansing showing off alpha hardware to Apple in January and suspects that this very hardware was shown in the slide show, today. Other items shown were a blood pressure cuff and a blood tester for diabetes. With this access, it’s quite conceivable third-party vendors can finally tap into the phone and possibly tie it into car stereos or home dock systems. The ultimate speaker phone.
Copy and Paste looks fantastic. When asked what the hold up was all about the answer given was “security” without any further explanation. I find this a very interesting response since nearly every device on the market has this feature and these manufactures, such as Microsoft and RIM, seem to have not been worried about “security”. It’s hard to say if it was a cover-up excuse or something deeper RIM and MS haven’t considered.
Other goodies include landscape support for SMS, Mail, and Notes. Speaking of Notes, you’ll finally be able to sync those scribbles in your iPhone with 3.0. Voice notes was also shown off which looks to be quite nice. Steaming video was demonstrated by ESPN which looked incredible. YouTube will now allow you to enter your account information keeping favorites and subscriptions synced between phone and desktop. Multiple pictures can now be sent in Mail as well as direct access to the mail application for other apps. Safari users will also be happy to know Auto-fill has made its to the upcoming summer release of 3.0 as well.
So, what about that MMS and A2DP (stereo Bluetooth support) caveat? You know, how Apple just kinda breezed over the fact that you’ll need to have a 3G iPhone to get that working? Mmm, kinda fishy, we think. While it’s solely possible that the lack of support for stereo Bluetooth may be so on the older hardware, we’re at a loss why MMS cannot be supported. Let’s see, you can take a picture in the Facebook app and send it to your profile, today. Same with Twittelator Pro to post pics and embed the link in your Twitter posts, but Apple can’t open the camera in SMS and grab a shot to send because of hardware? Doesn’t make sense to us. Other 2G devices do MMS just fine, so why not Apple’s? We believe it’s a way for Apple to force users to purchase new hardware though we could be wrong on this. Still, can’t see how hardware other applications use without issue for photos can’t be used by Apple.
All-in-all a great announcement for developers at the iPhone OS 3.0 preview announcement. If they use the tools given to them today, this free update for all iPhone users, $9.99 for iPod touch, could be a mean and exciting update for sure. Guess that puts egg on our face for last nights post, huh? 
Surviving meetings just got easier. Today Canson, a supplier and manufacturer of the world’s finest art paper, is launching a brand new presentation and brainstorming product, Papershow, available for purchase on shoppapershow.com and directly on Staples.com for $199.99.
Papershow is an interactive paper and Bluetooth™ pen system used for digital communication and presentation applications designed to make meetings more fun and engaging for all participants. The plug and play nature of Papershow’s technology can revolutionize brainstorms and presentations, replacing antiquated flip charts and costly electronic whiteboards with fun, vibrant and interactive meetings anywhere, at any time. Papershow is compatible with PCs installed with Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows® Vista.
“Papershow is easy to set up and use,” said Diane Darling, CEO of Effective Networking Inc., speaker and author of “The Networking Survival Guide.” “Papershow is a hybrid presentation tool, combining the organization of Power Point presentations and the interactivity of writing—and the best thing is that you can use it right then and there!”
Papershow is extremely flexible and can attain perfect shapes and lines with varying degrees of thickness and colors. Users can export Papershow drawings into Power Point™ documents, quickly make comments or changes to a presentation image, and all creations can be easily modified or erased. All modifications made to a presentation, and all notes recorded during a brainstorming session can then be saved and e-mailed to meeting participants.
Contour, known best for its iPhone and iPod cases, has taken a dive into the Bluetooth headset market. It calls its super cool looking hands-free accessory Metal. One look at it and it’s easy to guess why.
We took the slim gum-sized headset for a test to let you know if Contour put the pedal to the Metal. It sure stuffs the box with lots of accessories and when you see how you charge this unit, you’ll smile. We did.
Read the review and see if this Metal is your style.
Schlangen claimed that the soft silicone tips were comfortable enough for him that he could wear it, “all day and forget they are in my ears”. I was sure to warn him that would be the first thing I tested once SvenOnTech receives its pair for review. With a talk time of 7 hours and nearly 8 days of stand-by, I’ll get a good opportunity to test the comfort of these sweet looking headsets.
Schlangen also pointed out the 906s unique Dual-Mic AudioIQ technology borrowed from its new parent, Plantronics. This technology allows the BackBeat to “accurately isolate voice signals: one microphone captures voice as the second microphone identifies background noise and removes it.” Schlangen said this makes the caller sound as if they are in front of you.
Promises, promises, we know, but Altec has a good track record. We’ll be sure to let you know when what we think once we get our ears on them…all day. 
Serious Bluetooth Strength––Unmatched Range
Talk on your mobile phone without wires using the Dragon® Bluetooth® headset. With a 328+ ft (100m) range, you can roam around your office or home without having to carry your phone. Dragon can also connect with your PC for Skype® calls simultaneously, allowing you to switch between your PC and mobile phone with a press of a button. With advanced dual-mic noise suppression™, the callers on the other end will enjoy crystal clear voice even if you are at an airport, noisy restaurant or car. The Dragon V2 with all Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, computers and PDAs.
Superior Audio Quality
Callpod’s proprietary Dual-Mic Noise Suppression technology allows users to clearly communicate in noisy environments by isolating the user’s voice while removing background noise.
Maximum Comfort and User-Friendly Two-Button Design
The newly designed Dragon V2 is available in 3 stylish finishes, Titanium Silver, Carbon Fiber and Black Chrome. A new adjustable earwrap was designed to easily adjust on the fly for maximum comfort and all day use. The Dragon V2 can be comfortably worn for long and short-term use. Operating the Dragon V2 is easily performed with the two-button design for enhanced call control functionality. The buttons are large enough and easily identified unlike headsets that are designed to be so small that functionality becomes compromised.
“The newly designed Dragon V2 is the most dynamic and complete Bluetooth headset available,” said Darren Guccione, Callpod CEO and co-founder. “The DV2 performs above and beyond in every category including range, talk time, design, comfort, sound quality, ease of use and noise cancellation, we feel we have delivered the best headset available to date.”
In addition, the Dragon V2 can be used with other Dragon V2 headsets for two-way or push to talk communication over a 250,000+ sq ft space. The new headset takes about 3 hours to fully charge via USB port or outlet and can provide up to 8 hours talk time and nearly 300 hours standby. The Dragon V2 is the only class-1 headset available on the market.
The Dragon V2 works with all the latest phones, including the iPhone, all worldwide networks including AT&T,T-mobile, Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, US Cellular and is compatible with Windows and Mac OS computers with Bluetooth.
Features
• New Adjustable Ear Wrap ensures a perfect comfortable fit for all-day use.
• Unparalleled Range: Up to 100 meters (328ft, close to the length of a football field) with any class-1 Bluetooth® device.
• Superior Sound Quality: Supreme sound quality and Callpod’s own Dual-Mic Noise Suppression technology allows users to communicate in noisy environments.
• Charging Flexibility: Multiple adapters with USB connectivity allow users to charge the Dragon V2 via laptop/computer, car or outlet.
• Unsurpassed Power: The strongest lithium-ion battery in its class provides up to 8 hours of real talk time and up to 300 hours of standby.
• 2-Way Radio Communication: Proprietary 2-way radio communication (similar to Nextel phones or push to talk technology) software allows two Dragon V2 headset users to talk over a 250,000 square foot area.
• Upgradable: The Dragon V2 is the only headset that allows users to upgrade the firmware. This allows for maximum functionality. This firmware is upgradable via USB cable connected to a PC, so users always have the latest features and functionality.
• The Dragon V2 can connect to multiple headsets together for group communications or conferencing with the Phoenix, another innovative product from Callpod.
The Dragon V2 is currently available for $99 and is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled handsets.
Callpod, Inc., an emerging leader in the mobile electronics industry introduces the Drone™, a plug and play VOIP and Bluetooth stereo USB adapter for PC’s and Mac computers. In the past year, Callpod, introduced several innovative award-winning products including the Chargepod®, a well-received 6-in-1 portable gadget charging solution, the Dragon V2 Class 1 Bluetooth headset and Phoenix Mobile Conferencing System, a Class 1 Bluetooth mobile conferencing system. The Drone, which was created from die-cast zinc and high impact polycarbonate for strength and durability, seamlessly switches between Bluetooth headsets and headphones and can connect to any PC or Mac computer via USB port. It has an operating range of 100 meters. Its combined features surpass any other Bluetooth USB adapter ever created.
Skype™ and VoIP Calling
The Drone is perfect for use with Skype and other VoIP users using a Bluetooth headset that don’t like to be tethered to their laptop, Mac or PC. The Drone allows users to roam around at home or at the office freely up to 100 meters away.
Listening to Music on Bluetooth Stereo Headphones
In addition the Drone allows music lovers the luxury of listening to their favorite songs without being attached to a wire. It allows multi-taskers to take on chores, play video games or just sit and relax. The drone can Cleary and efficiently stream and control music via iTunes, CD, Windows Media Player or any other computer based audio sources using the same 100 meter range.
High-Speed Data Transfer & Printing to Bluetooth Printers
The Drone also has advanced features to support data transfer for use with Bluetooth printers and other peripheral devices. For example users can transfer data to and from their computer via the iPhone, Palm Treo or any other Bluetooth cell phone or PDA. It can be used with Bluetooth photo printers and cameras, enabling the user to transfer and print and transfer photos. In addition users can transfer data from PC to PC or Mac to Mac etc. Again, the Drone™ transmits this data up to a range of 100 meters allowing the user to have their Bluetooth peripheral devices in a separate room.
“The Drone was designed to surpass anything in this category ever created. We wanted the Drone to be strong, elegant and easy to use. We did not want to put the burden on the consumer of dealing with complicated CD ROMs and computer settings. You simply plug in the Drone and it’s ready to go.” said Darren Guccione, Callpod CEO and co-founder. “Whether you listen to music, make phone calls via Skye or want to print utilizing a range of 100 meters, the Drone is the simple answer.”
Drone to Dragon V2 Power
The Dragon V2 can be used with the Drone, which allows users to freely roam around the home or office up to 100 meters or 328 feet. Dragon V2 headset was designed for Bluetooth mobile phones, PDAs VOIP products and computers. It gives users the powerful combination of unparalleled range and superior sound quality. Dragon V2 can connect to a PC for Skype® calls and allows users to switch between the PC and mobile phone with a press of a button.
Pricing
The Drone is currently available for $49.95. For more information please visit www.callpod.com.
Designed to meet the needs of a fast-paced, action-filled lifestyle, Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, and LG Electronics today introduced the LG Swift. The new flip phone is bursting with easy-to-use multimedia features and advanced technology for immediate access to services and applications while on-the-go. Available for purchase at Alltel retail stores or online at shopalltel.com, the LG Swift is a vibrant and fun phone created for consumers seeking a wireless device full of innovation.
The LG Swift is the first Alltel handset to be equipped with a next generation keypad featuring Fastap Press-to-Experience keys which integrates six raised one-touch access Quick Keys with a traditional numeric keypad. The Fastap Keypad provides “swift and simple” one-touch discovery, access and use of phone features, services and applications such as Alltel Navigation, Alltel Shop, Email, Alarm Clock and Image Library.
“The LG Swift is an innovative phone that helps our customers explore and enjoy Alltel’s most popular data features,” said Brian Ullem, vice president of device strategy for Alltel Wireless. “The introduction of Fastap Press-to-Experience keys enables us to delivers information and entertainment to our customers faster than ever before.”
Perfect for music lovers, the LG Swift also features external music buttons to conveniently play and manage music. A dual speaker system with stereo sound can be enjoyed using background music mode or using the Bluetooth® headset. The phone also includes a 1.3 MP camera with multi-shot and video capabilities, one-touch speakerphone, and an expandable memory slot for song storage.
Alltel Wireless is offering the LG Swift, in a red and blue clamshell design, for $49.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate. This discounted price is for new customers on two-year service agreements, as well as existing eligible customers on qualifying rate plans.
Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, and Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) announced today that the Samsung Delve™ will be available for pre-sale at alltel.com on October 30. With an intuitive interface and attractive touchscreen design, the Samsung Delve is a stylish way to stand out in the crowd and stay connected to those who matter most.
The touchscreen phone, highlighted by a virtual QWERTY keyboard and tactile feedback, has been designed with Samsung’s unique TouchWiz™ interface. The TouchWiz interface incorporates specially designed widgets that allow the user to customize and personalize their phone. Users can ‘drag and drop’ widgets onto the main screen, which offers users instant access to their favorite functions. The widgets allow users to customize the main display screen to match the icons of the applications and features they use the most.
“There is a paradigm shift in the way users are interacting with their wireless devices, and Alltel is at the forefront of creating new ways for users to harness the power of their mobile phones,” said Brian Ullem, vice president of device strategy for Alltel Wireless. “The Samsung Delve boasts a new, powerful user interface using ‘widgets’ customers can drag and drop to configure their phone. It offers a new level of control and convenience.”
Music lovers will appreciate the Samsung Delve’s MP3 player, and the 2.0 megapixel camera with video capabilities will add value for fans of multimedia content.
Several applications are preloaded on the phone for the ultimate entertainment experience, including Alltel Pic Transfer, Alltel Mobile Advisor, City Id, Collapse Chaos and Wallpaper Universe. The Samsung Delve also features Bluetooth® capabilities, an expandable MicroSD memory slot and an industry standard 3.5 millimeter headset jack. The Samsung Delve contains additional accessories such as an additional battery, a stylus, soft protective case, travel charger, stereo headset and PC data cable.
“The customizable features of the Samsung Delve make it easy for people to use and navigate,” said Bill Ogle, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Mobile. “People are busier than ever, and the easy-to-use Samsung Delve will keep the features people need within a single touch.”
Beginning today, Alltel customers can be among the first to order the Samsung Delve at alltel.com for $199.99 after $100 mail in rebate. The Samsung Delve will also be available in retail stores and at shopalltel.com on November 6. Additionally, customers purchasing the phone will receive free access to Email, Alltel TV on Demand Connect, Alltel Navigation, MyCast Weather and Alltel Radio Connect. A Smart Choice Pack is required in order to purchase the Samsung Delve at this price.
Additionally, Alltel’s newest music application, nuTsie, is available for free access on the Samsung Delve. nuTsie provides the ultimate music experience by allowing users to stream their own iTunes™ playlists, their friends’ iTunes playlists and nearly limitless new music from nuTsie’s catalog – with no side-loading or uploading hassles. For more information on this innovative application, please visit alltel.com/nutsie.