Archive for the 'Bluetooth' Category
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.
Callpod, Inc., an emerging leader in the mobile electronics industry, creators of the Chargepod and on the heels of its successful launch of the Dragon V2 headset for Bluetooth mobile phones, PDAs VoIP products and computers, today announced the Phoenix ® Mobile Communication System (MCS).
The versatile Phoenix Mobile Communication System was designed to provide a much needed solution to a variety of different industries that are in need of seamless and simultaneous hands-free communication. The Phoenix Mobile Communication System allows five users wearing headsets to communicate with each other in full duplex over a more than a 300,000 sq ft area.
“The Phoenix MCS can be used in many different situations from a FEMA disaster recovery situation, everyday retail and restaurant worker to worker communications and even surgeons communicating in an operating room who are completely covered by protective gear,” said Darren Guccione, Callpod’s CEO and Co-founder. “The Phoenix is designed to be highly versatile in that it does not rely on landlines, wall outlets, wires or speakerphones.”
In addition, the system is an ideal solution in an office, warehouse, outdoor area or tactical operations. The MCS is completely mobile and is powered with an internal lithium ion battery providing up to 8 hours of talk time and 120 hours standby. The Phoenix can join five headsets and a cell phone or Skype®, provides push-to-talk communications among headset participants, eliminates background noise on each channel, delivers a full duplex audio path and is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled headsets, phones and computers.
When users optionally pair the Phoenix base unit to a mobile phone or PC (i.e. VoIP) and make a call, all five participants will be speaking with the party on the other end, creating true mobile conferencing. Noise gates and noise suppression algorithms greatly reduce chatter in noisy environments.
The Phoenix MCS comes pre-paired and certified with the included Dragon V2 headsets and Drone, a Bluetooth PC/Mac USB adapter with 100m range. Simply turn on the unit and users will automatically establish an audio link with the other five headsets allowing instant communication without requiring any further setup.
The Phoenix MCS comes equipped with Callpod’s revolutionary and patented Bluetooth ® mobile conferencing 6-channel base unit, five Callpod Dragon V2 headsets, a Callpod Drone USB adapter; a Chargepod with six mini-USB adapters to charge all five Dragons at once, an AC/DC adapter with interchangeable prongs for international use, a car charger and high impact carrying case and molded insert foam.
The Dragon V2 Class-1 Bluetooth Headset – 100 Meter Range
Leave the phone 100 meters or 328 ft (100m) range behind and freely roam around with the Dragon V2. The Dragon V2 can connect with a PC for Skype® calls simultaneously, allowing users to switch between a 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 quality in almost any noisy environment. The Dragon V2 works with all Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, computers and PDAs. http://callpod.com/products/dragon
The Chargepod is a versatile 6-in-1 Charger that simultaneously charges popular portable devices including iPhones, iPods, Blackberrys, Palm Treos, in addition to hundreds of other cell phones, PDA, GPS devices, cameras and portable gaming devices. Devices can be charged at home, in the car or while traveling. The Chargepod is a convenient yet simple and smart technology that saves space and frees up electrical outlets. www.callpod.com/products/chargepod
For more information about the Phoenix Mobile Communication System please visit www.callpod.com.
So you’ve got to go somewhere this Labor Day weekend, huh? Looking for the right GPS to take you there? But you want one with some sweet swag? Easy to use? Maybe even something the “other guys” don’t have? But, its got to be a good brand. Well, the TomTom GO 930 may be your catch. With address voice input, Bluetooth speakerphone, Advanced Lane Guidance, traffic updates, and Mr. T to tell you where to turn, we couldn’t think of another GPS to suggest (until our next review, maybe.)
Before you shove off to your long weekend, we suggest reading the long and full-of-meat review of the TomTom GO 930. If you don’t have too much time, like all of our reviews, you can read The Bottom Line and the Overview for the quickie. But do at least print it out and read it sometime this weekend. It took us a long time to write. 
One of my early complaints with the first generation iPhone, which remains to this day, was the inability to send my “card” to another iPhone or smartphone user. Just days before the purchase of the Apple phone, I was able to transmit my contact card to any other Windows Mobile or Symbian user via Bluetooth or even Infrared. So why wasn’t this greatest phone ever allowing me this same convenience? Well, with no IR port and a severely retarded Bluetooth stack, it just wasn’t going to happen. What a shame and yet another ding against the Enterprise user by Apple.
Tapulous, a group of guys in Palo Alto (home to Apple CEO Steve Jobs), have thought that iPhones should be able to share contacts. Not just your contact but any of your contacts. The makers of the widely popular Twitter application for the iPhone, Twinkle, will be releasing a new application called friendBook. In its third application for the iPhone (the other the popular game Tap Tap), Tapulous brings a more powerful contacts manager to the iPhone. Not only will one be able to trade contacts, but better manager them right on the iPhone away from the connected computer. Easily find duplicates, merge contacts, and even dial a member of your virtual black book by a picture of the person, friendBook is surely to be a hit once on the App Store.
There is no immediate release date or pricing details for friendBook but rumor has it that the application has already been submitted to Apple and is merely awaiting approval. So look for it through the week and download it quickly! Who knows, Apple may deem this “bad” and remove it like it did Netshare.
‘SouthWing,’ you ask yourself? Yup, SouthWing. Not well known here in the States but very much so in Europe where it has ranked as the best Bluetooth headset in the UK for years now. Mobile operators such as T-Mobile, Orange, and Telfonica sell SouthWing offerings throughout its stores. Now SouthWing has touched down in the US and came to the most known of all names in the telecommunications market, AT&T.
Releasing the SH241 exclusively to AT&T, the Barcelona-based, Ericsson-roots company touts some interesting features not found on other Bluetooth Headsets (BTh). One such feature, Whisper Mode, announces the phone number audibly in your ear so you know who’s calling without the need to look at your cellular phone. Perfect for meetings where distractions can be unfavorable. PUSH4 gives you the ability to program a favorite number or allows direct integration with AT&T’s *8 VoiceInfo for the latest in sports, stocks, weather and other news worthy items. Additionally, the SH241 allows you to pimp your BTh with 3 interchangeable covers, 12 ring tones, and 4 different ear buds. (I don’t know if the latter really is a pimp feature.) All this with 7 hours of talk time and automatic power save after 12 hours of idle use.
The SouthWing SH241 retails for $39.99 at AT&T company-owned stores or can be had at www.wireless.att.com (though we couldn’t find it on the web site.)
We’ve requested a unit for review and will let you know what we think of it when we get it.
If that’s not nuts enough for you, then check this out. While California legislators agreed with a Harvard study (full report in PDF) that claimed 2,600 people are killed each year from talking on a cell phone while driving, those same legislators felt it was fine to allow drivers to do a little text messaging while navigating fossil fuel burners! In addition to that, you can take pictures with your phone, download games, surf the Internet, and be a good citizen and report accidents on Twitter. All without any fear of being pulled over and cited. Phew! I don’t know what I would have done if I couldn’t tweet while driving!
California is getting the word out and displaying warnings on its electronic signs through out the scene, as seen here on Interstate 80 Business in states capitol, Sacramento. (Note the reddish haze in the picture from the smoke coming from the nearly 900 fires currently a blaze in Northern California.) Surely many will ignore this sign because they are too busy talking on their phone but come July 1st, they’ll fine out quick enough.
Now, I wonder if all the cops I see talking on their cell phones while driving will go hands-free as well. Wonder if I can slap ‘em with a $20 fine if they don’t.
Feeling a bit like grandpa with this statement, I can remember the days when Bluetooth headsets (BTh) where just a few and even those where difficult to find. Today with many states going with hands-free laws (California to join the fray four days prior to our Nations birthday,) headsets are a dime a dozen now. Many offer a wide range of differing features but none seem to offer what LG’s Decoy does. You see, the Decoy docks its Bluetooth headset in the phone!
According to the Verizon press release SvenOnTech received, the headset attaches to a “discreet docking port” on the back of the slider phone. With the 2.2” mirror-like LCD screen and five-way joystick, you’ll be able to navigate through the multimedia friendly phone that supports mp3, .wma, .aac and unprotected .aac+ files as well as doing the V-CAST thang. You’ll also be able to do email (access MSN® Hotmail®, America Online® and Yahoo!®) along with web surfing. Speakerphone, 2.0 MP camera, and Bluetooth 2.1 pretty much round out this phone. Full set of features after the jump.
The LG Decoy will be available beginning on June 16 for $179.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement through Verizon Wireless’ online store at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores, including those in Circuit City.