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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.