I bet there are a lot of you starting to get jealous of those other people that can listen to their tunes from their Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone, right on their car stereo without every plugging in a wire to anything. With rumors of the iPhone update supporting full Bluetooth stereo, the doors may just be blown open wide real soon with Bluetooth audio.
Now if you’re one that spent all their cash on such a device and can’t yet afford the upgrade to a nice slick Alpine or Pioneer that supports Bluetooth connectivity, then maybe you should take out that old mix tape and throw in the Flexii Bluetooth Cassette Adapter. With this sweet adapter, you’ll be able to do what those other cassette adapters for portable CD players did and play music from a really cool high tech gadget! Cheap. For $40, you’ll get to play jams from your PDA, smartphone, or laptop all without a single wire. In fact, the Bluetooth Cassette Adapter has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that will give you up to 5 hours of play time. The included USB cable lets you charge that bad boy in not time!
So now enjoy your high tech gadget on your “low” tech radio. Bring your car into the future, baby!
First unveiled during CTIA WIRELESS 2008, the Verizon Wireless XV6900 is a stylish, compact and versatile touch-screen smartphone that gives busy professionals the high-speed connectivity of the Verizon Wireless broadband network. In addition to its luxurious white package, the XV6900 includes:
- EV-DO, 1XRTT-capabilities
- Touch technology allows finger and stylus input
- Virtual, all-touch QWERTY keyboard with additional input options
- Five-way ENTER/NAVIGATION button
- 2.0 megapixel camera with auto-focus, zoom and video capture
- Built-in speakerphone
- One-touch access to e-mail, text messages, calendar appointments and contacts, weather conditions and forecasts
- Equipped with Windows Mobile® 6 Professional with access to Microsoft® Office Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, and PowerPoint® Mobile; Adobe® Reader® LE PDF viewer
- View, edit, create Word and Excel files; view only PowerPoint and PDF files;
- view, extract, create Zip files
- Web browsing with Internet Explorer® Mobile
- Windows Media® Player 10
- Instant Messenger capabilities with AIM®, MSN®, and Yahoo!®
- Bluetooth® v. 2.0 with support for stereo, hands-free, and headset profiles
- microSD™ memory card slot with support up to 8 GB
- Voice command-capable
- Security locking features
- Text, picture and video messaging
- BroadbandAccess Connect-capable
- Wireless Sync-capable
- ActiveSync® (v.4.5) and Windows Mobile Device Center®
- Support for Office Outlook Mobile and Microsoft Exchange® with Direct Push
- 256 MB ROM / 128 MB RAM
- 2.8” TFT-LCD touch-screen with LED backlight: 240 x 320 pixel; 64K color TFT
- 3.98” (l) x 2.35” (w) x 0.56” (d)
- 3.95 ounces
- Battery: 1100mAH standard, and 1880 mAH for XT Battery
Standard battery usage times:
- Usage: 210 minutes
- Standby: 250 hours
- XT battery usage times:
- Usage: 360 minutes
- Standby: 427 hours
- SAR: Head – 1.250 W/kg; Body – 0.457 W/kg
The XV6900 is available for $349.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. An additional $100 credit toward the purchase of the handset is available for customers who sign up for qualifying voice and data plans at the time of purchase.
For more information on the XV6900 and other Verizon Wireless products and services, customers may visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com. Business customers should call 1-800-VZW-4BIZ or contact their Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative.
Do you remember the Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF III Receiver that Proporta released back in September? Well, they’re back with one that weighs 8 grams less and has a connectivity level that’ll knock your socks off. Introducing the Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 Receiver.
It comes with the latest of GPS technology. Works from your pocket, handbag or briefcase, and is compatible with all the mapping software currently available.
Using state-of-the-art Bluetooth Technology, making it ideal for connecting to your notebook, PDA or mobile phone, the Freedom Keychain GPS 2000 Receiver also comes with a USB charger cable and car charger cable, giving you the advantage of being able to charge from home or in the car.
Now, you’re probably thinking that this little piece of GPS equipment is very similar to its predecessor, the Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF III Receiver, well here’s where they differ. The GPS 2000 Receiver is capable of connecting simultaneously to up to 51 satellite channels as opposed to 20, and has a solid working time of ten hours. Phew.
If you are interested in how small it really is (yes, size does matter), the dimensions are right here: 46mm (1.81in) x 32mm (1.26in) x 14.7mm (0.58in), literally weighing 22 grams. Amazing right?
Don’t get lost, get wise – visit www.proporta.com and grab yourself one of these little stars.
Looking to get that new Apple Bluetooth headset for your iPhone, huh? Kinda wondering if it’s worth it due to the high price and mixed reviews from buyers on Apple’s site? Well, maybe you need to spend a few minutes reading our review and getting a good solid understanding if this is the Bluetooth headset for your or not.
Based on the lack of other reviews I’ve seen out there, this may be your best place to determine if Apple scores more money from you or not for your iPhone pleasures.
I started off this review as a “mini” review and it just kept going and going. So, it’s a full blown review with a lot of details that will hopefully be helpful for you if you’re interesting in getting Apple’s headset.
I don’t get why when I go to an electronics or computer store other than the Apple Store, I can’t find a Bluetooth mouse. Other than gaming, there really is no excuse for not having a Bluetooth mouse. Since all Mac laptops and some PC laptops now come with Bluetooth pre-installed, it’s just silly to use an RF wireless mouse that requires an USB receiver. I’ve been using my Logitech Bluetooth mouse for over a year and I love it. Heck, I bought one for my wife’s Mac mini I loved it so much (and she loves it, too.)
Looks like the folks at Proporta understand this issue as well as it has just released the Bluetake BT510 Bluetooth Mouse. Its optical sensor will scan your surface at a rate of 800dpi giving you precise and quick movement. It’s comfortable shape will allow both lefties and righties to enjoy the mouse within their hand. A middle scroll button resides, well, in the middle. 
With its nice little black bag, and 2 AAA batteries, you can purchase direct from Proporta for VAT 40.95.
A lot of people are pretty giddy about the iPhone and it’s all understandable. However, if you can’t wait three more months to shell out $500 for a phone that will only be on one network, then maybe stick with what you got…plus one accessory.
Gear4’s BlueEye is a similar Bluetooth device we reviewed last year called the Tekkeon myTalker ET7000 (review). While we really like myTalker, BlueEye takes it a step further and displays Caller ID information (when available) on your iPods screen. It also uses the dock connector to tap into your iPod so newer generation users are not left in the cold due to the removal of the remote port on top of the iPod.
Like we already stated, you plug in the BluEye into your iPods dock connector and then your headphones plug into the port at the other end of the remote. The remotes layout is identical to that of the Apple Remote and iPod shuffle, so the learning curve is lessened with this smart replication move. You pair your phone to the remote and then you simply enjoy the tunes. Well, until someone calls. Gaze at your iPods screen and see if the caller is worthy of being spoken to. If so, press a button on the remote and up comes your caller and off goes the music. Don’t worry about missing the rest of Xanadu either, BluEye goes ahead and pauses the current track playing and resumes play where you left off after the completion of your call. All automatically. Very nice.
You’ll have to hunt for the BluEye in the States as this a UK product, though it’s not tough to find. It’ll cost ya around $100 but hey, it’s still less than the iPhone and the phone you’re probably pairing the BluEye up to was most likely a freebie for that two year contract you signed anyway.
From the CTIA WIRELESS 2007 show today, Verizon Wireless, operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network, and Motorola, Inc. announced the exclusive availability of the new Motorola Automotive Music & Hands-free System T605. Available at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores across the country on April 6, including those within Circuit City stores, this new car kit gives music-lovers access to digital music and phone calls directly through one car sound system.
“Customers will enjoy the fact that their music will stream wirelessly from any Bluetooth stereo mobile phone, but when a call comes in the T605 pauses the music and resumes it when the call ends,” said Patrick Bucci, director of accessories for Verizon Wireless. “This is an easy way for Verizon Wireless customers to take their music with them wherever they go.”
“We are thrilled to team-up with Verizon Wireless for our first in-car streaming audio solution,” said Robert Levine, general manager, North America, MobileME, Motorola. “The T605 expands Motorola’s Bluetooth enabled automotive solutions to give people choice and flexibility for their connectivity needs in the car.”
The T605 also lets Verizon Wireless customers enjoy uninterrupted conversations. Just turn on the ignition and the T605 automatically syncs with a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.
Equipped with digital signal processing for noise and echo reduction and enhanced technology that lets the volume increase as background noise increases, full duplex capabilities and version 2.0 Bluetooth wireless technology* the Motorola T605 is engineered for advanced call quality and clear connections.
Complete with a sleek, dynamic finish, an improved user interface for intuitive navigation, and Motorola’s exclusive EasyPair technology, this hands-free system promises ease-of-use.
Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network and LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) today announced the LG AX8600, an ultra-slim phone that lets customers listen to their favorite music while on the go. Available in Marine Blue, Apple Green and Shimmering Gold the LG AX8600 features an MP3 player with touch-sensitive external keys, a 1.3 mega pixel camera/camcorder, Alltel’s patent-pending Celltop technology and entertainment applications including Alltel’s Axcess TV and XM Radio Mobile, making this a must have mobile entertainment device. The LG AX8600 is now available and can be purchased at Alltel Wireless retail stores and at shopalltel.com.
“For our active customers who desire a phone that offers the latest in technology and fashion, the LG AX8600 is a perfect fit,” said Wade McGill, senior vice president of product management for Alltel Wireless. “In addition, Alltel Wireless customers can choose from three great colors that best reflect their personality.”
The LG AX8600 includes a 1.3 mega pixel camera with video, Bluetooth Stereo® wireless technology, an expandable microSD memory slot and the latest Axcess features, including Alltel’s Mobile Guide navigation service. The phone also comes with Alltel’s Axcess TV application preloaded, allowing subscribers to watch over 25 available channels, and features XM Radio Mobile, a subscription radio service that provides customers with unlimited access to select audio streams of 20 popular commercial-free XM music channels for $7.99 per month. Read the rest of this entry »
Tekkeon today unveils ezSpeak™, a portable Bluetooth speakerphone with DSP technology for clear, handsfree mobile conversations in the car, home, or office. With echo cancellation and noise reduction for premium digital sound enhancement, ezSpeak lets users hear callers clearly, even in noisy environments. A full-duplex speaker provides excellent sound performance to ensure call clarity.
ezSpeak can be mounted on the car visor, or placed on a desk¾no professional installation is required. An easy-to-read digital display provides the incoming caller ID, call status, volume level, and low battery indication at a glance. Advanced features that are supported by the mobile phone, like voice dialing, stored number redial, conference, and last number redial, enable users to quickly and safely make calls while driving without juggling the mobile phone.
“Because it can be easily mounted on the car visor, ezSpeak is an ideal solution for handsfree communication in an automobile,” says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon. “With all the new laws that affect the use of mobile phones in the car, the handsfree communication provided by ezSpeak becomes more important than ever.”
Equipped with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, ezSpeak provides up to ten hours of talk time and 220 hours of standby time. ezSpeak is designed with Bluetooth v1.2 technology, is backward compatible with Bluetooth v1.1 devices, and works with any device that supports Bluetooth Headset and/or Handsfree profiles.
The MSRP for ezSpeak (ET6000) is $79.95, which includes a one-year limited warranty. The package includes ezSpeak, a 12V car charger, visor clip with optional swivel, and user guide. ezSpeak is available through retail and major on-line stores including Buy.com, DataVision, eCOST.com, J&R, Mobile Planet, Newegg, PC Mall, Shop4Tech, and Tiger Direct, and from the Tekkeon store at www.Tekkeon.com.
Moon Valley Software has introduced FixDat, a new wireless communication device at the International Consumer Electronics Tradeshow (CES) on January 8th. FixDat is a wireless diagnostic tool that can be used to send and even reset the diagnostic codes of your vehicle. Connect using a wide range of devices, including your cell phone, PDA, laptop, or even Personal Computer. The product is set to hit the shelves by storm this spring with a price tag of around $150. Compare that to other cabled diagnostic devices that are much more expensive, and work with a narrower range of vehicles. This unit is compatible with 1996 and beyond passenger vehicles and light trucks, semi’s not included (sorry guys.) Whether you have a Ford, Chevy, Dodge, or Toyota, you’ll be able to use FixDat with any of them.
The CEO of Moon Valley Software, Mr. Peter Ryan, is enthusiastic about the new product. He said: “We’re very excited…Linking wirelessly to an onboard computer system with my cell phone is hot. The possibilities are endless.”
Hot huh? Well, it’ll get even hotter this summer because there are more products that will be added to the Dat family later this year. TripDat will wirelessly provide bookkeeping software, data logging and porting. Not only this, it serves as a hub for linking stereos, Global Positioning Systems, cellular phones, and other Bluetooth devices. Rental car companies, CheckDis out. FleetDat is a commercial product that will allow for communication over long distances, such as fleet management and other car rental applications. All wirelessly. Dat’s cool!