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Posts with tag bluetooth

Samsung Slash slider coming soon to Virgin Mobile


Look out, Virgin Mobile subscribers -- Samsung's sliding you one more handset option with its forthcoming Slash. Posted now on the carrier's own website, said mobile packs integrated Bluetooth, a color display, voice dialing, web access and a talk time of 3.5-hours. Additionally, it tips the scales at just 3-ounces and measures 3.8- x 1.8- x 0.7-inches. Unfortunately, we're still waiting on the real details (you know, resolution, price, release date, whether it works in subarctic temperatures, etc.), but feel free to keep a close eye on the read link as its inevitable launch date draws near.

Nokia's 6212 with Bluetooth NFC: Let the pairing revolution begin!


This is the day we've been waiting for. While the 3G Nokia 6212 classic doesn't look like much, what it lacks in style is more than made up by the genius of Bluetooth-enabled Near Field Communication. If you remember the video we showed you way back in March of 2007, the combo makes device pairing and transferring content like photos, video, music, calendar data, contacts, etc. as easy a touching the phone to a NFC-enabled picture frame, cellphone, speaker, or headset like Nokia's own NFC-variant of the BH-210. It will also work with NFC payment systems. According to Jeremy Belostock, the Head of Near Field Communications at Nokia, "NFC-capable handsets such as the Nokia 6212 classic are set to change the way mobile phone users interact with devices and services in their surroundings." You said it Jeremy, you said it. Expected to start shipping in Europe and Asia in the Q3 for about €200.

CSR shows off dual-mode ULP Bluetooth radio


We haven't heard much about Wibree lately, but the next-gen Bluetooth standard looks to be humming along nicely, with a name change to ULP (Ultra Low Power Bluetooth) and now a dual-mode chip from CSR that supports Bluetooth 2.1 and ULP on the same silicon. The chip consumes 10 times less power than a standard Bluetooth unit while connecting, and 50 times less power during data transfer, as it's essentially a stripped down version of Bluetooth with way fewer frequencies to worry about. This dual-mode chips means we won't have to leave the superior bandwidth of Bluetooth 2.1 behind. The chip should be available in the market sometime in 2008.

[Via The Inquirer]

Aliph Jawbone 2 exposed


So there are a couple of big complaints about Aliph's otherwise-lauded Jawbone noise canceling Bluetooth headset: one, it's rather porky, and two, the charge connector is about as reliable as a Comcast installation appointment. Hang tight, though, because help is on the way -- help in the form of the Jawbone 2. The new model just broke through the FCC's surly bonds in full visual glory, showing a headset that maintains the distinctive industrial design of the original while getting just a bit smaller and adopting a new connector that looks moderately less sketchy. The last thing we all want to do is blow another hundred on the next best headset, but if this means we can run a teleconference standing next to a freight train traveling 40 miles per hour and do it in style, count us in.

Plantronics, Jabra intro Discovery 925, BT4010 Bluetooth headsets

Those in the market for a new Bluetooth headset now have a pair of new options to consider from two of the big handsfree players, with Plantronics and Jabra recently introducing their new Discovery 925 and BT4010 models. For its part, Plantronics looks to be after the more style-conscious user, with its 925 headset boasting the company's trademark VFrame design and your choice of Onyx Black, Alchemy Gold, and Cerise Pink colors. On the specs front, you can expect up to five hours of talk time, and AudioIQ noise reduction technology, along with a carrying case that also doubles as a charger. Look for it to set you back $150 when it hits stores next month. The Jabra, on the other hand, keeps things more conventional-looking, with a handy LCD display offering a bit of an upgrade over the usual blinkin' LEDs. Otherwise, you can expect a decent six hours of talk time, and so-called e-SCO technology, which promises to improve voice transfer from headset to phone. Jabra's promising to deliver this one sometime in the spring for $60.

Read - Plantronics Discovery 925
Read - Jabra BT 4010 [Via Phone Arena]

Dome-on with the Garmin nuviphone


Pretty? We think so, Garmin's nüviphone is set to -- once it actually lands, that is -- bring a handset to market that thinks GPS first, phone after. Of course, this handset is no slouch in the tech-goodie department, featuring quad-band GSM, tri-band HSDPA, Bluetooth, a 3 megapixel shooter, and a gorgeous 3.5-inch touchscreen. The nüviphone includes maps of Europe, North America, or both, real-time traffic, weather, local events, gas prices, and the like. No word on pricing or release date, but believe us when we say we'll be keeping our eyes wide open watching for this one. Sadly the only specimen we could manage to find was this version that refused to come out of its acrylic bubble, so if the pics in the gallery below look a wee bit odd, that's why.

Lamborghini offers Bluetooth headset that doesn't break the bank

If you're not in the market -- or don't have the spare cake -- for your own Lamborghini, perhaps a Bluetooth headset featuring the bull logo might do? Lamborghini's founder's son, Tonino Lamborghini, has seemingly stepped into the design world by crafting a Bluetooth headset but ignored the time honored tradition of over charging. For $70 you get 6 hours of talk time, 160 hours standby time, the lovely charging bull logo, all in a pretty tiny 9-gram package. So if any of you are off to pick up a new Lambo this week, make sure you remind the dealer you expect one of these little guys free with your purchase.

[Via Engadget Spain]

LG VX8610's internal Bluetooth headset gets its own FCC love


Its host phone got signed off a few weeks ago, but it turns out that the Bluetooth headset that's stowed away inside Verizon's upcoming VX8610 needs its own, independent FCC scrutiny. Makes sense, we suppose, seeing how it's a full fledged RF device in its own right. It's an exciting concept, no question, but you have to wonder what kind of battery life is going to get sucked out of the mothership when the headset needs charging -- if the headset can actually charge without the phone being plugged into the wall. Guess we'll have to wait a bit longer to find out.

Jabra's BT3030 Bluetooth headset mimics dog tag


Falling somewhere before the BT8010 and BT8040, the BT3030 most definitely takes the crown for clever design. Jabra's latest Bluetooth headset, as you can glean from the image above, was crafted to mimic the traditional dog tag, and specifications wise, you'll find Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, HSP, HFP, A2DP and AVRCP support. Additionally, you'll find six buttons useful for sending / ending calls and controlling music playback, and yes, it will lower the volume when detecting an incoming call from your livid mother-in-law. Ditch that ear critter and pick up something slightly less appalling late next month in Japan (or right now in the US) for ¥8,980 ($90). Check out the gallery over on Engadget Classic.

NTT DoCoMo's Sound Leaf+ ready to conduct a bone near you


Remember the Sound Leaf? Unless you live in Japan, there's a very good chance you don't, so let us refresh your memory: it's a rather interesting Bluetooth device that looks a bit like a miniature handset and functions as a bone-conduction receiver for taking calls in noisy environments. It's a cool idea -- Bluetooth headsets are very, very rarely as loud for the wearer or as noise-free for the person on the other end of the call as they should be -- but for whatever reason, the technology really hasn't taken off in full force. Again, that's unless you're in Japan -- because NTT DoCoMo's just released the Sound Leaf+, a new take on the original that looks almost exactly the same but trades an all-white color scheme for a more in-your-face black getup and apparently features improved reception. It'll go for about 15 hours on a pair of AAA batteries, and the mouthpiece folds conveniently away when not in use. We'll take a dozen, NTT; you can float 'em across the Pacific in a bottle, if you like.

[Via Slashphone]

What's the HTC CONV100?


Don't expect the tight-lipped boys and girls at the Bluetooth SIG to tell you much, but HTC's brewing up something -- and that something has Bluetooth. Not the most informative bit of data, we know, but there's not a lot to go on from browsing the SIG's approval of the new device. HTC's internal model numbers typically start with the first four letters of the handset's codename, so start thinking of words that start with "CONV" -- bonus points for coming up with things tied to Greek mythology -- and let us know what you've got.

[Via the::unwired]

Love To Talk Jawbone headsets make your other ear jealous


Quite frankly, the traditional Jawbone headset is pretty stylish as is. Nevertheless, Yves Behar has somehow managed to make it even sexier with the creation of the Love To Talk family. This trio, which will reportedly be made available "in a very limited quantity," consists of a gold Sweet Talk version, black Dirty Talk edition and white Trash Talk model. No word on a price nor where to actually find one outside of the totally shady black market, but feel free to take a closer look at each in the read link below.

Bluetrek's Bizz Bluetooth headset improves your memory


Finally someone has combined the two things we love most -- Bluetooth headsets and microSD storage -- into one, sweet package. Enter the Bluetrek Bizz, a marriage of seemingly disparate products that actually kind of makes sense. On the headset side, you get up to seven hours of talk time, ten days on standby, and a customizable color panel. When you crack it open, you've got direct USB 2.0 connectivity, as well as a slot for a microSD card up to 8GB. You can charge the headset directly from any USB port, thus making your efforts to keep it at the ready a little bit easier. The headset weighs around 10 grams, and is slated in sell for around £40 (or roughly $80). Check out the totally jazzed-up video after the break to see what it's all about.


[Via Mobility Site]

AKE's BlueCom 102 pocket repeater keeps bikers in sync


There's really nothing worse than knowing some helpless soul is grappling on to you with absolutely no way to join you in an incoming call from that weird guy from CIS 430. Okay, so maybe that's a stretch, but AKE is looking to solve said quandary by offering up its BlueCom 102 pocket repeater. Essentially, this unit enables two motorcycle helmets to communicate with each other via Bluetooth, and of course, any BT-enabled handset can be mixed in, too. Sadly, a price for the setup has yet to be disclosed, but it does appear as if the repeater itself will be sold separately or bundled in with a pair of AKE Bluetooth helmets in the not-too-distant future. [Warning: PDF read link]

[Via MotorBiker]

RIM's BlackBerry Remote Stereo Gateway on sale for $80

BlackBerry owners looking to wirelessly connect to a home stereo or portable speakers can finally pick up that Remote Stereo Gateway we first saw sneaking through the FCC at the end of last month, for $80 from Tessco. The matchbook-size dongle receives a Bluetooth signal from your compatible 'Berry, and then pushes the audio out a standard 1/8-inch jack. According to the retail description, the device is also capable of streaming tunes from your stereo to a pair of Bluetooth headphones, which would mean that we are in fact looking at an A2DP profile here and thus likely compatibility with non-BlackBerry devices. Anyone wanna do us a solid and test this out with a WinMo phone?

[Via The Boy Genius Report]




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