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Jabra Stone to bring 'new shape' to Bluetooth headset field

by Darren Murph posted Sep 23rd 2009 @ 4:52PM

C'mon, cut us some slack here. We're suckers for teasers, and our intuition says that you are too. Jabra, who has definitely done a thing or two for the Bluetooth headset realm, is apparently looking to reveal a "new shape" on October 20th, though it'll only be sold through AT&T (at least initially). Heck, there's even a countdown timer over on the outfit's teaser page for those who'd like to watch every second from now till then tick away, not to mention a brief video that tersely details the forthcoming excellence. So, got any bright ideas about what this thing could be? The second coming of the BT headset? Just another tchotchke?

[Via Electricpig]

MoGo Talk intros Bluetooth headset for iPhone, everyone else

by Darren Murph posted Jul 16th 2009 @ 9:03AM

At this point, Bluetooth headsets are pretty played, but it's some kind of thrilling to see at least one company keeping things interesting. Newton Peripherals is that very outfit, today introducing a pair of new devices that are definitely unique in a sea of me-too ear pieces. First up is the MoGo Talk for iPhone, which adheres to the back of your handset and keeps the headset nearby at all times -- think LG's Decoy, but a tad less elegant. Next up is the MoGo Talk for VoIP & Skype (our personal favorite), which slides inconspicuously into one's ExpressCard slot in order to a) stay out of harm's way and b) charge when not in use. Too bad Apple decided that these slots were practically unwanted in its newest 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, huh? Both devices can be pre-ordered right now for $99 apiece, with shipments expected to begin next month.

[Via HotHardware]

Read - MoGo Talk for iPhone
Read - MoGo Talk for VoIP and Skype

Plantronics Voyager PRO gets purchased, unboxed early

by Darren Murph posted Apr 20th 2009 @ 1:52PM

Plantronics isn't planning to share intimate details about its Voyager PRO Bluetooth headset until April 23rd, but evidently its supply chain executives didn't exactly touch base with marketing before sending out stock to Best Buy. Jeff and John both managed to procure the $119.99 Bluetooth headset over the weekend, and we've got the shots to prove it. Based on the teaser site down in the read link, this here headset should be it's most advanced yet, but for a buck twenty, it better answer and respond to our calls without us having to intervene.

Update: Plantronics pinged us to say the price point here should be $99. Interesting.

[Thanks, Jeff and John]

Gallery: Plantronics Voyager PRO gets purchased, unboxed early

Bluetooth 3.0 to use WiFi for high-speed file transfers

by Nilay Patel posted Apr 13th 2009 @ 9:02PM

Sounds like the Bluetooth 3.0 announcement on April 21 is going to finally usher in the era of high-speed short-range data transfers -- as previously hinted, the new spec will actually negotiate a quick'n'dirty ad-hoc WiFi connection between devices if it needs to move bits in a hurry, and then turn off the spigot to save power when it's done. The idea is to leverage the speed of WiFi while keeping power usage low, and we'd say it's a pretty trick solution, since most Bluetooth-capable devices also have WiFi radios (cough, Storm). Since the ad-hoc WiFi connection is managed over Bluetooth, no actual wireless network is necessary, and the switch will appear seamless to the user -- except for the sudden increase in data transfer speeds. Yeah, it's definitely slick stuff -- we're looking forward to seeing the first devices in action next Tuesday.

[Via MocoNews]

Bluetooth 3.0 specification to debut on April 21st

by Darren Murph posted Apr 9th 2009 @ 9:48AM

We've seen no official word from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, but phonescoop has it that the Bluetooth 3.0 specification is just about ready for prime time. Reportedly, the spec will feature "dramatically increased speeds, allowing for the transfer of large video files, music collections and photo libraries wirelessly within seconds." BT 3.0 should also include a newfangled ability called Enhanced Power Control (EPC), which will supposedly "reduce the occurrence of disconnects that can be caused by actions such as putting a phone in a pocket, backpack, briefcase or purse." We're told to expect a whole boatload of details, along with a list of chip makers already lined up to provide support, on April 21st.

Update: It's official -- April 21st is a go. Head past the break for the official verbiage.

Continue reading Bluetooth 3.0 specification to debut on April 21st

Samsung's flower-inspired BSP6000 Bluetooth speaker hits FCC

by Darren Murph posted Feb 15th 2009 @ 5:41PM

Samsung has a history of pumping out Bluetooth speakers with unorthodox designs, so we can't say we were totally taken off guard when this one popped up in the FCC's database. That said, it's hard not to be a little shocked when checking out a speaker that looks more like a pair of black flowers than an audio maker, but that's exactly what's presented in the BSP6000. This mobile companion not only allows for BT music streaming, but it also pairs with your handset in order to initiate / answer / end calls. Predictably, Sammy threw in a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for connecting any other music source, and we're told that it'll work with your BT phone so long as it's within a 30 foot radius. Obviously, there's no mention of a price or release date (though that would be nice of you to find out, FCC), but we'll be sure to keep an eye out for more. Shouldn't be too hard to miss.

BT hits the sauce, mulls return to mobile market

by Darren Murph posted Jan 26th 2009 @ 3:53PM

Maybe we're just way, way off base here, but we're fairly certain the UK mobile market doesn't need yet another competitor that won't offer anything substantially different than what's already out there. According to a new report from The Observer, BT is considering the launch of a mobile phone operation as part of a "joint venture with T-Mobile and 3 in a bid to boost profits by cashing in on the migration of broadband and internet services to mobile devices." Of course, BT has dabbled in hybrid handsets before, but as expected, adoption was remarkably low. Our take? We can't see a washed-up mobile operator being any more successful in today's trying times than it was originally, but hey, we'll gladly sit back and watch the fireworks if it has the stones to try.

[Via mocoNews]

CSR demonstrates Bluetooth low energy transfer

by Darren Murph posted Jul 23rd 2008 @ 2:17AM

We know you're not really down with digesting any more catchphrases, but the technology formerly known as Ultra Low Power Bluetooth / Wibree is now being dubbed Bluetooth low energy. Now that we're clear on nomenclature, you may be thrilled to know that CSR showcased its recently unveiled BlueCore7 dual mode (Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth v2.1) chip at a Bluetooth SIG Medical Working Group meeting. According to onlookers, the handset was able to transfer data to another nearby mobile using just 3 frequencies rather than 32, resulting in an unquantifiable decrease in power consumption. Sounds like a winner on the surface, but we have this weird feeling that mass adoption of this tech is like, years away.

British Telecom launches BT ToGO service

by Sean Cooper posted May 10th 2008 @ 4:54PM

This is a fun twist, instead of a mobile provider adding home phone service to its roster, British Telecom, a UK wireline provider is adding wireless service called Broadband Anywhere with a couple handsets called BT ToGO. The two handsets on offer are HTC's S710 and the S620 offering WiFi access when available and wireless when not, the home service is included with a BT WiFi set and router called the. The handsets are being bundled with "Broadband Anywhere" and includes DSL at home, Openzone WiFi and BT FON access with a sticker price of anywhere from £23.99 to £53.99 (roughly $47 and $105) a month. We're thinking $47 isn't too terrible a price to pay as long as they've got you properly covered, but $105 might be hard to swallow if the plans are meager. More specifics on the plans as soon as we have it.

BT said to be prepping a "BlackBerry-style" hybrid handset

by Darren Murph posted May 6th 2008 @ 7:22PM

Britain's top fixed-line carrier is apparently aiming to get back in the handset game, as Times Online is reporting that said company will reveal a "BlackBerry-styled" device that does everything your typical smartphone can along with one extra inclusion. According to the writeup, the forthcoming device will "switch from BT's wireless Home Hub indoors to Vodafone's network on the move," and it's expected to be sold with a broadband package. Of course, those familiar with BT will recall that this isn't the outfit's first foray in the sector, but it's hoping the new handset will fare a good bit better than the poorly received BT Fusion. So, how's about a picture of this thing?

[Via Pocket-lint]

Update: The BT ToGo is official.

Jabra's BT3030 Bluetooth headset mimics dog tag

by Darren Murph posted Mar 26th 2008 @ 9:15AM

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.

Bluepod Media brings Bluetooth to football stadiums

by Darren Murph posted Jan 18th 2008 @ 8:58PM

Simmer down, NFL fans -- we're talking real football here, so we'd recommend hoping a flight to Europe if you're interested in taking advantage of this. Reportedly, Bluepod Media has inked exclusive BT marketing rights with a bevy of Premiership football clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City, West Ham, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic (among others). The deal was worked out after successful trials at Portsmouth and Birmingham City, and going forward, Bluepod will be working with third-parties to "create and distribute branded content to football fans within all stadiums on match days." Best of all, said content will be offered up to attendees gratis, while brand owners will be shelling out cash on a per download basis. Don't worry, dear Americans, you can always order up a hot dog from the comfort of your Safeco Field seat with your DS -- how's that for a consolation prize?

[Via IntoMobile, image courtesy of Hobo Tread]

Iqua intros Bluetooth Snake 2 handsfree system

by Darren Murph posted Jan 7th 2008 @ 1:34AM

We won't fault you if you can't recall the original Iqua Snake handsfree system, but it seems its maker has chosen CES as the venue to launch the long-awaited successor. The Iqua Snake 2 curiously mounts to one's headrest and wraps around to get all upside your grill, which looks mighty 1) dorky and 2) obnoxious, if we may say so ourselves. Nevertheless, the company claims that its design will facilitate clearer conversations and adjust to fit nearly any driver, but we still aren't sold on having a barrier between us and the passenger's seat. Nevertheless, those totally digging it can order one now for around $90, and if you've just got to see more, head on down to Autoblog and take a peek.

[Via Autoblog]

Hello Kitty gets two new Bluetooth headsets

by Darren Murph posted Nov 22nd 2007 @ 12:16AM

What better to go with your shiny new Hello Kitty-themed phone than -- wait for it -- a Bluetooth headset doused in cuteness? Apparently, a pair of these very devices have managed to surface, and we're sure gals everywhere are clamoring to get their hands, er, ear under one. Granted, we've no idea how well these things would actually work (nor how much they'll cost), but the adorable factor is undeniably through the roof. If you're not already overwhelmed, feel free to check out the other version after the break.

[Thanks, Mickel]

Continue reading Hello Kitty gets two new Bluetooth headsets

Callpod's Dragon Bluetooth earpiece sports 100-meter range

by Darren Murph posted Nov 15th 2007 @ 6:56PM

If you're cool with a circular gizmo flanking one of your ears, Callpod's Bluetooth earpiece is probably right down your alley. Aside from rocking a dual-microphone design, noise cancellation technology and multi-device pairing support, this headset promises to stay connected even if you stray 100-meters (give or take) from your mobile / computer. Additionally, you can count on 8-hours of talk time (300-hours in standby) to handle those all-night sobfests, and it's even firmware upgradable should the future hold some extras not yet available. If you're all ready to sign up, hit the read link and throw down your $119.95 -- Callpod says they'll be shipping soon.

[Via Uber-Review]