Sony-Ericsson intros HCB-105 hands-free speaker

Accompanying the K630, Sony-Ericsson today also saw fit to unveil the HCB-105, a new Bluetooth hands-free speaker that saves drivers from having to reach for their phone or a dash-mounted speaker unit. The Swedish firm's new device is designed to clip just to the overhead visor in a car, where the microphone placement is ideal. At the same time, its narrow shape makes it genuinely pocketable to prevent theft or for use in other locations. The call, answer, and volume buttons are all deliberately oversized to cut down on distractions.

The speakerphone will handle up to 25 hours of continuous talk time on a charge and supports any cellphone that matches the hands-free Bluetooth profile, including many of Sony-Ericsson's own phones as well as rival devices from Apple, Nokia, and others. In keeping with most of the company's introductions, the HCB-105 has not been given a price as part of the announcement but should be available in some countries by early 2008.