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Jawbone started Thursday by putting out a major update to its core Bluetooth headsets. The Jawbone ERA is the first earpiece to have an accelerometer inside and can use it for both its own functions and third-party apps. Four shakes will put it into pairing mode, and a double-tap will start, switch or stop a call.
Aliph today dipped into mobile apps with Jawbone Thoughts for iOS (free, App Store). The app lets iPhone and newer iPod touch users record a voice message up to a minute long and send it to one or more people at the same time. Others with the app will get a push notification and can listen directly in the app, but those either without the app or a non-Apple device can still get a web link through e-mail or SMS.
The Jambox Bluetooth speaker announced at the start of the month is now shipping. Aliph's first Bluetooth speaker, as opposed to a Jawbone headset, it has similar app support as the headsets and is one of the very few wireless speakers that can be upgraded with new firmware. The device uses a two small dome speakers that work in conjunction with a moving-wall passive bass radiator and airtight enclosure for more range than most portable speakers manage.
Aliph today unveiled the Jambox, its first venture in Bluetooth audio beyond headsets. The compact wireless speaker is designed as a stylized companion to an iPad, iPhone or notebook and comes in the same colors and metal patterns of a Jawbone headset. It goes so far as to support the same Jawbone apps, such as Jott, and is rare among speakers in being firmware upgradeable as time goes on.
An unusual FCC filing discovered today has suggested that Aliph is branching out beyond pure headsets. Nicknamed only the "Nerd Dongle," its only technical details reveal that it runs on the 2.4GHz wireless frequency used by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It superficially resembles a USB adapter like the "nano" receivers used by Logitech and Microsoft and has the Jawbone branding of Aliph's existing headsets.
Jawbone headset maker Aliph and Cisco have partnered up on a new Bluetooth headset, the Jawbone Icon for Cisco. Based on the standard Jawbone Icon, the device will automatically pair with cell and Cisco Unified IP phones at the same time. From the headset, users can answer calls from either their desk or cell phone in sequence.
Aliph today released an update to its Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset for cellphones that gives it ability to stream music and other audio files. It now has A2DP and lets users get any audio regardless of the type, such as from navigation apps or Internet radio stations. The Icon was previously limited to the typical mono, hands-free protocol for calls.
Aliph put a new emphasis on software today with the launch of its third-generation Bluetooth headset, the Jawbone Icon. The new design is slightly wider but overall smaller than the Prime. It also claims the title of the first headset with apps: a beta website will let owners install apps for voice dialing, directory searching and other tasks.
Aliph in a low-key intro tonight revealed Jawbone Prime, the third generation of its Bluetooth headset. The Prime gets a slight cosmetic redesign that includes new, more varied colors but revolves around an updated noise cancellation engine that adds another 6dB to 9dB of outside sound reduction through the namesake jaw-based method. The mechanism is also designed to work more reliably when the jaw isn't in contact and particularly to reduce wind noise.
Aliph today launched a pair of new color variants for its second-generation Jawbone headset. The Babbling Blue and Rambling Rosé (light pink) hues are meant to fit in with the fashions of men and women and support the existing black, gold and silver colors of the Bluetooth headset.
Following a last-minute leak, Aliph tonight unveiled the Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset. The company promises it has learned lessons from the original while keeping its namesake voice detection system, which measures voice activity from the jaw to provide extremely accurate noise cancellation. The earpiece is more discreet than the earlier version at half the size but is said to be even more effective at blocking outside sound. The ear hook itself is also more comfortable and detaches entirely for users whose ears are already a good fit.
An employee from an unnamed retailer has leaked several photos of a demonstration model Jawbone 2, which is allegedly receiving its official launch tomorrow. According to Engadget, the informer expects that stock for the high-tech headset will arrive tomorrow at an expected retail price of $129. The matte grey headset earns its renown from the first incarnation, which measures vibrations in the jaw, contrasting them against exterior noise for cancellation purposes.
The sequel to Aliph's successful Jawbone Bluetooth earpiece is coming soon, according to a new FCC filing. The headset is referred to by the original Jawbone name but represents a major redesign, including a shorter, subtler design as well as a new noise-canceling jaw sensor that shifts from two 'bumps' to one measuring the user's voice, and a sleeker connector used to charge the headset from its special USB cradle.
