Meta Watch has officially released a new smartwatch development system with Bluetooth 4.0, capable of integrating with both iOS and Android devices. A previous beta was limited to Android only. In iOS, an app pushes basic notifications to the watch for things like calls and messages. Developers have access to an API, though, which will let their own apps push virtually any information.
Accessory maker iHome announced a new product in its growing line of home audio accessories. The new iP76 is a LED color changing tower stereo speaker system. Audio sources can be provided by an iOS device, other wireless devices with Bluetooth version 1.2 compatibility, or any device with a line out jack.
Outdoor enthusiasts will now be able to make reservations for campsites at national parks, forests and other recreational facilities through the release of two new apps for iOS. The ReserveAmerica camping app (free) lists nearby state campground sites, and provides information on sites, RV restrictions, tent and cabin use and other options.
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on iPod docks, clock radios, and more. Amazon.com has recently lowered the cost of the Dual 240-Watt Mechless AM/FM iPod Dock with Bluetooth, featuring 18 FM station presets, a dot-matrix text display, and a fold-down front-panel with integrated 30-pin cradle with adjustable sides to fit all dockable iPods. Currently featured at DealNN, the Dual audio player is now available for $51.99 and offers savings of up to $128.
Featuring the ability to pair with two Bluetooth phones, the Griffin Technology SmartTalk Solar hands-free speakerphone uses a built-in solar panel to keep the device's battery charged for longer than a conventional battery-powered Bluetooth unit. The device began shipping on April 26.
On the heels of a similar-looking Japanese keyboard case for the iPad 2, a new Kickstarter project aims to introduce a high-grade aluminum-based Bluetooth case called Brydge that when paired with an iPad closely resembles the body, thickness and weight of a MacBook Air. The main selling point of the Brydge is the unibody aluminum style (as opposed to the metal-painted plastic of the Japanese NotebookCase), along with a "click-in" hinge that allows both a wide range of positioning options and secure carrying.
Killer Gaming, the network card maker specializing in traffic management technology that prioritizes games before other traffic, has introduced the Killer Wireless-N 1202 module. The successor to the Killer 1102 includes Bluetooth 4.0 onboard, saving notebook makers space by not having to include Bluetooth through a sperate module.
Logitech has taken the wraps off its new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and the iPad 2. The device is touted as an all-in-one solution that offers an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard. The cover utilises aluminium in its construction to help keep weight down and includes a stand to hold the iPad at a suitable angle for typing over a Bluetooth connection.
Elecom will be releasing a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard later this month. The TK-MBD041 is a combined keyboard and cordless handset from the Japanese accessory manufacturer, aimed at users wanting a VoIP handset for a tablet.
A new notebook case for the iPad 2 has been announced from a distributor in Japan, offering a tactile, MacBook Pro-like "chiclet" keyboard and styling to resemble a netbook. The unit allows both the keyboard and the iPad to be charged using an optional multi-headed connector and includes a standard USB port. The combination case, which is also offered via Amazon Japan, is made of silicone rather than metal for lighter weight.
A new hand-sized Bluetooth game controller for iOS and Android devices that features open-sourced software that can be modified and customized by users is under development, and has turned to Kickstarter for funding help. Called the Drone, the controller is a standard six-button game controller aimed at emulator games where traditional players would have a harder time adapting to the touchscreen controls that have now become the norm.
Bluetooth SIG has made it known that Apple’s new iPad is the first Bluetooth Smart Ready tablet on the market. The new ultra-low power Bluetooth 4.0 technology in the iPad remains backwards compatible with existing Bluetooth devices such as Apple’s wireless keyboard and any Bluetooth 2.0-equipped speakers, for example. However, as a Smart Ready hub, the new iPad will be able to connect to new Bluetooth Smart devices including wireless keyboards that won’t require a change of batteries for the life of the new iPad.
The Bluetooth SIG has cleared Huawei's Vision U8850 handset, suggesting the midrange Android smartphone may be headed to the North American market. The Bluetooth standards group tested a variant that supports HSDPA 850MHz and 1900MHz bands, pointing to compatibility with AT&T's network, though a specific carrier has yet to be confirmed.
Today's Deals from DealNN include discounted Bluetooth headsets, video projectors, and more. Macmall.com has recently lowered the cost of the BlueAnt Wireless Q2 Smart Bluetooth Headset, complete with integrated voice-recognition software for answering calls, and dual-mics for greater voice isolation. Currently featured at DealNN, this headset has dropped in price to $31.99 and offers savings of up to 65%.
The Bluetooth industry association appears to have indirectly confirmed the existence of Nokia's Lumia 710 handset. The mystery device was first referenced in rumors ahead of CES, however Nokia has yet to make an official announcement.
Two different tech gear companies have announced two new products for music lovers who want small speakers. Gear4 out of El Segundo are launching the AirZone Series 1 home speaker and iPhone/iPod dock that incorporates AirPlay compatibility for remote sounds and control, while iPod accessory maker iHome is offering two different mini-speakers that stream music and more via Bluetooth connections, one including a mic for speakerphone use.
Two applications from Google to the FCC, one asking to test a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled "entertainment device" from December and other seeking to set up a residential gateway using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from earlier this month may indicate that Google is planning to deploy or at least support future 802.11ac networks and devices, which would dramatically increase transmission speeds for HD video and other data throughout a local network.
WOWee has brought its latest gadget to CES, the Pro portable speaker. Electronista stopped by the company's booth to listen to the latest model, which adds a microphone and a Bluetooth radio to the Slim variant that was released approximately one year ago.
Accessory maker XtremeMac, showing at CES on the occasion of its 10th anniversary in the market, has taken the wraps off two new products today -- a lightweight, portable Bluetooth stereo speaker that also features a line-in jack for other music players, and a line of multi-device iOS charging docks that rely on the slim design of iOS products and which offer a full 10 watts in each port, with one model offering up to five charging slots.
SuperTooth, a French Bluetooth accessories maker best known for their line of wireless car speakers, has announced two new products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The first is a complete re-design of its previous Disco portable speaker into the Disco2, which features an angular vertical look but maintains the high sound quality. Also debuting is Crystal, the company's latest sun-visor-mounted Bluetooth speaker for smartphones.
iHome has introduced one of the more interesting iPad accessories that Electronista has seen in recent time, the iDM5 dock. The device combines many of the features that are offered by separate equipment: a Bluetooth-connected keyboard, stereo speakers and a speakerphone, all in a single piece of hardware.
Consumer electronics manufacturer Behringer has introduced its 2012 lineup of products, many of which are aimed at iOS devices under the umbrella moniker of Eurosound. Offerings in the 50-product lineup include a sound-bar-and-subwoofer set, a wireless iPod sound system, a portable Bluetooth speaker, a PA system with an iPod dock built-in and more. The company has brought its notorious iNuke and its new lineup to the CES show.
Those who like to sing in the shower or just enjoy some music near the pool or beach can do so without fear of getting their expensive iOS or Android device wet with iDevices' introduction of the iShower, a long range (up to 200 feet) Bluetooth speaker that is water-resistant, can be paired with up to five different devices and offers up to 15 hours of safe listening. The company, best known for its iGrill cooking hardware, will debut the iShower at CES.
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has given Apple a total of 13 patents today, covering a wide range of topics from the design of the Thunderbolt Display to the (at the time) revolutionary interface for managing lists in iOS. The latter is an important patent that may be leveraged in future litigation, as most other smartphone competitors have copied it fairly closely in their own implementations. Apple was also given a patent for its now-discontinued Bluetooth headset.
Casio Japan, known for its calculators and wristwatches, has just introduced the first watches with Bluetooth LE (low energy) onboard, making it compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 cellphones like the iPhone 4S. The G-Shock GB-6900 will synchronize the current time from paired handsets and will display incoming call names or numbers, e-mails, and text messages on its display. Users can also switch handsets into vibration mode without touching them.
Today's deals from DealNN include discounted headsets, laptops, and more. Onsale.com has recently lowered the cost of the Plantronics Explorer 245 Bluetooth Headset, which offers Digital Signal Processing technology, voice-activated dialing, and QuickPair support. Currently featured at DealNN, this Bluetooth headset has now dropped to a mere $5.99 in price and offers savings of up to 88%.
BlackBerry PlayBook owners may soon be getting A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) audio. CrackBerry has posted a screenshot of the latest version BlackBerry PlayBook 2.0 developer beta, which shows off support for the Bluetooth stereo capability. With it, PlayBook owners can stream two-channel stereo from their tablets to headphones, car stereos, speakers, or other Bluetooth-equipped hardware.
Computer accessory case and bag maker BBP Industries has opted to expand its offerings and include the Mobiband Bluetooth headphone set as a complementary extension of its product line. A hidden microphone with automatic echo-reduction allows the headphones to double as a phone headset, essentially an improved version of the Jaybird Sportsband. The design is foldable and offers up to 11 hours of music or talk time.
Broadcom has introduced a new chip that is claimed to enable Bluetooth keyboards to run for up to 10 years without swapping or recharging batteries. The low-power component is specifically geared for human interface devices (HIDs), such as keyboards and mice, that are used in conjunction with tablets, smartphones and computers.
Working in tandem with Griffin Technology's Beacon bluetooth-to-infrared device, Dijit is a remote-control app that uses an iPhone or Android smartphone as a remote control that is compatible with some 200,000 home electronics devices. The team behind the iPhone version have announced that a native iPad version is now in submission to Apple, re-designed to take advantage of the large tablet surface and more "swipe-able" touch controls.
Nokia Research is working on making Bluetooth 4.0 provide indoor location services to users, EETimes reported. To this effect, it has showed off its work in progress to 30 companies that include chipmakers and service providers in the hopes of creating a group. It aims to set global standards for indoor navigation services by 2013.
Verbatim has re-worked its Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard to add features specific media control and function keys suited to iOS devices while keeping the keyboard compatible with other tablets and compatible smartphones. In addition, the Bluetooth capability of the device has been upgraded to allow pairing with up to six devices. The compact, foldable keyboard also includes an iPhone stand to put the smaller device at a comfortable angle while typing.
When purchasing a speaker dock for iOS devices, a number of different factors have to be considered. From price to sound quality to iOS integration to connectivity or even just looks, different users have different priorities. Fidelio offers the DS7700, a docking speaker with an attractive design, quality sound for its size, Bluetooth, internet radio stations and more. But how does it measure up to the competition? We find out in our exclusive review.
Samsung has released its promised new Bluetooth headset, the HM7000, that features a small combination case and portable charging stand that allows the headset to be recharged up to three additional times while on the go. The case features an on/off switch, and the headset itself offers dual-mic noise reduction and echo cancellation, a boom mic for enhanced call clarity, voice commands and voice prompts, as well as an Android app for additional abilities.
Logitech has quietly introduced the Mini Boombox, a compact speaker accessory that can be connected to Bluetooth-equipped smartphones, tablets or other devices. The new model, which was briefly posted on Amazon before the listing was removed, serves as a pocket-size cousin to the company's larger Boombox speaker system.
DesignHuman Colectiv has introduced a new Kickstarter project that aims to bring high quality audio to Bluetooth-connected smartphones and tablets such as the iPhone, iPad, or Android-based devices. The +Knob wireless speaker integrates two 2.5-inch drivers powered by a National Semiconductor amp chip, with an estimated output rating between 20-25 watts.
Two different Mac and iOS accessory makers are offering sleeves and cases that not only accompany the iPad, but also a wireless keyboard (either Apple's own Bluetooth model that can work with both the iPad and other devices, or an integrated case-and-keyboard specifically for the iPad). Laptop Tailors, a Netherlands-based all-female Dutch company, offers felt sleeves, while new start-upHatch & Company has released a faux-leather case and keyboard for the iPad 2.
Bluetooth 4.0, introduced in the latest models of MacBook Air, Mac mini and the iPhone 4S among other devices, is getting a re-branding courtesy of the working group that controls the technology. The 4.0 spec will now be referred to as "Bluetooth Smart Ready" for devices that use a dual-mode radio that can handle both the new spec and the "classic" Bluetooth abilities, while the tag "Bluetooth Smart" will refer to dramatically lower-power devices that use a single mode 4.0 radio only.
Ford has released a free software update for its SYNC in-car system. Version G1 V3.2.2 will give more SYNC users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving through the emerging Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP). Last year, Ford praised RIM for embracing the standard, and called on other manufacturers and OS developers to do so. HTC, Samsung and LG have all only recently been certified for the MAP protocol.
There are times when you need a small, portable mini-speaker to with your iPod, iPhone or even notebook computer -- whether its for a presentation or just atmospheric music. The Soundmatters FoxLv2 speaker not only offers decent sound in a tiny (about the size of a hand) package, it includes Bluetooth capability and can act as a speakerphone with a wide variety of devices. Though it's not the cheapest mini-speaker on the market, it makes a strong case for being one that may prove the most durable and versatile. We take a deeper look in a variety of real-world uses in our exclusive review.
Apple's just-announced iPhone 4S is the first iPhone to utilize the Bluetooth 4.0 specification (though it is already in use in the latest MacBook Air and Mac mini), which focuses on making the wireless protocol use dramatically less power, and offers lower latency and tougher encryption. The standard Bluetooth used in most recent Apple devices is now referred to as "classic" Bluetooth, while the new 4.0 specification features the option of using as little as one one-hundredth as much power in its most idle state.
A company called Joypad has released a self-title free app for the iPhone that turns it into a Wi-Fi, ad-hoc or Bluetooth synced controller for some popular retro-style games, including Super Mega Worm, Vertex Blaster and others. The app offers multi-button presses, five controller layouts (with support for additional ones), accelerometer and multi-player support as well as options for retro gaming. Joypad supports select iOS as well as Mac or Windows games.
USRobotics, well known for its line of modems and other internet accessories, has started offering accessories for tablets, smartphones and e-readers and netbooks, including two that are specifically for iOS devices -- though most are aimed at general tablet-sized devices to make them compatible with the widest variety of devices. The company offers three models of stands and two Bluetooth keyboards, and plan for other accessories in the future.
Accessory maker Kensington has added to its lineup of tablet accessories with a folio-style case that features a universal and removable Bluetooth keyboard compatible with anyy model of 10-inch tablet on the market, and a new line of security cases for the iPad 2 that work with with the company's own ClickSafe locks. It is also offering a new stylus called the Virtuoso Metro, which doubles as a conventional pen.
Active noise cancellation, a technology normally found on high-end stereo headphones, is now available on the Jabra Supreme traditional-style mono headset, combined with its other technologies such as Noise Blackout 3.0 and wind-noise reduction. The Supreme features a fold-out boom arm that powers the unit on and off, and uses one mic plus and electronic chipset to generate the "white" noise that blocks ambient sound to make calls sounds clearer.
Logitech has introduced several new wireless accessories geared for the iPad, iPhone and Android-based devices. The headset features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to listen to music and videos or place calls without a wired connection to the device. A noise-canceling microphone is claimed to reduce background noise, while the integrated battery is said to offer six hours of playback time depending on conditions.
Bluetooth accessory maker Parrot has announced the latest addition to its MiniKit line of hands-free Bluetooth smartphone car kits with the MiniKit+, which can handle two Bluetooth mobile phones simultaneously and pair with up to 10 such phones, storing up to 2,000 synchronized contacts with each. The kit, which will arrive in October, assigns different bell tones to each of the two phones in use, and both speaks the names of incoming calls and lets drivers accept or reject calls by voice.
Bose has submitted a new headset to the FCC for approval. As usual, the company has revealed little about it other than its BT2L name, Bluetooth support, earpiece is a plastic on-ear design. It's powered by a rechargeable, non-replaceable lithium-ion polymer battery.
Rumors of the Samsung Droid Prime being Google's true flagship phone were given quick support Tuesday after the discovery of the phone in a Bluetooth Special Interest Group certification. The device is going by its rumored SCH-i515 name, the SCH being an immediate clue as to its Verizon destination. Appropriately, it's also listed as a CDMA phone and coming to North America.
Jawbone's small-but-impressive wireless Bluetooth speaker Jambox has received a software update that adds a feature the company calls LiveAudio -- intended to increase the "three-dimensional" and immersive qualities of music heard on the device, giving it a "spatial richess" that more closely approximates the kind of ambient and nuanced experience of enjoying a live performance. The update is included in the Jambox Software Update 2.0 release on the company's web page.
