As expected, Microsoft has finally put an end to its MSN Direct wireless service. The aging system took advantage of FM signals to transmit data to a variety of devices, including Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT) watches, in-car and standalone GPS navigation systems, and other gadgets.
VEA Digital has introduced a new watch, the Sportive, that centers around a 1.5-inch touchscreen. The device offers a variety of smartphone-like features, enabling users to take advantage of a camera, GPS, 8GB of onboard storage, an MP3 player and Bluetooth connectivity.
At least two new BlackBerry accessories are well into development, according to RIM accessories VP Antoine Boucher. The first is a new Bluetooth headset, so far codenamed the Alpha 1, which uses an over-the-ear loop combined with a molded in-ear bud. The unit is said to be larger than the BlueAnt Q1 but smaller than the Jawbone Prime, and equipped with noise cancellation as well as a micro USB charging port, now standard on RIM hardware. The device is however limited to mono output, as well as simple on/off and dial/hangup controls. Text-to-speech and speech-to-text functions may be supported in the future.
Sony Ericsson on Wednesday announced it will supplement its men’s line of MBW-150 Bluetooth watches with a women’s line called the MBW-200. Made in conjunction with watchmaker Fossil, the timepieces use Bluetooth to connect with compatible handsets and display caller ID and vibrate when the phone is ringing or a text message is received. Users can then mute or reject the call via the watch. Either of the three distinctly styled timepieces will also act as a remote control for the music playing from the handset.
