Losless Bluetooth audio by 2008?
Added on 2007-08-01 14:14:00
by Randall Bennett
 While the concept is elitist for sure, the notion of "lossless" tunes without wires is an impossibility for now, since no one wants to carry around some sort of goofy looking RF transmitter, and Bluetooth's dominant stereo profile, A2DP, compresses the audio using lossy compression to ditch some of the file heft. Next year, Seattle-based OINA (Open Interface North America) says their Bluetooth codec should start showing up in Bluetooth 2.0 devices some time next year, allowing for audiophile quality transmission of music without costing too much in excess bandwidth, a precious Bluetooth commodity.
We're all for better standards, but to be honest, A2DP works pretty well for us right now. Since we're already listening to lossy-compression in MPEG4 or MP3 files, adding a loss-less compression when sending to the headphones doesn't seem like as big of a deal. We don't envision putting some lossless OGG or Apple Lossless codec tunes on our mobile phones anytime soon, but when the iPod or lossless portable music player of choice starts supporting Bluetooth, we might be a tad more interested.
[Via CrunchGear]
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MOTOROKR T505 Bluetooth music system
Added on 2007-07-27 10:14:00
by Randall Bennett
 A first glance might illict a confused look or two, but Motorola's MOTOROKR T505's specs will clear up the confusion over a Bluetooth speakerphone and wireless music system. Rather than a simple speakerphone over Bluetooth headset profile, this oval shaped wonder can take advantage of A2DP for some higher quality music streaming, and then stream that back out over RF to a car stereo. Sounds like signal interference madness to us, but if Moto's got it figured out, the device might become a must-own for car driving A2DP-ers out there.
[Via Gizmodo]
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Apple Bluetooth Headset Unboxed
Added on 2007-07-24 03:20:00
by Tanya Palta
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Apple's Bluetooth headset goes on sale
Added on 2007-07-18 10:57:00
by Randall Bennett
 Looking for an Apple approved way to keep that iPhone screen shiny? Apple unveiled its Bluetooth headset today, and no real surprises here, other than the $129 pricetag. Apple says the quality is superior to all others (for $129, it best be) but the Bluetooth headset includes more than just the headset itself; Apple includes a dual iPhone dock and dual iPhone travel cable with every purchase. That dock and travel case probably save you an extra $30, so the headset price is pretty competitive with other $100 priced headsets. Plus, if you're an Apple fanboy, you can add another Apple logo to an otherwise common device.
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Samsung Hue now available on Alltel
Added on 2007-07-16 09:45:00
by Randall Bennett
 For you southern-types with Alltel wireless in your area, you can now get on the budget-phone Ev-DO bandwagon. The Samsung Hue hit Alltel today and at $40 after rebate, it's definitely a phone that won't break the bank and, fortunately for Alltel users, shouldn't be too disappointing. The phone rocks integrated GPS, Bluetooth, integrated MP3 player, and for the late 90's set who miss interchangable faceplates, the "Hue" is focused primarily on the ability to change faceplate color. The device ships with two faceplates, but, as always, you can purchase more to "accomidate your changing mood and lifestyle," as the press release says.
Hit Alltel's site for more info on the phone.
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Samsung's SCH-i760 hits Verizon's site
Added on 2007-07-12 14:08:00
by Randall Bennett
 Samsung's SCH-i760 hit Verizon's site today, and while we're not too pleased with the overall "sex appeal" of the phone, this non-looker looks to be some sort of Windows Mobile work horse. The phone rocks WiFi, EvDO, Micro-SD and Bluetooth, but disappoints us with an all-too-common 1.3 MP camera. We'll be looking for it ASAP to hit the streets, and see if the QWERTY slider is actually worth the wait.
[Via EngadgetMobile]
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Parrot PMK5800 Bluetooth Car Kit
Added on 2007-07-11 11:18:00
by Tanya Palta
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Samsung and AT&T release budget phone
Added on 2007-07-09 10:19:00
by Randall Bennett
 Samsung and AT&T rolled out a new phone for the budget concious consumer and sure, it doesn't look like much, but at least it doesn't cost much either. The quad band wonder has Bluetooth, a VGA camera and some speakerphone love. Phones don't get much cheaper, as the SGH-A437 costs $69. The phone is available now and comes in Red, Gold and Grey colors.
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Nokia Bluetooth Speakerphone HF-300
Added on 2007-07-05 02:29:00
by Tanya Palta
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Data-driven handheld platform gets 3G with AT&T
Added on 2007-06-21 09:47:00
by Randall Bennett
 We guess that an "all business" device has to kind of be "all ugly" too, at least if PsionTeklogix' Workabout Pro is any indication. Sure, beneath the surface it isn't too horrible, sporting an HSDPA radio, WiFi and Bluetooth, and the externals aren't ugly without a purpose, the device should withstand almost any physical abuse you could throw at it, but something about a water-resistant Windows Mobile device dressed to survive multiple falls feels a little perverted. Truth be told, the device isn't really a phone, and is targeted toward businesses having use for handheld computers (think about oil changes at Wal-Mart, for example,) and in fact, it's the next natural evolution of adding 3G data to an already data-centric device, so in reality it is a good idea. However, our superficiality has to shine through at least a little bit.
The ugly-face Workabout Pro is available today, and just in case you're a business, you can pick it up from Psion's website.
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IOGEAR GBHFK201W6 Bluetooth Speakerphone
Added on 2007-06-19 13:58:00
by Tanya Palta
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Bluetooth Retro Handset
Added on 2007-06-18 17:21:00
by Tanya Palta
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Nokia adds 3 Bluetooth headsets
Added on 2007-06-18 03:24:00
by Emily Price
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 Nokia has added three new Bluetooth headsets to its lineup. The BH-801 has DSP to drown out background noise and a touch sensitive volume control. The BH-604 looks like a set of headphones and designed for the music lover, and the BH-602 is designed for professionals always on the go with 11 hours of talk time. All three headsets are expected to be available in the third quarter or this year.
[via SlashPhone]
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Sony Ericsson announces 3 Bluetooth watches
Added on 2007-06-14 10:49:00
by Randall Bennett
 Well, we're still waiting for some other announcements, but so far so good on the rumors as Sony Ericsson announced three new watches that all sport bluetooth functionality. Each watch can vibrate to alert the wearer of a call or text message, control music playing on the phone and has send/end buttons to control calls. The main difference between the three is the styling, with two leatherband watches and one metal. Our fashion sense isn't really feeling the leather bands, but we do dig the executive's classic metal look. Plus, the uber geek-chic of starting or ending a call from your watch is pretty hot.
UPDATE: Still no pricing, but looks like a Q4 2007 availability date.
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Sony Ericsson's announcing 3 bluetooth watches tomorrow?
Added on 2007-06-13 08:43:00
by Randall Bennett
 
We've been hearing a bunch of rumors circulate about Sony Ericsson's June 14th event (tomorrow) , but today's batch of rumors make us feel a little nauseated. Some folks are speculating that instead of (but we're hoping along with) seeing the Shinobu and Sofia, we'll see three Bluetooth watches. The folks at Esato are the source of the rumor and say that we'll see two leather band watches and a metal watch, all with music playback control, and one will be Walkman branded.
The rumor actually gets some cred after looking at Sony's teaser site. The subdirectory is "TimeMasters3," which would fall in line with some Bluetooth watches, but if they only announce watches, we'll be a bit disappointed.
[via JAMP]
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Darfon Bluetooth Keypad
Added on 2007-06-12 05:01:00
by Tanya Palta
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Mobileburn tests Blueant V12 Bluetooth headset
Added on 2007-05-19 06:29:00
by Emily Price
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 MobileBurn has a review up of the Blueant V12 Bluetooth headset. The vibrating headset has a backlit LCD which while useless on most headsets (because you can't see it) MobileBurn feels like the informational use of the screen on this headset makes it more useful than the rest. You can check out their full review here.
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BlueQ Bluetooth Wristband
Added on 2007-05-07 10:53:00
by Tanya Palta
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Plantronics Debuts Pendant-Style Stereo Bluetooth Headset
Added on 2007-04-04 01:07:00
by Robert S. Anthony
 Plantronics has introduced a pendant-style wireless headset which supports stereo music streamed from cell phones and digital music players.
Instead of fitting over the ear, the Pulsar 260 Stereo Bluetooth headset looks like a set of wired ear buds with a small control box at one end.
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Motorola announces H680 Bluetooth Headset
Added on 2007-03-27 20:57:00
by Emily Price
 Today Motorola announced the newest headset in their line of Bluetooth enabled products, the Motorola H680. The H680 is the first release in a series of fashionable headsets that Motorola touts as "balancing style with high performance." The headset has eight hours of talk time and eight days of standby time packed into an ultra small headset. The H680 is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2007
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Jabra T5330 Bluetooth Headset
Added on 2007-03-25 09:04:00
by Tanya Palta
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Urban Tool Bluetooth Pillow
Added on 2007-03-21 09:56:00
by Tanya Palta
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Samsung WEP 420 Bluetooth Headset Looks Good
Added on 2007-03-19 22:20:00
by Tanya Palta
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Bluetooth Chip Upgrade on the Way
Added on 2007-03-16 21:56:00
by Robert S. Anthony
 PC World reports that the ubiquitous Bluetooth chip “which holds the dubious honor of being available in more devices than any other wireless technology but actually used by the least number of people,” will be upgraded later this year to improve usability.
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Bluetooth Headsets for the Fashion Conscious
Added on 2007-03-08 01:48:00
by Rusty Weiss
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 Bluetooth headsets typically have a look that sticks out, is odd and cumbersome.
Well, that is about to change with the new Cobalt headphones from Koss.
[Via NYTimes]
The headsets provide wireless audio while looking stylish. But fashion isn't the only beneficiary here. Technology comes into play with two standard Bluetooth connectors. One for MP3 players, and one for computers. What's better is that the connectors are automatically paired with the headphones, making ease of use yet another benefit to the consumer.
The Cobalt is currently running at about $300 and can be found on the Koss Web site here...
Easy to use, technologically sound, and good looking. Headphones even a 'trekkie' could appreciate.
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Bluetooth Headsets for the Fashion Conscious
Added on 2007-03-08 01:48:00
by Rusty Weiss
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Bluetooth headsets typically have a look that sticks out, is odd and cumbersome.
Well, that is about to change with the new Cobalt headphones from Koss.
[Via NYTimes]
The headsets provide wireless audio while looking stylish. But fashion isn't the only beneficiary here. Technology comes into play with two standard Bluetooth connectors. One for MP3 players, and one for computers. What's better is that the connectors are automatically paired with the headphones, making ease of use yet another benefit to the consumer.
The Cobalt is currently running at about $300 and can be found on the Koss Web site here...
Easy to use, technologically sound, and good looking. Headphones even a 'trekkie' could appreciate.
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Seagate’s New “Dave” – A Mobile Hard Drive with WiFi, Bluetooth Connectivity
Added on 2007-03-07 11:52:00
by Brenda Keener
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Seagate’s new hard drive made just for mobile phones is a great enabler for mobile content OEMs– who have  been constrained by the limitations of mobile memory for years. Now, your phone can store as much content as your PC – allowing content providers such as mobile gaming companies to add richer, more intense graphics and information than ever before. D.A.V.E stands for digital audio video experience.
Dave is a 1.8 in HDD, and offers either 10G or 20G of disc drive storage – which means address books, calendars, MP3s, movies, and broadcast content are now all truly mobile. The pricing is around $200, and it will be licensed to all major cell phone OEMs as well as service providers. It includes a built-in battery, with about 10 hours of battery life.
Both Bluetooth and WiFi connections to your mobile phone from Dave are available. It can communicate with other Dave's via Bluetooth to share data as well. Small enough to fit in your shirt pocket, Dave is about to become a best friend to many!
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