Callpod Phoenix: conference calling the Bluetooth headset way

That little pod in the center there is Callpod's Phoenix, a rather unique Bluetooth device that can hook up to five Bluetooth headsets together simultaneously for full-duplex conference calling through Skype or the Bluetooth capable cellphone of your choice. Those buds around the Phoenix are none other than Callpod's own Dragon model, and although pretty much any headsets should work with the system, using Dragons offers the addition of push-to-talk -- a boon we'd imagine for improving call quality when you're all hunched around a Phoenix in, say, the back of a cab. The device is wireless and rechargeable with fresh juice coming in courtesy of a mini USB port. The anticipated December '07 launch promised on Callpod's site has come and gone and we've yet to get updated pricing and availability details, but we may see it shown live at CES -- so stay on the edge of your seats, you teleconference fanatics.

[paragraph @ Jan 3rd 2008 5:44PM]

Call me old fashion but i like shouting into a lump of plastic from across the room.


One major question: does this thing have a speaker of it's own? How about a Mic? Can it work without the headsets (not that you would want it to, but just in case someone stepped in, or didn't have a headset).

Even just a speaker would make this more useful.

[injate @ Jan 3rd 2008 5:52PM]

Finally a product for those of us with a ear wax swapping fetish.

[kjb434 @ Jan 3rd 2008 5:57PM]

Having the central unit be able to handle over the air voice instead of relying on the headsets would be crucial.

I can't count how many meetings I've been in where some has to walk into the conference call.

[Willis @ Jan 3rd 2008 6:01PM]

Eww that's bad HYGIENE. Gross! I will not touch something that touched my coworker's ear. Yeah the one with the cheese pizza in one hand and skin infections galore.

Ew!

[boss sauce @ Jan 3rd 2008 7:45PM]

Freakin' bluetards... who needs this?!

[Wwhat @ Jan 3rd 2008 9:20PM]

Might be useful for a grand CSI episode where all the various characters from various CSI shows do a conference :)

[Blake Bowen @ Jan 4th 2008 3:51AM]

Is it just me, or do they look like tiny futuristic shurikens?