Callpod (re)launches Phoenix Bluetooth conference call system

Callpod's Phoenix is edging dangerously close to the realm of vaporware, but even though the pricing is being kept tightly under wraps, the thing is supposedly available now. For those who've managed to think about more than this revolution in the all-too-exciting world of conference calling since January, let's recap. Essentially, the Phoenix MCS enables five BT headsets to communicate with each other in full duplex over a more than a 300,000-square foot area. Additionally, the base station is completely mobile and packs a rechargeable Li-ion battery good for around 8-hours of talk time (120-hours in standby). When we pinged Callpod to retrieve the highly secretive pricing information, we were told that we'd have to "speak to a sales representative to get a better idea." Hope you're up for a chat.

[Flashpoint @ Oct 22nd 2008 12:19PM]

Can we drop "i" and "pod" from non apple products?
It was lame then and its just ridiculously annoying now.

[Lowest Ranked @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:00PM]

Callpod is the name of the company.

[Phoenix @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:24PM]

So companies should be unable to use "i" or "pod" in their product names?

Let me think.... NO

[StalematE @ Oct 22nd 2008 12:30PM]

my first thought was a bunch of people sitting in the same room with these stupid things on instead of a conference speakerphone... ever been on the same phone line and in the same room as the person? you get that loud bathroom style acoustics... that would get really annoying especially with 5 people... and i feel that the only other time you'd use this in other rooms would be at your desk in an office... which normally have phones anyway. the only way i can see this as worth it, is if the earpieces can link up to your cell phone too. but then you'd have to sync up with the "pod" thing anyway, so why not just stay in the same room. this thing's full of holes.

[Benson @ Oct 22nd 2008 6:13PM]

Feedback shouldn't be an issue; good BT headsets toss the sound right down your ear, and there's much less leakage than with a handset. So you'll get at worst a single echo from each headset, delayed by the actual distance, and rather sharply attenuated if the mics are directional (as they should be).

The reason it's better than a single-point speakerphone is that it doesn't tie everyone to the conference room. The reason it's better than everyone sitting at their desk talking on their desk phone is that it doesn't tie everyone to their desk. People can actually walk around while in the call, which could be useful.

[chezzo @ Oct 22nd 2008 12:48PM]

When you say "BT headsets" I think British Telecom, not bluetooth.

[Lowest Ranked @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:02PM]

Well, then you're wrong.

[lopazopy @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:01PM]

I always thought these would be great for motorcycle communication (bike to bike, rider to rider) because they are completely wireless. If they can hook up to cells, gps, and anything else with a BT connection, then where do I buy one?

[Roberto @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:02PM]

300000 ft^2 is a circle of 100m radius: useless compared to walkie talkie. technology.

[Josh @ Oct 22nd 2008 2:26PM]

I make it 200m, but it's still pretty poor. However, it's easily large enough for most buildings.

using pi.r^2 = area

sqrt((91440m)/pi) ≈ 170m

[GTMac @ Oct 22nd 2008 4:09PM]

@Josh,

Roberto is close to correct. It's a radius of 94.2m.

Your use of 91440m is incorrect as it's a linear measurement and not one of area.

300,000 feet=91,440 meters
300,000 square feet=27,870.912 square meters

[Gordon Niessen @ Oct 22nd 2008 1:11PM]

It looks like a POD, so I am ok with the name.

My concern is what is the power output for 100m blue tooth. Having that stuck in your ear all day long can't be good. One of the reasons I switch to hands free was to get the cell phone away from my brain.

[Laron @ Oct 22nd 2008 4:14PM]

This sounds like a good idea, especially for families traveling abroad or something. Or maybe mercs doing some special op..

[geoff @ Oct 22nd 2008 5:57PM]

I could see a use for this if you could also hook the base into a phone line so that the 5 people could be on a call to someone else

[frankXchange @ Oct 22nd 2008 7:31PM]

If I understand correctly, this units primary function is to allow people that are supposed to be in meetings and/or conference calls to be on the golf course instead.

[Doug_Kraz @ Oct 22nd 2008 9:43PM]

what are some other very long range bluetooth headsets?

[Richard @ Oct 22nd 2008 10:07PM]

Prices WERE on there a couple of weeks ago when I ordered my headset (they sent me a coupon in my email). I recall that Mobile Communications system being around $900 or so. Don't remember the unit price for the base though.

[Buckley @ Oct 23rd 2008 9:33AM]

How much are those mini-roombas?