Engadget

Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0

Zach Honig — Tue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST

Can't wait for the Pebble E-Paper Watch to ship this fall? The Meta Watch developer system that we first saw last year just got a major upgrade, and could serve as an acceptable stand-in for now, with the arrival of both iOS support and Bluetooth 4.0 to the $199 connected wearable. The device includes a 96 x 96-pixel sunlight-viewable LCD, six programmable buttons, an accelerometer, vibrating motor, ambient light sensor and a black or white strap. The developer platform Meta Watch is available through Texas Instruments now for $199. Hit up the source link after the break to make it your own.

Meta Watch announces new dev kit with added iOS support, Bluetooth 4.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NEC Medias PP N-01D knows what boys like: watch-based notifications

Daniel Cooper — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST

NTT DoCoMo's pantheon of remarkably similar smartphones is expanding again, with the release of NEC's Medias PP N-01D. The chunky 10.9mm blower packs a whopping 1,700 mAh battery that promises 630 hours of standby. Beneath the water-and-dust-proof shell is a Gingerbread phone with the usual array of features: 8.1 megapixel camera, mobile wallet, One-Seg TV reception, and cable-free sync. It's also squeezed in wireless charging and the ability to pair the phone via Bluetooth to the forthcoming Casio G-Shock GB-9600 watch, which will notify you of your incoming calls and emails. Ladyphone users who aren't interested in playing Dick Tracy can fire up the Medias Beauty App, which will offer "professional beauty advice" -- handy for those of us who can't find the time to keep our makeup all nice.

NEC Medias PP N-01D knows what boys like: watch-based notifications originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson LiveView update is here, promises improved connections and Bluetooth compatibility

Richard Lai — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:23:00 EST

Good news, fellow Bluetooth watch fanatics! Just as promised, Sony Ericsson's finally doled out a major update to cure the LiveView once and for all. With this patch, users should now be seeing much better stability and compatibility with non-SE phones, as well as being able to install up to 30 plug-ins. We had a quick go on our refreshed LiveWatch and noticed that it now auto reconnects much better as well, and hopefully the same applies to everyone else. To get the update, simply use the SE Update Service for Windows (sorry, no Mac support) and follow the instructions -- download link available below if you're new to this.

Sony Ericsson LiveView update is here, promises improved connections and Bluetooth compatibility originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Velocity Micro Cruz Watch hands-on preview

Richard Lai — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:58:00 EST

We've always liked the idea of having a Bluetooth watch streaming feeds from our phones, because deep down inside, we all want to act like special agents in public. Sadly, there aren't many of these wearables to choose from in the present market. In fact, with the inPulse smartwatch for BlackBerry seemingly stuck in limbo, what we have left is the Europe-only Sony Ericsson LiveView for Android, and maybe something nice from Fossil as well if its concept design gets picked up. To seize this opportunity, Velocity Micro is now working on its own connected Android watch -- currently known as the Cruz Watch -- that's destined for the sub-$200 market in mid-Q2 2011.

Here's what we learned about this cool-looking prototype during our exclusive hands-on at CES: in many ways, it's conceptually identical to the LiveView -- it's a watch, it's a Facebook feeds reader, it's a multimedia remote control (for Android's music app and Android-powered TVs), and it can show you incoming caller IDs. While the Cruz Watch may be a bit of a lightweight when it comes to apps, its hardware certainly bests SE's offering in several ways: for starters, it has a full touchscreen that takes swipe and tap gesture inputs (instead of using navigation touch controls on the bezel), and it sports a 1.8-inch LCD instead of a 1.3-inch OLED display. There are also a few software features that we dig, especially with the interchangeable clock face: two analog, two digital; and the incoming call notifier pulls the caller's profile photo from your contact list, which is something that the LiveView can't do. We're told that since this watch is powered by Android 2.0 (and possibly something different on retail units), Velocity Micro might be able to implement app installation in the near future, so we shall see. Video walkthrough after the break.

Gallery: Velocity Micro Cruz Watch hands-on preview

Continue reading Velocity Micro Cruz Watch hands-on preview

Velocity Micro Cruz Watch hands-on preview originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson LiveView review

Richard Lai — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:13:00 EST

This isn't the first time that Sony Ericsson's dabbled in the field of spy-like Bluetooth wrist accessories, but as we all know, extortionate prices and limited functionality meant these old timers never really took off. But now, things may be different: SE's freshly baked LiveView promises to offer a generous set of features -- alongside your Android 2.x device -- while going a little easier on your wallet. It sure sounds tasty, but before you grab your virtual shopping cart, be double sure to read our full review first... right after the break.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson LiveView review

Continue reading Sony Ericsson LiveView review

Sony Ericsson LiveView review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson LiveView now available in Europe; if you had a LiveView, you'd know that already

Paul Miller — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST

Look, the future is in hyper-informed wrist accessories. If you don't know that by now, what do you know? Not that, assuredly. Sony Ericsson's Android-augmenting, Bluetooth-tethered LiveView accessory is now available in some European countries, including some fan faves like the UK, Germany, and France. Prices seem to vary from country to country, with a UK version going for £48.97 (about $79 US), France getting a €59 shot at it (about $80 US), and Germany swooping in with an über-low €42 tag (about $57 US). All three disparate prices seem a small amount to pay to place the future on your wrist / other clippable surface, but maybe that's just us.

[Thanks, Jason]

Sony Ericsson LiveView now available in Europe; if you had a LiveView, you'd know that already originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's LiveView Android device plays nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date

Tim Stevens — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EST

We're still trying to decide if a postage stamp-sized secondary display for your Android smartphone that you can wear as a wristwatch is a piece of genius or just a misguided widget that became a real gadget when it got kissed by a fairy in a dream. It's looking like we'll get to find out soon, as Sony Ericsson's little LiveView remote/watch has just hurdled over the FCC's measuring device and, according to Le Journal du Geek, will be shipping in November with a price of 59 euros. That's right around $80, which could either be an awful lot or only slightly dear depending on how useful it turns out to be.

Sony Ericsson's LiveView Android device plays nice with an FCC ruler, gets rumored price and date originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0

Vlad Savov — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:14:00 EST

You've been asking for someone, anyone, to please kick out a tiny remote control display that can save you from having to whip your smartphone out for every little thing and Sony Ericsson, it seems, has listened. The 1.3-inch OLED screen above is a new Bluetooth accessory for Android 2.x phones that's said to function very much like a desktop widget. There's an app you can install on your phone that'll get it to communicate with the 128 x 128 pixel grid, which can then be used to read messages, find your phone, control music playback, and receive those precious social networking updates from your friends. We know by now you'll be crying foul over Sony Ericsson releasing an Android 2.0 accessory when its handsets are stuck somewhere below that marker, but the plan is to dish this "micro display" out in the last quarter of the year, after that messianic Android 2.1 update has arrived. Fingers crossed.

Gallery: Sony Ericsson LiveView press images

Continue reading Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0

Sony Ericsson LiveView acts as a 1.3-inch remote control for your smartphone, requires Android 2.0 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 04:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crapgadget: you never thought you'd need this (and you were right) edition

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:00 EST

A great idea can change the world -- and a bad idea? All too often, that becomes a crapgadget. Do you really need a pair of speakers for your MP3 player shaped like stuffed bears? Juicy Couture seems to think so. How about fluffy "cat ear" headphones? We wouldn't recommend them unless you're a 13-year old girl -- or maybe getting ready for Anthrocon 2011. And don't even get us started on Tuttuki Bako, the little green box that exists so you can put your finger in it and see a heavily pixelated, monochromatic rendering of you finger... in a green box! We also have a Bluetooth speakerphone unit for your wrist and an ultraviolet toothbrush sterilizer that gets power from glorious USB. No thank you.

Read - UVMini USB Toothbrush Sanitizer
Read - Tuttuki Bako green box toy
Read - Nekomimi Headphones for Cosplay aficionado, perverts
Read - Juicy Couture Mini Bear Speakers
Read - Atomic9 Bluetooth wristband speakerphone

View Poll

Crapgadget: you never thought you'd need this (and you were right) edition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helium Digital HDBT-990 Bluetooth wristband gets reviewed, given 3.5 Jack Bauers

Darren Murph — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:24:00 EST

Looking to get a Bluetooth earpiece without actually upping your tool factor by 40x or so? Good luck. Helium Digital's so-called alternative (that'd be the HDBT-990 Bluetooth wristband) was recently reviewed by our iPhone-lovin' pals in the Great White North, and while they found it to work well when it came to handling calls without actually using the speaker and microphone within the iPhone 3GS, everything else about it was ho hum at best. There's no inbuilt LCD for watching Caller ID streams, the mini-USB jack was "flimsy," and there's still the issue of this unit being at least somewhat unsightly. It's also $90, which puts it just north of the all-important "ah, who cares" range for most of you price-conscience consumers. Hit the source link for their full impressions, but don't be shocked if you come away still in search of the aforementioned mystery device.

Helium Digital HDBT-990 Bluetooth wristband gets reviewed, given 3.5 Jack Bauers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM working on Bluetooth watch, other spellbinding accessories?

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST

We're not sure why we didn't hear more about this way back at RIM's WES conference way back in May, but it was apparently mentioned by VP Antoine Boucher at the time that they're working on a Bluetooth-enabled watch. Furthermore, it's said to be more advanced than the models Sony Ericsson has put forth so far, featuring streaming audio (3.5mm jack on the watch, perhaps?) and Twitter / Facebook updates in addition to the usual things like caller ID and text messages. Note that the image floating around today of this thing isn't real -- it's just a Sony Ericsson MBW-100 with a swapped logo -- so it remains to be seen what this magical wrist accessory will look like, assuming it's real and coming to retail. It seems Boucher also mentioned a high-end Bluetooth headset codenamed "Alpha 1" that'll allow you to stream music and get navigation directions through some sort of totally awesome silicone earpiece boasted to possibly be "the best solution on the market." It's pretty hard to pique a lot of interest these days with something as vanilla and ubiquitous as a headset, but at any rate, it's interesting to see the depth of RIM's apparent commitment to the accessory market right now.

[Via techfresh.net]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables

RIM working on Bluetooth watch, other spellbinding accessories? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RIM working on Bluetooth watch, other spellbinding accessories?

Chris Ziegler — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST

Filed under: RIM, Accessories

RIM working on Bluetooth watch, other spellbinding accessories? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen unveils i:Virt M Bluetooth watches for loyal Softbank customers

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST

Man, talk about a long time coming. The last time we saw a line of i:Virt watches from Citizen, it was a bright fall day in 2007, and obviously our style threshold was entirely different. Thankfully, the outfit's latest line of Bluetooth-enabled timepieces are far sexier, though we have to say -- the fact that they only support Softbank phones makes us shed a tear on the inside. As with most other BT watches, these too will display emails, alert you of incoming calls and even clue you in on the latest news (via RSS, we suspect). Both the TM84-0341V and TM84-0342V feature a stainless steel case and a life of around five days with a full charge; there's no mention of price, but frankly, we're too depressed to even find one. Poor us.

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Peripherals, Softbank Mobile

Citizen unveils i:Virt M Bluetooth watches for loyal Softbank customers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen unveils i:Virt M Bluetooth watches for loyal Softbank customers

Darren Murph — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables

Citizen unveils i:Virt M Bluetooth watches for loyal Softbank customers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:20:00 EST

When a press release is laced with words like "handbag," "sophisticated," and "vibrates," it's clearly targeting the fairer sex. Sony Ericsson's new MBW-200 watches display caller ID and rumble on the wrist when a call comes in to your Bluetooth connected cellphone. You can then reject or mute the call directly from the watch. The Fossil designed, glare- and scratch-resistant time keepers come in three versions -- Sparkling Allure, Contemporary Elegance and Evening Classic. Each is modeled above by three tennis players for not so obvious reasons. Available in Q4 for an undisclosed price. A few more pics after the break.

[Via SEMC Blog]

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks

Filed under: Peripherals, Sony Ericsson, Accessories

Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks

Thomas Ricker — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:20:00 EST

Continue reading Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless

Sony Ericsson's MBW-200 Bluetooth watches for sporty she-geeks originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Voz Sports unveils Bluetooth Frequency watch, Multy LYNK helmet

Darren Murph — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:46:00 EST

Bluetooth watches and Bluetooth helmets -- been there, done that on both points. Still, Voz Sports is keeping our attention with its attention to detail on the Multy LYNK helmet and Sports Frequency wristwatch (shown after the jump). As for the latter, you can expect a black (2GB) or red (1GB) face, Bluetooth v1.2, a waterproof casing, included earbuds and USB 2.0 connectivity. Checking out the headgear, you'll likely appreciate the "voice-activated, wireless two-way radio communication via 14 FRS channels with 38 privacy codes," Bluetooth v1.2, its NOAA weather receiver, noise-canceling microphone, waterproof stereo speakers and AA battery operation. Each device is set to ship on April 1 (no joke!) for $249.95 to $299.95 and $299.95, respectively.

Read - Sports Frequency watch [Via Be Sportier]
Read - Multy LYNK helmet [Via Be Sportier]

Continue reading Voz Sports unveils Bluetooth Frequency watch, Multy LYNK helmet

Filed under: Wearables, Wireless

Voz Sports unveils Bluetooth Frequency watch, Multy LYNK helmet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches

Darren Murph — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:49:00 EST

Truthfully, we've no idea whether Citizen really did replace its VIRT design team or if they all just had an epiphany, but whatever the case, the outfit's latest lineup of Bluetooth-enabled wristwatches actually look... marginally wearable. The i:Virt collection, which comes in four colors along with a metal-banded sibling, is capable of playing nice with your Bluetooth mobile, and moreover, they all boast a battery life of up to five days with BT turned on. Furthermore, the units are water-resistant and feature a color LCD, phone battery meter, caller ID, signal display, call history list and email viewer. Unfortunately, it seems as though the watches all sport the elusive "open price" for now, but feel free to take a closer look at the gang after the jump.

[Via WristWatch]

Continue reading Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches

Filed under: Peripherals, Others, Misc

Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches

Darren Murph — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:49:00 EST

Continue reading Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables

Citizen unveils Bluetooth-enabled i:Virt watches originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's new MBW-150 Bluetooth watch rocks AVRCP

Evan Blass — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:46:00 EST

Bluetooth wristwatches are all the rage lately -- or at least Sony Ericsson hopes so, because it has a vested interest in most of them -- and just like we suspected, the JV has announced its latest model, the MBW-150, complete with AVRCP support for wireless control of your music phone. This followup to the MBW-100 comes in three styles (Classic, Music, and Executive, pictured left to right) that all perform the standard caller ID / SMS notification thing, while tossing in the highly-desirable ability to change tracks and adjust volume as well as view track info on the face. No pricing or release details were immediately released, so we'll keep ya updated.

Filed under: Peripherals, Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson's new MBW-150 Bluetooth watch rocks AVRCP originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Ericsson's new MBW-150 Bluetooth watch rocks AVRCP

Evan Blass — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:46:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Wireless

Sony Ericsson's new MBW-150 Bluetooth watch rocks AVRCP originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen's VIRT W700 gets a facelift, remains ugly as sin

Darren Murph — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 13:20:00 EST

We applaud the effort, we truly do, but the masterminds behind Citizen's VIRT W700 Bluetooth watch should seriously consider a sabbatical to think about just how ugly their creations really are. Sure, we've seen worse in terms of brutal fashion miscues, but for a watch that sports such an elegant feature list, the unsightliness is almost unforgivable. Nevertheless, for those who aren't out to garner new friends with their wrist attire, the revamped W700 does smooth a few of the awkward lines found in the original rendition, and aside from syncing with your Bluetooth handset, it offers up on-screen caller ID, an OLED display, a vibration feature to alert you of an incoming call, lockable contact list, and a privacy feature to set your outgoing information to unavailable. The backlit display also flips out if you wander too far from your mobile, essentially doubling as a nifty cellphone finder after a long night of partying, and considering that a full charge will last you around five days, you can survive a week off without your AC adapter. Slated to hit the Japanese market next month for a currently undisclosed price, Citizen's latest VIRTs will be landing in blue, black, and the female favorite, pink.

[Via MinistryOfTech]

Filed under: Peripherals, Others

Citizen's VIRT W700 gets a facelift, remains ugly as sin originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Feb 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen's VIRT W700 Bluetooth watch gets a facelift, remains ugly as sin

Darren Murph — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables

Citizen's VIRT W700 Bluetooth watch gets a facelift, remains ugly as sin originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Feb 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Citizen readies VIRT Bluetooth watch for release

Evan Blass — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 16:08:00 EST

Ever since we saw Seiko's CPC TR-006 prototype watch with built-in Bluetooth, we've been anxiously waiting for a piece of stylish wristwear that also makes a fuss when we get a phone call, and displays Caller ID info so our smartphone never has to leave its belt holster. Well our long wait will finally be over on July 7th, but in a cruel twist of fate, instead of that not-unfashionable Seiko, the first Bluetooth watch to market will be a rather hideous looking model from Citizen with a tiny screen and gaudy blue buttons marring the face. Besides sporting that disaster of a design, though, the W700 VIRT Bluetooth watch doesn't sound like it's all that uncomfortable to wear, with its sub-two-ounce weight paling in comparison to the those G-Shock shackles some people weigh down their arms with. Plus, you get a pretty decent five-day battery life, SPOT-like charging dock, and best of all-- at least for cellphone addicts -- an optional alert for notifying you if your phone ever travels a potentially-traumatizing distance from your person. Only 5,000 of these pieces will be sold during the initial rollout, but even if they're offered at a very reasonable price (which we highly doubt), sales will probably be limited to only the ~~geekiest~~ most hardcore early-adopters.

[Via Wrist Dreams]

Filed under: Peripherals

Citizen readies VIRT Bluetooth watch for release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 16:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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