speakerphone
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Jabra BT8030 bluetooth headset works as a speaker too
While the kids at the back of buses everywhere may already be aware of the fact that headphones can act as speakers if turned up loud enough, the rest of humanity tends to keep the volume down, and is therefore unawares. Jabra has latched onto this concept and created the BT8030, which can act as a bluetooth headset when you're on the move, and then switch into a speakerphone mode for Skype at your laptop. The speaker / headphone combo will also play music over Bluetooth, lasting up to 26 hours in music mode, 32 hours in talk mode, and sitting in standby for up to 25 days. It'll retail for $249.99, although we're not sure when you'll be able to pick one up.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Buffalo's BSKP-CU202/SV Skype phone does conference calling
Conference calling on PSTN is so pre-tech-burst, and Buffalo's making quite sure you're well aware of a VoIP alternative to dialing into those oft held (and frequently toned out) corporate calls. The BSKP-CU202/SV speakerphone boasts a unique, if not awkward design, boasts about its Skype support, and packs six total watts of power to belt out those brutal demands coming from the other end. Reportedly, no drivers are required for this gizmo to work, and it draws all the current it needs to operate from your PC's USB port. Users should also enjoy the echo cancellation technology that's built right in, and just in case you need to swap over to a private conversation, an integrated headphone jack is handily included on the rear. Look for this to hit corporate cubes in Japan soon for a modest ¥9,800 ($82), and feel free to click on through for a few more snaps.[Via EverythingUSB]
Panasonic's Conference Speakerphone packs a SIM card
Any of us blessed (or cursed) to spend the majority of our waking hours theoretically locked in a corporate boardroom know very well the form and function of a desktop speakerphone, but Panasonic and Willcom and teaming up to deliver a rendition that relies on cellular technology rather than landlines. Oddly enough, it appears the forthcoming Conference Speakerphone will actually pack a SIM card, speaker, several built-in microphones, a mobile microphone, and even an SD slot for users to easily record conversations. Actually, if someone utilized a third-party battery pack, this entire unit could be taken on the go and used as what would quite possibly be the world's largest cellphone of the decade. The appeal is that Willcom will reportedly be offering a "flat-rate talk plan" that allows companies to equip their employees with these machines and then communicate gratis, similar to many mobile networks with free in-network calling. Although the Conference Speakerphone is slated to ship this Spring, the value here is definitely questionable, as picking up a numerous ¥100,000 ($828) devices can seriously squash that meager IT budget.[Via DigitalWorldTokyo]
Solid Year's ACK-2230UMSP multimedia keyboard touts webcam, speakerphone
We've seen webcams attached to a bevy of unusual accessories, and we've witnessed keyboards that bend and slide in ways no board should, but USB guru Solid Year has combined both of these input peripherals into one handy device to tackle your wildest of multimedia dreams. The ACK-2230UMSP sports a mostly typical keyboard layout, complete with the English alphabet and full numeric keypad, but adds a dash of uniqueness by throwing in a flipout VGA webcam on the left side, volume slider, speakerphone, side-mounted headset ports, and even a bevy of multimedia hotkeys for use with multimedia / Skype functions. Of course, we hope you're digging the color scheme and key layout (including the wee backspace), as it's the only option you'll find right now, and to the bane of many, the Caps Lock key is also alive and well here. Unfortunately, there's no word on price or availability, but don't be surprised to see this one rebranded somewhere down the line.[Via Uber-Review]
Parrot Bluetooth Conference speakerphone doesn't repeat what you say -- what you say
The Bluetooth crazy folks at Parrot are back at it, with their $299 Conference product -- a wireless speakerphone powered by three lithium-ion batteries capable of running up to ten hours, and packing built-in Skype connectivity (via USB dongle, bundled for $339), available second quarter '07. Of course, it's got the the usual speakerphone specs like full duplex and echo cancellation, ensuring you won't hear any parrot-like repetition. They make no guarantees of sound quality after you've put back a couple shots of blue curaçao ... or mouthwash. We're really not sure what they're drinking.
NOVOMAX BT S200 car kit does dualin' handsets
If there's one thing better than a Bluetooth car kit that supports a single handset connection, it's a car kit that supports two. Enter NOVOMAX's BT S200, which re-ups the earlier BT S110 model by adding an OLED display and the ability to pair two phones (we're guessing you can't use them at the same time, since that'd be a logistical nightmare for all participants in the conversation). The pod-shaped device, which looks like it should clip nicely to a variety of surfaces to do its thing, also alleges to feature "Silent Design" -- which, with all due respect to NOVOMAX, is exactly what we don't want in a speakerphone; we'll just go ahead and assume something's being lost in translation there.[Via SCI FI Tech]
Samsung officially launches the Ultra Edition 13.8 (Z720)
Although Samsung's been busying itself lately with newfangled RAM releases, it has apparently taken the time to confirm what we already suspected. The Z720 has been officially released as part of the Ultra Edition lineup, and per usual, the 13.8 is tagging itself with a "world's slimmest" label, this time for thinnest HSDPA-equipped slider. This sexy handset weighs in at just 80-grams, and features a 3-megapixel AF camera, 2.1-inch QVGA display, WAP 2.0 / HTML browsing capabilities, an additional camera for "video telephony," document viewer, PIM, Bluetooth, USB, and even a microSD slot. Aside from the UMTS / EDGE / HSDPA / GSM / GPRS connectivity options, you'll also find Samsung's uGo system built-in, not to mention the uTrack feature that sends an SMS to a predetermined number if the SIM card is tampered with. Notably, the 13.8 is the first mobile from Samsung with Google Mobile Search and Gmail pre-installed, which certainly contradicts with the recent Samsung / Opera lovefest we've been hearing about. Nevertheless, the Z720 should start finding its way into bustling European countries soon for a yet-to-be-disclosed price, with smaller locales getting access thereafter.[Via Akihabara News]
Verizon Wireless to add Pantech 7075 to lineup
Maybe the KRZR K1m isn't in your budget or maybe you really don't care about what kind of cellphone you carry around. Verizon Wireless recognizes those run of the mill folk and is going to add another midtier phone to the lineup, the Pantech 7075. According to The Roc, the phone sports a 800 / 1900Mhz CDMA 1x and analog radio, has a VGA camera and a speakerphone; nothing to write home about, but then again, that's exactly what Verizon and Pantech are gunning for with this one. No word yet on pricing or availability so stay tuned! Check out another pic after the break.
Update enables speakerphone on Verizon's LG Chocolate
Given the fanfare surrounding the release of the LG VX8500 "Chocolate" on Verizon a couple months back, buyers and reviewers alike were pretty shocked to find that the supposed high-function slider lacked a frickin' speakerphone, of all things (us included). Fortunately, it's been rumored for some time that a firmware update would eventually add the feature, and according to PCS Intel, it's now out and about -- just head to your friendly local brick-and-mortar Verizon store and ask specifically for "V04." If everything goes well, a sales associate will knowingly wink at you, take the Chocolate from your hands and do the deed. Chocolate owners: let us know how it goes in comments, mkay?
Parrot's NOMAD handsfree kit promises killer sound quality
There's certainly no shortage of Bluetooth handsfree kits designed to keep your hands on the wheel (without necessarily making you safer), but they can be notoriously difficult to use in noisy environments -- like cars, for example. Parrot is showing off its new NOMAD kit, touting the three years of research it allegedly poured into signal processing algorithms to maximize sound quality. The device conveniently clips to a visor and seems portable enough to tote around as a personal speakerphone, offering 10 hours of talk time and over a week of standby. Pricing is unknown, but expect it drop this month.[Via BlueTomorrow]
Logitech's EasyCall Desktop -- the MS Office of VoIP peripherals
Today Logitech got a clue: why sell one device to the burgeoning Internet calling community when you can sell an entire suite of peripherals. Introducing the EasyCall Desktop which Logitech claims is the world's first mouse, keyboard, headset and speakerphone combo. In essence, EasyCall Desktop does for desktop clutter what Adobe, Microsoft, and Apple did for software -- take a bunch of disparate tools, give 'em the same look and feel and enhance each for relatively seamless interaction across the suite. In addition to a cordless keyboard and laser mouse (which, while not stated, will likely both feature Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR like other Logitech Desktops) the package includes a tethered stereo headset which can be attached to the full-duplex speakerphone. The speakerphone, apparently also wired, acts as the Internet calling control center and features Logitech's RightSound echo cancelation technology to get the most from VoIP apps like Yahoo Messenger with Voice, AOL's AIM, and of course Skype. What's odd is that a Skype specific keyboard will also be launched as part of the Desktop but only in Europe -- go figure. Expect the kit to ship in the US and Europe by mid-September with an expected retail price pegged at $130/€130.[Via CrowdedBrain]
BenQ's IMS-100 Bluetooth speaker
We're not sure there's going to be a whole lot of amplification going on with a 1.6-inch thick speaker that weighs 9.5 ounces, but we're BenQ's IMS-100 will give your tunes its best shot. The good news is that it'll look good pumping out those three watts, and the Bluetooth ability means no wires will have to get in the way. You can also do the boring thing and hook this up with a regular ol' mini-jack. The device operates on 4 AA batteries or an external adapter, works for speakerphone action and should be out in August.[Via MobileMag]
Verballs talking handsfree Skype phone
We guess it was inevitable -- long the bane of landlines, the novelty phone has finally found its way to VoIP, with the Verballs line of animated Skype phones set to invade desktops and annoy co-workers this fall. Available in five different characters, the Verballs flash and wave their hands when a call comes in and, most disturbingly, sync their lips to the callers voice -- which could well cause you to never look at your friends the same way again. In addition to acting as a handsfree speakerphone, the Verballs also include headphone and mic ports for more discreet conversation, and can be used in conjunction with MP3s and text to speech software, if you're so inclined. Plan on dropping £30 (about $55 US) when these critters launch in September.[Via Red Ferret]
