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.

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]