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Hexoskin's fitness clothes now work with third-party apps
In late 2014, I tested out Hexoskin's first smart shirt, a vest that promised to monitor your vital statistics while you exercised. After a year in the lab, the company has rolled up to CES with a second-generation version of the wearable that comes with a couple notable changes. The first is that the battery life has been extended, with the firm promise that it'll last up to 30 hours on a single charge. After that, the most notable tweak has been to include Bluetooth Smart in the hardware, enabling it to connect to any compatible GPS, smartwatch or bike computer. In addition, the data that you create while out and about can now be exported to third-party fitness apps like Strava, Runkeeper and Endomondo.
Nokia Black update to add Bluetooth LE across entire WP8 Lumia range
Bluetooth low energy compatibility arrived on select Nokia Lumia models (520, 620, 625 and 720) through the Amber update, but now it's making its way to the rest of the line. A new FAQ entry on Espoo's website has confirmed that the feature will come to all devices in the range (even the more high-end ones) via the upcoming Lumia Black update. The Bluetooth 4.0 mode mode uses less power than traditional Bluetooth data connections, and its arrival will allow all Lumias to connect with accessories and other gadgets that use the technology exclusively. Nokia has yet to reveal when Black will be released, but we'll update you faster than a Bluetooth transfer as soon as we find out.
Alliance for Wireless Power and Bluetooth SIG team on smarter charging stations
Wireless charging stations aren't currently very bright, but they're about to learn some new tricks. The Alliance for Wireless Power and the Bluetooth SIG are collaborating on an updated A4WP specification that uses Bluetooth Smart to manage wireless charging sessions. Future Bluetooth-equipped stations should optimize power delivery, prioritize charging for multiple devices and launch apps; you could order a meal by setting your phone down at a restaurant table, for instance. Just when we'll see these smart stations isn't certain, though. When the first A4WP-ready products aren't likely to reach the market until next year, it could be a long time before wireless chargers become truly multi-talented.
Nokia says current high-end Lumias won't get Bluetooth 4.0 support (update: they may)
We hope you don't want to use a heart rate monitor while running with your Lumia 1020 -- you'll likely be out of luck. Nokia Australia claims that Bluetooth 4.0 support won't be coming to existing high-end Lumias like the 820, 925 and 1020. There are "hardware limitations" that prevent an upgrade, the company explains. We've reached out to Nokia for clarification, but the company may have hinted at those limits when launching the Adidas miCoach app -- it mentioned that only the Lumia 520, 620 and 720 would work with Adidas' heart monitors. The restrictions will no doubt frustrate some owners, although we suspect that Nokia may improve its Bluetooth support with the next wave of Lumia hardware. Update: Nokia Germany spokesman Ben Lampe says that Bluetooth 4.0 support will come to all Windows Phone 8-based Lumias through a post-Amber update. Clearly, there are conflicting responses; we're hoping to get a definitive answer soon.
Hands-on with CSR's flexible paper-thin Bluetooth keyboard (video)
Think the Microsoft Surface's Touch Cover was thin? You ain't seen nothin' yet. CSR, a company that delights in coming up with clever ideas and putting a significant amount of engineering personnel behind them, has a working prototype of a 0.5mm-thin keyboard. The board -- if you can call it that -- is made of flexible material and printed circuitry, combined with an Atmel touchscreen sensor and a few other life-bringing chips near the top (because of this, the top of the keyboard is a little thicker). Since it uses Bluetooth Smart to transmit your strokes and taps to a phone, tablet or computer, the only possible concern is the issue of incompatibility with devices that don't support the standard yet; iOS 7 and Windows 8 will be good to go (a rep told us that while Android 4.3 supports Bluetooth Smart, it doesn't utilize the HID profile that CSR relies heavily on). The model we played with was a little cramped, which means we had to consciously try not to hit the wrong keys; other than this, we actually had the same kind of typing experience tonight that we've had with the Touch Cover. Of course, these kinds of things can easily be worked out as CSR works out the kinks. As you might expect from a prototype, don't expect to see the white membrane pictured above in a big box store. CSR doesn't plan to sell it directly to users, but rather it's busy pitching it to developers and OEMs in case they want to embed it into devices of their own. Because of this, the company isn't ready to disclose details about when or where we'll see its tech show up first -- when it makes an appearance, however, we'll let you know. Head below for a gallery and video. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Broadcom introduces low-power WiFi and Bluetooth chips for the Internet of things
The Internet of things -- that nebulous term usually associated with interconnecting everyday objects in a meaningful way -- is in the news again. Yesterday, Broadcom announced that it's launching a couple cost-effective, power-efficient wireless chips geared towards appliances, home automation and wearable devices. The first SoC, BCM4390, incorporates a highly-efficient WiFi radio for embedded use in products such as weight scales, thermostats and security cameras. It fits into the company's range of Wireless Internet Connectivity for Embedded Devices (WICED) chips. The second SoC, BCM20732, features an ultra low-power Bluetooth transceiver and targets devices like heart rate monitors, pedometers and door locks. Broadcom's also contributing its Bluetooth software stack to the Android Open Source Project with support for both standard and Bluetooth Smart hardware. Does this mean our long-awaited smart toaster's just around the corner? We sure hope so. Follow the source links below for more info.
Android to get built-in Bluetooth Smart Ready support this year
As powerful as Android can be, Bluetooth is one of its glaring weaknesses: the absence of a default Bluetooth framework has led to inconsistent implementations from both device builders and app developers. Google is at last covering that gaping hole, however. As hinted earlier today, it's incorporating Bluetooth Smart Ready support (that is, Bluetooth 4.0 on a dual-mode chip) in an upcoming version of Android. Having a common platform should allow for more reliable behavior, not to mention fewer roadblocks to using low power Bluetooth Smart (single-mode Bluetooth 4.0) devices like the Fitbit Flex. There's only one catch that we can see, so far: when Google hasn't said how soon we'll get that Android upgrade, wireless peripheral lovers will have to remain patient.
Parrot's Flower Power: Monitors plants using your iPhone
Don't have a green thumb? Parrot, perhaps best known for its AR.Drone quadricopter, has a new product on the way called Flower Power that could help you keep yours plants happy and helping by means of your iPhone or other iOS device. Announced at CES, the stake-style sensor gets inserted into the soil next to a plant and monitors things like moisture, sunlight, temperature and fertilizer content. This information is sent over Bluetooth Smart to a cloud-based server, then piped to your device so you're informed when the plant needs water, food or moving so as to achieve the appropriate lighting conditions. The recommendations are pulled from a database after you tell the app what type of plant you have it monitoring. The app is capable of tracking multiple plants and sensors in the same environment, indoors or out. Parrot hasn't said how much the Flower Power sensors will cost, but intends to ship the horticulture hardware sometime in 2013.
Parrot's Flower Power monitors plant's environment, sends data to the cloud
For a company that usually makes Bluetooth audio products and quadcopters, this sure is a weird product coming from Parrot, but we dig it (pun intended). The French company has announced its Flower Power at CES, and as you can probably guess from the name, 'tis a smart sensor that you can insert into a pot to monitor the plant's environmental variables: sunlight, humidity, temperature and fertilizer (but no acidity?). The data is sent to the cloud via Bluetooth Smart for analysis before coming back to your mobile device, and you'll be able to look up Parrot's "library of thousands of plants" for the extra care for your herbal friends. No price has been announced for the Flower Power just yet, but it'll definitely be out at some point this year. Update: Official video added after the break. Update 2: During our stage interview, Parrot CEO Henri Seydoux confirmed that that the Flower Power can also measure the soil's pH level, so all is good. Update 3: The pH detector has been removed from the final specifications. Sorry folks. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
MadCatz teases GameSmart peripherals: hardware that plays nice with multiple devices
MadCatz isn't ready to divulge all it has in store for CES, but it's given us a taste of what's to come by teasing its new GameSmart initiative, which offers an alternative to futzing with a cornucopia of device-specific peripherals. Hardware carrying the GameSmart moniker uses Bluetooth Smart tech to pair with devices ranging from smartphones to tablets -- and presumably other Bluetooth-equipped hardware. The firm says it'll include an app to add functionality to peripherals and it expects the tech will help game developers bridge differences between platforms by offering standardized controllers. Though MadCatz is waiting for CES to pull the curtains back on a raft of GameSmart gamepads, keyboards, mice and headsets, it says the hardware will launch shortly after it's unveiled.
Larklife fitness band jogs into retail stores, nags you about exercise and sleep patterns
Sure, your iPhone already keeps track of your work schedules, lunch meetings and Lego creations -- isn't it about time you let it tell you when to go to bed, too? It can, if you're so inclined -- at least when paired with a Larklife fitness band. This wearable pedometer peripheral tracks your activity, sleep patterns and diet with a companion app, nagging you with suggestions on how to eat, sleep and exercise. It'll even gently buzz you awake with a vibrating alarm, should you try to shirk its suggestions. The $149 Bluetooth band promises to sync with your device in real time, removing the burden of syncing and updating exercise data. It's also an iOS exclusive, and is fittingly available at Apple retail locations. Determined to do your holiday shopping from your armchair? No worries -- Lark's own website is offering free shipping through December 25th. Read on to scope out the company's official press release.
Larklife fitness tracker syncs your data over Bluetooth, knows when you're running instead of walking
In case you haven't noticed, fitness gadgets are having something of a moment right now. The past year alone has seen the launch of Nike's FuelBand, the ill-fated Jawbone Up and a refreshed line of Fitbit trackers. Now another product is arriving that promises to do basically the same thing -- namely, track your activity, sleep patterns and food intake using a wearable gadget and mobile app. That thing you see up there is called Larklife and for now, at least, it works exclusively with iOS devices. It's a splash-resistant (but not waterproof) band that has a pedometer inside, counting your steps throughout the day. It can also tell how long you sleep each night, as well as how long it takes you to nod off. There's even a vibrating alarm built into the band -- something we first saw on the Up earlier this year. (As it happens, Lark's earlier products were sleep aids, so the inclusion of this feature actually makes a lot of sense.) As for monitoring your dietary habits, Larklife doesn't automatically track your food intake, but the app does include a food diary where you can manually enter your meals. Additionally, Larklife uses Bluetooth Smart to automatically sync with your iPhone so that you don't have to plug the band into a PC just to update your fitness stats. (The new Fitbit trackers work this way this too.) Additionally, the band uses a proprietary technology that can discern when you're running or walking, which means the app will log workouts even if you forget to enter them. The last intriguing bit is that the app dishes out smart, contextually aware advice. Didn't get much sleep last night? Larklife will remind you to eat more protein than usual at breakfast, so that you have enough energy to get you through the day. The app also rewards good behavior in the form of iOS notifications and colorful on-screen badges, though competing products admittedly take a very similar approach when it comes to keeping users motivated. Larklife is up for pre-order starting today, and is priced at $150 -- a rather large premium over the new Fitbit One, which will sell for $100. As for precise availability, all we know is that retailers will start stocking Larklife "before the holidays." Whether that means Halloween, Thanksgiving or some gift-giving celebration will be revealed some other day.
Bluetooth SIG releases certifications for fitness devices aimed at runners and cyclists
Fitness gadgets are great, but you never quite know what you're going to get when it comes to calorie counts, or a reading of how many miles you've run. That could change, though, thanks to a set of standards the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) is adopting with regard to fitness devices. These two certifications, which apply to running and cycling gadgets, respectively, affect the way data (e.g., cadence, speed, distance) is transmitted to paired devices like smartphones, sports watches and cycling computers. As far as SIG is concerned, too, more standardization means OEMs will have an easier time bringing new products to market -- not that there's any current shortage of options to choose from.
Insert Coin: cookoo is the watch for geeks who want to keep it subtle (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. This is the cookoo, a smart timepiece created by former Microsoft product developer Peter Hauser. Connecting to your smartphone over Bluetooth, its analog face stands in front of a digital display that lights up when you've got a phone alert. Its USP is that it's a more cultured way to check if you've been tweeted than simply whipping out your phone every few minutes. It promises to last up to a year on a standard watch battery and the buttons around the bezel even allow you to check in to Foursquare. It's been designed to be so rugged, durable and waterproof that you can wear one all day -- even at the pool. You can pledge $50 to pre-order one (it'll retail for $99), but only if the company raises all of the $150,000 its set for a goal.
New iPad has power-sipping Bluetooth 4.0
There are already 2,048 x 1,536 reasons to covet the latest iPad, but here's one more: it's the first tablet to incorporate the latest Bluetooth 4.0 "Smart" standard. Like the iPhone 4S, Apple's new slate is ready to pair with other Smart devices that drain far less power than previous modules. Want to complement your purchase with a wireless keyboard whose batteries will last for years? Or to plaster your body with tiny low-power sensors so you can, erm, monitor yourself on your iPad? Oh yes, Bluetooth 4.0 can make that happen.
Find My Car Smarter uses Bluetooth Smart to locate your car
One time, I spent hours wandering the parking lot after a concert. I really wish I had marked the location of my car and not relied on my memory to navigate. Next time I find myself in that situation, I'm going to use Find My Car Smarter. It's a Kickstarter project from FMC Smart which automatically marks your location every time you park your car. The system uses a low-power Bluetooth Smart device (shown below), an iOS app and a Bluetooth 4.0 compatible phone like the iPhone 4S. The Bluetooth Smart device is a small USB dongle that fits in a standard car charger. It plugs into your car's 12V accessory charging port and stays there. The iOS app, Find My Car Smarter, connects to the Bluetooth Smart device and runs in the background. The app stays connected to the dongle until you power down the device by turning off your car. If your car doesn't power down the accessory port, then the app will disconnect when you walk away and get outside the dongle's 10-foot range. It's this disconnection that triggers the app to mark your location. This all happens in the background automatically. You don't have to open the app or remove the Bluetooth device. You just stop your car and walk away knowing that your location has been pinned. If you're away on vacation and don't need your car, you can turn off these background processes. This stops the app from automatically saving your car's location, so you'll have to remember to turn it back on when you get home. When you're ready to return home, just fire up the app, and it'll show both your current location and your car's location on a map. The app calculates how far away you are from your car, and how long its been parked in that place. It'll even use your phone's compass to help you walk in the right direction. I tested out the system for a few weeks, and I highly recommend it to anyone who regularly parks in a large parking lot. It's so convenient. You only have to set it up once and then you can forget about it. In practice, I found it to be accurate within 10-20 feet. The app brought me close enough to my car that I could easily find it with a quick scan. The system is easy to use, accurate and reasonably priced. I also like the fact that it uses cutting edge technology like Bluetooth Smart. The only drawback I found was the size of the Bluetooth Smart dongle. It's so small that it's very easy to lose. If you keep stored in a USB car charger, you'll do ok, but if you carry it around loose in your bag, there's a good chance you will lose it. The Find My Car Smarter system is available as a Kickstarter project. It's reached its funding goal, and the first round of devices shipped this week. When the Kickstarter part of the project ends next week, the devices will be available for purchase from the company's website. The basic package includes a Bluetooth Smart dongle and the iOS app for US$25. For an extra $5, you can add in a USB car charger if you don't already have one.
Bluetooth SIG unveils Smart Marks, explains v4.0 compatibility with unnecessary complexity
Bluetooth has been through bevy of official versions to date, and now its eponymous Special Interest Group is announcing Smart Marks to differentiate device types in v4.0. Products will now fall under three brands including Bluetooth Smart Ready, Bluetooth Smart and the original itself. According to Bluetooth SIG, the new visuals are intended to help gauge device compatibility and also denote what form of radios they have. Essentially, Smart Ready refers to any electronics that feature Bluetooth v4.0 with a dual radio, like the iPhone 4S, while the Smart tag covers "devices like heart-rate monitors or pedometers that run on button-cell batteries and were built to collect a specific piece of information." In terms of compatibility, Smart Ready devices can interface with themselves and both of the others, while standard Bluetooth lacks compatibility with Smart, which can only hookup with Smart Ready-enabled gadgets. If you ask us, it's all a bit confusing at the moment, but at least there's a chart for memorizing it all. Hit the source link below for all the details.
