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Hands-on with Motorola's MOTOACTV S9!
Why hasn't stereo Bluetooth become ubiquitous? The promise of cutting the wire from the player to the ears sounds seductive enough, but for a variety of reasons -- poor support and lack of quality product chief among them -- the technology has failed to catch on en masse with the listening public. When we first saw the S9 debut at CES last month, we've gotta confess, we were less than enthused; we figured we were in for more of the same awkwardness that has plagued A2DP peripherals to date. To be blunt, it looked big, heavy, awkward, and altogether a little uncomfortable. A month later, we're delighted to report that we're eating those words right up.
Motorola's SLVR L9 brings the multimedia
Motorola just busted out their new SLVR L9 handset in Barcelona. The latest SLVR ditches the laser etched keypad and brings a focus on multimedia with an integrated FM radio with RDS support, A2DP stereo Bluetooth, and support for MP3/AAC/AAC+/AAC+ enhanced/ AMR/ WAV ringtones and music. It also comes packin' a 2 megapixel camera with MPEG-4 video capture and Moto's CrystalTalk technology said to enhance conversations in noisy environments. No word on whether this is a tri-band or quad-band SLVR, only that it sports GPRS/EDGE class 10 data. It also features microSD and MegaSIM expansion and up to 400 minutes of talk time and 350 hours of standby time. Ready sometime in Q2... somewhere in the world. More images after the break.
LG kicks out SH110 HSDPA slider for Korea
It looks like LG's on the slider train again, adding a dime to its SH100 and calling it the SH110. This pocket-friendly phone sports a basic array of buttons on the front face, but is primarily dominated by the QVGA display. Other features on the well-styled handset is a two-megapixel camera, MP3 playback, included headphones, Bluetooth, HSDPA, and a music sharing function to stream tunes to two nearby individuals. Furthermore, this mobile supports video telephony via the VGA camera, letting you get your video chat on without having to locate a webcam. Per usual, there's no word yet on pricing or availability outside of Korea, but a little wishful thinking just might get this thing outside of its comfort zone.[Via MobileWhack]
ANYCOM FIPO connects Bluetooth devices to iPod accessories
If there's one thing the iPod has going for it in comparison to basically every other DAP / PMP out there, it's that the accessory market is just brimming with new Made for iPod gizmos, but for those of you non-Apple owners out there who yearn for an iPod Hi-Fi or one of the other bazillion speaker systems tailored specifically for Apple's cash cow, you can commence thanking your lucky stars. ANYCOM has unveiled a Bluetooth receiver / protocol converter for any device that supports Apple's iPod, which takes any tune streamed over A2DP and plays it through the iPod speaker system, regardless of the type of media player / cellphone you're using. The tiny (black or white, obviously) device operates on Bluetooth 2.0 and accepts music from any A2DP-enabled device as well as controlling functions from any unit supporting AVRCP; users simply click the device into the accessory's dock adapter, pair it with their A2DP source, and stream away. While we're admittedly enthused about such a device, it is a bit shocking that something similar hasn't come along sooner, but regardless, ANYCOM's FIPO should hit mass production in mid-February and run you about $99.[Via BlueTomorrow]
PEIKER BluetouchMusic links iPod, cellphone to car stereo
While it didn't bring it a massive posse or hundred foot banners, Germany's PEIKER did manage to deliver an "award-winning" in-car connection device during CES last week. The company's BluetouchMusic claims to be the "world's first" system to integrate handsfree calling and music into your car's stereo, but clearly it's missed quite a few other applications that have already graced American soil. Nevertheless, the device is meant to be "professionally installed" into your car's stereo system, and allows you to converse wirelessly on your Bluetooth-enabled phone, stream tunes from your A2DP-enabled device, listen to your iPod via an optional cable, or connect any music device via a 3.5-millimeter aux input. The diminutive device touts an intuitive-looking menu with oversized buttons to navigate from music to your address book and everywhere in between, but interestingly enough the "handsfree" aspect becomes somewhat laughable when many functions need a few button presses to get things in order. Regardless, PIEKER's first device to be sold and distributed here in America should start hitting "aftermarket channels" shortly for a currently undisclosed price.[Via BlueTomorrow]
Alpine offers up KCE-300BT Bluetooth Interface Module for in-car head units
Alpine's got a fine streak going with regard to integrating consumer electronics into its snazzy head units, and now it's continuing the trend by offering up a do-it-all Bluetooth Interface Module. The KCE-300BT accessory acts as a bantam liaison between your Bluetooth-enabled handset and that brand new Ai-NET-compatible stereo, giving users the ability to hold handsfree conversations sans wires or complicated installations, and also allowing A2DP / AVRCP-compliant mobiles to stream tunes and control playback functions. Co-developed with Motorola to work specifically with Alpine's 2007 lineup of Ai-NET head units, it's possible this module would actually work with other BT-enabled units not manufactured by Alpine, but we're not so sure we'd press our luck. Anyways, the interface also allows users to peep caller ID information, missed / dialed calls, and on certain high-end units, you can even scroll through your address book, which we're certain is exactly what everyone around you on the freeway hopes you're eyes are glued to. Regardless, Alpine's KCE-300BT can add another dash of utility to your otherwise average in-dash media player next month for a (slightly steep) $220.[Via BlueTomorrow]
Toshiba's Bluetooth headphones: big on sexy, down on comfort
Who needs ergonomics when you've got looks like these? Sure, your ears might go numb from the pain, and the lack of ear cups might put the hurt on sound quality, but you'll be the hottest A2DP rocker in the room and you know it. Toshiba didn't have a whole lot of info on these things, not even a model number, but hopefully they'll be hitting the market for something reasonable before too terribly long. Check a few more angles after the break.
Sony Ericsson's MBR-100 in the flesh
So this is basically like any other A2DP receiver dongle, but specifically designed to not be wearable. Not a bad idea, really; since it doesn't have to be chic looking or tiny, Sony Ericsson could take the liberty to make it a little bulkier (though still totally pocketable) and beef up the internal battery. The whole package is pretty simple, with 3.5mm and RCA cables for connection to virtually any A/V setup. As always, the glossy surface makes it a total fingerprint magnet, but who cares?
i-mate's JAQ3 heading stateside
Barely two weeks after i-mate's JAQ3 got previewed, and just a single day after some other firms caught the smartphone blues, the now-dull looking device is headed to American shores. Presumably hoping to grab the business of those who just can't wait for an iPhone, our textual begging was apparently heard, as now we US lads can get a little JAQ in us, too. As expected, this Window Mobile 5-powered device will sport a full QWERTY keyboard, massive D-pad for navigating those menus, 802.11b/g, two-megapixel camera, 2.4-inch touchscreen LCD, 128MB of onboard ROM, 64MB of RAM, a microSD slot, and four hours of reported talk time to boot. You'll also find quad-band GSM and Bluetooth 2.0 (with A2DP) connectivity, EDGE, and a side-mounted scroll wheel for one-handed navigatin'. So if the nicely-featured JAQ3 was everything (keyword: was) you wanted in a smartphone, you can rethink your decision to pick one up when they land here later this month.
Motorola's MOTOACTV S9 Bluetooth headset
Introduced at Ed Zander's CES keynote, Moto is positioning the A2DP-compliant MOTOACTV S9 as a shout out to the athletes (and fitness freaks, and... uh, pretty much anyone that works out once in a while) by making it fairly robust -- by wireless headset standards, anyway -- while phone controls and a mic will let you take that critical call without getting off the Stairmaster. The inner part of the device seems to be available in black or red, though the outside (that is, the only part others will see) will only come in black when it rolls deep later this half. Click on for live pics!
Sony Ericsson's MBR-100 delivers wireless music anywhere
A2DP-compliant headsets are all well and good, but playing music on a phone over speakers is still typically a wired affair. Sony Ericsson's MBR-100 looks to change that, offering up a 0.67 ounce glossy black pod with a 3.5 millimeter jack and an RCA converter cable to get the jams to the destination of your choice. The unit itself is rechargeable, so it should be a pretty simple matter to pack 'er up and take it with you whenever your destination might include a sound system you can plug into. Availability is quoted as "early Q1," which we take to mean that folks should be able to stroll into stores any day now and pick one up for an as-yet-undisclosed price.
Microsoft, Ford bringing "Sync" to cars this year
As expected, it's been announced today that the Blue&Me system originally debuted with Fiat in Europe is finally coming to the States by way of Ford, but not without a name change: "Sync." The setup offers integration with Bluetooth-enabled phones (read: virtually all phones these days) and music players via both A2DP / AVRCP and USB 2.0 connections -- and yes, the iPod's right there at the top of the compatibility list, despite Microsoft's involvement. Other nifty (and potentially driver-distracting) features include the ability to have text messages read aloud, voice recognition for control of both phone and music functions, and phonebook transfer. Best of all, the system's upgradeable -- primarily for compatibility with future players, but it also leaves the door open for additional functionality down the road. Look for the Sync to get synced on twelve model year 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with availability starting later this year.
Elipson Planets tease audiophiles, sport A2DP Bluetooth
No, a decent Bluetooth-enabled sound system isn't impossible to find, but tracking one down with "audiophile" potential is understandably tougher. High-end French boutique Elipson has teamed up with Bluetooth guru Parrot to bring us the self-proclaimed answer to the audiophile's quest in locating a simple, wireless, BT-enabled set of speakers. The Elipson Planets boast a sleek, black (or white), spherical design scheme, and sport a "custom built" Bluetooth 2.0 EDR module which enables each speaker to automatically pair up when turned on. The tunes flow from the two-way 60-watt drivers, and while it only reaches down to 48Hz, it purportedly rocks a "bass-reflex" design to handle the thumps. Aside from plugging in your standard stereo cable, these orbs can receive data from any A2DP-compliant device, be it your PDA, cellphone, or third-party Bluetooth adapter. Although we're digging the design and wouldn't mind a nice set of perfectly precise speaks ourselves, whether or not they're honestly worth the €999 ($1,323) price of admission is certainly debatable.[Via TrustedReviews]
iLuv kicks out Bluetooth-enabled i277BLK / i199BLK iPod stereo clocks
It may not be iHome, but iLuv's done a thing or two with DAP-docking alarm clocks that other firms just have to respect, and the company's latest duo even includes Bluetooth for that cordless approach we so adore. The i277BLK (pictured after the break) features an LCD display, docking cradle for your dock-connecting iPod, built-in track / volume controls, AM / FM tuners, digital clock with dual-function alarms, wireless remote, AV output, dock adapters, twin three-watt jAura speakers, and an A2DP-compliant BluePin audio transmitter / receiver to receive tunes from any BT-enabled device or listen in with your Bluetooth headphones. The i199BLK ups the ante by including a CD / MP3 disc player, USB port for thumb drive input, ID3 tag support, and a larger, more descriptive LCD panel. Both options should be available this March, and while the i277BLK will set you back $149.99, the more featured i199BLK will demand a cool $229.99.Read - iLuv i277BLKRead - iLuv i199BLK
Jay's BlueStreamer A2DP adapter: a world's first, for Jens
Jens Nylander is back with his latest, the JAYS BlueStreamer. He's calling it a world's first Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR stereo adapter with headset functionality. It must be the Enhanced Data Rate they're touting 'cause there's a truck-load of these adapters on the market already. But let's not cloud the truth with facts, eh? The device can be clipped to your shirt or slung around the neck and features 2x 3.5-mm jacks: one for your MP3 player, the other for the j-JAYS (or you can call them Rays). If a call comes in on your A2DP/AVRCP Bluetooth phone, the BlueStreamer will stop the music and put the call through. The whole kit is powered by a standard, AAA battery and goes on sale in January all bundled up cozy with Jens' j-JAYS earbuds. Yours for 695SEK including VAT or $69 excluding tax.
Creative's new SE2300 Wireless Headphones with A2DP
If you'd like to enjoy your musicks via Bluetooth this holiday season, but are hoping to avoid looking like a total fool while you're at it, Creative has a new set of wireless headphones you might be interested in. The SE2300 cans keep it safe with a tried-but-true over the ear clip-on design and a nifty tether too keep track of the little things all mitten-style -- quite festive indeed. The A2DP headphones boast of an 8 hour rechargeable battery and AVRCP support to control your player wirelessly. Creative includes a Bluetooth dongle with the bundle, but you can sync with other Bluetooth devices just fine. The $99 pricetag seems just about right, but while these should be out in Singapore just about now, we're not positive when they'll be hitting the States.[Via MobileWhack]
Kleer wireless audio claims 10x battery life advantage over Bluetooth
The days of Bluetooth-based audio headsets that run out of juice halfway through a tune (or for that matter, the Engadget Podcast) could soon be over if a company called Kleer is successful. A few days ago the company announced its Kleer Audio -- see what they did there? -- range of RF wireless modules that send CD-quality audio over the air using so little power as to give a claimed ten times battery advantage over comparable Bluetooth solutions. Currently the technology is only available to interested consumer electronics OEMs, meaning that it could be a while until we see the technology in any sort of physical product, and bringing with it the prospect of having to adopt another wireless standard at some point in the future. Hopefully you'll forgive us for even thinking of mentioning this, but for anyone who fancies a quick lapse into the land of outlandish iPod / iPhone rumors, then might we suggest you take a quick peek at the location of Kleer's headquarters -- ring a bell? Yeah, we already said we were sorry!
Sony's SRS-BTM30 Bluetooth speaker now FCC approved
Remember all those stereo Bluetooth devices Sony unloaded a few months back? Yeah, those. Well, if you're the type who thinks that streaming music over Bluetooth is a good time then you'll be more than stoked to find the FCC seal of approval now affixed to Sony's 6-watt, SRS-BTM30 Bluetooth speakers. These speakers support the A2DP profile of course and will pump audio for 15-hours off 3x AA alkalines according to the user manual posted on the FCC site. And yeah, you can control the volume wirelessly as well just as long as your audio source supports the AVRCP profile. But you already knew that, right? Otherwise, go ahead and anchor yourself to the AC wall jack and the line-out from your fave audio device, the BTM30 likes it both ways. Already loosed in Japan so with any luck, they'll be showing up Stateside on the quick for right around $100.
iLuv's i202 and i903 Bluetooth headsets
The first thing you may have noticed about the iLuv i202 headphones up there is the lack of wires. Oh sure, they're Bluetooth 1.2 so there's no need to jack into your DAP. However, unlike all the other stereo-capable Bluetooth headphones we've seen, these lack any type of connectivity between the cans -- No little wire, no strap, nothing. So either they're being a bit devious with the product shots or we've got a first here. Nevertheless, they bring a nice looking design along with support for A2DP (stereo) and AVRCP (remote control) profiles on top of the handsfree and headset profiles to make 'em equally at home with your Bluetooth cellphone in and out of the car or for listening to your MP3 player. Yes, iPod too just as long as you don't mind lugging around the included iLuv Bluetooth transmitter. The i202 features a 200 hour standy time and will seamlessly switch between music and incoming calls with up to 13-hours of talk time or 14-hours of stereo audio before needing to pull a charge over the included USB power adapter. Each can weighs 51-grams with one sporting play/pause/skip/volume controls for AVRCP-equipped devices. $90 and shipping now. iLuv also has a set of i903 noise-canceling Bluetooth Headphones available with all the same features but 300 hours standby / 8 hours audio / 9 hours talk time. Yours for $100 -- picture after the break. Update: We just received word from Wise Han, Director of R&D for jWIN (the OEM apparently), that the iLuv i202 cans are indeed wired. Sigh. They have also replaced the picture (now above) to avoid further confusion, and presumably, litigation.[Via iLounge]
Motorola launches Bluetooth-enabled T605 handsfree system
With the popularity of handsfree systems on the rise (not to mention the "dangers" of driving with one hand), Motorola is jumping on the bandwagon with its T605 Automotive Music and Handsfree System. After a presumably tricky DIY install in your whip, the T605 automatically syncs with your Bluetooth 2.0-enabled cellphone and utilizes A2DP in order to channel both phone calls and audio from your mobile to your stereo. For cellphones without Bluetooth audio functionality, the T605 module boasts a standard 3.5-millimeter input jack, so tunes from your iPod or DAP-of-choice can stream through your car without the need for a questionably functional FM transmitter. Similar to OEM units, Motorola's device actually pauses the music when it detects an incoming call, and picks up where it left off when your conversation is complete. Although no pricing information is currently available, you'll be hearing more about the T605 system in "the first half of 2007."[Via PhoneScoop]
