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BT's underwhelming Videophone 1000 and 2000
Well, it's 2007, how're we all doing on this whole "videophones are the future" thing? Not so hot apparently, but luckily computers have filled the void with built-in webcams and bandwidth aplenty. However, just in case you wanted to kick it old-style futuristic, the UK's BT is launching two new videophone models of the standalone variety: the imaginatively named Videophone 1000 and Videophone 2000. Nothing much innovative about these two, but BT sounds like it's making videoconferencing about as easy as it could be, so at least that's nice of them. The phone uses a BT Broadband Talk account, plugs into your router and existing broadband internet, includes automatic upgrades and a built-in address book, and will cost you 10p (about 20 cents) per minute to use. That last part seems a bit off, given the numerous free options for videoconferencing over the internet, but we suppose it won't look too out of place on an existing BT Broadband Talk VoIP bill, and phones also work for normal calls to non-video customers. The Videophone 1000 model will run you £149.99 (about $293 US), while the Videophone 2000 adds in WiFi and costs £199.99 (about $391 US). Both phones are available now.[Via Pocket-lint]
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]
Nokia unveils trio of Bluetooth headsets
It looks like Nokia's got a bit more on the brain than just getting you where you're supposed to be, as its trio of Bluetooth headsets offer up handsfree talking from just about every price point. Holding down the low-end is the BH-100, which weighs in at 11-grams, offers 6.5-hours of talk time, 150 hours on standby, and allows users to customize the device by attaching a "colorful earloop." Next up is the BH-120, which purportedly rocks an uber-compact design "to fit in any ear," comes with three different earbud sizes, sports a black color scheme, and offers 5.5 hours of talk time or 150 hours in standby. The unit also touts answer / end, on / off, and volume / redial keys to go along with the red and green LED indicators. The BH-301 seems to be aimed at the mix 'n match type, as it comes with a variety of "stylish covers to fit the mood," boasts voice dialing capabilities, and also offers a longer battery life than the other two at seven hours talking / 200 hours in standby. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing nor availability, but these colorful headsets should be hitting shelves before too long.
Travel Ojo flip-video phone coming to UK?
At CES this week WorldGate Communications, a former partner of Motorola, unveiled its third Ojo video phone which they're calling the Travel Ojo. Unsurprisingly, they're pitching this model as a travel device -- the clue's in the name -- by packaging it up in a luggage friendly flip-phone style case. WorldGate has also announced a partnership with British Telecom, so the Travel Ojo could potentially be the first Ojo device to make the trip abroad. Current Ojo devices are priced somewhere between $300-400, so an exchange rate conversion would suggest a price of somewhere between £150-200. However, as our UK readers will no doubt attest, direct currency conversions tend not to fly when it comes to pricing UK gadgets, so expect to see some sort of premium over the US price. Either that, or we might see some sort of subsidized deal with a BT Broadband package. A geek can dream, can't he?[Via ShinyShiny]
BT's Fusion VoIP service loosed on the WiFi public
Good news punters, BT's Fusion wireless VoIP / cellular offering will be turned loose for home use tomorrow. Even better, the new system will use WiFi rather than Bluetooth like the system we previously saw. The service is designed to work with BT's OpenZone WiFi hotspots and should initially support three UMA handsets: the Nokia 6136, Motorola A910, and Samsung's P200 before the month is out. A total of 20 handsets should be up and running on the service by Q3 2007, according to BT. Initially, Fusion will only be sold to customers of BT's own broadband service with a more open plan, including a pre-pay option coming later in the year.
Sharp 770SH MILILITER gets McLaren makeover on Vodafone
McLaren isn't a stranger to spiffing up an otherwise run-of-the-mill handset, but the whole "automobile-electronics" partnership is most commonly associated with the bevy of high octane lappies out there. Nevertheless, it looks like Vodafone has picked up Sharp's Mercedes McLaren-branded 770SH, and aside from sporting an ultrathin, sexy enclosure dashed in red, silver, and black, it also boasts a central LCD on the lid, 320 x 240 inner screen, 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, a paltry 5MB of internal memory, miniSD slot, MP3 playback, Vodafone Live compatibility, USB connectivity, and 220 minutes of reported talk time. Although the luxurious title may force you to ponder which fixed assets you'll need to liquidate to afford all this, thankfully the pricetag is rather reasonable, as you can apparently pick this gem up in about two weeks for just €69 ($91) with a new agreement. Click on through for a more snapshots.[Via Xataka]
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
BT Vision quietly launches V-Box, IPTV services
Although it's likely being overshadowed by the Queen's recent HDTV spending spree, the UK's BT Vision has quietly launched its own set-top box (dubbed V-Box) and IPTV service in hopes of carefully gauging response during the first few months. The company asserted that it wanted to avoid the manufacturing backlogs and "embarrassing supply delays," so it was waiting until "next Spring" to hit the ad campaign in full force. Nevertheless, the V-Box and its subsequent services are live and ready to go, and the pricing structure is quite desirable indeed. The IPTV package brings the entire suite of Freeview channels to the viewer at no cost, and the V-Box (capable of holding "about 80 hours" of content) is also delivered gratis save for £90 ($178) of connection / installation fees. The business model relies on users not being satisfied with the free programming at their disposal, and instead indulging in the plethora of on-demand movies, music videos, sports, and TV shows / replays at their fingertips. While we doubt this launch will steal too many customers away from Sky and NTL (soon to be Virgin Media), this price is most definitely right if you're content with free.
Kontron intros ultra-rugged 13-pound NotePAC
If you think your Toughbook or Itronix laptop is hardcore, then you haven't been formally introduced to Kontron's forthcoming NotePAC. While we've seen our fair share of rugged (and not-so-rugged) devices, this bad boy definitely ups the ante. Presumably designed to literally go through hell (and back), the nearly 13-pound beast can survive a 3-foot drop onto solid concrete, is MIL-STD 810F and IEC 529 certified for shock and vibration tolerance, and there's even an available upgrade that adds MIL-STD-461 certification for low electromagnetic radiation output, and ATEX (atmospheric explosives) certification "for use in areas where the slightest spark could prove deadly." Besides the tank-like armor surrounding it, it holds a 1.66GHz Intel Core Duo T2300 processor within, accompanied by up to 2GB of DDR RAM, a 12.1- or 14.1- touchscreen LCD, removable 80 GB / 120GB SATA hard drives (mounted in shock absorbing, sealed cartridges, no less), and a hard disc heater that keeps your platters spinning down to minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, you'll find twin PCMCIA slots, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, VGA output, and a myriad of connectivity options that include UMTS, GSM, GPRS, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Notably, the system has been "fully validated" under Windows XP, but can also be ordered sans an OS if users wish to install Linux, and the company's own product manager stated that Kontron had already tested SUSE Linux and found that it "ran well" under the circumstances. Though we've no idea how much coinage this uber-tough NotePAC will demand, it'll be available to customize starting next month.
HP teams with Cingular, offers up HSDPA-equipped nc6400 laptop
Built-in HSDPA isn't exactly a "must have" feature on laptops just yet, but it's getting there. Following Lenovo (not to mention the others) into the wild world of WWAN, the HSDPA-equipped nc6400 is HP's first endeavor into the 3G laptop realm. Teaming with Cingular, the firm has unveiled a nc6400 with "integrated UMTS / HSDPA connectivity," and also features your run-of-the-mill WiFi adapter and Bluetooth to boot. Although the machine touts Cingular compatibility, it will reportedly work with other EDGE networks as well, and apparently the specs on this otherwise ho hum business portable have remained the same. Weighing about 5.1-pounds, the Core 2 Duo-powered machine sports a 14.1-inch screen, 512MB of RAM, and a "starting price" of $1,599. Notably, HP states that current owners of the nc6400 can give their machine the HSDPA boost by adding an HP Broadband Wireless Module if you're down with the $59.99 monthly charge for unlimited domestic data, but folks looking to pick the new edition up have to wait until "late December."[Via CNET]
Samsung's SGH-E890 candybar ready for touching
We sniffed out Samsung's SGH-E890 through an FCC filing awhile back, but now it's ready to rock (and be touched) in the Singapore market. While Samsung has blessed us with touchscreen offerings before, this candybar-inspired rendition touts tri-band operation, GRPS / EDGE, a 2.3-inch QVGA color screen, 1.3-megapixel camera, video recording / messaging, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, USB, voice recording, speakerphone, and even TV output. It also doubles as a music player, supporting MP3, AAC, and WMA, and includes 54MB of internet memory, a microSD slot, and even PictBridge compatibility. The Li-ion cell will reportedly last through 230 minutes of talk time and "up to 350 hours" in standby mode, and can be snagged now in Singapore for 568SGD ($368) sans contract, or 468SGD ($304) with a two-year plan.
Etymotic's boxy ety8 Bluetooth earbuds get reviewed
There just isn't anything like throwing trendy to the wind and kickin' it box style, and Etymotic's ety8 Bluetooth earbuds not only deliver "surprisingly good" sound quality, but a comfort not often realized when wearing atypically sized cans. The folks at iLounge got their hands on a set of these perplexing headphones, and did their testing with the 8-Mate iPod adapter that comes bundled in the $299 package. Reviewers were quite pleased at the functionality presented in the track / volume controls on the right, um, sound box, and noted that the "8 to 10 hours" of battery life was more than respectable. As was expected, Etymotic clearly took its time in developing the system, as it even takes advantage of the "volume mirroring" feature on the 5G (and later) iPods. Moreover, the 'buds were (amazingly) said to be the "least fatiguing Bluetooth headphones" they had ever tested. However, the firm's "first endeavor" in the wireless realm came up a bit short in a few crucial departments; testers noticed annoying "clicking interferences" in the bass notes of some songs, and stated that the overall audio quality didn't quite live up the wired ER-4Ps. Overall, however, these digs aren't likely to bother those who aren't self-proclaimed audiophiles, but the $299 pricetag ($199 without the iPod adapter) is likely to send consumers darting for Logitech's $99 FreePulse solution nonetheless.
PDC's Guide Dog does GPS, gaming, and parking?
There's practical, there's incredible, and then there's sensational. PDC's Guide Dog looks to be a strong contender for the latter, as the all-in-one gizmo has a bit too much going for it to be believable. Nevertheless, this sleek, flashy portable supposedly functions primarily as a GPS device, boasting a four-inch touchscreen, "built-in antenna," and Windows CE behind the scenes. When not pulling you around, this puppy doubles as a "2D / 3D gaming machine," and also plays back MP3s, MP4 video files, and various other forms of "media." As if this weren't pushing things already, it purportedly packs a WiFi adapter for internet browsing, an "IP phone," DVB-T tuner, Bluetooth, GPRS, UART, and even acts as a "parking sensor," presumably requiring you to duct tape it on your bumper for best results. To keep your media on hand, it supports MMC, MMCplus, SD, and PDC's "own proprietary format" (or is it?), PSd. While this thing would cause some serious shakeup in the handheld navigation world if it all panned out, we're taking this yet-to-be-priced, and currently unavailable device with a few throws of salt for now.[Via NaviGadget]
Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System reviewed
While the portable (and semi-portable) boombox market has grown out of control, the sound quality you receive from these mini systems can't exactly match up with the larger, more powerful, and more robust sound systems more suited for home theaters or living rooms. Although a dedicated HTPC can pipe digital audio directly into a receiver without too much fuss, the rest of us need a clean, wireless solution to that dilemma. Enter Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System, a remote-controlled, Bluetooth-based system that BlueTomorrow praises as "simple to install," easy to use, and as intuitive as anyone could hope for. Reviewers were stunned at the sleekness and stylishness of the black / silver remote, and found that the button layout, LCD screen, and overall functionality were all "top notch." Additionally, they found the system incredibly simple to set up, claiming that wireless connections were set and ready to rock "within seconds." While piping audio from internet radio streams, iTunes / MusicMatch playlists, and using the included StreamPoint software, the crew declared its operations seamless from 100 feet away. The only digs came from the inability to search from the remote, no loop scrolling, and the apparent inoperability with Macs. Overall, however, the system was deemed a glorious success, and was said to be an excellent value for those looking to channel their audio to that svelte home stereo for just $250.
AIRcable offers up 28-mile Bluetooth range extender
There's nothing quite like watching one manufacturer attempt to outdo another, only to watch them both fall short unsuspectingly when a third wheel steps in and ups the ante. While ZigBee and One-Net certainly have their applications, AIRcable is hoping to conquer their respective territories while adding an additional dash of wireless connectivity. Designed for "wireless sensor interface, mesh networking and data logging applications with an RS-232 port interface," the Industrial XR sports autonomous, programmable operation, a rugged outdoor enclosure, a Li-ion cell with solar panel recharger, real-time clock / temperature sensor, and a Bluetooth transmitter capable of broadcasting signals "150 meters" with the built-in 3dBi antenna. The real fun happens, however, when you strap in an (optional) 24dBi parabolic rod, which extends the range of this simplistic looking box to a whopping "28 miles." The company also notes that a cluster of units can be networked together to convey Bluetooth data logging information across a bevy of channels, all securely and automatically. So if you've got bigger jobs on the docket than simple in-home automation hookups, or just want to handle things from the next town over, you can pick up the Industrial XR now for $299.
Acoustic Energy and Orange unveil Bluetooth wireless loudspeaker system
Acoustic Energy is teaming up with that oh-so-brightly-colored provider to launch the Orange Bluetooth wireless loudspeaker system. Similar to BenQ's IMS-100 and Sony's SRS-BTM30, this Bluetooth speaker system boasts A2DP connectivity to enable "wireless wide bandwidth stereo over distances of up to 10m." Aside from your snazzy Orange mobile, the device plays nice with other "mobile phones, PDAs, PCs or MP3 players with a stereo Bluetooth output," and should provide a bit more output than the competition thanks to its integrated 20-watt amplifier. Another svelte touch is the ability to disconnect the two mini-speakers and place them "up to 2 meters apart" from the central receiver for "improved stereo imaging," and a rear 3.5-millimeter stereo input jack also ensures that even your non-Bluetooth DAPs can get in on the action. Touted as the "must have gift" across the pond, the Bluetooth wireless loudspeaker system will hit Orange stores later this month for £89.99 ($169).[Via Tech Digest]
Mensa Mobil software dishes out lunch menus
Mom might have had your middle school lunches well under control, but thanks to a new development by the student union of Dresden Technical University and Haase & Martin GbR, you can enjoy the upper hand in college. Fed up with not having the skinny on cafeteria offerings, the "Studentenwerk Dresden" has implemented a prototype system on campus that beams a fortnight's worth of upcoming food choices to your Bluetooth-enabled mobile. A hotspot system dubbed BlueBot disseminates the Mensa Mobil (that's "mobile menu," folks) software to any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone within "40 meters" of its tower. Should you choose to install it, you're granted updated access to the foods, pricing, and specific ingredients offered throughout the day at 15 different eateries around town. While the program is currently free, it's apparently becoming quite a hit around campus, and both developers are planning to expand the restaurant choices as well as add additional BlueBot download points should the locals get hungry for more.[Via Textually]
StormBlue busts out A9+ Bluetooth PMP
While StormBlue didn't update the aesthetics of its Bluetooth-equipped A9 PMP with its latest offering, the company did up the ante by adding capacity, tossing in a text viewer, and boosting the recording abilities. The A9+ sports a silver or black finish (sorry, no white option here), comes in 2GB and 4GB flavors, and rocks a built-in SD slot for further flash expansion. The 2-inch 220 x 176 resolution screen displays a proprietary MPEG-4 format (touting "20fps" playback), but includes software to "quickly convert" from AVI, WMV, DAT, ASF, and MPEG; musically, it supports MP3, WMA, OGG, and WMV-DRM. The integrated Bluetooth can be paired up with your favorite set of BT cans, and by boasting 39 hours of battery life (11 in movie mode), you'll probably quit before this thing does. Voice memos and MP3 line-in recording are also on tap, but you'll pay a premium for all these goodies -- £109 ($207) for the 2GB version and £149 ($283) for the 4GB edition.[Via MobileWhack]
Dtech's BT0032 Bluetooth 3-port USB hub
While we've been bombarded with those run-of-the-mill Bluetooth dongles, and since USB hubs are honestly nothing to get excited about in and of themselves, Dtech has cleverly combined these two supposed computing essentials in the form of a single, handy device in hopes of adding some spunk to the otherwise uninspiring devices. The BT0032 looks like the typical 4-port USB hub at first glance, but there's a bit more to it than meets the eye, starting with the built-in Bluetooth. Within the pocket-sized casing is a v1.2 compliant BT module that gives any 'ole notebook or desktop the ability to hook up with the near-infinite amount of headsets, speakers, mice, and other random gadgets that support Bluetooth these days. If you're still recounting and coming up with four ports on this thing, you'd be absolutely correct, but that fourth port plays a slightly different role than the rest; three ports are of the typical USB 2.0 flavor, while the oddball acts as a power supply for things like USB fans, lights, air purifiers, etc. (all of which Dtech conveniently keeps in stock). Although the consolidation that's going on here would seemingly be the biggest boon, the $19 asking price is fairly reasonable considering the features -- so for those of you who haven't picked up these items in their separate forms over the past several years, now would be an excellent time to play catchup.[Via Red Ferret]
BT launches Glide bluetooth home phone
Not surprising that along with BT's Fusion wireless / landline service, they're launching the BT Glide, another foray shoehorning cellphone tech into the landline handset (this time Bluetooth). Doesn't seem like it does all the interesting things we'd hope it would, like pair with our computers or have built-in VoIP (then again, why would it?), but it does use Bluetooth to communicate to the base and can sync contacts, sends texts, and basically generally pretend to be smart enough to make it seem appealing to use when even your lower end cellphones nowadays have features never even considered for most landline handsets. That £179.99 ($336 US) sale price though, ouch; somehow even a heavy carrier subsidy (which you're not gonna get) makes it a tough sell.[Via TechDigest]
