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Cigarette pack handsfree headset is bizarre, remarkably addictive
Maybe it's just because we had a rough weekend, but we've yet to piece together what the purpose of this device is. Officially, it's a novelty cigarette pack-shaped earphone headset for Nokia / Samsung / Sony Ericsson mobiles. That's to say it enables you to just talk into the pack rather than into your phone. At just $6.79, we'd love to say this would at least make a good gag gift, but honestly, we can't figure out what's to "get." Hmmph.[Via Gearfuse]
Video: NeoVisus Gaze prototype enables handsfree computer control
If you're tired of worrying about carpal tunnel syndrome setting in and ruining your ability to surf the intarwebz, Martin Tall is cooking up an alternative to the tried-and-true mouse / keyboard control combo. The NeoVisus Gaze prototype, quite simply, enables computer users to control the action on screen with just their eyes. Granted, this setup works entirely better when viewing photos than, say, typing up a thesis -- but there's always voice recognition software for that, right? Check out the demonstration video below.
Hands-on with the Motorola Smart Rider
We're really not so sure we can envision mounting one of these in our own slab, but we'll admit, Motorola's Smart Rider is just about the most fully-featured car kit we've ever seen. The thing's pretty freaking massive and the screen's plenty clear, which we figure is perfect for drivers who want to minimize the amount of time they spend fiddling with controls and maximize the time they spend... oh, you know, driving. In general, the device could stand to be just a little less angular -- we figure a few folks are going to balk at mounting this giant hunk of plastic in their beloved rides -- but then again, the device seems targeted squarely at fleets where aesthetic beauty is far from priority one. Click on to the gallery to get a sense of what we mean.%Gallery-20039%
Motorola's Smart Rider in-vehicle phone takes handsfree to the next level
Oh sure, we've seen handsets designed to spend more time riding shotgun than hyperventilating in your front pocket, but Motorola's Smart Rider may actually break out in hives if removed from the comfort of your car's cabin. All joshing aside, this unique "in-vehicle phone" plays on GSM bands and features built-in GPS navigation services, voice activation, Bluetooth and a microphone / speakerphone. You'll also get a 2.8-inch display, turn-by-turn guidance, real-time traffic information and automatic re-routing. Regrettably, Moto's all hush-hush on pricing, but it'll be available for those that want this June.
Sony Ericsson's HCB-150 car handsfree tells you who's calling
Since looking around your car to read a small display while you're driving seems like a somewhat poor plan, Sony Ericsson has introduced the HCB-150 that clips to a visor and reads out the caller's name with a (hopefully non-creepy) text-to-speech engine in addition to a more traditional OLED readout if you simply must take your eyes off the road. It supports up to five pairings, uses Bluetooth 2.0, is battery powered for double duty as a portable speakerphone, and should be available next quarter.[Via PHONE Magazine]
Iqua intros Bluetooth Snake 2 handsfree system
We won't fault you if you can't recall the original Iqua Snake handsfree system, but it seems its maker has chosen CES as the venue to launch the long-awaited successor. The Iqua Snake 2 curiously mounts to one's headrest and wraps around to get all upside your grill, which looks mighty 1) dorky and 2) obnoxious, if we may say so ourselves. Nevertheless, the company claims that its design will facilitate clearer conversations and adjust to fit nearly any driver, but we still aren't sold on having a barrier between us and the passenger's seat. Nevertheless, those totally digging it can order one now for around $90, and if you've just got to see more, head on down to Autoblog and take a peek.[Via Autoblog]
NewerTech unleashes iPhone accessory storm
Well, if you're gonna launch a new product line, why not fill it up, right? NewerTech will debut six lovely products for iPhone at Macworld on the 15th January, though all save the dock are available immediately. The product list features the speaker dock with handsfree mic that includes a couple 2-watt speakers and an "improved" microphone that doubles as charger when your iPhone is in the dock, throw in a couple call handling buttons and all that can be your for a mere $35. Next up is the $20 handsfree mic and earbud which features a 39 inch cable and shirt clip, a $15 mic extender is also on the table featuring a 27 inch cable to give you iPhone handsfree fun with your own earbuds, and of course an $8 headphone adapter to overcome the iPhone's crazy recessed jack. NewerTech rounds out its iPhone collection with a $20 set of buds with passive noise reduction -- said to reduce noise by 42 decibels -- and a $13 car charger for those on the go. We've not tested any of this kit, but the prices seem right and that's at least a good start.
Steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth handsfree kit hits the FCC
We're not certain that your steering wheel is the best or safest place to attach a handsfree device, but those of you looking to up your Michael Knight factor might be interested in Seecode's new Wheel Bluetooth kit. Featuring a small screen and call-control buttons, the battery-operated unit allows you to chat away on speakerphone, send / end calls, and view your phonebook -- all while (hopefully) keeping your eyes on the road. No word on when these might be available, but check the read link for the usual riveting assortment of FCC docs.
Cartel's nostalgic handsfree system brings back the car phone
Yeah, we did a double take upon seeing the above image too, but believe it or not, that car phone is actually a new Bluetooth handsfree system. Developed by Cartel Mobile Solutions, this in-car setup can reportedly be installed into nearly any whip and will connect up with most every BT-enabled handset. From there, it mysteriously warps you back to the 1990s where you can dial on near-Chiclet sized buttons; once the haze clears, it ushers you back to modern day by enabling motorists to chat without holding anything up to their yapper. Users can opt to wire it to their vehicle's sound system or plug in an external speaker, and yes, that display you see does indeed handle Caller ID duties. Unfortunately, no price was readily apparent, but you can can bring that 1979 Buick of yours a few years closer to the 21st century by hitting Cartel up for purchasing details.[Thanks, Mickel]
Asus' R300 navigator surfaces, gets spec'd
Nearly a month ago to the day we were taking a peek at leaked information regarding two upcoming Asus navigators, and now it seems that we've got more concrete data on the smaller of the two. Reportedly, the R300 will be packin' a 3.5-inch touchscreen with a 320 x 240 resolution, SiRFstarIII GPS chipset, an FM transmitter, Bluetooth 2.0, handsfree capabilities, a 400MHz Samsung 2440 processor, 64MB of SDRAM, a microSD expansion slot and a rechargeable Li-ion for taking things off-road. Additionally, it'll be available in silver or white and boast USB connectivity, Windows CE.net 5.0, an integrated music / video player and maps covering France. We're still hearing that it'll ship next month for a currently undisclosed price, but check out one more shot of the unit posted after the break.[Via NaviGadget]
Sony Ericsson's MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker might contain spores
If Sony Ericsson was the name for an embarrassing fungal wart then you'd be reaching for a bucket right about now. However, given that SE makes consumer electronics you're actually looking at their new MBS-100 Bluetooth speaker. The crater-pocked sphere features A2DP stereo audio and a rechargeable 5-hour battery for delicious portability. Unfortunately, SE tells us that it "looks as good as it sounds" which doesn't make us too hopeful on the acoustic front. They've also released a 25-hour, HCB-105 Bluetooth car Speakerphone kit. Sure, it looks a bit staid but at least it won't scare the children. No prices given, but the MBS-100 will drop in Q4 while the HCB-105 arrives in Q1.%Gallery-8481%
Iqua BH-702 Bluetooth pendant headset rolls through FCC
Iqua, maker of fine Bluetooth equipment everywhere, has hopped into the Bluetooth-headset-as-weird-jewellery business with the BH-702. Featuring A2DP for your wireless stereo listening enjoyment, 9 hours talk, 7 hours music, and 150 hours standby time, all on a 2 hour charge. The BH-702 hangs about your neck while in use, and while we dig the convenience, we often find that this configuration puts the mic. too far from your mouth and increases noise as it shuffles about on your clothing. No word on pricing or availability yet, but we expect now that this leg of the journey is done Iqua may just see fit to announce the thing.
Macally busts out cup holder-compatible BTCUP iPod FM transmitter
It's far from the first cup holder-compatible iPod dock, but Macally's new BTCUP boasts a few more tricks than the usual fare, including not only an FM transmitter, but Bluetooth hands-free functionality as well. To make the former task a tad easier, the device includes up and down buttons and a backlit LCD display to let you tune in to any FM frequency between 88.1 and 107.9, with the hands-free calling option also accessible at the touch of a button. For some added privacy, the BTCUP comes equipped with an earphone, and it'll of course charge your iPod as it pumps out the tunes (the device itself is powered by the cigarette lighter outlet). Look for this one to set you back $120, with a BTCUP specially designed for the iPhone set to follow sometime in the fourth quarter of this year.[Via PC World]
Navman's S70 navigation system surfaces
Judging by a product page over at Amazon, it looks like the S70 from Navman has not only been launched, but it's ready to ship to eager European customers. The 4.3-inch widescreen GPS includes pre-installed maps of Western Europe, integrated Bluetooth, handsfree capabilities, optional traffic information, and the obligatory charging / in-car mounting hardware. Not a bad lookin' navigator for £199.99 ($406), and if you need more proof, click on for one more angle.[Via NaviGadget]
Route 66 unveils MINI / MAXI navigators for Europe
It's been a hot minute since we've seen anything noteworthy from Route 66, but the firm is using IFA as a launchpad for four new Euro-only navigators. The MINI * EUROPE, MINI * REGIONAL, MAXI * EUROPE, and MAXI * REGIONAL devices touts ultrathin designs, traffic / safety camera alerts, free map updates until 2008, and a built-in media player. The MINI comes with a 3.5-inch screen, while the MAXI packs a 4.3-inch widescreen display, and both units include an integrated TMC traffic receiver and the ability to support handsfree calling when paired up with the Wireless Car Kit accessory. Currently, no pricing information has been loosed, but all of the aforementioned systems should be widely available in Europe this October.[Thanks, Gene S.]
Zegna Sport integrating ElekTex controls in Bluetooth iJACKET
If you're fairly confident that you've seen an iJacket from Zegna before, you'd be right, but the case-sensitive iJACKET is upping the ante by including Bluetooth along with Eleksen's ElekTex smart fabric controls. Dubbed "communication clothing," the coat will reportedly enable users to "use their cellphone and simultaneously listen to music on their iPod," which is sure to result in quite a few incomprehensible conversations. Nevertheless, wearers will be able to mange both their handset and DAP through a "sleek control embedded in the jacket sleeve," and you can even expect the music volume to decrease when you receive an incoming call. Of course, all these luxuries won't come cheap (especially on a Zegna), but even we think "starting at $1,700" is a bit extreme.
Osaka University develops teeth-controlled iPod interface
Just in case you weren't satisfied with the smorgasbord of options you already had when looking to control your iPod alternatively, researchers at Osaka University are hoping to shut you up. Thanks to new head gear that "uses infrared sensors and a microcomputer," individuals would be able to "operate music players by clenching their teeth." Essentially, the system "receives a command when the user clenches his or her teeth for about one second," which means that you can still chew gum and whatnot without getting it all confused. In the future, the team hopes to implement the technology into more devices, allowing folks to make funny faces to flip to the next slide in a presentation, answer a phone call, or even direct a wheelchair.
Jabra's BT8040 Bluetooth headset syncs to multiple devices
Hot on the heels of BlueAnt's Z9 comes a new one from Jabra, and while this Bluetooth earpiece doesn't strike us as revolutionary in the design department, it does add a bit of flexibility not often found on similar alternatives. Beyond the obligatory voice dialing, handsfree profile support, A2DP compatibility, USB connectivity, DSP noise reduction, and automatic volume adjustment, the BT8040 sports Multi-point technology that enables it to sync to two devices simultaneously. Yes, this does mean that you can pretend to be listening to your kvetching sibling whilst actually taking in your favorite jam from your BT-enabled audio source. No word just yet on price nor availability, but we can imagine multitaskers everywhere lining up for this one.
Leadtek cranks out LR9750 / LR9752 GPS systems
It's been a good while since Leadtek caught our eye, and considering that just about everyone who's anyone these days has at least one GPS system with their name on it, we're not shocked by the latest developments. Yes, even Leadtek is storming back with a pair of rather capable navigation devices, each of which sport the SIRFstarIII GPS module, a built-in media player, an oh-so-shiny scroll wheel to navigate the menus, text-to-speech support, an image viewer, and RDS-TMC functionality. Those opting for the LR9752 will also be graced with handsfree calling via integrated Bluetooth, and while it'd be awfully nice to know exactly when these forgettable units would be headed for store shelves, Leadtek's not divulging any of that information just yet.[Via NaviGadget]
Asus R600 GPS sports auto light sensor
Asus is wondering back into the wilderness that is the portable GPS market with the R600, but we'll admit, it certainly did a fair job differentiating this one from all of the middle-of-the-road alternatives. For starters, you'll find a 4.3-inch WQVGA touchscreen, Samsung 400MHz processor, 128MB of Flash ROM, 64MB of SDRAM, a SIRFstarIII chipset, SD expansion slot for up to 4GB of additional media, a rechargeable battery good for six hours or so, optional TMC module, a multimedia player, and handsfree calling via Bluetooth 2.0 for good measure. Additionally, it features an auto light sensor which automatically adjusts the LCD backlight when the time comes to make viewing the screen a bit more pleasurable. Unfortunately, mum's the word on pricing and availability at the moment.[Via FarEastGizmos]
