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T-Mobile's Cameo reviewed: works pretty much as advertised
Don't deny it -- you're inexplicably drawn to a digital photo frame that has its own phone number. Rather than just buying blind to see if you really dig the Cameo, however, why not pore over this here review? In testing, the device (manufactured by Parrot) was said to work practically as advertised, with just a few small quirks preventing it from receiving the highest marks. Critics were able to MMS over images from a variety of rival networks, though they did have issues making the frame accept a photo message from Sweden. Overall, however, it was noted that usability was remarkably high and that the process was easy enough for most anyone to grasp. 'Course, you should probably convince yourself you're going to use the thing quite a bit before committing to a $10 per month fee to keep the $100 frame connected, but outside of that, you ought not be too disappointed.
Parrot intros Specchio WiFi photo frame with NFC
We were hoping WiFi photo frames would be a bit more ubiquitous by now, but Parrot's not waiting around on one lonely wireless standard -- it's introducing the Specchio frame with WiFi and Bluetooth NFC for getting photos to the screen. We've seen NFC in a few mass-transit trials here and there, but only Parrot seems to be really pushing the data aspects of the tech, so it'll be interesting to see how it holds up -- the idea is that you'll take pictures on your phone and simply hold it against the frame to transfer them. Nifty -- just like the frame display itself, which looks like a metallic mirror when switched off. Hm, this might be the first digital photo frame we're actually interested in -- too bad it'll cost $500 when it goes on sale next month. P.S.- Parrot, have some dignity with these press images, will you? The iPhone has an ass-useless Bluetooth stack and you know it. [Via Digital Picture Frame Review]
T-Mobile's CAMEO frame shows holiday snaps while you're still taking them
It's been nearly a year since Parrot announced its DF7700 GPRS-endowed picture frame, said to possess the mystical ability to pull photographs straight out of the ether. Now T-Mobile has pledged to bring Parrot's magic frame to the US as the CAMEO, a $100 device that, when coupled with a $10/month service fee, can be the recipient of picture-bearing messages. When you get bored with that feature (or that fee), there's a mini-USB port plus slots for SD/MMC cards that will enable it to accept pics in a more traditional manner. Its 7-inch screen has a 720 x 480 resolution and is surrounded by an interchangeable leather border guaranteed to look cheap in any decor -- not just those with golden mirrors astride marble mantelpieces.[Thanks, Mark]
Parrot offers up $450 Andre Putman-designed digiframe
Remember that Andrée Putman-designed digital photo frame that was showcased in the UK earlier this year? Even if not, Parrot would like to remind you of this apparently exquisite device, which features commonplace luxuries like a 7-inch 720 x 480 resolution display, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, an SD / MMC card slot, an undisclosed amount of internal memory and USB connectivity. Oh, and did we mention the $449.99 price? Yeah, there's that, too. Heard enough, haven't you? (Psst... it ships on July 28th in the US.)[Via Digital Picture Frame Review]
Parrot shows off Andre Putman-designed digiframe in UK
Indifferent souls may have no qualms just snapping up the first digiframe they see, but that sect isn't the target market for Parrot's latest. The Andrée Putman-designed device is being shown around the UK at the moment, and aside from boasting a 7-inch display, a glossy black motif, rear-mounted buttons, auto-rotation, 10MB of built-in storage, an SD expansion slot and integrated Bluetooth (but no WiFi), you also get to hand over £250 to take it home. Right now, the piece is only available in London's Few and Far store, but the company may try to roll it out nationwide if demand necessitates. Check it out on video in the read link below.[Via CNET]
Q&A with PotCO lead developer Jason Yeung
Jason Yeung is one of the lead developers for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean Online. During a recent Q&A he dishes out some very interesting info on what's coming for this free-to-play piratey good time.Both Davy Jones and the Kraken will eventually be included in the game, but the when remains locked up as tight as Jones' fabled locker however. Adding pets (such as a parrot, which every pirate must have) is something they want to do in future expansions, but they're more focused on creating end-game content for their hardcore players, which is a sign that they do listen to feedback. In fact, their biggest challenge at the moment is rolling out new content fast enough.If you've never given PotCO a try you really have nothing to lose -- it's free-to-play. If you like what you see, and over the last few months a great deal of new content has been added, a monthly fee will get you unlimited access to all the game's content (like the poker games).
Parrot readying PARTY Black Edition Bluetooth speaker with NFC
Just days after we got wind of the NFC-ified Nokia 6212 comes word that the PARTY Black Edition Bluetooth speaker -- that was introduced around a fortnight ago -- will also include the same technology. Yep, a NFC-enabled Bluetooth version will soon be available for purchase, giving owners of NFC handsets the ability to pair up their device by simply getting up close and personal with the speaker. Specs wise, expect it to boast six total watts of power, a 5-button user interface, eight hours of battery life and an auxiliary input for times when a vanilla DAP will have to do. Word on the street has this one landing in the summertime for £79 ($156), but we've yet to see any official details on US pricing / availability. Check the full release after the jump.
How to fix the Parrot Scrolling Combat Text Addon
If you're an Ace mod fanatic like I am, you may use Parrot for your scrolling combat text needs. If you've used Parrot since 2.4, you've noticed, like I have, that the dang thing just plain doesn't work. Even though the ever handy WoWAceUpdater continues to update it, there's some block of data it's missing. And that means that when I get into combat and look for my scrolling information... nothing happens. There's no pretty numbers to the side of my characters. Hey, that's fair enough. 2.4 was the patch of the great combat log change, and it's understandable that not every addon is quite caught up. That said, I like how I have Parrot set up, and I didn't really want to try to find and install a new mod, or heaven forbid, use Blizzard's base system. So, I went searching, hoping to find some way to bring back my beloved Parrot.
HTC, Parrot come clean with their love for one another
We though the whole idea behind Bluetooth was to create a universally compatible, short-range wireless protocol, but apparently that's not enough of a guarantee for HTC. The ruling patron saint of Windows Mobile devices has teamed up with Parrot, a rather large European manufacturer of Bluetooth accessories, to "align product roadmaps" in an effort to make their products more harmonious in each others' presence. All told, the announcement is rather vague, with the most telling line saying that the partnership will bring "expanded capabilities" to users' devices, whatever that means. HTC doesn't have much of a retail presence in the Bluetooth peripheral market, so could this be a prelude to an acquisition? [Warning: PDF link][Via the::unwired]
One Shots: Pirate's best friend
Dog may be man's best friend, but parrot is clearly pirate's best friend. This lovely blue bird is part of the Pirates of the Burning Sea pre-order rewards. (Though we hope there will be more parrots available as we progress through the game -- this one is quite charming as it fidgets on our shoulder and it would be a shame to limit these adorable pets to pre-order customers only.) Are you already out and enjoying your new life as a pirate? Tell us about it with your screenshots!One Shots lives on a steady diet of your screenshots! Snapped a good screenshot lately? Tired of seeing the same old games featured? Send us shots from your favorite game! It's easy to participate -- just send your screenshots and stories to oneshots@massively.com. %Gallery-9798%
Parrot's DF7700 MMS photo frame -- go ahead, share your creepiness
Man, if you thought drunk dialing and texting was embarrassing, just wait until Parrot releases the world's first MMS photo frame. Due before the holidays are through, the 7-inch, DF7700 display features a SIM card with dedicated call number built directly into the frame. It also touts USB and SD slots for quick image transfer as well as position and light sensors to keep photos upright and looking their best regardless of your own tragic state of disrepair. Sorry, no price or product images (that's their DF7220 up there), but we think we've captured the typical holiday break-up scenario for you above, eh?
Parrot launches the SK 4000 Bluetooth motorcycle headset
The next time you're heading down the highway, Easy Rider-style, looking for adventure and what-not, you may also want to remain in touch with the less rebellious and not-so-tattooed outside world. Luckily, the good folks at Parrot have come to your aid with the SK 4000 -- a Bluetooth headset meant for use with motorcycle helmets -- which features voice recognition, an FM RDS stereo, text to speech, A2DP support, 10 hours of battery life (600 on standby), and a handlebar-mounted RF remote control. Sure, you'll have to use The Man's money to get one, but once you do, you'll be free to wave your freak-flag wherever and whenever you choose... as long as you get permission from your wife. Available before the end of the year, €199 (or around $282).[Via Daily Motorcycle News]
Parrot's new RK8200 car stereo plays nice with everything
Looking for a car stereo that does it all? Maybe the boys and girls at Parrot can help you out with its latest and greatest -- the RK8200. In a rare case of ultimate convergence, the electronics-maker is bringing you a head-unit for your vehicle which boasts a USB port, SD card reader, line-in jack, iPod connector, and A2DP Bluetooth support. Let's be honest -- that's a lot of options for your system. In addition to the Swiss-Army-like connectivity choices, the stereo has 2GB of onboard storage, and the faceplate drops down to reveal an area where you can store a device (or anything else). The RK8200 can also be coupled with a mobile phone for hands-free talking / dialing, can hold up to 8000 of your precious contacts, and touts voice recognition and intelligent microphone switching. Here's the kicker: you don't even have to rob a bank to get one of these puppies -- the stereo will be out by the end of the year for the very affordable price of £149.99 (or around $302).
How to dress like a pirate
For those of you who haven't farmed Bloodsail Buccaneer faction for their Buccaneer's Uniform, Bloodsail Admiral's Hat and Blood Parrott, WoW Insider has a quick list of easily obtainable pirate costumage:For your shirt, hit up your local guild tailor for the simple to make a Black or White Swashbuckler's Shirt. A good alternative for the ladies who desire the busty wench look is the Azure Silk Vest.Throw on some Azure Silk Pants and fish up some Buccaneer's Boots from Stormwind Canals for the Alliance or Wailing Caverns for Horde (or the AH.) Then head to the Deadmines and knock off a few Defias until one drops a Defias Rapier and Parrot. Or, you can fly down to Stranglethorn Vale and buy one of two parrots from Nark in Booty Bay.Finally, for your head, farm 6 Long Elegant Feathers in Feralas from Frayfeather Hippogryphs for a tailored Admiral's Hat or you can settle for a quick and easy Silk Headband, made from simple materials.Or you can avoid all that shopping and just hit yourself with a spare Hallowed Wand - Pirate from last year's Halloween Event.Now, your ready to hit the high seas!EDIT: I missed the easiest costume of all: eating Savory Deviate Delight will transfrom you into a scurvy blight on the high seas (or a ninja). I guess I'll be the one walking the plank this day!
Parrot intros Bluetooth-equipped DF7220 digital photo frame
In addition to those Bluetooth stereos and speakers Parrot announced at IFA today, the company also trotted out a new Bluetooth-equipped digital photo frame, an area the company has treaded before. Boasting 7-inch screen, this one mixes things up a bit with some built-in sensors that'll keep photos on the level regardless of the frame's orientation, along with another sensor to automatically shut the frame off when its dark. In addition to transferring photos via Bluetooth, you can also make use of the frame's USB port and memory card slot to load it up with pics, with room for 300 or so on the frame itself. As with Parrot's other new gear, this will be available sometime this October, with it set to run €149, or roughly $200.
Parrot announces DS3120 Bluetooth stereo, DS1120 Bluetooth speakers
Always one to cut cords at every corner, Parrot has taken advantage of IFA to unveil a range of new Bluetooth-equipped devices, including the stereo and speakers seen above. As you can no doubt surmise, the DS3120 Bluetooth stereo will pull tunes off your cellphone or other Bluetooth-equipped device and pump 'em through the unit's 20W speakers. Those looking to add a bit more ooomph to their phone calls can also use the stereo for some handsfree calling, with the integrated 1.8-inch LCD able to display phonebook information in addition to track and album details. On the non-Bluetooth front, the stereo packs a line-in port to accommodate other devices, along with an SD card slot and a built-in FM radio. If that's all a bit too much for you, you may want to consider Parrot's new DS1120 Bluetooth speakers, which ups the power output to a full 30W, with a Class-D digital amplifier in each speaker. Parrot's also thoughtfully bundled a Bluetooth USB dongle with the speakers, along with an RCA input to let you use 'em other devices. Look for both to be available this October, with the stereo running €169 ($230) and the speakers setting you back €199 ($270).Read - Pocket-lint, "Parrot launches DS3120 Bluetooth home stereo"Read - Pocket-lint, "Parrot launches DS1120 wireless stereo speakers"
Parrot intros Parrot Party Bluetooth speaker system
France's Parrot has busted out yet another device based on their wireless protocol of choice, with its new Parrot Party Bluetooth speaker system providing a smaller, more underpowered alternative to its recently announced Bluetooth Boombox. With nothing more than a pair of 3W speakers, your "party" will likely be somewhat limited, although it does at least boast support for A2DP to pick up stereo audio from any compatible Bluetooth source (a standard RCA input's also included for your non-Bluetooth needs). At just nine inches long and 22 ounces, the device is also a good deal more portable than the twelve pound Boombox, and it promises to pump out the tunes for a full four hours on its built-in, rechargeable battery. If that'll do, you should be able to grab one sometime in July for 119€, or about $160. [Warning: PDF link][Via GenerationMP3]
Parrot intros PMK5800 plug and play car kit
We love anything that comes a-packin' no muss, no fuss technology -- even more so when you can install it in a few seconds and don't need a toolkit to get the job done. Parrot's newest Bluetooth carkit, the PMK5800 consists of a single part which plugs directly into your car's 12V accessory socket or cigarette lighter. Using a built in FM transmitter (a la iTrip), the set will stream tunes via A2DP from your handset or your voice calls to your car's stereo deck to give you that auto-filling sound you love. When the phone rings, just hitting the FM preset you configure for the PMK5800 will automatically answer it and mute your music. While not an embedded kit, it packs all the goodies you would expect like DSP, echo and noise cancellation, full duplex sound, and voice recognition all in something that can go from car to car without effort. Look for these to land sometime this summer for about $120.[Via PR Newswire]
Parrot introduces Bluetooth Boombox
Parrot's a long, long way from home (wireless car gadgets) these days, but it looks like they're settling down nicely in Bluetooth-device-land. Their latest device, a Bluetooth 2.1 compliant boombox with a rather clever monicker: Boombox. Capable of playing back A2DP audio (or wired RCA) in 60 watt sound, the Boombox also has a magnetic speaker grille. Unfortunately Parrot hasn't listed price or release date, but we've got a hands-on gallery for you.%Gallery-2316%
Parrot intros A2DP-enabled MK6100 handsfree Bluetooth car kit
Our favorite French Bluetooth gurus are readying yet another in-car handsfree kit, but unlike the run-of-the-mill offerings already crowding store shelves, the Parrot MK6100 adds a bit of musical delight as well. Aside from giving users the opportunity to hear conversations through their stereo system, this two-piece system boasts a built-in microphone in the horizontal display (which just so happens to be a svelte OLED), and also plays on the emotions of audio lovers everywhere. The A2DP-enabled kit features a separate wireless remote that can be used to cycle through the tracks on your handset, play and pause the tunes, and easily fit into your glovebox when you exit the vehicle. Additionally, users will be graced with DPS, automatic phonebook synchronization, text-to-speech capabilities, and voice dialing, and while we're not quite sure of the pricing deets just yet, you can probably expect to find out for yourself in Q2 of this year.