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Casuh's Joyfon headset enables multichannel wireless audio
Those tired of buying a proprietary adapter for each and every audio source they'd like to make wireless need look no further than Casuh, who has apparently conjured up an end-all solution to multiple audio sources funneling into a single wireless headset. The Joyfon headphones utilize the firm's Retaw-1 chip to communicate with transceivers that can plug into any audio source with an auxiliary output, giving users the ability to toggle between sources sans the fuss. Additionally, it looks like you can take a listen at multiple audio streams (hey, nothing wrong with a little Yeah Yeah Yeahs to drown out a recorded lecture), and it can even be used to hold conversations with other Joyfon users. Check it out in a bit more detail after the jump.
Philips SJM3151 universal remote mirrors your iPod screen
While Philips' latest universal remote lacks the genius design seen in the prototype book iteration, it's tough to deny the utility here. This universal remote may not sport the most luxurious button layout, but it does manage to control up to six devices and play nice with your iPod; moreover, the SJM3151's built-in LCD screen touts the ability to mimic your player's screen, so you can sneak a peek at what's on deck without squinting to see the faraway dock. Interestingly, this remote not only packs the infrared abilities we've come to expect, but it also speaks ZigBee in order to transmit signals "up to 300 feet." Of course, this multifaceted device won't run you cheap, as interested buyers will be asked to cough up $180 to procure one when it lands this fall.
Control4's Home Controller HC-300 outputs GUI in HD
For those looking to make the leap to home automation whilst making sure that elegance is taken into account, Control4 is hoping its newfangled Home Controller HC-300 will fit the bill. The relatively low-cost IP-based home controller offers up a multitude of serial, infrared, and video sensing ports, plays nice with standards-based communication technology including Ethernet, WiFi, and ZigBee mesh networking, and can dictate multi-room music, smart lighting, advanced temperature control, and security without breaking a sweat. Most notably, however, is its ability to output the graphical user interface in sparkling 720p, meaning that you will no longer be ashamed of flashing your home controller's GUI on the big screen. Additionally, Control4 revamped the device by adding an anodized black aluminum chassis and a glossy black faceplate, and it plans on shipping these things out sometime in July for a respectable $699.[Via CEPro]
ThinkOptics' WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote gunning for Wiimote
We're hearing some fairly bold words from a startup company with a purported Wiimote killer, even though it's about as far from the gaming realm as it could possibly be. In what's likely a shameless attempt to link the WavIt 3D Media-PC Remote to the well-regarded Wiimote, ThinkOptics has reportedly "made a pointing system for the computer and TV that makes the Nintendo Wii's controller look downright primitive." Realistically, the Wavlt doesn't look much better than any other overachieving wireless pointing device, but it does hope to interact with TVs and HTPCs in order to make on-screen navigation a bit less painful. Additionally, the creator is looking to incorporate the motion-sensing device into home automation in order to raise and dim lights, crank up the furnace, or mute your youngster's blaring music from the living room. The controller supposedly utilizes both RF and infrared technologies, and although it can track minute twists, flips, and turns, it does lack both an accelerometer and built-in Bluetooth. Notably, the wand will rely on the 2.4GHz band as well as Zigbee's 802.15 protocol, and while no firm release date was set, official pricing information should be unveiled shortly. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
Chestnut Hill Sound set to launch "George" iPod sound system
It may not extend its reach into as many rooms as some iPod sound systems, but Chestnut Hill Sound's upcoming "George" unit looks to at least one up Apple's own Hi-Fi in the functionality (and price) department. Set to come in at a cool $550 next month, George will handle both iPod playback and AM/FM radio duties, each controllable though the detachable wireless remote, which has its own LCD display and range of controls (check it out up close after the break). What's more, the system uses the ZigBee wireless protocol (good for up to 25 feet), which would seem to open up some home automation possibilities, although Chestnut Hill only goes so far as to hint at it, mentioning that George "improves and expands to fit your life." Maybe they'll be willing to spill a few more details when George makes its official debut later this month at CES.[Via Crave]
Threshold's One-Net protocol syncs up home automation, hectors ZigBee
If you're looking to automate your home, you've got enough options to drive you up your own walls, but apparently Threshold doesn't think anyone's nailed it down quite yet. Supposedly competing against the more familiar Insteon and ZigBee configurations, the company's One-Net reportedly "provides greater range, better security and a more open environment than competing schemes." Threshold states that it can produce One-Net nodes for just "two to three bucks" by using off-the-shelf transceivers, and that ranges of up to 100 meters can be realized indoors. The accompanying (free) software also works with transceivers from six other vendors (Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, Semtech, RF Monolithics, Micrel and Integration Associates), and defines "everything from modulation schemes to messaging protocols." Threshold is planning to build a collection of home automation peripherals to mesh with the One-Net mainframe, including "door, window, motion, and moisture sensors," and a camera to boot -- but all these fancy frequencies still can't match the style points gained by having a magical mirror controlling the security side of things.
Archronix ArcWay bridges the ZigBee-WSD divide
Canada's Archronix is out make your home a little more point-and-click friendly with its latest product, a gateway that acts as a bridge between WSD-enabled controllers (that's Web Services for Devices) and ZigBee-compliant gear. The former can include specialized home controllers like those from Exceptional Innovation and, soon, any Vista-running PC, while ZigBee devices can include everything from light switches to thermostats to, yes, robots. Problem is, the two technologies have been operating in their own corners of our excessively-automated future home; peacemakers that they are, however, Archronix has found a way to get the two to play nice with each other. Its ArcWay device simply sits between your ZigBee gear and your WSD controller, translating the ZigBee information into something more WSD-friendly and transfering it over your existing home network to your PC or WSD-enabled control unit. In demonstrating the technology, Archronix seems to have shown they have a sense of humor (at least we hope so), crafting what must be the most technologically complex means of turning on a light bulb yet devised. Ah, progress.
ED unveils programmable, home-serving U-ROBO bot with RFID
While domesticated robots are becoming a (frighteningly) common inclusion in techno-friendly homes, Korean 'bot manufacturer ED has a home-ready robot that sports a plethora of communication venues including ZigBee and RFID. The ED-7270 (dubbed U-ROBO), touts a sophisticated similarity to the pioneering R2-D2, and can complete a myriad of in-home chores by using the included software to program its pathways, actions, and movements. While we aren't sure if the "ubiquitous robotic companion" can manhandle a broom or cook dinner, the innards are fairly potent nonetheless; beneath the U-ROBO's cute outfit is a 1GHz Intel Pentium processor, 512MB of RAM, WiFi, Ethernet, USB 2.0, ZigBee cooridinator, RFID reader, and a RS-232 serial port. It also rocks a 6.4-inch touchscreen, programmable display beneath his "eyes," voice recognition, motion / light detectors, and an eight-axis motor that has no qualms wheeling up slopes or braving extreme temperatures. Although we don't know precisely when these intelligent robots will start mopping our floors (or taking over our domicile), we're sure the undisclosed price will keep them in the hands of the rich and famous for awhile anyway. [Via AVing]
MaxStream announces XBee, the 40-mile range ZigBee bridge
Ah, Zigbee, that funnily-named wireless mesh network that has investors excited with thoughts of people controlling all sorts of things from all sorts of locations with Bluetooth-like two-way communication. MaxStream, the company already all over the whole 40 mile wireless thing, announced the XBee Xtender, promising to extend ZigBee and 802.15.4 networks up to 40 miles. Damn right we said miles. The XBee comes in an aluminum casing with dipole antennas and runs at the 900 MHz 1-Watt XTend frequency. This is pretty big news seeing as how ZigBee networks are designed to be so low-power, yet this little modem uses a powerful band at such a long distance; as for low cost (which is usually the words ZigBee proponents follow the low-power tagline), the XBee is set to start at $399. For 40 miles though, that's, what, just under $10 a mile?[Thanks, Vernon J]
AMX intros ZigBee remotes, wireless gear
AMX is looking to put a little more ZigBee into your life (and, really, couldn't we all use a little?), announcing a pair of new remotes and some other ZigBee wireless gear at the just-concluded CEDIA Expo in Denver. The Mio Modero R-4 (seen above) is the company's top-of-the-line remote, with a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen , AMX's "G4 graphics engine" (which won't let you play Halo, but will give you animated icons), and 28 old-fashioned push buttons. Also announced was the Mio Modero R-3, with which you'll have to settle for a smaller monochrome LCD, though you'll get a bountiful 45 backlit laser-engraved buttons. Both remotes will give you some two-way ZigBee action, letting you view everything from song information to the current room temperature from the comfort of your couch -- if you're living in one of those houses of the future, that is. To go along with 'em, AMX has dropped some additional ZigBee wireless gear to complete your setup, including a ZigBee wireless gateway, and a repeater to extend wireless coverage to the farthest reaches of your mansion. No word on pricing -- hint: you probably won't find this stuff in the Insignia aisle -- but it should all be available in the next few months.[Via Talk About CEDIA]
