The Sony Ericsson MW600 is a new Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headset with a built-in FM radio tuner. Features of the MW600 includes:

• Built-in microphone, call answer key, 3.5mm jack to swap headphones
• Compatible with all Sony Ericsson mobile phones and Bluetooth enabled handsets from other
• Connect to two wireless devices simultaneously
• Mirrored OLED display
• 10 meter Bluetooth range
• Bluetooth A2DP profile support
• 3.5 mm plug
• 2 hour charging time with 170 mAh battery
• 8.5 hour battery life for streaming

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson MW600 Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headset

Wish Bluetooth headsets didn’t look like they came out of a Star Trek episode? That’s exactly the challenge that Maverick Lifestyle gave to the design firm Speck Design; design them a Bluetooth headset that wasn’t so Star Trek like but more like a piece of jewelry that was comfortable and effortless to use in a car. The end result? The Maverick Nica – the only compact open-air headset currently available on the market.

Features of the Nica include:

• Pure round shape which “enhances the way you look instead of intruding onto your face”
• Open-air acoustics which means there’s no ear insert. A soft inner pad gently rests against your ear for maximum comfort
• Spring loaded ear clip keeps the headset securely attached to your ear
• Comes with a desk dock and car dock which the headset attaches to magnetically. Simply place the Nica on the charging dock and the magnetic system pulls the headset into position
• Noise canceling technology
• 13mm speaker
• Receive calls while the headset is charging
• Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Sliding power switch
• 4 hour talk time and 150 hour standby time
• Charge in 1 hour
• Weighs 0.5 oz
• 30 feet operating range
• Bluetooth 1.2 compatible

The Nica headset and dock bundles are available now at select Apple stores and on the Apple website. The nica is available for $119 while the desk dock sells for $19 dollars and the car dock for $39 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Maverick Lifestyle, Nica Bluetooth Headset, Speck Design

This funky looking headset is the latest Jabra Bluetooth headset to come from the folks at GN Netcom. Known as the Jabra STONE, the headset employs a unique design which wraps behind the ear and eliminates the near-standard on-ear microphone. The Jabra STONE will be available exclusively at AT&T retail stores starting on November 9th for a price of $129.99.

The STONE also comes with a unique touch-controlled volume pad on the outside of the headset. All you’ll need to do is simply slide your finger up or down to control the volume. The STONE comes with a portable charger which also acts as a compact carrying case that fits into the palm of your hand. Features of the Jabra STONE include:

• Noise Blackout Extreme noise cancelling technology which uses dual microphones to capture sound while filtering background noise only
• Supports Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR & eSCO
• Up to 8 hours talk time and 12 days standby time
• Jabra StatusDisplay makes it easy to check battery level and Bluetooth connectivity
• Connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time with Multiuse capabilities
• Touch volume control, answer/end button, voice dialing, and streams music from A2DP enabled handsets
• Weighs only 0.25 oz
• micro USB and AC chargers

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset

• “PersonalSound” which allows the user to select from three custom listening modes that are tuned to enhance speech clarity and boosting listening power
• “Environmental Mode” which allows users to hear equally out of both ears when they’re not on a call. When this mode is activated, the “hearing ability” is enhanced and soft sounds can be heard while the headset is on
• Only headset compatible with the optional Sound ID “CompanionLink Remote Microphone” – creating the Sound ID “Personal Sound System”. The CompanionLink is a small clip-on device measuring two inches in size that syncs with the Sound ID 400. The CompanionLink can be worn by someone else or placed near a sound source to enhance the audio coming from the source.

Other features include:

• NoiseNavigation – removes background and wind noise while boosting speech
• Multi-Point Technology – allows users to connect with two Bluetooth enabled phones
• Automatic Volume Control – headset automatically adjusts to changing environments and variable noise situations
• Measures 2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches and weighs 0.28 oz
• 7 hour talk time and 200 hour standby
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

The Sound ID 400 will be available in the fourth quarter for $129.99 and comes with a universal AC charger, USB charging cable, three sizes of RealComfort EarLoops, and an Ear Hook for an alternative over-the-ear wearing option.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sound ID, Sound ID 400 Personal Sound System

Samsung WEP870:

• Brings together a premium noise-cancelling Bluetooth mono headset and high-fidelity Bluetooth music streaming to premium stereo ear buds in a single device
• Can be paired to two Bluetooth enabled devices at once
• Chrome trim and graphite finish that can be worn on either ear
• Listen to music through high fidelity earpiece
• Stereo earbud lanyard that can be attached to the headset and worn comfortably around the neck
• Headset’s microphone is engineered to point towards the mouth when worn on the lanyard
• Music mutes when incoming call comes in
• Dual microphones and active noise and echo cancellation technology
• Intuitive LCD screen shows battery level, call status, and Bluetooth connection status
• MSRP of $89.99

Samsung WEP850:

• Mono-style headset
• Multipoint technology
• Dual microphone noise cancellation and echo reduction eliminates background noise
• MSRP of $69.99

Samsung WEP470:

• Small and lightweight, easy to use headset
• Fully integrated background noise filtering and echo cancellation
• Packet loss concealment technology helps to blocks out background noise
• LED battery level indicator
• Dedicated on/off switch
• Detachable crystal ear hook that can be worn on either ear
• MSRP of $39.99

Technorati Tags: Samsung, Samsung WEP870, Samsung WEP850, Samsung WEP470, Bluetooth headset

Just a lil reminder – Jawbone’s latest Bluetooth headset – the Jawbone PRIME with EARCANDY colors is now available in retail stores nationally (AT&T announced late last week that the PRIME was also available in AT&T retail locations nationwide). Key features in the new PRIME include:

• NoiseAssassion 2.0 technology  – delivers better noise elimination performance, integrated digital approach to wind reduction, 6 to 9dB improvement in the noisiest environments
• Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) and Acoustic Voice Activity Detector (AVAD). AVAD provides a fail-safe mechanism when then VAS does not touch the face –performing as good or better than other noise-cancelling headsets. When the VAS does touch the face the user experiences a “turbo-boost” in the NoiseAssassin performance.
• Can be connected to two phones at once
• Handles winds up to 10mph
• Multiple wearing options with three round earbuds, three new fit earbuds, and an optional earloop

Other specs to the PRIME include:

• MSRP of $129.99
• Talk time up to 4.5 hours
• Standby time up to more than 8 days
• 33 foot range
• 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in < 1 hour
• Weighs approximately 10 grams with the earbuds

Available colors include matte black Blah Blah Black, satin brown Coffee Talk and platinum Going Platinum. Available EARCANDY colors include red Frankly SCARLET, yellow ‘YELLO!, green Drop Me A LIME and purple LILAC You Mean It

[Check it out]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Jawbone PRIME Bluetooth headset

Dell enters the portable printer space with the introduction of the new Wasabi PZ310 ultra-mobile printer. Designed to work with Bluetooth enabled devices such as camera-phones, digital cameras, and mobile PCs, the Wasabi allows users to print high quality pictures anytime, and anywhere.

Another unique twist with the Dell Wasabi – there are no ink cartridges to install thanks to the use of ZINK Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging. The key to making this all work is the ZINK Paper which according to ZINK is “an advanced composite material with cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals embedded inside, and a protective polymer overcoat layer outside.” The crystals are colorless before printing (basically making it look like white paper) and then a ZINK enabled device like the Wasabi, activates the crystals to form all the colors of the rainbow. No cartridges to install means a smaller form factor for the printer and of course a total cost of ownership that centers on the price of the ZINK paper.

The Wasabi makes borderless 2 x 3 inch color image prints in less than a minute and connects with a variety of Bluetooth enabled devices such as the RIM BlackBerry Curve, LG Trax, and the Motorola RAZR V3. Here’s a quick rundown of other interesting specs:

• Measures 4.8 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches and weighs a mere 7 oz
• Sticky-back photo p aper
• User-friendly buttons and indicators
• Available in three colors – pink, black, and blue
• Bluetooth and PictBridge (via USB A connector) for physical connections
• One-touch reprint function for duplication of the last printed image

If you’re interested in getting the Wasabi, it’s available now at a promotional price of $99 dollars. The normal price is $149.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Dell Wasabi PZ310, Portable Printer, Bluetooth Printer

“What the hell…”

That was my first reaction when I saw a picture of these devices. For a second, I thought these were fancy looking mallets for air hockey tables or something. However, they are in fact the new mobiBlu UFO MP3 players.

No.. they do not fly, nor do they levitate (though Fox Mulder might like a pair of these for fun). They are in fact just portable MP3 players with built-in NXT flat panel speakers.

Measuring a mere 90 x 42 mm, the UFO MP3 player is available in storage sizes ranging from 512MB to 8GB. There’s a USB port allowing you to connect the player to your PC, a 3.5 mm audio jack for other devices, and built-in Bluetooth wireless for pairing with other devices. File format support include MP3, WMA, ASF, and OGG. Battery life is 6 hours in speaker mode and 15 hours in earphone mode.

mobiBlu also has a Bluetooth speaker only model of the UFO (without the built-in MP3 player).

[Check it out via DAPreview]

Technorati Tags: mobiBlu, UFO MP3 player, MP3 player

What we have here is a Bluetooth-enabled 7 inch digital photo frame designed by Andrée Putman for Parrot. This simple and elegant looking frame allows users to wirelessly transfer pictures from any Bluetooth enabled PC or mobile phone. If you don’t have a Bluetooth enabled PC or handset – no worries. You can transfer pictures to the frame using a USB connection or via an SD/MMC card. The 7 inch display has a resolution of 720 x 480 and supports up to 262K colors. Other specs include support for Bluetooth 2.0, a mini-USB port, and support for JPEG and GIF file formats. The frame measures 219 x 174 x 25 mm and weighs 695 grams.  You can purchase the frame for £250.

If Bluetooth connectivity isn’t enough for you, then you should check out the other Designer digital picture frame from Parrot – the Specchio “mirror” picture frame designed by Martin Szekely.

The Specchio features Wi-Fi connectivity in addition to Bluetooth 2.0 support. You can deliver digital images to the frame in a variety of ways. You can email pictures the frame. You can display whole Picasa or Flickr albums on the frame via Wi-Fi. You can transfer pictures from the PC/Mac via Wi-Fi. And of course, you can transfer pictures via Bluetooth from your mobile handset.

Ah yes, the Specchio frame also doubles as a handy mirror – just in case you want to look at yourself too. The 7 inch display has a resolution of 720 x 480 and supports up to 262K colos. There’s also a mini-USB port as well as an SD/MMC card slot. You can purchase the Specchio now for $499.99.

Technorati Tags: Parrot, Digital Picture Frames, Designer Collection, CES 2009

Designed by Philippe Starck, these are the new Parrot “Zikmu” wireless speakers as introduced at CES 2009. These speakers feature a built-in iPod/iPhone docking station, 360 degree NXT surround sound technology, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth wireless technologies.

Users can dock/charge their iPod/iPhone thanks to the built-in docking station on one of the Zikmu speakers, control the device with the included remote, and listen to music via the speakers.

Have music on your PC? No problem – users can stream music from a PC via Wi-Fi, or from a PC, Mac, mobile phone via Bluetooth Stereo. The speakers themselves communicate with one another via Bluetooth which gives you freedom in speaker placement.

Specs of the Zikmu include:

• Total power output of 100W RMS
• 3 channel Class D digital amplifier
• Frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz
• Compatible with MP3, WMA, LPCM
• Settings for volume, R/L balance, equalizer with presets
• RF remote control
• RCA line-in input for all analog sources
• 70W power supply per speaker
• 802.11 b/g with SES/WPS
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Supports A2DP, AVRCP
• Measures 320 x 290 mm on the bottom and 130 x 35 mm on top with a height of 750 mm with a weight of 3.5 kg
• NXT flat membrane speakers

Want the Zikmu? Be prepared to pay a pretty penny. Parrot will release the Zikmu wireless speakers this Spring for a price of $1500.

Here are official press images:

Technorati Tags: Parrot, Zikmu, Philippe Starck, Wireless Speakers, CES 2009

Above is the latest Nokia Bluetooth Headset – the new BH-904. The headset’s main claim to fame is an advanced background noise cancellation technology handled by two built-in microphones which can detect and separate speech from ambient background noise – ideal for when you’re using the headset in your car, in the public, or a crowded bar or restaurant, or wherever there’s a good deal of noise around you. Other key features include:

• Sliding boom for capturing the user’s voice and increasing the distance between the microphones
• Digital Signal Processing
• Answer calls easily with the sliding boom
• Multipoint connection capability – allows two active connections such as PC (VoIP) and a mobile device at the same time
• Single button volume and call management
• Ergonomic design with comfortable U-hook – works great for right or left ear
• Fast charging – up to 5 hours of talk time with only 15 minutes of charging

The unit measures 53 x 19.7 x 10.8mm and weighs a mere 18.2 grams. It has a talk time of 8 hours when fully charged and a standby time of 160 hours.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-904, CES 2009

Sony MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones:

• Updated version of MDR-NC6
• Improved style and noise reduction
• Noise reduction reduces approximately 87.4 percent of ambient noise
• ear-cups that swivel flat and a foldable headband for easy storage and travel
• Batteries in the housing
• 30mm driver – closed type design for dynamic sound
• Includes carrying pouch and in-flight adapter
• Available in black and white versions
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony SRS-M50 travel speakers:

• Compact light design
• Built-in battery compartment
• 39mm driver unit
• Available in black, pink, and white
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony RM-VL610 universal remote control:

• Three swappable back plates in bright or neutral colors. Bright colors are Crimson Red, Chantilly Pink and Sky Blue; the neutral plates include Pearl, Champagne and Kilimanjaro Brown
• Handles up to 8 AV compatible components
• On-screen menus for many devices and includes learning function
• One-touch system with 12 macro functions
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony MDR-EX36V EX style headphones:

• Features colorful metallic accents
• in-line volume control
• New hybrid silicone earbuds in three sizes
• Available in silver, red, blue and pink
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony DR-BT160AS Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones:

• Wireless behind-the-neck design
• Built-in microphone for hands-free conversations via mobile phone
• Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• A2DP Bluetooth Stereo support
• Adjustable earpiece shaft
• Water-resistant
• MSRP of around $130 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, MDR-NC7, SRS-M50, RM-VL610, MDR-EX36V, DR-BT160AS

Samsung WEP460 Bluetooth Headset:

• Compact design with detachable clear ear hook
• Mono headset
• Available in black finish
• 8 hour talk time
• 180 hour standby time

Samsung SBH700 Stereo Bluetooth Headset:

• Kernel type earpieces provide noise-blocking seal inside your ear canal
• Connects to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously
• Music fades out when an incoming call comes in. Music returns when call ends
• Foldable behind-the-neck headband
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 8 hour talk time
• 8 hour play time
• 140 hour standby time

Samsung HKT450 Bluetooth Speakerphone:

• Streams music from stereo Bluetooth enabled handsets
• Mutes music when phone call comes in and then returns music when call ends
• Switch from hands-free operation to privacy mode with the touch of a button – converts the device into a handset
• Easy detach visor clip for in-car usage
• Measures 140 x 60.3 x 15 mm and weighs 75.3 grams
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 8 hour talk/play time
• 325 hour standby time
• 3 hour charge time

Samsung HKT400 Bluetooth Speakerphone:

• Plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter jack for power
• Hands-free speakerphone for Bluetooth enabled mobile phones
• Noise reduction and echo cancelation technology
• Bluetooth 1.2 support
• Measures 140.2 x 60.3 x 26.4 mm and weighs 125 grams

Technorati Tags: Samsung, WEP460, SBH700, HKT400, HKT450, Bluetooth Headset, Bluetooth Speakerphone

Specifications:

• Lightweight aluminum case
• Enhanced audio quality with DSP
• Tricolour LED for status indication
• Fast charging with microUSB
• Desk top charger and neck strap included in sales package

The Nokia BH-804 is due out in the fourth quarter of this year.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia BH-804 Bluetooth Headset

If you’re a hardware manufacturer looking to build a low-cost Bluetooth enabled stereo wireless headset, then you might be interested in CSR’s newly announced BlueTunes ROM product. The company formally launched BlueTunes ROM today which they’re calling the “world’s first ROM-based Bluetooth solution for stereo headsets with an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP).”  The product provides users with the ability to easily switch between wireless music playback and voice calls and is ideal for usage in stereo headset and wireless speaker products.

Features of the BlueTunes ROM include the following:

• BlueCore5-Multimedia which provides an integrated stereo codec providing 95dB SNR
• Supports both SBC and MP3 decoding (though MP3 will require license)
• Configurable 5 band EQ
• Low-power consumption for up to 10 hours of music playback from a 180mAh battery
• Integrated FastStream – low latency high quality music and voice codec which reduces latency of the audio link to avoid “lip-sync” issues
• Proprietary Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology supporting single and dual microphone solutions
• Acoustic Echo Canceller for echo and background noise cancellation
• AuriStream Voice codec for superior voice quality when on call
• Compliant with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

The new BlueTunes ROM silicon and development kits are sampling now with shipping to begin in December.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: CSR, BlueTunes ROM platform

LaptopMag published a review of the small Bluetooth enabled Logitech diNovo Mini keyboard here on this website. I must be honest with you – I lusted after this keyboard when it was first announced but unfortunately by the time the keyboard shipped, my HTPC was no longer in the living room. However, if I were to ever have a home theater PC in the living room, you could be sure that I’d get this keyboard. Here’s what LaptopMag thought of the device:

At $149, the Logitech diNovo Mini may cost more than most are willing to pay for a wireless keyboard/mouse device, but if you have a PC set up as a media center, and are tired of looking at that bulky keyboard lying around your living room, it’s worth every penny.

Yeah.. start saving up your pennies for this keyboard. Oh yeah – this keyboard is also compatible with the Sony PlayStation 3 in case you need a keyboard for that system too.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Logitech, diNovo Mini, Keyboard

Here’s an unnamed Bluetooth capable portable speaker system that you’ll probably never see here in the U.S. I wasn’t going to post this one but I just love the cylindrical look of the speaker. According to NewLaunches, features include:

• Support for A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP profiles
• Bluetooth 2.0 spec
• Stereo mini input connector
• Two watts per channel output
• Frequency response of 20 Hz to 20kHZ
• Rechargeable Lithium battery
• AC adapter
• USB connector

If you do want it, you’ll need to get it in Japan for around 7980 Yen ($76 dollars)

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Bluetooth, Portable Speaker system,

Who doesn’t love a cuddly teddy bear right? What about a teddy bear with say… a holographic display and Bluetooth wireless support? Even better right? That’s exactly what Brazilian industrial designer Bruno Oro de Abreu is coming up with in the “Dilus” teddy bear. With the holographic display, the Dilus can be used to surf the web, play games, attend remote classes, and basically socialize with other owners of the Dilus.

The Dilus was designed to address kids hospitalized for long periods of time in the hopes of raising their spirits, help facilitate learning, and increase interaction with others.  The designer is currently working on the Dilus as a graduation project and hopes to have production units in kids hands by 2010.

[Check it out via Crave]

Technorati Tags: Bruno Oro de Abreu, Dilus, Teddy bear

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw this one. Alpih is running a $20 dollar off promotion for all of you who have been busted breaking the Hands Free Law (which was recently put into law here in California). All you need to do is purchase the new Jawbone handset on the Jawbone website and enter your ticket number (as well as what state you got the ticket in). Eligible states include Washington, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and California. Folks in Washington DC are also eligible for this offer. The new Jawbone has a retail price of $129 – with the discount, you’ll be paying $109 before taxes and shipping.

Oh yeah – please don’t go ahead and TRY and get busted now… you’ll end up paying more overall!

[Check it out via BoyGeniusReport]

Technorati Tags: Aliph, Jawbone, Discount, Hands-free ticket

Nokia announced today the new Wireless Loopset which is compatible with T-coil equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants. The Wireless Loopset is designed to help hearing aid users enjoy better audio quality and handsfree operations of their mobile and/or audio devices.

The Nokia Wireless Loopset features:

• Background noise filtering
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Vibrating alert
• user adjustable sidetone level
• Optimized volume range and frequency response
• Comfortable neckloop
• Single button for call handling

Another cool thing about the device – the design and development was inspired and developed by Nokia employees who are hard of hearing. What better way to design and develop a product than by those who can directly use such a product.

The Nokia Wireless Loopset will be coming out in the first quarter of 2009 for an estimated price of 200 EUR.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia Wireless Loopset