Parrot frame, vehicle kits

Portable electronics maker Parrot has begun shipping the DF7700, an unorthodox new photo frame. While nominally a standard seven-inch digital display, it ships with its own SIM card, complete with a dedicated phone number. This allows any cellphone owner, including friends and family, to upload to the frame from wherever they are, so long as they have been given the proper number. Over 500 images can be stored on the frame, and alternate upload methods include a USB port and an SD slot. At the moment however, the DF7700 is only being sold through a French wireless carrier.

Two gadgets confirmed to be coming to the US are the RK8200 and SK4000, both Bluetooth-enabled vehicle kits. The 8200 is a car stereo system, whose Bluetooth receiver enables not only hands-free phone calls, but storage of up to 8,000 contacts, and audio streaming from A2DP-ready devices. The stereo also has dedicated iPod, USB and analog stereo connectors, and can hold music of its own through SD cards, or else internal memory that has space for over 300 MP3s. Sound is boosted by a 4x45W amplifier. The 8200 should ship to Europe and the US in the second quarter of 2008.

The SK4000 is a music kit for motorcycles, letting riders listen to phone calls, Bluetooth music, FM radio or various analog sources. While the kit itself is meant to fit into a bike helmet, it is controlled through a remote which clips onto the handlebar and lets users switch sources, answer calls, and change tracks/stations. The kit handles up to 10 hours of talk time, and adjusts volume automatically based on ambient noise. The 4000 should ship to Europe and the US in the second quarter of 2008, at a price of $190.

by MacNN Staff