Apple on Wednesday released a Bluetooth firmware update designed for users running Windows via Boot Camp. The download is said to improve the wireless performance with Vista and XP on the latest 21.5- and 27-inch iMacs released earlier this month, although specific details have not been provided.
Ecamm Network has launched a new accessory to go with its BT-1 Wireless Webcam, the BTX Bluetooth Range Extender. The device is claimed to improve the Mac’s Bluetooth signal, extending BT-1's range by up to 100 feet. The BTX extender also enables Bluetooth connectivity on systems lacking integrated components. Users can attach and power the BTX accessory simply by plugging it into an open USB port.
Apple has posted a minor Bluetooth firmware update for Macs, bringing support up to v2.0.1. The patch is described as implementing bugfixes, as well as "better compatibility" with the Wireless Mighty Mouse and Wireless Keyboard. A 1.78MB download, the update requires Mac OS X 10.5.7 and a Mac using a Broadcom Bluetooth chipset.
Ecamm has released a Bluetooth-based webcam, the BT-1. The webcam, the first-to-market with Bluetooth technology according to company, provides standard 640x480 H.264 video resolution and 48KHz AAC audio. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that provides four hour performance between charges and its wireless range is 30 feet -- an extender is promised soon that would boost the range to 200 feet. The webcam works with applications like iChat, Skype, QuickTime Pro Player and Broadcaster, YouTube and Photo Booth.
Following the iPhone 3.0 firmware release, Apple on Wednesday also updated Safari and Bluetooth firmware for Mac systems. The Safari update is designed to correct compatibility issues between Safari 4.0 and a number of features in iPhoto '09, such as Places and publishing to Facebook.
Today's featured deal from DealNN is on the 2.8GHz 24-inch iMac from MacMall.com. It has been reduced from $1799 to $1199, and until June 30th 2009 a mail in rebate offer drops the price again to $1124. This iMac has a 2.8GHz processor with 2GB of RAM and a 320GB hard drive as well as Bluetooth, iSight webcam, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
Today's featured DealNN deal is on the Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth keyboard, Mac edition. It is priced at $99 at PCconnection.com, which is about $60 less than the MSRP and it includes FREE shipping. The Logitech diNovo Edge Bluetooth wireless keyboard is cut from a single piece of Plexiglass and set in a brushed aluminum frame, it is rechargeable, and will last for up to one day one a five minute charge.
YUBZ has released a new entry in its line of Bluetooth cellphone headsets, the CLIPO. The device features a separate earpiece with a retractable cord; this allows the main portion of the CLIPO to be attached to a person's shirt or jacket. The earpiece also fits directly inside the ear, in order to cancel out background noise.
Phoenix Technologies on Wednesday announced users can now download its Phoenix Freeze security solution for notebooks and netbooks, which uses Bluetooth technology to gauge the proximity of a user to a portable computer. Freeze pairs a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone with the notebook and locks the computer when the phone reaches a certain distance to prevent anyone else from accessing its files. When users come back into a pre-set range, the notebook will unlock again.
Today's deal of the day from DealNN is on the Nokia Bluetooth headset. It is regularly priced at $69.99 but, for today only, has been reduced to $19.99 with FREE shipping. Get up to 6.5 hours of talk time or up to 150 hours of standby time from the rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery.
Plantronics has launched the Voyager Pro, its newest noise-cancellation Bluetooth headset. The device was first shown through a teaser web page from the company, where they displayed close-cropped high-resolution photos, but failed to provide information about the headset. Voyager Pro features two 3mm noise–cancelling microphones, acoustic echo cancellation technology, and comes with Sidetone detection for noise conditions to help users hear more of the voices and less background noise. The headset provides up to 6 hours of talk time or a maximum of 120 hours standby time.
Apple continues to seed developer versions of Mac OS X 10.5.7, in spite of recent signs that the update may be nearing completion. A new build, 9J56, is now available and said to fix problems with Bluetooth compatibility and stability. A number of Mac users have complained about inconsistent Bluetooth connections, on systems such as the new Mac mini; the problem may, however, extend as far back as the original MacBook.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group on Tuesday confirmed its third-generation Bluetooth specification. Officially labeled Bluetooth 3.0 + HS (High Speed), the standard takes advantage of the presence of Wi-Fi on many Bluetooth-equipped devices to offload high-demand transfers to Wi-Fi. The speed theoretically boosts transfers up to 24Mbps on a typical 802.11g link and saves power versus using Bluetooth alone. The SIG anticipates the format being used to beam HD video from a camcorder or send large files from cellphones.
Featured deals at DealNN today include hard drives, iMacs, Bluetooth headsets and more. Apple's online store has the refurbished 20-inch iMac for $999, a $200 price drop from their previous price. The iMac has 2GB of memory, 320GB hard drive, AirPort extreme wireless, Bluetooth, iSight, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
The Bluetooth SIG today provided early details of the Bluetooth 3.0 spec ahead of a full formal launch. The new format should provide a jump in bandwidth that gives it speed roughly equivalent to common Wi-Fi, or several times the 3Mbps speed of Bluetooth 2.0. Transfers will be quick enough to let songs arrive "within seconds," according to the group. It will also serve as a unique way of establishing one-on-one Wi-Fi connnections: a hand-off mode will use Bluetooth to auto-discover other nearby devices and switch to a direct Wi-Fi link as long as both devices have Wi-Fi as an option.
Bluetooth headset maker Plantronics has put up a teaser web page that features close-cropped, high-resolution photos of an unannounced Bluetooth headset from the company. There is purposely no specific information on the device, but Plantronics did include some details as to its manufacturing process. The site is apparently updated with new photos roughly two times per week. A release date for the headset is likewise unknown, and neither is its price, but judging from the attention to detail visible in the photos, it will likely be a premium offering.
BlueAnt at CTIA introduced its latest Bluetooth speakerphone accessory, the S1. The visor-mount device offers many of the same features of the Supertooth 3, but without text-to-speech functionality. The company added support for A2DP which enables music to be streamed from compatible handsets. Users can answer calls with their voice, or use voice dialing with certain phones.
BlueAnt Wireless has announced its newest Bluetooth headset, the voice controlled BlueAnt Q1. Previously introduced at CES in January, the device offers dual microphones for noise reduction, and contains multipoint support to connect two mobile phones at the same time. Containing some features found in the company’s V1 headset, users can control the Q1 with their voice using the BlueGenie Natural Voice Interface. This enables them to make commands such as volume adjustment simply by saying “volume up” or “volume down.”
The ultrawideband (UWB) trade organization, WiMedia Alliance, has announced that it will cease operations. The group will transfer its specification ownership and technology to the USB Implementers Forum (IF), Wireless USB Promoter Group and Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) for further development. The recipients can now continue progress and apply for standardization and certification.
Today's featured deal at DealNN is on the refurbished 20-inch iMac from Apple's online store. This Mac models is usually priced at $1099, but it has been reduced to $799. It has a 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of memory and a 250GB hard drive. Built-in featuers include AirPort extreme wireless, Bluetooth, iSight webcam, microphone and 8x SuperDrive.
Yamaha on Monday announced the availability of four new home theater systems, including the flagship 7.1-channel YHT-791BL. It includes a 90W-per-channel HTR-6250BL receiver. The receiver has four 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, HD Audio internal decoding and Bluetooth compatibility. There is also a pair of front speakers with 6.5-inch woofers and 0.75-inch tweeters, a center channel with two 3-inch woofers and 0.75-inch tweeter as well as four satellite surround speakers, each packing a 3-inch driver and 0.5-inch tweeter. A 100W, 10-inch subwoofer provides the low bass, and the company's iPod dock, the YDS-11SL, is included with the $850 system.
Wireless provider Sprint is due to get a mid-level QWERTY handset known as the Sanyo SCP-2700 sometime in the future, according to a post from an anonymous SprintUsers forum member. Little is known about the handset, other than that it will reportedly sport built-in Bluetooth functionality, an integrated GPS sensor and a 1.3-megapixel camera.
Today at DealNN there is a wide selection of electronics from GPS units to Bluetooth headsets at discounted prices. Most notable today is the refurbished Navigon 2100 GPS navigator from eCost.com. This GPS unit is priced at $59 and features a 3.5-inch color touchscreen display with pre-loaded coast-to-coast maps of the lower 48 states in both 2D and 3D modes.
England's Bluetooth chip group CSR on Tuesday announced it is buying California-based GPS chip specialistSiRF for $136 million. The deal is expected to complete in the second quarter, after approval by SiRF and CSR shareholders as well as government approval. The buy-out sum represents a 91-percent premium on SiRF's shares after Monday's markets closed.
BlueAnt at CES introduced its newest Bluetooth headset, the Q1, or what it calls a mix between the existing Z9 and V1. This means users get dual microphones for noise reduction, and the company claims it can cancel out direct 10mph winds. Like the V1, users can control the headset with their voice using the BlueGenie Natural Voice Interface, capable of adjusting volume up and down just by saying "volume up" or "volume down."
First-time CES exhibitor Victorinox Swiss Army has debuted its latest gadget, the Presentation Pro, featuring up to 32GB of storage that is protected by 256-bit hardware encryption and an integrated fingerprint scanner for authentication. The gadget also offers Bluetooth connectivity and two buttons for navigating slide-shows, along with a laser pointer for highlighting specific areas. The company also includes several of its standard tools including a knife, nail file, screwdriver, scissors and a key ring.
Kensington on Tuesday announced a range of new products, including a hands-free car kit for use with Bluetooth cellphones, its SlimBlade TrackBall mouse and a pair of two space- and energy-efficient notebook chargers. The Bluetooth speaker clips onto vehicle's sun visors and can pair up with three different cellphones and holds three frequently-called phone numbers for each handset. Swapping between the three handsets or dialing any of the pre-programmed numbers is done via pressing a single button. Kensington has integrated noise-cancelling technology for the device that makes calls loud and clear. Two battery packs are included, providing users with 10 hours of talk time.
Altec Lansing recently introduced its BackBeat 903/6 Bluetooth headset at the currently ongoing Macworld Expo and will also display them at the CES show later this week. The headset, developed with cooperation from Bluetooth earpiece maker Plantronics, stays in place thanks to the use of both ear canal-sealing ear buds and ear hooks. Plantronics' dual-mic AudioIQ technology is incorporated into the headset to increase call quality and raise call volume depending on ambient noise levels.
Ecamm Network has announced the BT-1, a Bluetooth webcam for Mac. The device offers streaming H.264 video at 640 by 480 pixel resolution and 48kHz AAC stereo audio. An included flexible mini-tripod allows users to mount or position the camera for a variety of applications. The internal battery is claimed to offer roughly four hours of usage and the package comes with a USB charging cable. The BT-1 is said to work with applications such as iChat and Skype.
Bluetooth headset maker Jabra on Tuesday announced the launch of a pair of multi-use headsets with the M5390 USB and BT530 USB. Either can pair up with up to eight devices including cell phones and Internet-connected PCs for VoIP or soft-phone use. Additionally, both can pair up to two devices simultaneously, allowing users to answer the device that is ringing. Users can answer either their cellphone or a PC-based VoIP call thanks to the included USB dongle.
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group has announced it will introduce two new Bluetooth standards, called 10x and 100x, by the middle of 2009, according to a Thursday report. The former, 10x, will work together with WLAN for faster data transfer rates, while Bluetooth 100x will have use USB-like speeds, although without wires. Currently, Bluetooth 2.0 is capable of a maximum of 3Mbps. The new 10x standard should increase that cap to 30Mbps, while the 100x, as the name implies, up to at least 300Mbps.
Motorola announced on Tuesday it will soon add the MOTOROKR EM35 handset to its range, which will have an emphasis on superior audio performance during phone calls through Motorola's now-established CrystalTalk noise reduction technology. Otherwise, the quad-band GSM slider phone sports a 2.2-inch, 240x320 resolution display and a full complement of music controls, including a scroll wheel. The handset has a built-in FM tuner, which can be listened to over the integrated dual speakers or wired 3.5mm or Bluetooth headsets or headphones.
At a press conference recently held in France, Taiwanese computer maker MSI introduced new versions of its Wind netbook, the MSI Wind U115, U110 and U120H. The U120H will ship with a 3G data network module from Ericsson that will enable it to access the high-speed network with a SIM card. Other specs of the new netbook include an Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM and a 160GB hard disk with Windows XP on it. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules will also be accounted for, with the computer powered by a six-cell battery. MSI recently announced a stock U120 with similar specs and the availability of a Wi-Fi module.
Deals at DealNN today include a variety of iPod accessories and storage solutions. The lowest priced deal for today is on a three pack of Init metal covers for the current generation iPod shuffle, priced at $2.99 at BestBuy.com. Next up is the Logitech FreePulse Bluetooth wireless headphones for $29 at MacMall.com. The Griffin Journi portable iPod speaker system is priced at $56 at OnSale.com. Buy.com is offering the Western Digital My Book Essential 750GB external hard drive for $99.99. The OCZ ATV 16GB flash drive is priced at $9 after a mail in rebate offer from eCost.com.
Marantz Japan on Friday has introduced a new wireless dock for the iPod and iPod Touch personal audio and multimedia players. The system is composed of a receiver and multiple docks that will also charge the Apple devices and supports Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR A2DP and Bluetooth AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile). The system will allow users to play the content of their iPods via their home theater systems and control them via their home theater remote.
Taiwan's dmedia System has recently showcased its G400 WiMAX mobile Internet device (MID). The G400 is to include a 3.8- or 4.3-inch, 800x480-pixel touchscreen via which users will be able to access the Internet and many applications it makes possible, including VoIP, streaming video and video conferencing, as well as NextWave's MXtv mobile broadcast service. Apart from access to the high-speed WiMAX mobile broadband network, the G400 also promises to bring with it Bluetooth support, a built-in GPS sensor and HSPDA/WCDMA data network access.
Callpod has introduced the Drone, a plug-and-play USB to Bluetooth 2.0 adapter. The Class 1 output is claimed to offer a range of up to 100-meters. If a user is listening to music when a VoIP call comes in, Drone will automatically switch to voice communication. The device supports A2DP and AVRCP profiles, allowing music from a variety of audio sources such as CDs, iTunes, or Windows Media Player, to be streamed in stereo and controlled remotely.
Samsung on Tuesday announced the upcoming release of four new Bluetooth accessories. The first of the new devices, the WEP460 mono headset, is a basic wireless device that provides up to eight hours of talk time. Available in a black finish, the WEP640 sports a clear ear hook that is detachable. The next device up, the Samsung SBH700, is a stereo Bluetooth headset that doubles as a pair of music headphones thanks to a foldable, behind-the-neck design. The SBH700 has noise reduction technology for clear sound delivery.
Xtreme Technology has unveiled its XLink BT and XLink BTTN devices that serve as a Bluetooth gateway for integrating mobile phones into the landline system. The devices work by routing cell calls through regular telephones located throughout a home. Up to three mobile phones can be connected, and each plays a unique ring on all home phones to identify which mobile line the call is coming from. Users can also choose which line to use when dialing outgoing calls.
iKey has unveiled its latest rugged keyboard, the BT-87-TP, which offers wireless connection using Bluetooth. The keyboard is fully sealed and meets NEMA 4X specifications that require resistance from water, dirt, dust, ice, and corrosives. Designed for industrial use, the silicone covering allows the device to be submerged and disinfected. A touchpad has been integrated into the ABS polycarbonate case to offer an alternative to a standard mouse.
22Moo has released an A2DP Bluetooth dongle for the iPhone and iPod, the BD-906. The device connects to the 30-pin dock connector, and transmits a wireless stereo audio signal to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. AVRCP protocol is supported, which allows remote control of playback functions, along with independent volume controls on the front of the dongle. Users can still charge their device with a USB power passthrough.
A new Navigon portable GPS system is expected to come to market in the next few weeks, as it has been spotted undergoing testing at the FCC on Wednesday. The new unit, to be dubbed the Navigon 5100 max, is expected to include Bluetooth connectivity, a 4.3-inch screen and text-to-speech capability. A lifetime traffic update service is also to be part of the feature-set, along with Zagat ratings for restaurants stored in the point-of-interest database.
Nokia on Thursday introduced a range of headphones, including the wire-free Bluetooth BH-504 set alongside the wired WH-500, WH-202 and WH-800 sets. The BH-504 set doubles as a headset and features echo cancellation and noise reduction technology built in for clearer conversations. The headphones sport dedicated music controls including a volume adjustment. The folding headphones are battery-powered and rated at 7.5 hours of playback time, 9 hours of talk time and can stand by for 90 hours.
Sony Ericsson on Wednesday announced it will supplement its men’s line of MBW-150 Bluetooth watches with a women’s line called the MBW-200. Made in conjunction with watchmaker Fossil, the timepieces use Bluetooth to connect with compatible handsets and display caller ID and vibrate when the phone is ringing or a text message is received. Users can then mute or reject the call via the watch. Either of the three distinctly styled timepieces will also act as a remote control for the music playing from the handset.
Sony Ericsson in England on Tuesday unveiled its newest cellphone accessory, the Bluetooth HCB-108 car speaker. The portable speaker comes with a clip that lets users put it on the sunvisors of their vehicles and connect with Bluetooth-enabled phones to deliver hands-free conversations. Sony Ericsson claims the HCB-108’s battery life, at 25 hours of life, is the longest among competitors, allowing it to be used for long periods of time between home, office and car.
Sennheiser on Tuesday announced the unveiling of its newest Bluetooth headset, the VMX Office, meant for workers. The folding headset has one button for volume control, answering and ending calls and switching between connected devices. Users have the option of connecting to landlines thanks to an included base station or wirelessly to any Bluetooth profile 1.0- through 2.0-compatible device.
Earlier this week, Motorola's UK arm announced it would soon release the jewel-like styled MOTOJEWEL handset. The music phone will feture touch-sensitive keys on its outside control panel, which also displays basic phone information and animated screen savers. The specs are nothing to write home about, as the phone is largely meant to be a fashion accessory. Motorola even includes a small clutch purse with it meant to house the phone and a couple of accessories, ID and or credit cards. Stereo Bluetooth support allows wireless headsets to be used with the phone, and a 2.0-megapixel camera is built-in.
Bluetooth device maker BlueAnt Wireless on Tuesday announced it has launched the previously announced V1 Headset, which, the company claims, is the first Bluetooth 2.1+EDR headset with voice recognition, allowing for totally hands-free operation. The headset's BlueGenie Voice Interface software is embedded in the headset and therefore independent of the connected cellphone or other Bluetooth-enabled device. The V1 can pair up with and remember up to eight Bluetooth devices.
Headset manufacturer Jabra has scheduled another Bluetooth device, the BT530, to be released in September. Weighing only .35 ounces, the headset is claimed to be one of the smallest available, and capable of pairing multiple desk and cellular phones at the same time. The ear hook can be removed, and Jabra includes eight different sizes of "Eargel" to customize for a user's particular ear shape.
DealNN deals for today include the 5th generation refurbished 30GB iPod video for $149 from Buy.com and the MoGo Bluetooth USB adapter for $10. TechOnWeb is offering the Mac compatible Kingston 2GB DDR2 SDRAM memory module for $54.99. Parallels Desktop 3.0 is only $66 at SoftByWeb.com and the HP Photosmart all-in-one printer is available at HP.com for $70.
