Anycom SCK-1 Solar Powered Hands Free Car Kit

I just got a tool that may be of great use to most folks. This is a little device that works as a bluetooth  hands free unit, but the interesting thing is that it self recharges, well; actiually it recharges with a little help from the sun. It comes with its own mini-solar panel and when you leave it in the sun, the device will charge itself. I got it from CompUSA for only $59.99.

When I saw it, I though it looked like a great idea for an in-car device. I installed it in a snap, it comes with a suction-cup plastic pocket (similar to the older devices that hold the toll transponder) (see third picture in this article). The windshield holder is made of clear plastic, but to avoid blocking the sunlight, it has a cutout large enough to let sunlight into the solar panel.

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Smart Move Bluetooth Headset Makers! Smooth…

If you live in one of the states that recently passed a law where you could no longer talk on your phone while driving unless you are hands free, the smart thing to do is just obey the law. Right? Well, if you aren’t going to do the “smart thing”, you can grab a discount after you are caught and decide maybe you should do the “smart thing”. A couple headset makers are offering discounts to those of you that don’t do the “smart thing”.

Here are some deals you can take advantage of if you have a ticket for this…

• You can grab a Jawbone headset for $20 off if you get a ticket.
• Headsets.com has 734 Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth headset units to spare for the first applicants who have been busted for talking while driving without using a car kit or handset.
• Jawbone is running the similar promotion, offering $20 discount to those that broke the law.

These companies are really creative to think about taking advantage of the unfortunate by luring them in with a discount. They are already going to reap huge rewards with those laws being passed anyhow.

Source: IntoMobile

BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset Review

Let me cut to the chase:  This is the best headset I ever used.  If you want to read on to see why, feel free, or you can stop now and just buy one.

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The New Aliph Jawbone: Bluetooth Headset

The Original Jawbone 1                                            The New Jawbone

Aliph’s first generation Jawbone Bluetooth headset generated tons of interest when it came out three years ago.  It was so unique looking that people took notice.  It featured a futuristic, stealth-like design with a curve that followed one’s cheekbone.  It was attractive in a borg-like way.  You would expect those wearing them to have a battery compartment on their backs. 

It also featured noise canceling technology approved by DARPA, which resulted in excellent audio quality. 

The buttons were hidden within the design and some found them hard to press.  It had no volume rocker so one had to cycle through the five volume settings.

Aliph just announced the New Jawbone, which is slimmer, lighter, and more fashionable.  In fact, the designer of the Jawbone, Yves Behar, said,

“The Jawbone strategy we set-out to follow three years ago has proven that products that live on our face need to be designed differently than typical technology wares; we regard them as personal accessories or even jewelry, and, as such, believe they need to be a complete departure from the gadgetry of the mobile and headset industry.”

The new Jawbone is 50% smaller, features best in class noise elimination technology, “invisible buttons”, Touch-surface technology and a clutter free look, according to Jawbone.

So how did it fare in the real world?

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Put a Dragon in your wagon

The Callpod Dragon Bluetooth wireless headset is a truly unique device, but then so are most of the peripherals produced by this company. Yes, the Dragon could be considered just another headset, but it’s so much more, and that’s what makes it unique. Before I get into its other attributes, let me tell you about its headset functions.

One of the first things I test with any Bluetooth device is its ease of connectivity. The Dragon was no problem and connected instantly. That got things off to a good start.

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Review: Tritton AX Micro BT Headset

Reviewer: Andy Mason, aka Warthog
Product: Tritton Bluetooth Headset TRI-BH200, AX Micro
Manufacturer: Tritton Technologies, Inc.
Price: MSRP $59.99 (some online retailers offer significant discount)

Bluetooth headsets have been available for a number of years now. However, several states have enacted laws that make hands-free headsets less of an optional ornament and more of a necessary accessory. Tritton Technologies Inc. is known mostly for their USB devices, but they are venturing into the headset market with the AX Micro.

“The TRITTON AX Micro breaks the mold of traditional Bluetooth headsets by providing innovative features in a discrete stylish design. The AX Micro incorporates a new design with flexible finger grips that rest on the in-curve rim of the ear. This headset offers great stability and comfort whether used in an active or corporate environment.”

What’s in the Box?

My AX Micro arrived in a fairly plain black box that displays the headset through a clear, plastic window. Also included in the box are one small and one large sized rubber ear grippers, a lanyard and clip, an AC/DC adapter, and a charging cradle that can be powered by AC/DC or a mini USB.

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Callpod Dragon Bluetooth Headset Review

In 2005 the City of Chicago banned cellphone use while driving.  The fines are between $75 and $200.  Bluetooth sales have skyrocketed in the Windy City since then. 

Most Bluetooth devices are categorized as Class 2, meaning they have a range of about 10 meters, or 30 feet.  This is perfect for automobile use, but if you use your phone in a home or office, 30 feet may not be enough distance.  Callpod’s Dragon is a Class 1 bluetooth device and has a range of up to 100 meters, or 328 feet.  In addition, it contains dual microphone noise suppression, the ability to simultaneously connect to a phone and computer, up to 8 hours call time, and a walkie talkie feature that will work with other Dragons.

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Jawbone 2 Review On the Way!

As Jack Cook stated in his Aliph Jawbone announcement last week, the new Jawbone bluetooth headset is indeed smaller than the original and even better looking.  It is extremely light and good sounding.  I’ll post a full review shortly.

Tritton’s AX Micro BT Headset Preview

While I was out of town last week the good folks at Tritton Technoligies sent me a review sample of their AX Micro Bluetooth Headset with charging cradle. 

The TRITTON AX Micro breaks the mold of traditional Bluetooth headsets by providing innovative features in a discreet stylish design.  The AX Micro incorporates a new design with flexible finger grips that rest on the in-curve rim of the ear.  This headset offers great stability and comfort whether used in an active or corporate environment.

   

Included in the package:

1) TRITTON AX Micro BT headset

2) “Flexible finger ear grips” (2 sizes included)

3) A/C charging cradle

4) neck lanyard with cradle to hold the earpiece when not in use.

 

I’ll be putting this headset through its paces in the next week or so and provide a more thorough review then.  Stay tuned . . .

Digital Noise Canceling Headphones from Sony

Sony has a new headset out that might make your music enjoyment a lot better.  These headphones are touted as being the world’s first digital noise canceling headphones for the traveler from Sony.

The MDR-NC500D are the first ever headphones to use digital technology with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve noise cancellation performance while ensuring optimum audio quality. A powerful processor inside the MDR-NC500D automatically adapts the cancellation profile to suit the characteristics of ambient noise.

They are BIG in size but they are also BIG in sound reproduction.  Rated for 15 hours operation between charges with the supplied lithium ion battery, the MDR-NC500D shuts out distracting noise for the longest continental flight or train journey and a terrific feature just in case you run out of power on an overseas flight, it can also operate using disposable AA cells.

If you are looking to go that step beyond for your listening pleasure, check them out here at Sony

Tax Time Toys

I saw a great article at Computerworld called Top 10 tech toys to blow your tax refund on, and it inspired me to write this article.  According to USAToday.com, the average tax refund in 2005 was $2436.  Expect that to grow 8-10% for this year’s refund.  In my fantasy world I get to actually spend that money on gadgets.  What should I buy? 

When I was young we didn’t have computers or internet.  We shopped from catalogs.  I remember the Service Merchandise catalog very well.  I yearned for high end stereo equipment and would read that same catalog every morning with breakfast.  I used to leave the pages open (bookmarked - yes that’s where that word came from) to the items I desperately wanted, and hoped my parents would notice and surprise me.  I’m still waiting.  But gone are the days of 4 head cassette decks, turntables and $1000 cd players.  Catalog houses are falling to the wayside, and internet shopping has grown outrageously.  I have put together a list of the top 10 gadgets I salivate for.  In no particular order, here they are.

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Sony’s new headphones range takes design and performance to the next level

Sony draws on more than 60 years of audio innovation to create its most technically advanced, audaciously styled headphones line-up yet. Appealing to audio purists who demand ultimate performance from a compact in-ear design, the MDR-EX700LP fuses advanced materials and innovative design for ultimate sound quality when you’re on the move.

For music lovers who rate looks as highly as audio quality, the new MDR-AS Active Series is designed to keep up with today’s urban lifestyles without breaking into a sweat. A radical departure from conventional headphone designs, the PFR-V1 is a wearable speaker system that recreates the ‘open’ soundstage of a concert hall.

MDR-EX700LP In-ear Headphones

• 16mm driver unit: largest of any in-ear headphone design
• Innovative vertical driver orientation
• Newly developed multi-layer diaphragm for greater stiffness and to eliminate distortion
• Comfort fit design supplied with seven sizes of hybrid silicone earbuds

MDR-EX700LP

 

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Bluetooth Stereo headphones… only 10 quid!

Last year I thought i’d got a fantastic bargain… A pair of Jabra 320S bluetooth stereo headphones for £20.

 

This year you can go £10 better and get a pair of A2DP stereo earbuds (which you can plug your own headphones into) for only £10 including delivery.

Bluetooth compliance: Bluetooth 1.2 supporting A2DP and AVRCP profiles, headset (HSP) and hands-free (HFP) profiles Supported Bluetooth profiles: Handsfree (default) and Headset Bluetooth profiles.

 

• Supported special features: Pair with up to 8 devices, Answer calls, End calls, Reject calls, Voice dialing, Last number redialing, Call waiting, Place call on hold and Mute.
• Standard 3.5 mm plug to connect with your favourite headphones
• Phone and Music remote control in one clothing clip
• 2 different wearing styles: integrated clothing clip and lanyard carrying strap

Operating range: Up to 10 metres (30 feet)

• Talk time/music streaming: Up to 6h (subject to phone)
• Stand-by time: Up to 160h
• Charging time: Approximately 2 hour

For full details pop over to the Orange website

http://www.orangeaccessories.co.uk/bt320_stereo_bluetooth_headset.html

Micro CMoy Headphone Amp Review

A few days ago I asked how this mystery item could improve the sound of your mp3 players and headphones.  I will now reveal the mystery.

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AirDrives Interactive Earphones for iPhone Now Available

AirDrives Latest Technology Allows Apple iPhone Users to Easily Switch Between Phone and Music Feature Just in Time for New Cell Phone Law

Mad Catz Interactive, a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider, and the creators of AirDrives Interactive Earphones, announced today that the company has begun shipping its next generation of AirDrives designed specifically for use with the Apple iPhone.

Like the original AirDrives earphones, the new iPhone model features an outer-ear design powered by InAir Technology, a breakthrough personal audio technology that enables users to hear what’s going on around them. The iPhone compatible AirDrives earphones include a microphone and one-touch music-to-phone capability that together enriches the listening experience while optimizing convenience and communication for iPhone users. AirDrives for iPhone is also compatible with Blackberry’s new Pearl and Curve cell phones.

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