Mobilityfeeds

Asus provides more details and price of the Padfone ahead of imminent release

Asus announced that the PadFone along with the PadFone Station will be ready to ship in April 2012.

The whole outfit is three devices in one:
The phone docks to a tablet which turns the phone into the tablet.
The tablet docks to a keyboard which turns the whole  caboodle into a netbook.  

A new accessory is a Bluetooth pen/stylus that can also be used as headset earphone and mouth piece.

Now that is a lot of transformer action!

Make your 'new iPad' a Hotspot in few easy steps

The capability for a smartphone or tablet to also double as a hot spot has quickly become an expected feature of every new device - the Apple's new iPad included.

Using your new iPad as a hot spot will allow you to share the iPad's data connection with up to five devices, including your iPhone or any other WiFi- or Bluetooth-equipped mobile gadget.

Check out after the break our easy step-by-step 'How-to' guide to make your new iPad a Hotspot.

Do some good for the planet, help iZen Bamboo keyboard for iPad become a reality!

There are tons of external keyboards for the Apple's iPad, but if you’re in the market for something particularly eye catching, well you’ll have to look no further than this Kickstarter project dubbed the iZen Bamboo Keyboard.

Essentially it looks like a regular Apple Bluetooth keyboard, but the main focus here we guess would be the fact that it is made of 92% bamboo and is apparently fully recyclable.

The iZen Bamboo Keyboard will pair with your iPad via Bluetooth connection, sports a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges via a USB 2.0 30-pin dock connector, much like the cable used to charge iOS devices.

The 'new iPad' is the first device to be truly Bluetooth 4.0 Smart Ready

 

Unless you've been living under a rock, no doubt you've heard all about Apple's new iPad.

It comes packed with plenty of welcome upgrades. 

Among these are a crisp Retina Display, a new A5X processor with quad-core graphics to drive all those pixels, and an optional 4G LTE connection for swift mobile data.

What slipped under the radar, though, was the iPad's Bluetooth 4.0 support.

In fact, the new iPad is the first tablet with Bluetooth 4.0, aka Bluetooth Smart Ready.

Not exactly impressed?
Well, we admit that Bluetooth tech has faded from people's minds as a hot mobile feature.
This new Bluetooth version, however, promises to bring a host of attractive features.

Sony unveils the SmartWatch to communicate, sync with Android devices

Sony plans later this year to launch a small device it is calling the SmartWatch, which links to Google's Android phones via Bluetooth and runs a suite of custom mini-apps.

The new device, which is approximately the shape and size of an Apple's iPod Nano, including the clip on the rear, is an apparent successor to the Sony Ericsson LiveView, which was first announced in 2010.
It will debut worldwide some time near the end of March, for US$149 (€116).

Representatives at Sony's booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) are wearing the device, which is synched with demo models of the company's two new Xperia smartphones that were announced yesterday.

Parrot unveils new versions of the Android-powered Asteroid in-car entertainment systems

We recently checked out the Parrot's new Asteroid in-car navigation systems.

These aren't the first of their kind from Parrot, but they're a huge upgrade:

The last version of the Asteroid was based on Google's Android 1.6, and this year's model runs Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

There are three different models of the Asteroid system.

Microsoft launches the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 for Windows, iOS and Android tablets

The lack of a physical keyboard on tablets is both inconvenient and can take a toll on our hands and wrists.

To alleviate these issues, Microsoft announced a new mobile wireless keyboard, the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000.

As the name suggests, this keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect with a mobile device instead of using a dongle or cable, which is a most welcome feature.

Philips Fidelio AS351 Android speaker dock review

Those of us with Google's Android phones are well used to not having many accessories designed specifically to work with our devices.
Speaker docks in particular.

Philips’ Fidelio line of speakers for Apple's iPhone, iPod and the iPad offered really great sound plus playback and clock/alarm capabilities in a compact form factor.
Long did we wish for a version that worked natively with any Android phone.

Two years after introducing the Fidelio line, Philips is finally courting the millions of Android owners in the market for a good speaker dock.

Maximize your tablet-time productivity with a Bluetooth keyboard

Tablets are an increasingly popular mobile-computing choice, but their touchscreen keyboards aren't necessarily conducive for typing out reports or the next great novel.

If you need to maximize your productivity on a tablet, you should add a physical keyboard.
Not only will a physical keyboard help you type faster, but it will also free up valuable screen real estate that the on-screen keyboard would otherwise use.

You can find many tablet-keyboard options, among them third-party offerings (we'll cover those in a separate roundup) and those from tablet makers. 

Earloomz Bluetooth Star Trek headset review

Three new Bluetooth headsets are available for Star Trek fans who like to wear their Trek fandom with pride.

The Star Trek headsets, from Earloomz, comes in three versions: Live Long and Prosper, U.S.S. Enterprise and Command Shield.
The headsets sell for US$59.99 (€44.45) each.

The headset tested by this reviewer was the blue Live Long and Prosper model, which we found to be the most attractive of the three, although fans of the U.S.S. Enterprise may beg to differ.Live Long and Prosper is blue, with a white starfield in the background, upon which there is a blue and black command shield.

Jabra launches the Supreme Bluetooth headset with Active Noise Cancellation

Jabra announced yesterday the launch of the Jabra Supreme, the first non-stereo headset to incorporate Active Noise Cancellation.  

In addition to Active Noise Cancellation that blocks out noisy environments for the user wearing the headset, the Jabra Supreme features Noise Blackout 3.0 and Wind-Noise Reduction technology, creating the ultimate experience on both ends of a call.

For years, headset-makers have focused on noise reduction technology that avoids the transmission of background noise.
Active Noise Cancellation, traditionally only available in high-end noise cancellation stereo headphones, is included in the Jabra Supreme and uses one dedicated microphone and an electronic chipset to generate an "anti-noise" sound, removing ambient noise heard by the person wearing the headset.
The end result is call quality that is much clearer.

Plantronics unveils the Marque M155 Bluetooth headset with unique 'Vocalyst' voice service

Now, already we are having enough smartphones in the current market to make our life easy.

What about the headphones, are they still dumb instead of being smart to work with those smartphones?

The answer is “No”, after the release of  Plantronics handsfree “M” series Bluetooth headsets.

The Marque  M155 headset released by Plantronics yesterday is capable of receiving our voice signal to answer a call, manage mails, tweet and share without even taking the phones off of our pocket:

• Just say “Answer” to take a call
• Get Google's Android and Apple's iPhone apps
• Stream tunes, podcasts and more

Plantronics launched the M20 Bluetooth headset with superior battery life and noise cancellation

Plantronics launches the M20 Bluetooth headset yesterday.

The Plantronics M20 Bluetooth headset offers extended battery life, whispered talk-time alerts, and noise reduction to make every call worry-free.

The Plantronics M20 Bluetooth headset is suited for new users looking for reliable sound and features that make hands-free calling as easy as possible.
The headset is designed for extensive talk and standby time so that users do not need to recharge the headset very often (talk time of up to 11 hours and standby time of up to 16 days).
Users can avoid recharging even longer by using the power switch between calls.

Jawbone launches the Icon HD Bluetooth headset with its 'NERD' dongle

Jawbone has announced the latest version of its well-reviewed Icon Bluetooth headset, the Icon HD.

The Icon HD features superior audio quality with supported services, and a new dongle for PCs and Macs that makes pairing with a computer quick and easy.

The design of the Icon HD hasn't changed much from its predecessors, as it still features a short, stubby, buttonless design.
It works without buttons because the Icon HD sports touch-sensitive and motion activated controls for volume, answer/receive, and pairing.

Samsung HM3700 dual mono/stereo A2DP Bluetooth headset review

Many mono Bluetooth headsets these days have A2DP functionality, meaning they can stream audio wirelessly.
However, mono headsets don't offer nearly the same listening experience as stereo headsets, especially for music.
You can get a stereo Bluetooth headset, of course, but mono headsets are more convenient for making calls in certain situations, in the car, for example.

Enter the mono-to-stereo convertible headset, such as the latest one from Samsung, the HM3700.

The HM3700 looks like an ordinary Bluetooth headset at first glance, but it comes with a pair of stereo earbuds that connects via the Micro-USB port on the top.
You can then wear the HM3700 like a pendant, or attach the optional clip so you can clip it to your shirt.

What sets the HM3700 apart from the other headsets is that it offers voice controls and it's compatible with FreeSync, an Android application that adds additional features like text-to-speech, caller ID, and alarms.
The Samsung HM3700 is US$59.99 (€42.67) retail.

Looxcie 2 - first wearable iCloud-ready camcorder / Bluetooth headset

Within just hours of Apple's Steve Jobs announcement of iCloud at WWDC in San Francisco, California, a new "iCloud-ready" gadget debuted.

The Looxcie 2, a wearable Bluetooth video headset, lets you share videos via iCloud, as well as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
You control it directly via a free Google's Android or iOS app, which also allows a choice between 320p or 480p video quality.

This follow-up to the first Looxcie cam weighs about 20% less than the original and looks to be about half the size of the original.

The first Looxcie was introduced last year and also seen at January's Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Mobile phone usage as a cause of brain cancer - looking into claims in detail

The debate about mobile phone safety was reignited yet again recently when a panel of the World Heath Organization (WHO) declared that it was “possible” the phones could cause cancer.

This is the first time a major health organization has suggested such a link, and it was promptly disputed by many scientists, who have been saying for years that there is scant evidence mobile phones cause cancer and that it is biologically implausible to think they could.

So what do we really know about mobile phones and health?
Here are some answers to common questions about the issue.

What is the source of the latest claim?

The panel, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, acts as an adviser to the World Health Organization, focusing on environmental and lifestyle factors that may contribute to cancer.

Since 1971 the agency’s “monographs” program has evaluated more than 900 such factors, assigning each of them to one of five classification groups.
It has found that 107 are carcinogenic to humans, including asbestos, estrogen and tobacco, and 59 are “probably carcinogenic,” including the human papillomavirus and night-shift work.

In addition, 266 agents — including certain industrial chemicals, coffee and now mobile phones — are “possibly” carcinogenic.

Biometric Associates launches the BlueArmor 100, first secure Bluetooth headset

Bluetooth headsets seem like a really good idea until you start thinking about the security implications:
Anyone savvy with Bluetooth technology that can get within range can theoretically eavesdrop on your conversations, initiate man-in-the-middle attacks to hijack your Bluetooth traffic, and maybe even pair with your devices without your knowledge to take control and snag your data.

Most consumers don’t need to be terribly concerned with these issues, but a handful of people are very concerned about them—and Biometric Associates is here to help with the BlueArmor 100 Secure Headset — all the Bluetooth you can handle with 128-bit voice encryption and patent-pending security technology.

And, so far, the BlueArmor 100 is the only Bluetooth headset to meet security requirements from the US Department of Defense.

BlueAnt Q1 Bluetooth headset review

Potentially establishing itself as the premier, sophisticated, and functional Bluetooth headset out there, the BlueAnt Q2 just might earn its way up to your ear as it features a medley of technology to keep it high on the totem pole.

Clearly sitting atop at their high-end offering, it's going to take a lot of outstanding performances in various aspects to keep the US$129.99 (€90.99) investment in owning this device a very meaningful one.

Regardless, being the successor to the late BlueAnt Q1, no more available, the Q2 aims to continue the stellar achievements and marks obtained by its predecessor and catapult itself to new realms.

Included with the packaging are 5 ear buds, an ear hook, carrying pouch, microUSB cable, AC adapter, and a quick start guide.

freeKEY wireless soft keyboard perfect for iPad and Android tablets

Even though tablet computers are flying off the shelves at quite a pace, less-than-satisfying onscreen keyboard input can lead many to seek a more comfortable alternative.

Scosche Industries has released a water-resistant, wireless solution which can be rolled-up so that, like the folding Bluetooth keyboard we've seen before, it can easily be taken along for a ride.

Compatible with Microsoft Windows, Google Android,  and Apple Mac OS X and iOS Operating platforms, the 315 x 113 x 11 mm freeKEY silicone keyboard has a wireless Bluetooth 2.0 range of up to 10 meters and once paired with a device, there should be no need to re-pair.