Hasta La Gadget!

One of the nicest midsize sedans you can drive is the Mazda6. It’s roomy and sporty, as you’d expect from the Zoom-Zoom company. The much-reworked 2010 Mazda6 has grown in size and poise. But if you want knockout cockpit technology, the Mazda6 may be a non-starter. The good stuff is only available on the more costly models. Nicely equipped, what started out as a $19,995 bargain with a peppy four-cylinder will be in the low thirties with a lower-mpg V6 if you want technology options. The iPod adapter is available only as a dealer add-on and the blind spot detection feature has a few quirks.

Turns out that leak we saw of the Jawbone Icon was for real after all, but it was only one of the six designs straight out of Aliph’s oven: (clockwise from top left) The Thinker, The Rogue, The Hero, The Ace, The Catch and — our favorite — The Bombshell. While these are the smallest and lightest Jawbones ever, Aliph has managed to cram in an allegedly improved NoiseAssassin and simultaneous dual-phone linkage, along with an onboard ‘AudioApp’ which vocally broadcasts battery level and caller ID. If you prefer a visual indication, the Icon also does a battery gauge on the iPhone — a first on a non-Apple Bluetooth headset — and apparently “Apple’s aware of this” so a firmware update shouldn’t kill this Palm Pre-style. We’re digging the MyTALK website — currently in beta — where you can pick and install other AudioApps and DialApps (for the multifunction button; e.g. voice dialing, free directory assistance and voice-to-SMS) onto the Icon, and both will be free except for some DialApps which require subscription. Oh, and there are seven earbud sizes plus an earloop to keep everyone happy too. When you’re done with picking, hit the Verizon stores for the initial launch today and pony up $99.99. Press release and video walkthrough of the MyTALK website after the break.

Continue reading Aliph Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset launched in six lush flavors (Update: video!)

Aliph Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset launched in six lush flavors (Update: video!) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We know the rule of thumb is to not trust everything on Craigslist, but when an unreleased refresh of the cool-looking Jawbone Bluetooth headset pops up for sale, it’d be wrong to ignore it. HTCPedia managed to get cozy with Mr. Blurrycam and got a few shots of the supposedly forthcoming Jawbone Icon, which appears to don the same skin pattern as the Jawbone Prime but in a form factor similar to the original Jawbone — quite an odd decision so we remain skeptical, but it’d be a welcoming addition for the market nevertheless. A couple of close-up shots after the break.

[Thanks, Brian!]

Continue reading Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset leaked on Craigslist?

Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset leaked on Craigslist? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Another day, another Bluetooth headset. Well, not exactly. This futuristic accessory rocks a capacitive volume control, meaning you can turn it up to 11 with just a swipe of your finger on its outside. If that hasn’t got you stoked, the Aura EQ has also collected a CES Innovation Award, which should reassure us that the built-in six-band equalizer and dual mics do the job they promise. Unfortunately, we can’t offer any corroboration or dispute to their claimed usefulness since no functional units were on hand. What we can say is that the earpiece that enters your ear canal is quite threatening looking and never really fit us very well — though there will be multiple adapters in the final package. Finally, there’s a cool audio enhancement feature, which collects sound from up to five feet in front of you and amplifies it should you need to focus in a noisy environment. The Spracht Aura EQ is coming out within the first half of the year when you’ll be able to grab one for $79.

Spracht Aura EQ hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford may have just unveiled a revamped Sync system at CES 2010, but its competitors aren’t sitting still–especially given the sudden push for “connected” vehicles.

One such competitor is Kia, which has officially launched its UVO mobile entertainment system. Automobile reports that UVO is based on an embedded version of Microsoft Windows–just like Ford Sync.

UVO can recognize two different operator voices, and also creates personal profiles for each person in order to develop shortcuts, even in several languages. Kia designed UVO to adapt over time via over-the-air updates, as new cell phones, MP3 players, and other devices hit the market with new technologies.

A 4.3-inch LCD lets users access music, phone books, vehicle information, and an optional backup camera. The first car to get UVO will be the 2011 Kia Sorento this summer.