Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen no official word from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, but phonescoop has it that the Bluetooth 3.0 specification is just about ready for prime time. Reportedly, the spec will feature “dramatically increased speeds, allowing for the transfer of large video files, music collections and photo libraries wirelessly within seconds.” BT 3.0 should also include a newfangled ability called Enhanced Power Control (EPC), which will supposedly “reduce the occurrence of disconnects that can be caused by actions such as putting a phone in a pocket, backpack, briefcase or purse.” We’re told to expect a whole boatload of details, along with a list of chip makers already lined up to provide support, on April 21st.

Update: It’s official — April 21st is a go. Head past the break for the official verbiage.

Continue reading Bluetooth 3.0 specification to debut on April 21st

Filed under: Wireless

Bluetooth 3.0 specification to debut on April 21st originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We didn’t think much of Motorola’s MCU3E (MCUBE) wireless transcoder when it was launched as a prototype late last year, but obviously Moto’s got dreams of seeing this in homes around the world. Showcased at this year’s Cable Show, the rechristened Media Mover is a USB-powered device that not only transcodes media on your DVR, but also broadcasts said media (transfer or streaming) locally or remotely via WiFi or Bluetooth. Dave Zatz reported that the quality was actually pretty stellar, and while the company wasn’t exactly forthcoming when it came to hardware specifics and availability, we don’t suspect it’ll be too long before the company comes right out with those very details. Check the read link for a few more hands-on shots.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Video

Motorola showcases USB-powered Media Mover originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Look out! You’ve just stumbled upon this week’s episode of Ask Engadget, and we’ve got a real brain burner on our hands this evening. Before you dig in, though, feel free to blast your own question in to ask at engadget dawt com.

I recently got a new music-oriented phone (Nokia 5800 XpressMusic) with Bluetooth stereo audio (A2DP) and am trying to get some opinions on what might be the best solution out there for me. It seems to me like I have 3 options as far as general solution types: self contained Bluetooth headphones, such as the Motorola S9; Bluetooth receivers with headphone jacks, such as the SonyEricsson HBH-DS220; or transmitter / receiver pairs. My specific needs are that it supports remote control (AVRCP), has good sound, is under $100, and if the unit can bind to multiple devices that would be great. The ultimate item would somehow work with my phone as well as my PSP, but that’s probably a pipe dream. Thanks!

So, wireless audio partakers — what say you? Got any great tips? Got any horror stories? Either way, spill it below.

Filed under: Ask Engadget, Portable Audio, Wireless

Ask Engadget: Best solution for Bluetooth stereo audio? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sound ID, the Bluetooth headset company, has announced two new headsets
at the CTIA trade show in Las Vegas.

The first model, the Sound ID 200,
is an update on the company’s original Sound ID SM100 mode. The 200
features NoiseNavigation,
which uses dual adaptive beam-forming microphones and a sound isolation algorithm to reduce background noise. It also has an automatic volume control that compensates for the user’s environment.

The Sound ID 300 (pictured), meanwhile, includes those features and adds PersonalSound, which lets users select from three listening modes in order to enhance speech clarity without raising the volume.

The Sound ID 200 lists for $99.99 and will be sold at Fry’s and in Apple Retail Stores beginning in mid-April. The Sound ID 300 will sell for $119.99 and be sold through AT&T retail stores and online this month as well.

It’s okay to be honest with yourself — if you’ve been struggling to keep your personal goods on your person, and hiring a personal bodyguard is simply out of the question, you might need nio. What’s nio, you ask? Why, it’s a Bluetooth security tag that links up your mobile phone and practically anything else you’d like: a briefcase, a set of keys, a pack of Doritos, etc. Essentially, it gives you the ability to be buzzed if your tracked belongings hover too far out of range with your cellie, though the inability to remotely taser the thief is a definite shortcoming. Seems that you’ll have to be real serious about this to even inquire about a price, but a totally explanatory video is waiting just past the break.

[Via Gadling]

Continue reading nio Bluetooth security tag keeps tabs on your belongings

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

nio Bluetooth security tag keeps tabs on your belongings originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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