Hasta La Gadget!

A new open-source Bluetooth gaming controller with full QWERTY, from the team that delivered the iControlPad for iPhone and iPod touch, has hit Kickstarter in search of $150,000. iControlPad 2 will run open-source firmware and include dual-analog controls and support not only for Apple’s mobile devices, but Android phones and tablets, Google TV set-top boxes, and other hardware.

It’s fair bristling with buttons and sticks, too, keeping even the most frantic gaming fingers occupied. As well as the analog sticks there’s a D-pad and the usual cluster of four buttons, a 5-row keyboard – with the sticks sandwiched in-between rows one and two – start/select, and two shoulder buttons, though the iControlPad 2 team says the layout isn’t quite final and could still be changed base on gamer feedback.

Attaching to whatever mobile device you want to use the iControlPad 2 with uses a swivel-holder, that can flip around the back of the phone in case you need to suddenly take a call. Inside there’s a battery good for 12-14 hours of runtime.

It’ll work with your PC or Mac, too, and the firmware is open-source so that you can hack it about if you don’t have support for a specific device. Pledging is open from today, with a minimum pledge of $69 getting you a unit when it begins shipping; that’s expected to happen in time for the holidays.

iControlPad 2 takes iPhone & Android game control open-source is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The avalanche has begun within the same day itself where the iPhone 5 was announced, third party manufacturers must have had embargos on iPhone 5 accessories lifted, hence the CoolStream Bluetooth Receiver being revealed to the world. So what if the new iPhone 5 has a different Lightning connector? There is no need to let the next dock you purchase work with just certain iPhones, as with the CoolStream Bluetooth Receiver, the name itself gives the game away; Bluetooth connectivity is thrown into the mix so that you need not worry about cables and what not.

Basically, the CoolStream Bluetooth Receiver will fit onto most iPhone docking stations, transforming it into a Bluetooth dock under the “plug, pair and play” mantra. Since it has no need for batteries or charging, it is another hassle-free device you might want to tote with you on your travels. Just in case your mobile device lacks Bluetooth connectivity, you can always fall back on the good old 30-pin connector. The CoolStream Bluetooth Receiver can be purchased off from Amazon for $39.99 a pop. Any takers?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: The Bluetooth Bulb sounds like it could be a great idea, Windows Phone 8 does file transfer via Bluetooth ,

The BlueAnt Endure rugged Bluetooth headset is the successor to the highly acclaimed T1 rugged Bluetooth headset. It has dual microphones with the Voice Isolation Technology that produce outstanding noise, wind and echo cancellation. The Endure is able to deliver clear audio outdoors with wind speeds of up to 25 mph. The headset can connect to two mobile phones simultaneously. Its rechargeable battery offers five hours of talk time or 100 hours of standby time. The BlueAnt Endure rugged Bluetooth headset is now available for $79.99 a pop. [BlueAnt]

Smartwatches seem to be hot new thing that watchmakers are releasing these days. What I like about Casio’s offering is that it doesn’t look like most smartwatches, instead looking like most of Casio’s G-Shocks.

These new smartwatches are part of Casio’s expansive G-Shock line. The GB-6900AA and GB-5600AA are able to connect to iPhones via Bluetooth. You’ll be able to receive emails alerts as well as notifications on it. There’s even an audio alert to help you find your phone in case you lose it. This can be activated by pressing a single button.

An app will be released alongside the watches, and Casio hasn’t yet announced the US pricing or availability, but they will be released in Japan in October and November for ¥18,000 (~$230 USD).

[via Ubergizmo]

BlueAnt has been in the Bluetooth market for a long time making products ranging from wireless portable speakers to Bluetooth headsets for smartphone use. The company has announced a new product designed specifically for streaming Bluetooth music called the Ribbon. The Ribbon is designed to clip onto the user’s clothing and features a “twist and go” design.

The device allows users to stream music from any Bluetooth enabled smartphone. The Ribbon can also be connected to a speaker dock or stereo system to allow streaming from the iPhone or other smartphones to a home audio system. BlueAnt is trying to position the device as an option for users who plan upgrade to the iPhone 5 that is rumored to have a new docking connector, rendering existing speaker docks obsolete.

The Ribbon ships with a 3.5 mm cable that plugs into the speaker jack on any non-Bluetooth speaker system. The device can also be used a car that has a 3.5 mm auxiliary input allowing users to stream music from your smartphone to the car stereo. The device can also receive streaming audio from other applications, such as GPS navigation directions.

Users can also make and receive calls on using the Ribbon, and it allows users to pause, play, and control audio tracks. BlueAnt promises that the audio quality is near CD and the Ribbon ships with earphones. The device allows access to Siri and Google Voice Actions with a double tap, and the rechargeable battery is good for six hours of use per charge. The Ribbon will launch in October for $69.99.

BlueAnt Ribbon music streaming device debuts is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.