Hasta La Gadget!

Hidden among the higher-profile items at Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10.1 launch today was a device that at first seemed familiar, but turned out to be far more than your everyday S Pen. That’s right, Samsung’s already capable stylus just got a major boost — meet the BT S Pen. The device, which received no formal introduction during its host device’s launch event, first appeared in the “press kit” bag that attendees received on the way out the door. It’s similar in size and shape to the company’s Galaxy S Pen Holder Kit, which serves as a sleeve for the standard-issue Note S Pen, but Bluetooth functionality, along with a microphone and tiny speaker, enable the lightweight plastic contraption to double as a wireless headset — sure to come in handy with the SIM slot-equipped international Note 10.1 flavor.

We caught our first hint of the pen’s functionality upon discovering a bundled AC adapter — that seemed mighty odd. The box also included an unusually beefy user manual and no fewer than five replacement “nibs” (read: stylus tips). Pairing took but a few seconds, and then we were on our way answering calls with a single tap of the talk button. There’s also a built-in vibration mechanism, which serves to alert you to incoming calls. Sound quality was solid, but speaking into a pen admittedly felt a bit odd — you may not draw as many stares as you would if speaking directly into a 10.1, but the seemingly unusual action may still turn a few heads. Otherwise, the S pen functioned as expected.

The packaging is all we have to go off of at this point — Samsung reps we spoke to didn’t know to expect the device today, so there’s no pricing or availability info to share. We do know that it’s rated for three hours of talk time and 130 hours of standby, it weighs 21 grams, offers Bluetooth 3.0 compatibility and will work with Galaxy Note devices — you could use it as a headset with other gadgets, though there wouldn’t be much appeal. It also includes a micro-USB charging cable, with the port accessible just above the shirt clip. That’s all she wrote for now — apparently this accessory was available exclusively at today’s event, and may not make its way to the US, if it’s released at all. You can see it in action now though, in our hands-on video after the break.

Continue reading Samsung HM5100 Bluetooth S Pen makes a surprise debut in our Note 10.1 ‘press kit,’ we pencil in a chat (hands-on)

Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Tablet PCs

Samsung HM5100 Bluetooth S Pen makes a surprise debut in our Note 10.1 ‘press kit,’ we pencil in a chat (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 18:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We heard late last month that the John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR headset would be hitting Kickstarter any day now, and it turns out today is that day. The project has just launched on the crowd-funding site with a goal of $250,000. To reach that, the team (led by company founder Palmer Lucky) is offering a variety pledge options, starting with posters and t-shirts for $15 and $25 (or $10 for a simple thanks), and of course the headset itself that is initially only being offered as a developer kit. It will set you back $300, which also includes a copy of Doom 3 BFG, and is expected to start shipping in December (signed kits and a complete bundle are available as well). Those that act fast can also snag one of 100 unassembled prototype kits, which run $275 and ship a month earlier in November. Despite that developer-only status, though, the project is already off to an impressive start — it’s raised over $50,000 as of this writing. You can find the usual video overview of the project after the break.

Update: The 100 prototype kits are now sold out, and the project itself has already sailed past the $100,000 $150,000 mark. John Carmack also clarified on Twitter that he’s not “backing” the project in any official capacity, only endorsing it as a “wonderful advancement in VR tech.”

Update 2: And the project has now easily met its goal on the first day. Those interested are still able to make a pledge any time over the next 30 days.

Continue reading John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR project hits Kickstarter, developer kits start at $300 (update: $250k goal met)

Filed under: Peripherals, Wearables

John Carmack-endorsed Oculus Rift VR project hits Kickstarter, developer kits start at $300 (update: $250k goal met) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks like Apple might have some exciting new headsets in the works. According to the folks over at AppleInsider, Apple has filed for a patent on an iPhone Bluetooth headset. What makes it stand out from other Bluetooth headsets is its ability to connect to the iPhone to charge or function as a wired headset. This means that you won’t have to remember to bring your extra charger with you whenever you’re on the go – a pretty good idea for folks with terrible memory.

But as we all know, having a patent isn’t confirmation of a future or existing product so for those of you who’d like one of these nifty headsets will have to just keep your fingers crossed. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted if we find out anything else.

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Apple gets patent for water-damage detection, Sony patent aims to keep you entertained while you exercise,

Amazon has started selling the Jabra Sport Bluetooth wireless headset. The gadget enables you to enjoy your favorite music or take phone call during workout. The Jabra Sport supports the Bluetooth A2DP streaming audio technology and a wind-shielded microphone for crystal clear phone conversation. Other specs include a built-in FM radio and easy-to-use controls. Its rechargeable battery provides enough juice for up to 4.5-hour of talk time or 4 days of standby time. The Jabra Sport Bluetooth wireless headset retails for just $68.36. [Amazon]