Jan 14
This week the folks at Sony have revealed two new large-display-toting smartphones, both of them with rather similar specifications and an aim for international release. Both the Sony Xperia T2 … Continue reading
Jan 14
Inside the Sony Xperia E1 you’ll find one massively powerful speaker – that’s the headliner item in this device, while everything else pales, ever so slightly. Of course as Sony … Continue reading
Jan 03
The rise of mobile has given me so much: 24/7 connections with friends around the world, information exactly when I need it, the ability to track my fitness and health goals. Unfortunately, it’s also given me a complex about my giant sausage fingers and their constant inability to navigate the tiny keys on my smartphone’s slippery touchscreen. Sometimes I think I should have just bought a BlackBerry.
When I read about Haloband on their Kickstarter page, I felt like the Shanghai-based startup was speaking directly to me: “Everyone has trouble in locking and unlocking smartphones. The frequency usually hurts phones’ screen and keys, as well as our hearts. So we decided it’s time to do something.”
Haloband is a silicone wristband embedded with an NFC chip and lets you operate your choice of functions by tapping your Android smartphone on your wrist. It’s also linked to a cloud account, which means you can save your ID as well as information to share with other mobile devices. After setting up your wristband with the Haloband app, you can use it to unlock your phone, take photos or send emergency alerts, among other options. To get an idea of what Haloband can do, watch their hilarious Kickstarter video embedded above (“I’m from the future. If you scan my wrist, you can get my business card information. This is my information, from my wrist, on your phone. Because I’m from the future.”)
For those of you who think Haloband is pointless (and I’ve seen a few comments saying that), the wristband can be helpful for people with repetitive stress injuries and other issues with their hands. I have RSI that affects my wrists and thumbs, and I can see some of Haloband’s functions making my smartphone use a little easier when I have a flare-up of pain. It looks like there are plenty of people who agree with me about its usefulness–the project has already raised almost double its $10,000 goal on Kickstarter and its early bird specials are closed, but you can still select from several options, starting from just $25 for a black or white Haloband. Funding closes on Jan. 16 and the bands are scheduled to ship in February.
Haloband was developed by a Shanghai-based team that includes a former Intel engineer and focuses on NFC technology. They plan to release an open API so other developers can create their own Haloband apps and help smartphone users wrist easy (rimshot).
Dec 30
HTC has lost another major battle in patent court, this time in Germany. Nokia prevailed in a quest to force HTC to stop selling Android-based smartphones in that country, including … Continue reading
Dec 23
NFC or Near Field Communications is featured in many technology products today. The majority of the products that ship with NFC tech embedded right now are smartphones according to research … Continue reading
Dec 09
There was plenty of buzz surrounding the Nokia Guru not too long ago, and all of that waiting has finally been rewarded with the introduction of the Nokia BH-121, a Bluetooth stereo headset. It will arrive in the various colors that are often associated with Nokia smartphones in recent times, among them include cyan, red, yellow and black. The Nokia BH-121 comes in a neatly crafted tile design that some might think was inspired by the iPod shuffle, as it measures 39mm x 39mm x 12mm, with the ability to attach to your clothing thanks to the included secure clip.
All the relevant controls required to run the Nokia BH-121 have been thrown into the mix, where a single button is good enough to handle your calls and to play music. As for the volume controls, Bluetooth, and track control buttons, those have been carefully located along the edges so that they can be accessed in a jiffy. Being NFC-enabled, the BH-121 could not be paired to your smartphone in a simpler manner, where all it takes is but a single tap. Multi-point support is also thrown into the mix if you so desire to hook up a couple of devices. Expect the Nokia BH-121 to arrive this month for €39 a pop. [Press Release]
Nokia BH-121 Bluetooth Stereo Headset Announced original content from Ubergizmo. 
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Nov 28
Have you heard of MuseMini before? They happen to be the ones behind a slew of wireless audio accessories which will target those who live out the active lifestyle. This time around, MuseMini has announced the availability of the ClipR, which is a device that will enable users to be able to take full control of their wireless lifestyle, where just about anything that has a 3.5mm audio jack can be transformed to feature Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, allowing it to play nice with all of the newer devices that offer such connectivity options, too. I know, it sure as heck sounds like magic, no?
The ClipR has been carefully engineered so that it can produce rich audio sound transmission to just about any audio output. All that the user will need to do is to hook up the corded accessory into the ClipR using the 3.5mm jack, and to pair it to any NFC or Bluetooth compatible device. In fact, you are able to pair up to 6 devices, while the FutureConnect feature enables you to experience music unlike you ever have in the past via a Bluetooth adaptor, and heck, why not opt to hook it up to your home stereo system as well?
The ClipR has been designed to be used in the home, on the road or even when you are outdoors, and it will also come coated with a special rubber polymer which is touted to be tough enough to be used when ripping the slopes or running the trail. Apart from that, it will also be 100 percent splash proof for that added peace of mind. Just how small is it? Being roughly the size of a half dollar, it is tiny and compact enough to be discreetly clipped anywhere so that it will remain unobtrusive. Truly big performance for such a small device. Boasting built-in controls, users are able to control the tracks, volume and phone right from the palm of their hand. You can pick up the ClipR for $39.99, where it will come in black at the moment, although teal, red, army green and mimosa will be part of the color choices by the time the holiday season arrives.
Press Release
[ MuseMini brings the ClipR to introduce NFC and Bluetooth compatibility copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Nov 20
This week the folks at Parrot have announced that they’re working with Microsoft closely to release not only apps and connections between Windows Phone and their Parrot.AR Drone 2.0 and Zik, but Windows 8 as well. This means that you’ll be able to work closely with the Zik headphones and pilot this beastly drone from […]
Nov 18
Wireless audio docks do seem to be more and more popular these days, otherwise, why is there a need for hardware manufacturers to start churning out more and more of these puppie? Well, the folks over at FAVI Entertainment have announced their crescent-shaped Boomerang Wireless Audio Dock, which happens to be an on-the-go home theater system which caters for your mobile device or tablet, all the while boasting of tap-to-pair NFC technology that offers simple connectivity with compatible devices. The Boomerang wireless audio dock would live up to its namesake of course, where it arrives in a crescent shape, although I seriously doubt that throwing this at an angle away from you will see it return to your hands safe and sound, as the law of gravity would then come into play.
It does not matter whether you are watching a movie, or simply having a conversation using Skype, the Boomerang is able to allow you to enjoy stereo style sound on your iPad, iPhone or Android device with but a simple tap. Just how does it get the job done? Well, it will rely on the most recent version of Bluetooth and NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing you to tap your Bluetooth enabled device to the Boomerang in order to pair with it. Not only that, when it comes to portability, the Boomerang’s a winner thanks to its unique shape that makes it a snap to tote around, while it fits comfortably around your neck when it is not in use.
Among the other key features of the Boomerang wireless audio dock would include an Expansion Sleeve Design which enables you to easily adjust the viewing angle and accommodate for various sizes, a pair of 6W Stereo Sound that delivers integrated bass boosts,and up to 10 hours of battery life via its built-in lithium ion battery. It is available for $79.99 a pop in white, black, red, yellow, purple and pink shades.
Press Release
[ FAVI Boomerang Wireless Audio Dock showcases NFC technology copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
Nov 13
Beats Electronics has announced a new, larger incarnation of the Beats Pill: the Pill XL. Measuring in at 13 inches long by 4 inches in diameter, the Pill XL will arrive in stores by early December, 2013. Both the original Pill and the Pill XL will also get some added features that should make for […]
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