While its current aesthetics leave something to be desired, Casio is definitely on to something with their prototype Bluetooth Low Energy watch designed to communicate with smartphones. It’s not the first watch on the market designed with such functionality, but its BLE technology means that on a single CR2032 cell button battery you’ll get about 2 years of life, assuming it’s communicating with your phone ~12 hours a day. Other wrist-worn devices, while sporting lovely full color LCD displays, require you to charge them on a weekly basis which is simply annoying.
Of course functionality is a bit limited as a result, but I think the watch strikes a good balance between battery life and capabilities. A scrolling dot-matrix LCD display provides information on who’s calling, who txt’d or who emailed, and the watch can control or silence alarms and notifications on a smartphone in your pocket by simply tapping its face. There’s even a locator and/or security function that can let you know if your phone has been left behind, or simply help you find it by sounding an alarm.
However, as you can see the prototype being demo’d at Casio’s booth was communicating with an Android-based phone since the current limitations with the iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity when it comes to third-party apps once again means that Apple’s offerings might not be able to play nice with these devices that Casio is hoping to get to the market sometime in 2011.
Logitech‘s streaming music ambitions continue, with the launch of the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi laptops unveiled, along with a Bluetooth counterpart and a deal which will see Spotify support added to the Squeezebox range. The WiDi Wireless Speaker Adapter uses Intel’s wireless display technology but for quick & easy audio streaming instead, using a compact adapter box that hooks up to your HiFi or standalone speakers.
Ports include regular RCA jacks or a 3.5mm stereo socket, and setup is apparently as straightforward as plugging in and hitting the connect button. Meanwhile, the Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices does basically the same thing, only using the more common – but shorter range and lower bandwidth – Bluetooth connection instead. Each will go on sale in May 2011, priced at $29.99.
As for Spotify, a new update to the Squeezebox Touch and Squeezebox Radio players adds the streaming music service to the WiFi audio system. A beta version is available now, ahead of the full rollout “in the very near future”, though you’ll need a Spotify Premium subscription in order to use it.
Press Release:
Logitech to Deliver Adapter to Wirelessly Connect Your Laptop Audio to Your Speakers
Logitech Expands Audio Family with Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi Enabled Laptops
LAS VEGAS — CES — Jan. 5, 2011 — To turn your favorite speakers into a wireless sound system, today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) introduced the Logitech® Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel® WiDi-enabled laptops. Now built into a wide range of current laptops from all the major manufacturers and expected soon on select netbooks, Intel® Wireless Display (or Intel WiDi) lets you quickly connect your laptop audio to your existing stereo speakers via Wi-Fi.
“Intel’s WiDi technology is quickly proliferating in the marketplace,” said Mark Schneider, vice president and general manager Logitech’s audio business unit. “Now thanks to Intel WiDi and the Logitech Wireless Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops, it’s easy to turn up the volume while you’re listening to Pandora® or watching a YouTube® video. And you can do it with the speaker system you already own.”
The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter uses WiDi wireless connectivity to stream audio from your Intel WiDi-enabled laptop to your favorite speakers. You’ll enjoy better sound quality than you can get from built-in laptop speakers. And your laptop stays portable, so you have the freedom to move around with it.
“With Logitech as a worldwide leader in PC speakers, we’re excited they are bringing an audio adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled devices to market,” said Kerry Forell, Intel Product Line Manager for Intel WiDi. “Intel WiDi is built into more than 50 laptop models from more than 12 leading PC OEMs today, and we expect additional momentum with our 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ processor-based laptops, as well as the expansion into the Intel® Atom™ processor-based netbook market in 2011. The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops presents a tremendous opportunity for Intel to help customers extend the PC audio experience to a higher-fidelity home speaker system.”
Intel Wireless Display software is easy to set up and use. Simply plug the Logitech adapter into your speakers using the included standard analog RCA or 3.5 mm jacks, launch the Intel® WiDi software on your laptop, push “Connect” on your laptop and adapter, and your Intel WiDi-enabled laptop will automatically pair with your speakers.
Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth Audio Devices
Logitech also unveiled a wireless sound system for your smartphone or tablet with the introduction of the Logitech® Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth® audio devices. To stream music or other audio from your smartphone or tablet to your favorite speakers, the new Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth audio devices uses Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Bluetooth software makes it easy to set up and use. And you can attach your speakers using the included standard analog RCA or 3.5 mm jacks.
Both new Logitech wireless speaker adapters are small enough to be discreetly hidden away in your living room, bedroom or kitchen.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Intel WiDi-enabled laptops and the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth audio devices are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in May for a suggested retail price of $29.99 (U.S.) respectively.
Press Release:
Spotify Arrives on Logitech Squeezebox
MORGES, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Logitech (SIX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI) today announced that it has joined forces with Spotify® to support the popular music service on the Logitech® Squeezebox™ Wi-Fi music players.
“Whatever music you like from wherever in the world, Spotify and Squeezebox make it even easier for you to sit back, listen and relax in any room in your home”
Using your existing wireless home network and your Squeezebox Touch or Squeezebox Radio player, you can now access Spotify’s comprehensive catalogue of more than ten million songs, including your Spotify playlists, anywhere in the home.
“Spotify represents a new breed of music service, offering high-quality, instant access to the world’s music,” said Romain Du Gardier, senior product manager for Logitech EMEA.
“Whatever music you like from wherever in the world, Spotify and Squeezebox make it even easier for you to sit back, listen and relax in any room in your home,” added Du Gardier. “Logitech is delighted to add Spotify to its family of online music services for the Squeezebox product line.”
Spotify provides instant access to whatever music you want, whenever and wherever you want it, through both free-to-the-user and paid subscription offers.
To enjoy Spotify on your Squeezebox Touch or Squeezebox Radio, all you’ll need is a Spotify Premium subscription, which in addition will give you CD-quality 320 kbps sound, offline and mobile access, as well as exclusive music content.
“Today people want to be in total charge of what music they listen to and where they listen to it,” said Pascal De Mul, Global Head of Hardware Partnerships, Spotify. “They demand total access to everything the music world has to offer, instantly, simply and in great quality. Our collaboration with Logitech gives people that ability, allowing everyone to listen to the world’s music in every corner of the house.”
A fully featured test version of the Spotify app for Squeezebox Touch and Squeezebox Radio owners is available today in Beta form from www.mysqueezebox.com, prior to a full rollout expected in the very near future. Spotify is currently available in Finland, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the U.K.
For more details about the Beta version and how to install it please visit www.mysqueezebox.com/spotify
Having one car speakerphone isn’t enough for BlueAnt. No, they’ve got to have options. That’s where the S4 “true handsfree” voice controlled car speakerphone comes in. Shown off at the company’s booth on the showroom floor at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the S4 is a bit more of a streamlined device.
The S4, much like the S3, is a voice-activated device that makes it easier for drivers to focus on driving, instead of having to worry about their phone. The S4 will also be able to call out who is calling, along with being able to read out text messages aloud. You will be able to listen to music, podcasts, or even turn-by-turn navigation from a GPS application.
What separates the two devices is the S4′s Microsoft BING integration, which gives the speakerphone a leg up with the ability to read out information. Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy for users to connect the S4 to an appropriate device.
BlueAnt also shown off the T1 Rugged Bluetooth Headset with with wind armour technology. Offering up clear audio in wind speeds of up to 22mph, the device features the revolutionary technology for audio that we have yet to see in a bluetooth headset of its price-range.
The device sports dual microphones allowing for the selective audio cancellation that allows it to reduce background noise. Sporting a rugged design the T1 comes with many features as the Q2 such as the ability to read out text messages if your device supports it, listening to music, GPS turn-by-turn directions and podcasts, and has caller name announcing.
Available now, the BlueAnt T1 is on sale for $79.99.
While we were impressed with the S3 Compact Bluetooth speakerphone, it was the over-the-ear headphones that got all of our attention pretty quickly. We managed to get some time with the headphones, testing them against the noise of the entire showroom floor at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and we walked away both surprised, and pleased.
The Bluetooth stereo headphones feature technology that, when we asked, went nameless that brings some pretty amazing “true to life” audio. The headphones are remarkably lightweight, thanks to the aluminum hardware. The ear-pads are made from leather, which helps with the comfort. The connectors inside the headphones are gold-plated, making sure that you always get high-fidelity sound.
The stereo headphones are designed specifically for Apple’s iPod line-up, as well as the iPhone. They feature a folding design as well, making it easy to carry. The two year replacement warranty is in full swing as well.
CES is just about wrapping up and we stopped by the BlueAnt booth to see what they have planned for 2011. BlueAnt always impresses, and it looks like their 2011 lineup will be no different bringing many new Bluetooth products to market. The first set we got to test was the Q2 Platinum which is the new finish for the Q2.
The headset was very durable and had an adequate amount of weight to it, without being too heavy, of course. The audio was crystal clear, and even on the showroom floor we could hear the other end of the conversation. Features include the ability to read out text messages if your device is supported, caller name announcement, and wind suppression up to 22mph with Wind Armour Technology.
The headsets are not only for calling. They will allow you to listen to audio from music, podcasts and mobile GPS turn-by-turn directions proving them to be an ultra-versitile headset. Available now, the Q2 retails for around $69.99.
BlueAnt has managed to show up at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with plenty of devices to show off. Continuing their focus on Bluetooth headsets and other devices, the company was happy to showcase their new S3 Compact Voice Answer Car Speakerphone. It’s keeping with the compact design, but still packing in the features to make sure that potential customers are purchasing the device with everything inside.
With our hands-on time, the S3 device was pleasantly surprising in its construction. The device will still give you the ability to answer or reject phone calls with just your voice, and it has a simple, one-touch operation that will mean you’ll be able to keep your eyes where it’s important: the road.
It also comes packed with an advanced EQ, which delivers rich audio. When you receive a phone call, the little device announces who is calling, and there’s even a vibration sensor that will automatically connect your BlueAnt S3 Compact with your phone when you get into your car. The company pointed out their two year replacement warranty as well.
As consumer camcorders and video recording devices become smaller and smaller, users are using them more for capturing the special moments of their lives. However, one problem with this using a smaller device for recording is that the audio quality isn’t optimal. Solving this problem, Scosche has launched a series of Bluetooth enabled external microphones for use with the iPhone 4, iPod touch and a separate device for the Flip UltraHD 2.
The iPhone microphone will be connected via Bluetooth, and will allow the user to record audio from the mic after pairing.
Scosche was named CES Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree for their Flip freedoomMIC model. This microphone will connect to the Flip UltraHD 2 via USB and will also allow for wireless audio transmission.
Both of the microphones will retail for $99 and are still waiting for approval/certification, but we should expect to see them in March of this year.
The MoGo product line is all about making normally-thick Bluetooth accessories insanely thin, and the trend continues with a couple new ones targeted at tablets and scheduled for launch in the second quarter. We had a chance this week to check out hand-built prototypes of a speakerphone / handset and headset with charging case, both designed to be thin and small enough to fit into the business card holder built into a tablet case. The speakerphone is pretty clever: set it on a table, it’s a speakerphone, hold it to your face and it becomes a tiny handset appropriate for holding private calls through the telephony services on your tab (or Tab, as the case may be). The headset, meanwhile, fits in a vanity-style case — also designed to stow away in a business card holder — but the real magic here is that the case doubles as a battery that charges the headset when it’s docked. Perfect for Skype, eh?
We’ve written about Bluetooth-based personal alarm systems designed to stop you from leaving your smartphone behind, but the Ty system is designed to work the other way. The thin, poker-chip sized discs attach to your personal accessories like briefcases, laptops, jackets and even family members, while a downloadable app on your smartphone will let you know when you’ve become separated from them.
They have a decent range of about 50 feet, though in the Ty app you can specify different ranges for up to 7 different discs at once. So for example you may always prefer to keep your wallet no farther than an arm’s length away, but you don’t want the alarm going off when you’ve gone to the bathroom at a restaurant and left your coat on the back of your chair. The app is also GPS location aware allowing you to setup safe zones, so no alarms will sound when you’re at home or at the office and things get separated. The discs will be available in March of this year for ~$70 each, with accessories like clips selling for between $5 to $30. The only downside, it won’t work with the iPhone because third-party apps apparently can’t constantly run in the background as needed for this to work.
