Google is listed as the manufacturer of the devices, described as “in the prototyping phase”, and says that they will be connected to home internet connections via WiFi. Staff in Mountain View, Los Angeles, Cambridge and New York will all be involved, using the gadgets at work and at home. It’s also possible that the device is Google’s HUD Smart Glasses project, being tested in the wild.

Although the Home Entertainment System was immediately connected with the Android@Home, there are other possibilities for these latest filings. Google has also requested permission to test a “fiber residential gateway” including WiFi and Bluetooth wireless options as part of its 1Gbps Google Fiber project that recently broke ground in Kansas City.

This next-gen personal communication device, therefore, could be related to Google Fiber – perhaps linking wirelessly to the residential gateway, as some sort of portable Google Voice or Google Talk comms gadget – or it could be an element of the home entertainment system. Although talk so far has positioned that system as a Sonos rival, Android@Home supports a broad range of functionality thanks to the underlying app support, and personal communications could easily be an aspect of that.

Google demonstrated Android@Home at Google I/O 2011 last year; it’s entirely possible the new hardware could be prepared for the same show this year, which is expected to take place in late June 2012.

[Thanks Si!]

The goggles use Bluetooth to pair to your smartphone. On the outside of the goggles are large buttons that appear to be usable while wearing gloves. Those controls are for answering phone calls and ending them along with controls for your music. A special microphone is integrated into the goggles that picks up vibrations when you speak through the facial bones and eliminates noise.

That is supposed to mean that you don’t have to shout to make a decent phone call while you’re skiing down slopes. The coolest part is that you don’t have to have smartphone to communicate with a group of skiers. The goggles can interface with six other pairs directly for group conferencing. Check out the video below to see the goggles in action.

[via Ubergizmo]

Connect these mothers to your Android device for listening to the Google Music all night long – connect to your iPhone for some iCloud banging throughout the day! Then for those of you without Bluetooth devices or a need to connect directly, there’s also the option for using a 3.5 mm audio cable in the interim. Charge them up with the included USB cable and grab yourself 22.5 hours of talk time with 180 hours of standby.

That’s right, talk time – these headphones can also be used as a handsfree headset for your smartphone should you feel the need to chatter. The Signal to Noise ratio on these beasts is More than 58Db at 1kHz and they’re designed to fold up nicely for travel as well. And what’s best about these phones in black or white? They only cost $39 USD including shipping! Available in early February for all interested lovers of Bluetooth-compatible sounds.

[via Tenqa]

The speakers are called the iharmonix Q-i-sound Wireless Bluetooth Speakers, and they are compact and lightweight. The speakers have a full duplex microphone for two way wireless calls using your mobile phone. Inside the speakers is a rechargeable lithium-polymer battery for use outside, and on the go away from outlets.

The battery is good for up to eight hours of audio playback and up to 240 hours on standby. A full recharge the battery takes 3.5 hours. The speakers have a 33-foot range from the device they are paired with and the left and right speakers can be separated by 15-feet and still work. These will ship on April 2 for $139.99.

The concept is simple: you sert a daily goal of physical activity, which the FuelBand keeps track of via a built-in accelerometer. At the start of the day the color display is fully read, shifting to fully green as the user reaches his or her goal. You can measure progress in time, calories burned, steps, or the proprietary NikeFuel, a social metric that gives you more “points” for more strenuous activity. Sync the FuelBand with the iPhone app or the Nike+ website, and you get detailed goal tracking and motivation.

Check out the video below for some hyperbolic explanation:

The FuelBand retails for $150, notably 50% more expensive than the similar FitBit device. (But then, FitBit doesn’t have that nifty swoosh logo.) Nike hasn’t said when it plans to begin selling the FuelBand, but pre-orders on the official website begin at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. What say you, readers – will Nike’s newest take on the fitness assistant inspire you to reach your resolutions?

Audio specialist SuperTooth rings this device in with one less knob than its predecessor and a few more buttons, making your whole experience slightly more intuitive. One thing we’re excited about on this model is the lack of a bright “breathing” set of lights, the last Disco’s system getting just a BIT annoying as it sat on standby for months on end. The good bits are all here, working with your bluetooth-enabled devices to bring you high-fidelity sound with a teeny, tiny footprint in your living space.

This SuperTooth Disco 2 unit is set to be connecting to your bluetooth devices with A2DP and will be will work plugged into the wall or with its own built-in rechargeable battery, just like the first winner of a device. This speaker is set to be released at the end of the first quarter here in early spring or late winter for the cool price of just $99. We’ll be reviewing the heck out of one before you know it!

This device is still likely several months off from actual review units or a full release, but full waterproofing on a speaker that’ll connect to any of your bluetooth-enabled devices is fun to consider! It’s also got both a built-in mic so you can use this monster as a speakerphone whenever the situation calls for it. The speaker is also shock and dust-proof incase you drop it down the side of a short cliff – though I’m sure they don’t suggest whipping it into a canyon just for testing.

The Turtle Shell’s current iteration comes with a flexible cord that lets you attach it easily to any variety of items in your traveling arsenal, the prospect of slapping it on a BMX bike seeming to me to be the most awesome possibility. The device will be able to run on 10-hours with Hi-fidelity sound with 240 hours of standby on a single charge, and gets charged up with a simple mini-USB jack.

The bluetooth range on this beast is 33 feet, you can connect it to your headphone-jack-having device with its simple 3.5mm jack as well, and both release date and pricing are not yet official. Expect this device in late summer at the earliest for something around $130 – blue please!

The Bluetooth box itself actually uses an A2DP connection – with up to 30 foot range – for control, with straightforward installation too. If you’re somewhat nifty with electrics, you can opt for the Smart Switch instead, which comes ready to be wired into the electric cord of any appliance. An override button lets you turn it off even if you don’t have your phone or tablet to hand.

ZMote has an outdoor version of the Smart Cord in the pipeline too, which is weatherproof, and a Smart Switch with Dimming that allows you to adjust the lighting level. A set of table and upright lamps with the tech built in are also coming. The Smart Cord should go on sale this month, priced at $39.95, while the Smart Switch and outdoor version will drop in the spring; everything else will arrive this summer.

The company will face some big-name competition, however. Belkin announced its own simple remote home automation system at CES last week, Belkin WeMo, which is also set to arrive in the summer. That uses simple plug-in wall socket adapters and a motion-sensing switch, along with apps for Android and iOS, to control your lights and other gadgets.

[via technabob]

When you add the name Marc Ecko in anything, you’ve got one whole heck of a lot of attention pointed toward it than if it was simply an electronics brand. Thusly Ecko and Mizco are made powerful in this collaborative device. The speaker works on bluetooth 2.1, has a range of 30 feet, and has a built-in microphone that’ll allow you some hands-free calling with your smartphone. In other words, this is the first spraypaint can shaped telephone enabled device on earth.

You’ve got a lithium ion battery on the inside that’ll be able to charge for 10 hours at a time, you can use it with whatever bluetooth device you’ve got, including everything from Android to PC to iPhone and iPad 2. This can will be available inside March of 2012 for MSRP $159.99 – we’ll be checking it out for sure! You know good and well your humble narrator would never let something so odd as this slip through the cracks.

The Party In A Box comes in a sleek black casing with aluminum accents and programmable multi-color perimeter lighting that looks sophisticated and yet is ready to party. It’s an omni-directional hybrid system featuring eight speakers with dual 6.5-inch subwoofers, two 3-inch midrange speakers, and four one-inch tweeters to deliver a powerful and balanced full range of sound.

The system uniquely bundles three wireless technologies, including Apple’s AirPlay, Bluetooth, and a 5.8GHz two-way transceiver that offers CD quality, uncompressed sound that can be synced with multiple Party In A Box units or with other wireless speakers. However, pricing and date of availability have not been announced yet.

As for the new headphones, SOUL is introducing seven new design and color concepts, including the SL300CG chrome gold and SL150CS chrome silver limited edition models. There’s also a new white and gold finish SL100GW and in-ear models with the SL49NB green and black, SL49RB red and black, SL49PW pink and white, and the SL99W white and platinum.

JVC Multimedia units:

KW-AV50 ($379.95; available now) – Detachable 6.1-inch QVGA touchscreen, SiriusXM read and iPhone/iPod connection support. Powered USB port plus 4.0V line and subwoofer pre-output level; USB PMP/drive media playback of WAV/MP3/WMA files. 50W x 4 plus 3 pre-out terminals.

KW-AV60 ($429.95; January) – DVD/CD/USB receiver with detachable 6.1-inch WVGA display. App link mode support, plus Satellite and HD Radio ready; same WAV/MP3/WMA compatibility and connectivity.

KW-ADV64BT ($489.95; January) – DVD/CD/USB receiver with detachable 6.1-inch WVGA display and integrated Bluetooth. Powered rear USB port with 2-way iPod control plus App Link Mode. Satellite Radio and HD Radio ready, plus Dolby Digital support; same connectivity and WAV/MP3/WMA support as AV60.

KW-AV70BT ($579.95; February) – 7-inch WVGA motorized widescreen touchscreen with proximity sensor and detachable face. Integrated Bluetooth for phonebook sync, hands-free, audio streaming, voice recognition dialing and phonebook search. USB 2.0 port for 2-way iPod/iPhone control; powered USB supply with drive-change mode for smartphones. App Link Mode, Satellite Radio and HD Radio support, plus WAV/MP3/WMA compatibility. MOS-FET 50 watts x 4, three sets of 4V pre-outs, line input terminals, plus a front SDHC/SD slot and dual zone/dual play.

JVC Navigation units:

KW-NT300 ($899.95; March) – DVD/CD/USB/SD Navigation receiver with 6.1-inch touchscreen. Bluetooth, powered rear USB port, 30,000 control backlight color options. Mapping supports Junction View, Off-Axis View, 3D Viewing with 3-D Footprint, 360 degree rotation and built-in color 3D landmark icons in most major cities. Voice guidance, turn-by-turn instructions.

KW-NT500HDT ($999.95; March) – As NT300, but adds built-in HD Radio audio and data tuners. Free lifetime subscription to Total Traffic HD+/Total Traffic Connect with on-screen news, sports, weather, and real-time traffic updates

KW-NT700 ($1,099.95; March) – As NT300, but with 7-inch motorized faceplate with five positions of forward tilt and one reverse tilt.

KW-NT800HDT ($1,299.95; March) As NT700, but with built-in HD Radio audio and data tuners. Free lifetime subscription to Total Traffic HD+/Total Traffic Connect

Bluetooth and Apps

The JVC KS-BTA100 Bluetooth add-on module ($79.95) adds phone book access/phone book transfer, hands-free calling, audio streaming with remote control and text message alerts to 2012 head units without integrated wireless. There’s also support for Pandora and other streaming from Android and BlackBerry phones.

As for apps, App Link mode pulls across data from iPhone/iPod touch software onto the head-unit display. Functionality depends on the app itself, but can include text-to-speech of RSS feeds, weather and traffic updates, streaming media, video recording and more.

After a hands-on with the peripheral, it seems very well built and I honestly wanted to walk out with one. Playing Modern Combat 3 on my phone would be so much better with a controller. They didn’t know if it was directly compatible with MC3, but gave us a list of many other popular titles, such as: Asphalt 5 HD, No Gravity, Silverfish, Zenonia, and 150+ more.

And just like many of the other wireless controllers already available, you can undock your device from the controller, hook it up via HDMI to your TV, and play games with a truly console-like feel. The only thing missing is a pair of built-in quality joysticks. Expect the controller to retail for approximately $60, and hit shelves before April of this year.

The exterior muffs have touch sensitive panels to help regulate sound volume and power. It is also said to have an easy connection through NFC (Near Field Communication). Whether this is to provide better stereo quality sound or to just connect to your device – no other headphones are currently equipped with NFC.

Bluetooth audio streaming is also available, and will likely be the primary wireless connection. Though, a 3.5mm analogue line-in is available. Automatic sound activation through a built in motion detection sensor is also obvious innovation from a pair of headphones. Though they haven’t officially priced the ZIK, its sound quality was superb – and could easily retail for $399.

We were given a hands-on look with this device that included the iPad only, but note the following: its fully capable of working with all manner of Bluetooth enabled devices for audio. looking just a bit emptier without the iPad it’s made for sitting in the dock. This dock is able to work with A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles, and also has a lovely 3.5-mm input jack so it again can work with one whole heck of a lot MORE devices. It’s connected!

This device is available this season for a cool $499.95 and is part of a suite of devices, if you please, of speakers working with mobile devices for your pleasure. Check out our hands-on pics and check out the hands-on video in just a bit!

Guidance 3.0 uses nearly 60,000 junction views in the U.S. and Canada to show photographic details of signs and lanes, while the the nuvi 3590LMT pairs that with subscription-free Digital 3D Traffic information pumping out updates as to condition of the road ahead as often as every 30s. 3D landmarks, Bird’s Eye views at junctions and boosted search speed are also included.

There’s also Bluetooth on the nuvi 3490LMT and above, for hands-free phone use, and those higher-end models also have voice-activated navigation.

As for Smartphone Link, that pairs on-PND information services, like weather and speed cameras, with your smartphone, using a Bluetooth connection. The app also helps you find your way from your parking spot to your final destination, and then find your car again.

The Garmin nuvi 3500 series will go on sale in February, priced from $329.99. The Smartphone Link app is a free download, with live weather information and myGarmin messaging also free to use; however Live Traffic ($19.99 per year), photoLive traffic cameras ($9.99 per year), Fuel Prices ($9.99 per year) and Advanced Weather ($4.99 per year) are all premium services. It works with all Bluetooth enabled 2012 Garmin PNDs, the nüvi 2475LT, 2495LMT, 2595LMT, 3490LMT and the 3590LMT.

The company reckons that’s handy for those using the EHS-63 headphones while exercising, so that you can avoid getting run over while out jogging. They also have super-clingy silicone earbuds that promise to stay in your ears even if you’re really pushing hard.

The EHS-70 “Massive Sound” and EHS-71 “Refined Sound” claim to do exactly what the names indicate, with the former having Dynamic Receiver Speakers clad in full aluminum alloy casings and finished in black and silver. They have anti-tangle cords and come with a leather carrying pouch. Finally, for the wired models, the EHS-71 also uses aluminum, but prioritizes noise isolation from the outside world.

As for the Bluetooth models, the Samsung HM1800 has simultaneous MultiPoint pairing to two devices, and has noise reduction too. The HM6000 has a more refined design and isolat dual-microphone noise cancellation from Samsung’s labs; paired with the Samsung FreeSync app for Android it can be used for voice dictation too.

The Samsung EHS-60 and EHS-63 are available now, priced at $19.99,  $49.99 and $39.99 respectively. The EHS-70 and EHS-71 will follow on in February, priced at $79.99, $129.99 and $79.99 respectively.

That FM transmitter supports 88.1MHz -107.9MHz. The device supports RDS and has Bluetooth AVRCP 1.3. the screen can show track details, called ID information, the last numbered disabled, phonebook entries and song information.

The screen is on an articulating neck that can be adjusted to the ideal angle for comfort. The most interesting thing about the Soundfly View is that it supports Voice Dialing and voice activation of Siri on the iPhone 4S. The Soundfly View is available now for $79.99.

[via Satechi]

That WiFi connection allows the HT-E6730W to access social networks like Facebook and Twitter, browse websites and use Samsung Apps for other content. It’s functionality shared by the Samsung HT-E5500W 3D Blu-ray Home Theater System, a 5.1-channel setup with twin HDMI 1.4a inputs, iPhone/iPod dock, “Disc to Digital” feature for ripping DVDs to digital copies (when the DRM permits it), and upscaling from DVD, streaming or other digital media to 1080p.

Finally there’s the Samsung HW-E550 Surround Sound Bar, three slender rods making up a 2.1-channel system with virtual surround sound and proprietary 5.2/5.8GHz wireless connectivity between the upright left/right channel speakers and the primary soundbar. A separate subwoofer handles the bass.

The HW-E550 gets twin HDMI inputs and an HDMI output, Bluetooth and USB. No word on pricing or availability for any of the three systems; we’ll have to wait until SlashGear heads out to CES for that.

If you haven’t got a wireless-enabled device, then you can either hook up via the analog composite input or the USB port. The latter also recognizes memory sticks, PMPs and hard-drives loaded with MP3, WMA and WAV files.

As for the Samsung Audio Dock DA-E670, that has a 40W amp – though no vacuum tube tech – driving a 2.1 speaker system. Connectivity includes an aux-in port and Bluetooth, along with a USB port, AllShare and AirPlay just like its more complex sibling.

No word on pricing or availability at this stage, though we’ll know more at CES next week.

What pairing your NFC and Bluetooth capable devices together involves is a process that’s much simpler, or so they say, than pairing devices with just Bluetooth. Where now you need to enter codes on both devices, sync and confirm, NFC-laden devices are set to make this process as simple as a single tap. How they’ll explain away the idea that you’ll be able to control any device with your NFC and Bluetooth device upon tapping is not explained entirely well, but rest assured, they’ve got all the answers for the developers.

The NFC Forum does go into detail on the possibility that NFC would make the pairing of smartphones to automobiles a simple one, with a tap replacing switching from one vehicle to the next with a lengthy process once more. Those of you wishing to learn more about the possibilities of NFC teaming up with Bluetooth for a simpler future and have a developer or manufacturer connection, do head over to the NFC Forum website and get to learning. Making the future as simple as a tap and a tickle!

Power is from three AAA batteries – Microsoft even throws in a set with the keyboard itself. The Mobile Keyboard 5000 is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7 machines, as well as iOS 4.2.1, 4.3.1, and 4.3 devices whether iPad or iPhone. It’ll also play nicely with Android 2.2, Android 3.0 and Android 3.1 phones and tablets.

The angled design likely means this won’t fit quite as easily into a bag as a rectangular keyboard, and nor does it fold up like other portable ‘boards we’ve seen, but you can’t beat a regular-sized layout for comfortable typing. The Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000 goes on sale later this month, priced at $49.95.

The BT Portable Speaker, weighing in at a mere 3.3 ounces, is highly transportable, but Bass lovers don’t fret. This speaker is loaded with Satechi’s signature Bass Expansion System which extends the speakers to amplify audio range. If you’re attached to your beloved subwoofer and think nothing else can compare, think again. The BT Portable Speaker has a vacuum chamber that “opens up like an accordion” to mimic the acoustic properties of your beloved subwoofers.

The speaker comes equipped with long-lasting lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, ensuring up to six hours of playback time. You will also find integrated buttons to control next track, volume, play/pause and answer/end calls. An LED status indicator, USB cable to connect the device to any USB charger or port and 3.5mm jack compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices are additional features of the BT Portable Speaker.

Be sure to pick one up for your tech lover!

Since that official launch, there have been some issues with the UP wristband that have some owners complaining. Jawbone CEO Hosain Rahman has posted up a letter to all users of the UP bracelet to apologize for the performance issues that are keeping many people from using the device as it was intended. According to Rahman, the issue with the UP devices has been pinpointed to a pair of capacitors inside the band for the power system that are failing.

The issue with the band generally surfaces in the first 7-10 days of use according to the maker. Jawbone is taking it on the chin and is offering any UP buyer a full refund with no questions asked. They will even allow you to keep the UP bracelet and still get your money back. I would wager that a new version would be made and offered for sale. The question is will buyers still be interested after the issues that have plagued the current system.

The iOS and Android apps themselves are free, though you’ll of course need to pay OnLive for the privilege of using the games. If you’re on a budget, though, you can bypass the wireless controller and just stick with the touchscreen on your phone or slate, though only 25 titles actually support that method of input; if you want to use most os OnLive’s near-200 games, you’ll need that controller.

Up to four controllers can be paired with a PC using a bundled USB adapter, along with a Bluetooth headset for in-game voice communication. It’s powered either by a pair of AA batteries or an OnLive rechargeable pack, which rejuices via a USB connection and is apparently good for up to 36hrs of play.

Those gaming on their phone or tablet can play against others using their PC, Mac or the OnLive Microconsole itself, and all the usual social and “Brag Clip” features are present. Touch-supporting games include L.A. Noire, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and 5-7, and Defense Grid Gold.

[via Android Community]

There’s also the ability to locate your phone, with the PP-SHOCK watch reminding you if you walk away leaving it on a table or down the back of the sofa. Finally, the watch’s time is automatically kept up to date via the smartphone’s connection. The system was initially demonstrated back at CES 2011 in January, taking advantage of Bluetooth 4.0′s advances in reducing power consumption to maintain a persistent link without draining the battery.

Even so, the PP N-01D still brings a decent sized power pack to the party: a 1,700 mAh unit rated for up to 630hrs standby or up to 450 minutes talktime. There’s also a 1.4GHz MSM8255 processor, GPS, WiFi and Bluetooth, world phone 3G roaming, and mobile TV support. NTT DoCoMo will also offer wireless file transfers using the inductive charging plate: drop your smartphone down to recharge, and it will automatically transfer your recent photos and videos to your computer.

The DoCoMo NEXT MEDIA PP N-01D phone will go on sale come December 9, and is available to preorder now. The PP-SHOCK GB-6900 watch won’t arrive until the new year, however, pricing tbc.

Update: We’re hearing the GB-6900 will be the equivalent of around $235, and the battery is supposedly rated for a whopping two years based on 12hrs of Bluetooth 4.0 connection per day.

The Verbatim Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Wireless Mobile Keyboard comes in either white or black with low-profile soft-touch keys that provide a responsive feel while remaining quiet. It has built-in media control buttons that work with iTunes as well as many Enhanced Smart Keys, or essentially shortcut keys, that make it easy to perform functions like cut, copy, paste, and undo.

The keyboard is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that recharges when connected to your computer or wall charger via USB. It comes with the USB charging cable as well as a carrying case for the keyboard. It is initially available only through Newegg.com for $49.99.

[via TheLoop]

The minimalist design should pair well with most any gadget and environment. Twisting the canister body reveals a speaker underneath, with more twists lifting the cover higher and revealing more of the speaker. This action also increases the volume of the speaker. Hence, operation simply involves pairing the speaker with a Bluetooth enabled media device and twisting the speaker open to your desired volume.

The volume of the speaker can go as high as 80dB and it features an impressive battery life of 30 hours. The speaker also has an AM/FM radio as well as a 3.5mm audio jack. It will be available in three colors of metallic silver, graphite black, and a special white edition.

Since it is a Kickstarter project, it will require a sufficient number of pledges to reach its target funding goal for the Hidden Radio and Bluetooth Speaker to get the proper tooling to go into production. To reserve one of these speakers, you’ll have to pledge $119. Shipping is scheduled for March 2012.

[via Gizmag]

Hardware

Fingerprint haters, look away: the Fidelio AS851′s glossy black plastic body is an ideal way to keep a record of everybody who grazes it with their fingers. The plastics themselves are solid and flex-free, however, and the metal mesh front is less demanding of your polishing cloth. It’s worth noting that the green Android peering out at our Galaxy Nexus in the photos is just a sticker; you can peel it off if you’re feeling more discrete in your platform choices. Behind the mesh are two 3-inch drivers each with 15W of amp power.

Ports include a 3.5mm aux-in (with a suitable cable in the box), a power port for the AC adapter and a handy USB port for charging a second gadget (or one that doesn’t use microUSB, such as the proprietary ports on Samsung’s Galaxy Tab slates). Up front there’s a power button, a Bluetooth status light and volume up/down buttons. A sturdy little IR remote is included, controlling power, source (Bluetooth or aux-in), mute, play/pause, track skip, volume, and offering shortcuts to the internet radio function of the companion Fidelio app (more on which later), the Songbird app and the Fidelio app’s clock screen.

It’s the FlexiDock system that Philips is so proud of, however, the company’s patent-in-process way of dealing with Android device manufacturers’ refusal to standardize on where microUSB ports are located. While an iPhone dock only has one port to consider, Android phones spread their USB options far and wide: some have a socket on the bottom, like the Galaxy Nexus, while others opt for it on the side, like HTC’s recent line-up.

Philips Fidelio AS851 overview:

As the video above shows, the FlexiDock puts its microUSB plug on a moveable platform that slides left and right to accommodate phones in horizontal orientation. There are two support blocks, the height of which can be independently raised/lowered to suit, and the plug itself can be rotated 180-degrees. In short, it caters for most devices with a microUSB connection, and while it can be a little wobbly until you get the support blocks just right, it certainly works.

However, USB isn’t used for music, only for charging: instead, Bluetooth A2DP comes into play. That means that, while Philips bill the AS851 as an Android speaker dock, in actual fact it will work with any gadget that supports the stereo Bluetooth standard: Windows Phone, iPhone, Mac or PC, all are welcome. Bluetooth use is independent from charging, too, so even if your device won’t fit in the dock physically – the top-mounted, flap-covered port on Nokia’s Lumia 800 comes to mind – you can still stream music from it.

Software

iPhone docks have simplicity in their favor: plug your smartphone in, and music comes out through the speakers. Bluetooth could add a layer of unwanted complexity to the Fidelio AS851, and so Philips offer a free Fidelio app in the Android Market. That can be found by scanning a QR code on a sticker on the dock itself when you first open the box.

Run the app, and it scans and pairs with the AS851; later, whenever you dock your phone to charge, the Fidelio app restores the Bluetooth connection automatically. We had no problems with this with Android 2.x devices, though a Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.0 did periodically pop up the “Connecting Bluetooth” message in the notification bar, even though the phone was already connected and music was playing.

The Fidelio app also offers access to around 7,000 internet radio stations, sorted into genre categories and the like. It also prompts you to install Songbird, a music player app that supports straightforward synchronization with your desktop music collection. However, any app that outputs sound will play through the Fidelio: we had no problems with Spotify or YouTube, though to enjoy videos through the latter on our Galaxy Nexus we had to undock it since there’s no support for device rotation. The remote control’s play/pause and track skip buttons worked with Spotify, though it was frustrating that there was no override to stop the phone’s display from locking after a few moments: if we wanted to see what was playing, we had to unlock the phone again.

Unfortunately, Philips hasn’t outfitted the Fidelio AS851 to handle voice calls. When a call came in, music paused but the audio was routed back to the smartphone’s own speaker. The AS851 lacks a microphone, too, even if Philips updated the firmware to support routing in-call audio through its speakers.

Performance

Loud but not especially refined is the order of the day with the AS851, though we can’t blame the dock’s speakers and amp entirely for that. Bluetooth A2DP is a lossy standard, and while the Fidelio can be cranked up room-fillingly high, that tends to reveal the crunchier bass and not entirely shimmering top-end. Switch to a wired connection via the aux-in and the limits of Bluetooth become clear: the same source sounds that little bit crisper, that little less distorted at higher volumes.

It’s frustrating, though we do recognize that while Philips could have opted for a lossless alternative like Kleer, or a Bluetooth lossless option like apt-X, it would’ve been reliant on smartphones supporting those too. That’s still uncommon, leaving Bluetooth the broadest possible choice.

Generally, quality is decent, and at regular listening levels we had no problems. Bass has a fair thump to it, and vocals pipe through the mix neatly; classical music suffered from more noticeable fuzz than, say, pop, rock or rap. Equalizer settings are handled through the Fidelio app, with various presets and degrees of manual tinkering possible if that’s what makes you happy. It’s certainly useful being able to charge a second device from the rear USB port.

Wrap-Up

Any generic Android speaker dock is going to be a compromise in comparison to Apple’s tightly-controlled ecosystem, but that’s the price you pay for the flexibility in device options Android has enabled. Philips FlexiDock system certainly addresses it in the most reasonable way we’ve seen to-date, and the use of Bluetooth means you’re not actually limited to Android phones or tablets at all.

Bluetooth also brings its own drawbacks, of course, with less than stellar audio quality being our main frustration with the AS851. Paying $200/£200 for a speaker dock when you know there’s a trade-off in quality rankles somewhat; for that reason, Philips’ cheaper, smaller AS351 ($130/£130) and AS111 ($90/£70) models arguably make more sense, since their more conservative audio ambitions perhaps better match those of Bluetooth A2DP.

Still, for casual listening, the Philips Fidelio AS851 packs a hefty punch and looks the part. Philips’ docking system is clever and the flexibility of the Bluetooth/app setup leaves plenty of room for the various media apps proliferating on Android. Audio purists will want to look elsewhere, but if simplicity and versatility are your primary concerns then the Fidelio AS851 is worth considering.

The folks at Spar appear to be shouting directly at the Jawbone JAMBOX creators as this device sits right in at the same size and shape. You’ve got 12 hours of playback on a single charge, the ability to play tunes via Bluetooth OR use the whole thing as a big speakerphone, and of course there are several models. There’s the Zephyr 300 (the one with 12 hours of playback), the 500 and the 550, the former having 18 hours of battery life, the latter having a whopping 30.

What the folks at Zephyr are showing this device to be rather good at is taking your mobile device to a whole new level for audio. This device works with any device that rolls out with Bluetooth and can charge any device that uses a USB cord to do so. Have a peek at the intro video to see the models and the whole thing line in stunningly pro-looking spinning action. Then we’ll see how well the whole thing works once we get our hands on one as soon as their available!

Of course it’s awesome when technology is standardized, just so long as its the best option for consumers. One example of this going RIGHT, if I do say so myself, is when it was decided that microUSB seemed like the best idea for Smartphones. Another example, this time when things went wrong, is when video cassette was chosen over Betamax, the latter being the CLEAR superior if you ask me. Now what we’ve got here is the pushing of the XPAND 3D format of 3D glasses, one that uses 3D active shutters to attain the effect it needs to bring you 3D. Both Bluetooth enabled radio frequency system 3D active glasses technology and infrared are licensed within the program as well.

This battle has been brewing for many years – have a peek at a 2009 post by Shane McGlaun which addresses this same topic and even goes so far as to have an old pair of XPAND 3D glasses as its main image. Back then it was the battle between XPAND 3D and RealD 3D. Certainly this battle is about to get rather ugly with backers such as the ones in this newest initiative.

This again marks the successful launching of the Full HD 3D Glasses Initiative licensing program, this meaning that anyone who wants to get in on the party with the “Full HD 3D Glasses” branding will need to get their product checked at the official test center. The first test center for this initiative is set to be opened later this month.

All three use Philips’ patented FlexiDock, a way to work around the fact that – unlike iOS products – Android phones put their microUSB ports in a range of different places. The microUSB plug can be shifted from left to right, and the socket itself twisted 180-degrees; you can even adjust the height of the phone supports on either side of it, to suit your handset. Bluetooth 2.1 is used to stream music (which actually means you can use any of the models with your iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone or any other gadget with Bluetooth A2DP support, and indeed charge them if they have a microUSB port) and Philips offers a special Fidelio app which automatically pairs and connects your smartphone when docked.

The Philips Fidelio AS851 is the flagship model, packing a pair of 3-inch full-range woofers, each with a 15W amp, along with a 3.5mm input and a spare USB port for charging a second gadget. Next comes the Fidelio AS351, with a smaller design and a 10W amp. Finally, there’s the Fidelio AS111, intended as an alarm clock for your nightstand, with a 4W amp and no second USB port or aux-input. However the AS111 does offer a night lamp and the clock automatically syncs its time when your Android phone is docked.

The Philips Fidelio AS851, AS351 and AS111 are on sale now, priced at $199.99/£199, $129.99/£129 and $89.99/£70 respectively. The Philips Fidelio app – which also controls equalizer settings, can be used to import and organize your music collection, and offers access to 7,000+ streaming radio stations – is available here.

Hardware

Tiny display and tiny chassis: the WIMM One is certainly compact. The 32 x 36 x 12.5 g case weighs a mere 22g, and is fronted by a 1.8-inch 160 x 160 capacitive touchscreen. The display panel itself is actually a bimodal one: it can operate as a regular LCD, in full color, for indoor use, or as a monochrome transflective panel for low-power and outdoor use, visible even in direct sunlight.

Inside, there’s a 667MHz processor paired with WiFi, Bluetooth, an accelerometer and digital compass, speaker and a vibration alert. The case itself is splashproof, and has only one physical control: a recessed power button on the right side. On the back, there’s an 18-pin proprietary connector, which matches up to a microUSB sled that the WIMM One magnetically latches to for recharging and synching with a computer (where it mounts as an external drive, showing 2GB of onboard storage). We did find the watch could shift around on the charger base and lose contact if we weren’t careful with how we placed it, though there’s an LED to show when it’s actually charging.

WIMM One Hardware Overview:

WIMM also includes a microUSB cable, a USB power supply and a rubberized watch strap. The latter – which has a frame into which the WIMM One slots – is a chunky, oversized thing, bulky on the wrist and hardly shows the smart watch off at its best. WIMM has plans for alternative options, like lanyards, clips and third-party watch straps, but for the moment this is your only option.

Battery life is billed at a whole day’s use, and we found – with a persistent Bluetooth connection to our smartphone – the WIMM One lasted well into a second day. The low-power screen mode helps on that front, switching into transflective mode automatically after a few moments of sitting idle. When left to sync over WiFi, battery life was worse of course, though we still got a day’s casual use out of it.

Software

Setup of the WIMM One is through a web-based interface, shown in your desktop browser and in a browser-based tab of the Android and BlackBerry smartphone apps. WIMM is working on an iOS app, but it’s not ready for release yet. Initial setup requires a WiFi connection and then punching a code shown on the smart watch’s display into WIMM’s site: that pairs the watch with your account.

From there it’s a matter of setting time and date, choosing your home city and setting up sync frequency. Further tabs take you into a selection of different watch faces, which can be hidden and reordered, as well as settings for the Micro Apps. Again, these apps can be shuffled around in the order they show on the app carousel, or hidden altogether if you don’t find yourself using them. Some have further settings, such as choosing cities in the Weather and World Clock apps, or registering your Google Calendar or Exchange Calendar to be shown in the WIMM One’s Calendar app.

Under the hood it’s a modified version of Android keeping things ticking, though you wouldn’t know it to look at the smart watch. WIMM has customized the whole UI to suit the compact display, and in general it works well. The standard control scheme is tapping or swiping up to open an app, swiping down to close it, and using two fingers to pull down the watch face (with its date, time and weather information). A further swipe down shows the battery gage, Bluetooth and WiFi status, and whether the WIMM is in flight mode with all radios shut off.

WIMM One Functionality:

In general, the WIMM One proved responsive. We occasionally experienced issues getting the touchscreen to respond to taps or swipes first time, but there was none of the prolonged lag that leads you to wonder whether or not you’ve actually pressed a control. Apps load quickly and, while 1.8-inches and 160 x 160 is hardly spacious, do a reasonable job of showing sufficient on-screen information while also accounting for normal eyesight.

On its own, the WIMM Android app supports pushing SMS and Caller ID notifications to the smart watch. Receive a text message and it’s shown on the WIMM, complete with sender and the message body. Incoming calls show Caller ID – if you have the name of the person stored in your phone – and an option to divert to voicemail. It’s worth noting that you can’t respond to an SMS or answer a call from the watch; instead you have to pull out your phone in the usual manner.

Apps

Out of the box, there are six native apps loaded on the WIMM One: Weather, Calendar, World Clock, Timer, Alarm and Stopwatch, then the Settings page. Functionality is pretty much self-explanatory. The Weather app shows day by day forecasts for the cities you’ve selected, side-swiping taking you through each location, as with the World Clock. The Calendar pulls in your appointments from a single Exchange or Google Calendar, flagging up notifications on-screen. The Timer, Alarm and Stopwatch let you set count-downs, timed alerts and measure time respectively, including a lap feature on the stopwatch.

WIMM has bold ambitions for its smart watch platform, and key to fulfilling them is getting developers onboard. They’ll be able to release so-called Micro Apps, adding functionality to the WIMM watch that’s either an extension of your smartphone’s abilities, or standalone features that you might want easy access to on your wrist.

Eventually, there’ll be a WIMM Micro App Store – available online and in the companion smartphone app – through which users will be able to browse apps, read reviews and install/uninstall them. At present, it’s a case of downloading a .apk file, transferring it via USB to the WIMM One and then watching as it shows up in the app carousel. Uninstalling is a more tricky procedure right now – you can either use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to remove individual apps manually, or do a Factory Reset to get rid of them all – but that will be changed in the future.

Apps are currently distributed through WIMM’s forums, though there’s relatively slim pickings today. Currently there are five stable titles to try, though given developers are only just being allowed to buy WIMM’s hardware, that’s no great surprise. There’s a Coffee Card for Starbucks app that allows you to register your loyalty card and scan it when you grab your morning latte, and a News Reader app that lets you either choose from a preset list of RSS feeds (including news, tech, politics, sport, etc.) or log into your Google Reader account and see your own feeds. Stories are presented as headlines in a list, and tapping them takes you to the full article; swiping left and right moves through the articles in order. It’s a useful way to catch up on the latest happenings, though there’s no way to flag or share articles for the desktop or other people.

The Simple Calculator app does what it says in the description, giving a straightforward way to make basic calculations, while SportyPal Active is a companion app for the existing SportyPal Android software: you can track your current and past exercise from your wrist. WIMM is also working on a pedometer API to track steps and lifts, which should make fitness apps like these even more useful.

Finally there’s the app we could perhaps spend longest with, Balance Ball Micro, a Labyrinth style balancing game where the WIMM One’s accelerometer is used to navigate a ball through a maze. It’s a good demo of the sensor’s sensitivity. WIMM also has an area of its forums for untested applications, though given the early nature of the platform (and the difficulties in removing apps that potentially don’t work) we stuck to those titles the company thought were ready for primetime.

Unfortunately there are still some obvious apps that are missing in action. We receive far more Gmail, Twitter, Facebook and Google+ notifications than we do calls and text messages these days, but so far there’s no way of seeing those alerts flagged up on the WIMM One. In fact the smart watch doesn’t even ping when they come in, meaning you’ll still have to listen out for your phone beeping whenever there’s an update. Similarly, no IM apps are represented in WIMM’s catalog: it would be great to see Google Talk, Skype and other IM clients flag up incoming messages on the smart watch’s display.

Future

Omissions are understandable, however; this is a product that’s only just hit the market after all. Developers were invited to buy the WIMM One watch kit earlier in the week, priced at $299.99, but even without the hardware itself it’s possible to download the SDK and begin coding for the platform. Porting Android functionality over from app to Micro App is apparently a relatively straightforward process, so that should help reduce lead-time before we see more titles become available.

Meanwhile, WIMM is pushing ahead with its hardware development program, kicking off an HDK (Hardware Developer Kit) alongside its software counterpart that includes the WIMM One module’s precise dimensions and various CAD files, the latching mechanism, tech specs and recommendations on what materials accessory manufacturers might want to use. The hope is that soon WIMM One owners won’t have to use the clunky rubber watch strap bundled with the smart watch face, and will instead have a range of alternative straps, clips, badges and other options.

Beyond that, there’s open peripheral support, using the WIMM One’s fourteen pin connector to develop active accessories that will integrate new sensors and outputs. We’re yet to see the first fruits of third-party developers taking advantage of the HDK, but WIMM has a “preferred supplier” agreement with manufacturing giant Foxconn that certainly suggests the firm means business.

Wrap-Up

Usually at this point in the review we’d give a final opinion: is the WIMM One worth buying, or should you steer clear? In the case of this smart watch, however, it’s far too early for such decisions. WIMM is taking its first steps, and the WIMM One is targeted, today, at developers rather than the mass market.

What we can say is that, of the smart watch projects we’ve seen to-date, WIMM’s is the one that has captured our attention most thoroughly. The combination of a broadly-accepted Android base, open approach to software and hardware standards, and pre-emptive agreements with well-known manufacturing partners adds up to probably the best chance of succeeding in a segment that has seen many launches and many failures. The WIMM One Developer Kit isn’t something we’d recommend everyday users buy, but we’ll certainly be following the WIMM One project with interest.

The little boombox also has an integrated mic so you can talk hands free. The mic has the clarity needed for high quality voice chats. Logitech also enhanced the audio device with a new acoustic chamber that adds in enhanced bass for your audio playback. Power for the Mini Boombox comes from an internal rechargeable battery.

That battery charges via a USB port and will last for up to ten hours of audio playback at a time. On compatible Bluetooth devices the touch controls on top will allow you to control the tracks on your device. Those buttons are backlit as well. The device is up for pre-order right now with a MSRP of $99.99. It’s not clear when the Mini Boombox will ship.

Specifications of the new headphones haven’t been revealed, but we’ll update as soon as we know more. Nokia has both wired and wireless options, some using NFC to automatically pair the Bluetooth connection.

Pricing and availability is yet to be confirmed.

Bluetooth Smart devices pertain mainly to sensor-type devices like heart-rate monitors that run on a button-cell battery and were designed for limited and specific tasks. And hence, due to their lower power consumption, they cannot connect to traditional Bluetooth labeled devices, but only to Bluetooth Smart Ready devices.

The iPhone 4S, Mac Mini, and MacBook Air are considered Bluetooth Smart Ready devices, which can also include Bluetooth 4.0 equipped tablets, PCs, and TVs. These Bluetooth Smart Ready devices can connect to traditional Bluetooth devices as well as Bluetooth Smart devices.

Therefore, you may start noticing that future device packaging will sport one of three new Bluetooth logos, including the traditional Bluetooth, Bluetooth Smart, and Bluetooth Smart Ready.

“Once consumers have a Bluetooth Smart Ready device, like the new iPhone 4S, they can continue connecting to existing Bluetooth devices and are also ready to experience the new world of Bluetooth Smart peripheral devices that will carry the Bluetooth Smart logo,” said Bluetooth SIG CMO Suke Jawanda.

[via Apple Insider]

At 35g it’s certainly light, but it’s also reasonably bulky for a watch (if not for an Android-powered device). There’s no integrated cellphone functionality, of course, but you can pair the MOTOACTV with your Android phone and have text messages and other content pop up on-screen when they arrive. Alternatively there’s the MOTOACTV’s own abilities, including media playback and location tracking.

The touchscreen is bright and responsive, though we’ll need to see how it copes in direct sunlight; an important consideration for a gadget intended to be used outdoors. The UI has been modified to make it easier for stabbing at buttons on the move, prioritizing clean design over any fussy MOTOBLUR tendencies.

The biggest hurdle will be the price: $249 for the 8GB version (or $50 more for twice that capacity) which is a whole lot for a glorified remote display.

The DROID RAZR is compatible with Motorola’s Lapdock 500 Pro or Lapdock 100. Both feature a slim laptop form factor that only comes to life when your DROID RAZR is docked. It allows you to use the computing power of your smartphone on the larger laptop-sized screen to watch movies, play games, edit documents, and browse the web via the full desktop version of the Firefox browser.

The device will also work with Motorola’s HD Dock or HD Station to connect to your HDTV, speakers, and other productivity peripherals or large screen entertainment devices. And when it’s connected, you can use Motorola’s Smart Controller accessory as a remote control to easily navigate your smartphone interface on your HDTV with zoom, pinch, and rotate multi-touch capability. It even lets you take and make calls with your phone remaining in the dock.

Additionally, there is a GPS navigation dock, an extended battery pack, and a Bluetooth keyboard. There’s also the Motorola ELITE SLIVER Bluetooth headset that can pair with the device for discrete hands-free talking.

Both headsets feature HD Audio Plus for boosted voice quality and CrystalTalk dual-mic technology for noise cancellation. Motorola also boasts that the Class 1 Bluetooth technology used has an extended connection range of up to 300 feet.

The Elite Silver is the more discrete of the two with a wrap around design and weighs less than half an ounce. It boasts up to 15 hours of talk time when combined with its special storage case that allows the headset to be charged while stowed away. The Elite Flip is a larger headset with much of the same features and TrueComfort technology for three distinct wearing styles, but only has up to 6 hours of talk time.

The headsets will be available through Motorola’s website starting October 24 with the Elite Silver priced at $129.99 and the Elite Flip priced at $99.99.

[via Motorola]

There are no huge changes planned: the new MacBook Pro models will look the same, and there will still be two 13-inch, two 15-inch and one 17-inch pre-configurations on offer. However, although unconfirmed, the changes are expected to be faster Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, with Apple keeping pace with its PC notebook rivals, along with Bluetooth 4.0 as found in the iPhone 4S launching today. Internally the new versions are known as K90IA (13-inch), K91A (15-inch) and K92A (17-inch).

Bluetooth 4.0 is special because it marks a shift to far lower power requirements. Thanks to that extreme frugality – and new profiles which allow devices to wake each other wirelessly – a persistent link is possible without instantly running down the battery. The current Mac mini desktop and MacBook Air ultraportable already come with Bluetooth 4.0 support.

Apple’s updates, therefore, could well be a precursor to Siri gaining a foothold on your OS X desktop. Those with an iPhone 4S – which comes with the intelligent voice control system – could use their smartphone as a gateway for the AI to also take control of their computer, with Bluetooth 4.0 being the low-power glue that holds the whole ecosystem together. That’s unlikely to happen straight away, however.

HTC reckons a two hour charge is good for up to 8hrs of music playback, and if your budget – or the petty cash in your office – only stretches to a single unit there’s support for mono playback too. Standby time is 200hrs, and the Conference Speaker recharges via a regular microUSB port so you can use the same AC adapter as came with your phone.

Range is 10m and the device can retain pairing information for up to eight phones (but be actively connected to only one at a time). Obviously no word on pricing or availability, but we’re guessing HTC will pull the trigger on this sooner rather than later.

[via Android Community]