This device is pretty darn slick. You pop it out of the box and you’ve got a carrying case that zips up around it right away. There’s a USB cord that’ll allow you to get a couple of feed away from the device you’re plugging into, and just a couple of taps on your computer and you’re ready to go. I had the Jabra Speak 410 up and running in under 5 minutes, starting at the moment I tried to open the box – and it had tape on it!

You’ll find that the device is extremely intuitive to use with touch-sensitive buttons in each location around the speaker. There’s volume up, volume down, microphone on, microphone off, Answer/on, End/off, and a headphone jack. You can keep the device plugged in and use the hangup button to turn it off at night, or you can simply unplug it. There’s no battery capacity here because you’ve got to have it plugged in for it to act as a speaker / microphone anyway, and everything works with the one build-in USB cord right out of the box.

As you’ll see in the Q and A section on the Speak 410 on Jabra’s website, this device will receive software updates throughout its lifespan. This should be indicator enough that Jabra isn’t messing around with its products like so many other companies do.

Not many other companies offer a speakerphone that would benefit from software updates, of course, but right when you first plug this one in to your PC, you can use the disk that comes in the box to install a program called Jabra PC Suite. From there, you’ll be upgrading to newer and more excellent versions of the device’s firmware through the future. This won’t work on a Mac (not yet, anyway), and if you have no idea what any of this means, you shouldn’t need to do it anyway as it almost certainly wont be vital to your device’s future. No worries!

Wrap-up

In the end, this device is a boost for your computer’s microphone and speaker system. If you’ve already got these enhancements over the basic build on your PC, then you might never need a device such as this. On the other hand, the microphone quality is surprisingly clear and the speaker can get quite loud, the quality quite surprising for the size of the device, bass thumping and all.

The only down side on this device is the price – at right around $100 USD, this might be a hold-back for some consumers who just want it as an everyday device. For those of you looking to bump up the capabilities of your computer with which you conference call with colleagues every day – we certainly recommend the Jabra Speak 410.

This device connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and allows you to use it as a surrogate for your device’s speakers and microphones. In other words, you can keep your smartphone in your pocket and this device will allow you to talk to your friends in the car without literally holding your phone up to your head. Once you’ve got this device synced up properly – just a couple of button taps and you’re done – you’ve only to insert it in your car with its included metal clip.

The metal clip connects to the actual device via the Crystal’s built-in magnet, and you’ll be good to go if you want to keep the device up above you on your sun visor or if you want to pop the device off for a moment’s inspection. This device is 130 x 50 x 14 mm, small enough to fit in your hand or pocket quite easily, and has a battery capacity that will have you talking for 20 hours or working with 40 days of standby.

In the real world we’ve not yet had a need to charge the device up, having placed the device directly in the car after taking it out of the box and photographing it for our eventual review (this being what you’re seeing right now.) The battery time here appears to be fabulous, and if you do indeed want to charge the Crystal up, it utilizes the same microUSB that your smartphone does (unless you’re using an iPhone, that is).

The iPhone does have one great perk over the Androids and Windows Phones of the world, that being an on-screen display of battery life where the rest of the smartphone world has no such functionality. The Crystal does also have subtle LED lighting that tells you the battery status if you’re not loving the iPhone on the other hand.

This device does exactly what it says it will do, clear audio coming out and going in for phone calls, and is well worth the price it sits at today: $69.00 USD in the USA in SuperTooth’s online shop. There are several colors this device comes in, one of them a rather flashy blue, but we recommend the classic black in the end over all. Grab it right now if you’re inside the states – outside you’ll just have to wait until they’ve got an update: it’s worth it!

SuperTooth is touting this in-car speakerphone as a simple to use, zero installation device that will enhance your driving experience, and keep your hands safely on the wheel. Simply attach it to the sun visor or where you’d like and you’re ready for hands-free calling while on the go. It’s that simple. Check out the hands-on video

The SuperTooth Crystal supports Bluetooth A2DP so users with capable devices can stream music when they’d like or when not driving, and it also supports full turn by turn navigation commands for capable A2DP devices. The new SuperTooth Crystal is available starting today at SuperToothStore.com for the low price of $70 and is also available at many popular online retailers. Be sure to check out everything SuoerTooth has to offer from our various reviews via the links below and stay tuned to our CTIA 2012 Portal for all things mobile.

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]

As for HD Voice, as long as you have a compatible phone you should see higher quality audio during calls. The FREEWAY has voice recognition – to control making, answering, ending, redialing or rejecting calls – as well as automatic power control that can bring the speakerphone out of standby mode when you get into the car, and then shut it down again at the end of your journey.

There’s also spoken caller ID, and a year’s bundled subscription to Voice Assist, which allows you to send and respond to emails, SMS, Facebook and Twitter messages. The Jabra FREEWAY will hit US shelves in May, priced at $129.

Press Release:

JABRA LAUNCHES INDUSTRY-FIRST SPEAKERPHONE WITH THREE SPEAKERS AND HD VOICE READY TECHNOLOGY

Take Calls & Listen to Music Anywhere You Are With the Jabra FREEWAY;
Partnership with Voice Assist Creates the Ultimate Hands-Free Solution

Orlando, FL – March 23, 2011– Jabra today announced the Jabra FREEWAY, a revolutionary new speakerphone that features industry-first innovation and expands the Company’s wide offerings in the category. Taking audio quality to a whole new level, the Jabra FREEWAY features a ground-breaking new three speaker system – a first-ever in the category – along with HD Voice Ready, ensuring superior audio quality on both ends of a phone call. The Jabra FREEWAY provides unique versatility as both a device to be used inside or outside the car and for both calls as well as listening to music with any device – an iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone, mp3 players or video game console. The Jabra FREEWAY will be showcased at CTIA Wireless show this week in Orlando, Florida, prior to the North American launch in May.

The Jabra FREEWAY features an intuitive design and a complete hands-free experience for users, allowing them to focus on the task at hand. Once the Jabra FREEWAY is clipped to the car’s visor, it automatically turns on when the car door is opened and then helps the driver pair the device to a mobile phone. Drivers can then sit back with their hands on the wheel and focus on the road ahead and use their voice to solicit all kinds of commands – making, answering, ending, redialing or rejecting calls – without touching their phone. And once a conversation is finished or a destination reached, the FREEWAY automatically shuts off so there is no need to worry about saving battery life for the next use.

The Jabra FREEWAY also comes with a free one year subscription (valued at $59) to Voice Assist, a voice controlled app that can be used with any type of mobile phone or IP-connected device. With Voice Assist, calls and commands can be performed all by voice controlled communication, allowing users to call, send or respond to emails and text messages, or post to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, all by voice.

Those features combined with Voice Guidance, which communicates pairing instructions, battery level and connection status, and Caller ID, an easy and safe way to know who is calling by announcing the name of the caller or the phone number if the caller is not in your phonebook, provide a truly hands-free experience.

Other industry-leading features include Virtual Surround Sound, delivering superior audio quality and rich, crisp, full stereo sound anywhere your day takes you – at home, in the car or at a friend’s house – and A2DP for playing music and podcasts or listening to GPS directions, long talk and stand-by times, connection to more 2 Bluetooth devices at same time, and auto on/off.
The Jabra FREEWAY was recently named a winner of the 2011 red dot awards for product design, and is currently a finalist in the CTIA 2011 Emerging Technology (E-Tech) Awards Program.
For more information on Jabra’s line of mobile products, visit http://www.buyjabra.com/US, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Jabra.US or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jabra_us. The Jabra FREEWAY will be available in May for a suggested retail price of $129. The FREEWAY is already available in Europe and Asia-Pacific retail stores

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.

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.

Jabra estimated up to 14hrs talktime or 13 days of standby from a single charge, and the CRUISER2 has voice alerts to remind you if it needs rejuicing. Two chargers are included, a microUSB for using your PC, and a universal charger that plugs into the lighter socket.

No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

Press Release:

JABRA EXTENDS LEADERSHIP IN HANDS-FREE COMMUNICATIONS WITH EXPANSION OF IN-CAR SPEAKERPHONE PORTFOLIO

Launches Jabra CRUISER2, Easy-to-Use In-Car Speakerphone
Featuring Industry-Leading Audio Quality

Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2010– Jabra, a world leader in developing innovative hands-free solutions that are both easy-to-use and intuitive, today announced a new offering that extends the Company’s leadership position in the in-car speakerphone market. From low priced offerings to feature-rich high end products, Jabra’s award winning line of in-car speakerphones include products that fit the needs of all different types of users and allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel and comply with hands-free driving regulations. The Jabra CRUISER2, the next generation of the critically acclaimed CRUISER in-car speakerphone, builds on Jabra’s extensive experience developing easy-to-use products that enhance users’ everyday lifestyle. The CRUISER2 is being shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week and will be available soon at select retailers around the country.

“The speakerphone category is a big focus for us and, as the market continues to grow year in and year out, more retailers and consumers become aware of it and realize the benefits of using a device,” said Jonas Forsberg, General Manager North America, Mobile Division, GN Netcom, Inc. “We have conducted extensive consumer research to find out what features consumers care most about and the resounding results point to superior audio quality and ease of use, and that is exactly what are providing with the CRUISER2.”

With the launch of the CRUISER2, Jabra is looking to provide a “no excuses” approach to hands-free driving in an effort to change consumer behavior. The CRUISER2 in-car speakerphone is compatible with a wide variety of third-party apps that allow users to listen to music or hear incoming text messages and emails, making communicating on the road safer and easier. The CRUISER2 has several features that make it easy-to-use and set it apart from other speakerphones including Caller ID – the speakerphone ‘talks’ to the user, telling you who is calling, exactly how you have the caller programmed into your mobile phone (for example, “Mom calling” or “Martin Work calling”) – and Voice Announcements that provide audio guidance when setting-up the device and to clearly announce connectivity status and low battery levels.

In addition, the CRUISER2 features Noise Blackout™ technology that reduces ambient sound without compromising voice quality, the Jabra CRUISER2 features strategically placed microphones that are able to distinguish between background noise and the caller’s voice, ensuring optimized audio without distracting noise from other passengers or outside traffic. With enhanced Multiuse™ technology that allows users to connect two devices – mobile phones, smartphones and MP3 players – to the in-car speakerphone at the same time allowing for two “active” connections as well as the ability to transmit and play MP3s from a mobile device to the car’s stereo system via the speakerphone.

Key Specifications of the Jabra CRUISER2 in-car speakerphone include:
• Bluetooth 2.1Technology, including EDR and eSCO
• Great sound with dual microphones and a powerful speaker
• Easily connects to car radios via the FM transmitter to transmit music and calls to the car speakers
• Quickly and easily downloads a phonebook to tell you who is calling
• Large, easy to access volume controls, including a dedicated mute button
• Auto-pairing accompanied by audible pairing instructions for no-nonsense set-up
• Features answer/end, redial and voice dialing*
• Voice Guidance in 9 different languages**
• 2 Chargers are included – a micro USB cable for charging via a PC and a universal car charger that fits into the car lighter
• Talk time – up to 14 hours – and up to 13 days of standby time

For more information on Jabra’s line of in-car speakerphones and other mobile products, visit http://www.buyjabra.com/US or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jabra_us. The Jabra CRUISER2 will be available soon at select retailers around the country.

The CHILL, meanwhile, is a corded headset, which can be used with both cellphones and VoIP calls; it also has in-line music controls. Finally, the Jabra SPEAK410 is a USB -powered speakerphone, as well as including music playback.

The Jabra EXTREME, Jabra EASYGO and Jabra CHILL are available now, priced at $99.99, $59.99 and $29.99 respectively. The Jabra SPEAK410 will land in Q2 2011, price tba.

Press Release:

JABRA EXPANDS PORTFOLIO OF SKYPE-CERTIFIED OFFERINGS WITH NEW PRODUCTS OPTIMIZED FOR VoIP COMMUNICATION

New Plug-and-Play Devices Offer Great Sound & Noise Cancellation;
Allow for Truly Hands-Free VoIP Communication
With Colleagues, Family and Friends

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 6, 2010 –Jabra, a world leader in developing innovative hands-free solutions, today announced the expansion of its portfolio of Skype-certified products designed to offer a handsfree VoIP solution for all of life’s situations – from the dorm room to the board room. Three new products join the Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC, which launched in October 2010, to offer a complete suite of products that enable multi-tasking through a simple plug & play installation process. The introduction of these new products gives Jabra a wide portfolio of VoIP-specific products on the market, providing consumers with access to a Skype-certified headset or speakerphone for their mobile lifestyle. The new portfolio of products will be shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week.

The rapid growth of the VoIP calling industry – Skype, alone, has more than 560 million registered users worldwide – has fueled demand for better headset and speakerphone solutions with top-of-the-line sound quality and features. Jabra is stepping up to the challenge, putting a heavy emphasis on its line of VoIP-optimized products as communication trends indicate that consumers are turning to laptops, mobile devices, tablets and PCs to make more and more of their calls.

The Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC and Jabra EASYGO – FOR PC come with a pre-paired USB adapter that automatically connect to a PC and Skype software for the simplest plug and play experience to date. These multiuse products can take both Internet and mobile phone calls seamlessly and clearly. Two corded offerings, the Jabra CHILL – FOR PC and Jabra SPEAK 410 – FOR PC, ensure that Jabra has a VoIP-solution for everyone. All of Jabra’s Skype-certified products provide crystal-clear sound quality so that even long-distance callers sound as though they’re in the same room.

The new portfolio of products includes:

Jabra EXTREME – FOR PC
• The first product released from this VoIP-optimized suite makes poor quality calls a distant memory and can simultaneously be paired to both your PC and your mobile phone. Designed for the true road-warrior who refuses to sacrifice on sound quality, the headset has been described by a Skype test engineer as “the best sounding/performing Bluetooth headset my team has put through our test laboratories.” (Best Buy, MSRP: $99.99)
Jabra EASYGO – FOR PC
• Offers great value for the money and provides the perfect hands-free solution for a student studying abroad that plans on using Skype to keep in touch with family and friends or a recent grad who is entering the workforce in a new city or country. The EASYGO – FOR PC is a lightweight, stylish headset that can handle all of the needs of an entry-level Bluetooth user. The EASYGO – FOR PC can simultaneously be paired to both your PC and your mobile phone. (MSRP: $59.99)

Jabra CHILL – FOR PC
• This corded option is perfect for those who are not quite ready to go completely wireless. Compatible with both mobile phones and VoIP calls, the CHILL – FOR PC comes equipped with a high-quality microphone and music control function, leaving all other corded headphones in the dust. (MSRP: $29.99)

Jabra SPEAK410 – FOR PC
• This USB-powered speakerphone brings the convenience of instant speakerphone calls anywhere using Skype. The SPEAK410 – FOR PC is a plug & play voice-conferencing solution that requires no additional set-up and comes with a mobile carrying case, allowing users to set up a mobile conference room in a matter of seconds. The product also features music playback capabilities so users can enjoy their favorite tunes while waiting for a VoIP conference call to begin. (Launching in Q2 2011)

For more information on Jabra’s suite of Skype-certified VoIP products visit BuyJabra.com/US, http://shop.skype.com/headsets/ or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jabra_us.

As for the Motorola CommandOne, that too has MotoSpeak support together with CrystalTalk noise reduction.  You can also instruct it to accept or reject calls verbally.  Thanks to MultiPoint you can have two phones connected simultaneously, and a quick-charge feature supposedly offers 2.5hrs talktime from a mere 15 minutes of rejuicing.

FInally, the Motorola Finiti has similar specs to the CommandOne, but throws in stealth-mode which translates throat vibrations into speech.  That way, Motorola claims, you can maintain a conversation in up to 40mph winds.

Full specs of all three new models in the press releases below.  They’ll all go on sale sometime this quarter; no sign of official pricing as yet.

Press Release:

Motorola Roadster™: Clearest Calls from Your Car

Stay in touch on the road with Roadster™, the latest Bluetooth®1 in-car speakerphone from Motorola’s Elite Series. Roadster’s dual-microphone noise cancellation technology makes sure you can be heard over road noise and blocks out background noise better than any other speakerphone currently on the market. Equipped with MotoSpeak™, Roadster reads aloud text messages and allows you to dictate your text response, so you can stay in touch while on the road.

Industry-leading Call Clarity
Roadster keeps your conversations clear and eliminates background noise with dual-microphone technology for superior noise cancellation. You can even listen to your calls over your car speakers by using the FM transmitter. The loud, 2-watt speaker works to combat cabin noise and wind, so you can focus more on the road and less on what’s going on around you.

The Smartest Way to Stay in Touch
MotoSpeak features bring you the latest text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with Roadster, ensuring that you keep your eyes off your phone and on the road.

Intuitive and User-Friendly
Roadster automatically turns on when you get in the car and off when you leave, ensuring you are always hands-free. You can even answer or ignore incoming calls with a single word and use the dedicated voice-dial button to keep focused on the road. The smartly-placed buttons provide easy access to the most-used functions, and audible voice prompts give you updates on Roadster’s battery life and more. Perfect for long drives or on-the-road business calls, Roadster has up to 20 hours of talk time2, so you’ll never have to worry about cutting calls short.

Advanced Features
Stream music via A2DP on Roadster’s powerful speaker, or over your car’s speakers using the FM transmitter. Advanced Multipoint lets you pair Roadster with two devices, so you can take calls from your business and personal phones at the same time. Staying productive on the go has never been easier.

Motorola Roadster™
Talk Time2 Up to 20 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 3 weeks
Bluetooth® 1 Version v2.1
Weight 90g
Dimensions 90x70x14 mm
Range Up to 10m
Features
• MotoSpeak™ Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• Best-in-class dual microphone noise cancellation
• Auto On/Off
• Advanced Multipoint technology
• FM transmitter

Motorola Roadster™ Bluetooth®1 headset will be available in the US in Q4 2010.

Press Release:

Motorola CommandOne™: Ultimate Hands-Free Experience

Keep your hands free and your calls clear with CommandOne™, the latest Bluetooth®1 headset from Motorola’s Elite Series. With an enhanced version of MotoSpeak™, CommandOne provides the ultimate hands-free experience to answer your calls and text messages directly from the headset, keeping your hands available for the rest of your busy life.

Stay Connected the Smart Way
MotoSpeak features bring you the latest text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with CommandOne, making life hands-free without hassles.

Hands-Free Simplified
Simplify your hands-free experience with voice controls by replying “answer” or “ignore” to incoming calls. CommandOne keeps you updated with audible voice prompts that tell you when you’re connected, which phone is ringing, and current battery level. Never let your headset slow you down. With Rapid Charge you can get up to 2.5 hours of talk time with just 15 minutes of charging and a battery meter also appears on select phones, so you can easily track you current power level.

Crystal-Clear Conversations
With CrystalTalk™ technology, you know your calls will be clear. This innovative technology uses dual-microphone noise cancellation that wipes out the sound in the background. Amazing audio quality can be heard on both sides of the conversation.

Work, Play and Everything In Between
With an A2DP profile for streaming audio on CommandOne, you can listen to navigation, your favorite music, videos, and games right through your headset. Also, receive calls and connect to two phones at once, so you can multitask between business and pleasure. Advanced MultiPoint lets you place one call on hold while accepting one on another phone, so you can switch from work to play and back again, all while staying connected to CommandOne.

Motorola CommandOne™
Talk Time2 Up to 5 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 7 days
Bluetooth® 1 Version Version 2.1 with EDR
Weight 12 g
Dimensions 54×18.5×11 mm
Features
• MotoSpeak Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• CrystalTalk™ dual microphone noise and echo cancellation technology
• A2DP streaming audio
• Voice Controls
• TrueComfort™ design
• Advanced Voice Prompts
• Advanced MultiPoint Technology
• Rapid Charge for 2.5 hours of talk time in 15 minutes
• EasyPair™ technology

Motorola CommandOne Bluetooth1® headset will be available in the U.S. in Q4 2010

Press Release:

Motorola Finiti™: Hear and Be Heard, Anywhere

Designed with extreme conditions in mind, Motorola’s latest Bluetooth®1 headset – Motorola Finiti™, is latest edition to our Elite Series. Finiti’s three microphone solution lets you carry on a conversation wherever your adventures take you. With an MotoSpeak™, Finiti allows you to listen to a text message and dictate a response, leaving your hands free to tackle whatever life throws at you.

The Stealth Mode
Using a combination of three microphones, Finiti brings you the best-in-class noise and wind cancellation, so you can have clear calls and be heard in any environment. Crystaltalk™ dual microphone technology dramatically cancels everyday background noise and provides amazing audio on both sides of the call. For an extra boost in extreme conditions users can activate the stealth mode, which converts your vocal vibrations into speech. Using true bone conduction technology3, the stealth mode microphone relays your voice while eliminating the most extreme noise and wind (up to 40 miles per hour), offering a premium headset experience.

A Smarter Way to Text
Finiti helps you stay connected while staying hands-free, even when texting, with enhanced Motospeak. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with Finiti, so whether driving or multitasking at home, Finiti allows you to stay in touch while staying productive.

Command with Your Voice
Never let phone calls trip up your daily routine. With Finiti, answering or ignoring a call takes a single word, either say “answer” or “ignore” when you receive an incoming call. It’s simple to manage your calls hands-free with voice activations, the caller’s name is also read aloud for all contacts in your phonebooks, so you know who is calling without lifting a finger.

Quickly Sync
The intuitive features on Motorola Finiti help you get connected quickly. It uses audible voice prompts that tell you when you’re connected, which phone is ringing, when stealth mode is activated and your current battery level. And you never have to wait to chat – with Rapid Charge you get up to 2.5 hours of talk time with just 15 minutes of charging. A battery meter also appears on select phones, so you can easily track you power level.

Motorola Finiti™
Talk Time2 Up to 5 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 6 days
Bluetooth® 1 Version Version 2.1 with EDR
Weight 12 g
Dimensions 54×18.5×11 mm
Features
• Three microphone technology with the stealth mode and CrystalTalk™ noise cancellation
• MotoSpeak™ Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• A2DP streaming audio
• Advanced Voice Prompts
• Advanced MultiPoint Technology
• Voice Controls
• Batter Meter
• Rapid Charge for 2.5 hours of talk time in 15 minutes
• EasyPair™ technology

Motorola Finiti Bluetooth®1 headset will be available in the U.S. in Q4 2010.

A company called Atomic9 has debuted a new Bluetooth Wristband Speakerphone for people who want that talk into your wrist style, but with their existing phone. The device is a wristband that you can wear like a bracelet with Bluetooth tech inside. The wristband has a speakerphone in it so you can talk without taking your phone from your purse or pocket.

The device has a 30-foot wireless range and supports voice dialing if you phone has that feature. The Atomic9 wristband will also speak caller ID info to you so you know who is calling. A vibration feature tells you when someone is calling or it can beep to alert the wearer of a call. The wristband sells for $99.99 and can be purchased on Amazon.

That’s right. Just like all of their other products, Moshi’s Bluetooth car speakerphone is voice-activated, and by simply saying, “Hi!” to the little gadget, you’ll be up and running in no time. What do you get for activating your new toy? 13 voice-activated commands, featuring: access to five speed dials, the ability to ask your Moshi speakerphone for a list of available commands, check your remaining battery life, and to return a call from the person who called you last. Main features include noise and echo cancellation, and an estimated talk time of 7 hours.

You can set the Moshi Car Speakerphone anywhere you want, and that’s comfortable, and it also comes with a removable visor clip so you can safely hang it from your vehicle’s visor. It’s not too big, and it’s compact enough not to get in the way. If you’re interested, go ahead and pick it up from the company’s website. It will only cost you $79.99.

Press Release:

Woodland Hills, CA – June 9, 2010 – Moshi, known for its unique and innovative consumer electronics featuring voice recognition technology, is thrilled to announce the availability of its Voice Control Bluetooth Car Speakerphone. By simply saying “Hello Moshi”, users can activate 13 voice control commands.

The Moshi Bluetooth Car Speakerphone allows users to pair the unit with any Bluetooth enabled phone, set up five speed dials, ask for a list of commands, call back the last incoming call, check the battery and cancel a call with just their voice. The Bluetooth Car Speakerphone includes a removable visor clip which attaches to the magnets behind the main unit. It also features noise suppression, echo cancellation, and 7 hours of talk time.

“With so many states making it illegal to use cellular phones while on the road, hands-free calls have become a necessity,” said Michael Nostrant, President and CEO of Moshi parent company SnS International. “The Moshi Bluetooth Car Speakerphone is unique in that it has the ability to dial and answer calls without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.”

The Moshi Bluetooth Car Speakerphone is available now for $79.99 MSRP at www.moshilifestyle.com. For further information, contact Valerie Guerra at 305-576-1171 x20 or valerieguerra@maxborgesagency.com.

About Moshi:

Moshi specializes in interactive voice recognition technology that is applied to consumer electronics, primarily alarm clocks. Their voice-activated alarm clocks, equipped with Technology That Listens™, are made personally for their customers. They listen to your every command, whether you are setting the alarm from your bed or asking the temperature from the closet.

Moshi is guided by the belief that electronics should work for you. Just talk to your clock and it will listen, as all electronics should. Moshi products cater to the fundamental needs of children, adolescents, adults, and seniors alike. Our customers look for fresh, unique and innovative products that provide efficiency and comfort to their lifestyle. For more information, please visit www.moshilifestyle.com.

The Best of R3 Media

An HTC Hero with Cox Branding: We love when things get sold on eBay, or especially Craig’s List. It’s just a sneaky way to show off something we never thought would happen, in some cases. Like this one. Someone managed to sell a Cox (as in the cable company) branded CDMA HTC Hero. It looks exactly like the Sprint version, but this one had no physical branding on it. There’s plenty of branding on the software side, though, which even includes a boot screen showing the Cox label. Definitely interesting stuff, especially considering Cox wants to launch their own wireless service. Testing in progress, perhaps? [via Android Community]

Samsung Wants You to Make Apps for Bada: Yes. If you’re a developer, and you want to get on yet another platform, then maybe you should start thinking about Samsung’s Bada mobile Operating System (OS). It’s the proprietary one that became famous when the company unveiled the Samsung Wave handset, and sure, it probably won’t make you rich, but perhaps winning this developer’s contest will. You see, if you get to the second round, not only will you get a new Samsung Wave of your own, but you’ll also have a shot at winning upwards of $300,000. A lot of money for you developers out there, so if you’ve got the chops, go for it. And let us know how it goes, yeah? [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge Net

BlueAntS4 Bluetooth Speakerphone Available (soon?): There’s plenty of options out there if you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speakerphone, but this one from BlueAnt is definitely one of the more attractive approaches. Sure, it’s still just a Bluetooth speakerphone, but it has a few features worth mentioning. Like, for example, voice activated features. You can turn it on by saying, “BlueAnt speak to me.” You can also turn on the Vlingo SafeReader application by saying, “Start SafeReader.” (Tricky, right?) That feature will read you your own text messages and emails. It will go for $99 at Best Buy locations, and AT&T stores across the nation. The Vlingo app is currently compatible with BlackBerry devices, and Android-based handsets running Android 2.0 or later. [via Ubergizmo]

iSuppli Says Worldwide Shipments of Cellphones is up 13.8 Percent: Good news all around for the cell phone industry, but perhaps not so much for a few companies out there. For example, Motorola has dropped from the sixth spot to the eight spot in worldwide cellphone sales. They sold 14.7 million handsets in the first quarter of 2009, but managed to only push out 8.5 million in the same period this year. Sony Ericsson was the only other company worth mentioning that didn’t sell as many handsets. Samsung, Nokia, and LG Electronics are all at the top of the list, still. Which, incidentally, isn’t surprising at all. [via Engadget]

This LEGO Contraption Can Lay Down its Own Bridge: You read that title correctly. This LEGO creation of awesomeness is created from LEGO Technic pieces, which means it has a bunch of motorized pieces in there. And, while we aren’t putting the video here, you definitely need to check it out. The vehicle can lay down its own bridge, which takes roughly about a minute, and then move aside to let other LEGO vehicles by. It can then traverse its own bridge, before it reverses, and picks the bridge back up, which folds nicely over its back. The process is slow, but it’s still one of the coolest things to watch, considering the LEGO prowess involved. [via TechnaBob]

Noise Blackout Extreme can apparently slice out up to 24dB of background noise, versus the 12dB of previous Jabra DSP technology.  Jabra promise it’ll be a comfortable fit, too, thanks to “Ultimate-fit Eargel” buds.  The Extreme can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, receive A2DP stereo audio (though only play it in mono, obviously), automatically adjusts volume and lasts for up to 5.5hrs talktime or up to 10.5 days standby.  It’s available now in Best Buy for $79.99.

As for the Jabra Cruiser, the speakerphone also gets Noise Blackout Extreme and has spoken caller ID announcements which link into the cellphone’s address book to match names rather than speaking numbers.  It can also stream A2DP music and has an FM transmitter to funnel your audio (and conversations) through your car speakers.  Battery life is up to 14hrs talktime or 300hrs standby, and it can pair to two devices simultaneously.  It’s also available now, priced at $99.99.

Press Release:

JABRA LAUNCHES FIRST WIRELESS SPEAKERPHONE FEATURING NOISE BLACKOUT TECHNOLOGY

Jabra CRUISER Eliminates Street Sounds, Offers Hands-Free Driving Solution

Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2010 – GN Netcom, the world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced the Jabra CRUISER, the first Bluetooth® wireless speakerphone for mobile phones to feature Noise BlackoutTM technology, a dual microphone system that eliminates street and traffic sounds while optimizing voice quality. Joining Jabra’s successful and critically acclaimed line of speakerphones, the CRUISER offers superior audio quality, a sleek design, and in-car convenience, allowing drivers to keep both hands on the wheel in compliance with hands-free driving laws. The Jabra CRUISER will be shown for the first time this week at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
Currently, six states prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving, and additional states are following suit. Violation of such laws could result in a ticket; however, there are a number of wireless solutions to help keep both hands on the wheel and savings in the bank. The Jabra CRUISER includes features that keep users informed of incoming calls, battery level, and connectivity status – all without the touch of a finger. The device features caller ID in the form of voice announcements, which intelligently accesses a paired phone’s address book to announce the name of an incoming caller. StatusDisplay LED indicators on the speakerphone display multi-colored lights that correspond to the headset’s battery level and Bluetooth connection status so users can gauge their status with just one glance.
The Jabra CRUISER also conquers one of the biggest limitations with car speakerphones: ambient noise. The proprietary Noise Blackout technology identifies the direction of various sounds – including traffic and backseat chatter – and reduces only surrounding noise without distorting a user’s voice. The technology uses dual microphones to capture the sound and then intelligently filters the ambient noise only. Used together with advanced DSP technology for echo reduction, the technology allows both sides of a call to be heard in natural sounding voice quality.
Featuring MultiuseTM connectivity, the Jabra CRUISER allows two Bluetooth-enabled devices – including mobile phones, smartphones, and MP3 players – to be paired simultaneously via a turnkey auto-pairing function for instant usability. Ideal for both family road trips or business travel, the CRUISER detects an incoming call and connects to the respective device. MP3 tracks can even be remotely controlled from the CRUISER with simple play, pause and rewind buttons on the speakerphone. In addition, a built-in FM transmitter allows calls and MP3s stored on a mobile device and played via the Jabra
GN Netcom, Inc. 77 Northeastern Blvd. Nashua, NH 03062 Phone: 1 800 826 4656 Fax: 1 603 598 1122 www.jabra.com
CRUISER to be heard through a car’s stereo system. Ensuring that users won’t miss phone calls while listening to music, the CRUISER even fades out music to allow for incoming calls.
The Jabra CRUISER is available online and at Verizon and AT&T retail stores for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Key product specifications of the Jabra CRUISER include:

• Bluetooth 2.1, including EDR and eSCO A2DP and AVRCP for music streaming
• Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones and echo cancellation (DSP)
• FM Transmitter for listening to calls and music through car stereo speakers
• Caller ID voice announcements via phone book access profile (PBAP)
• StatusDisplay LED indicators for battery level and Bluetooth connection status
• Multiuse – connects to 2 devices at the same time
• Auto-pairing to mobile phone
• Up to 14 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time
• Dimensions – 5in (L) x 2.4in (W) x 0.6in (H)
• Weight – 3 ounces
• Includes a Micro USB cable, universal car charger, clip for visor and quick start manual

In fall delivered a new era in style and broke the mold of the traditional Bluetooth headset. Eliminating the standard on-face microphone, the Jabra STONE combines both style and functionality and features a wireless portable charger that also functions as a compact carrying case. The Jabra STONE, currently available for $129.99 at AT&T retail stores, will be available at other retail outlets nationwide beginning February 1, 2010.
For more information on Jabra’s full line of mobile products, visit www.jabra.com/buy.

Press Release:

JABRA DELIVERS ULTIMATE NOISE CANCELLATION WITH NEW JABRA EXTREME BLUETOOTH HEADSET

Features User-Friendly Controls, Comfortable Design, and Innovative Patented Dual Microphone Technology to Ensure Highest Caliber Call Quality

Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2010 – GN Netcom, the world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced the Jabra EXTREME, a Bluetooth® headset that features a fantastic new innovation: Noise BlackoutTM Extreme. Noise Blackout Extreme builds on Jabra’s distinguished heritage in noise cancelling technologies using dual microphones and automatic volume control to dramatically enhance call quality, providing twice as much background noise reduction (24 decibels) as previous Noise BlackoutTM technology (12 decibels). In addition, a unique new Ultimate-fit EargelTM has been developed to guarantee superior comfort for all day use. The Jabra EXTREME will be shown for the first time this week at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The Jabra EXTREME makes poor quality calls a distant memory. To create the clearest call possible, dual microphones capture sound while intelligently filtering out background noise. This eliminates ambient noise even in the loudest environments, enhancing the call clarity and ensuring the caller never sounds like a robot.
The Jabra EXTREME is designed for comfort and style – users won’t even realize that they are wearing a headset. Specially developed Ultimate-fit EargelsTM mold to any ear shape to ensure a snug fit: one size really does fit all with the Jabra EXTREME. The headset also comes with two rotatable ear hooks that are contoured to fit the ear perfectly, ensuring a comfortable fit all day long. Maintaining the good looks of its predecessor, the Jabra BT530, the EXTREME features a sleek, updated style which appeals to music fans and road warriors alike.
Delivering the ultimate user-friendly experience, the Jabra EXTREME truly allows users to be hands free by eliminating the need to fiddle with any buttons while on a call or making calls. While on a call, the headset automatically adjusts the volume of the call to suit both the environment and the in-coming voice, intelligently amplifying a quiet voice and reducing a loud one. In addition, a technology called Acoustic Shock Protection protects the user’s ear from any sudden blasts of noise. The headset also allows a user to manually fine-tune voice and music volume to their liking. The EXTREME can also be connected to two devices at the same time, making the transition between PC and mobile phones, or music and talk, much easier.
The Jabra EXTREME is now available at Best Buy retail stores and at BestBuy.com for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Key Specifications of the Jabra EXTREME:
• Bluetooth® 2.1 including EDR and eSCO
• Noise BlackoutTM Extreme with dual microphones
• MultiuseTM – connects to 2 devices at the same time
• Transmits music (A2DP)
• Adjusts volume automatically
• Acoustic Shock Protection
• Dedicated on/off slider
• Dual wearing style = Ultimate-Fit EargelsTM and flexible ear hooks
• Talktime = 5.5 hours
• Standby time = 10.5 days
• Dimensions = 47 x 18.5 x 27.5 mm
• Weight = 10 grams
• Charger = Car, USB and A/C

In addition to the Jabra EXTREME, GN Netcom also unveiled the Jabra CRUISER at CES, the first Bluetooth wireless speakerphone for mobile phones to feature Noise BlackoutTM technology. Joining Jabra’s successful and critically acclaimed line of speakerphones, the CRUISER offers superior audio quality, a sleek design, and in-car convenience, allowing drivers to keep both hands on the wheel in compliance with hands-free driving laws. The Jabra CRUISER is currently available online and at Verizon and AT&T retail stores for a suggested retail price of $99.99.
For more information on Jabra’s full line of mobile products, visit www.jabra.com/buy.

The Cruiser clips to the visor of your car and uses dual mics to pick up your voice and cancel extraneous sounds like road noise. Another cool feature is that the device will announce who is calling you from your phone book if your phone supports the feature.

The Cruiser supports Bluetooth 2.1 A2DP and AVRCP for streaming music through the speaker. The device makes voice announcements for caller ID and pairing. A FM transmitter is built in as well to send audio to your car stereo. Two mobile phones can be connected at the same time and talk time is up to 14 hours with standby time of up to 13 days. A car charger is included with the device. The device will first hit Asia at about $129. Availability in the US isn’t available at this time.

The PSG-01S is a personal speakerphone with high quality speakers and microphones inside. The device is designed for more than Skype calls though and can be used to record and playback audio via a PC. The PJP-25URS is a Skype phone that is aimed at use in the conference room for multiple users.

Both of the devices share many of the same features including echo cancellation. Neither device needs an AC adapter, getting all required power from the USB port. Dedicated buttons for controlling Skype are integrated in the system and the device has dual speakers for stereo playback. The PSG-01S has acceleration sensors built-in that allow it to change modes depending on how it is placed on a surface. Position the device vertically and its set for Skype, place it horizontally its ready for music playback. Pricing and availability are unknown at this time.

The device is small enough to not cause any kind of distractions while you’re driving, but big enough that you’ll know it’s there when you get a phone call. It’s almost ridiculously easy to install, considering the device comes with both visor and windshield mounting options. It also provides voice-announced caller ID, so that you aren’t looking all over the place for your phone when you get a phone call.

And for those times you’re driving at night, it comes with a standard USB charging cable in the box, as well as a car adapter as well. We can’t stress enough how safety while driving is paramount, and it is good to see companies like Scosche doing their part to make sure it is a bit safer out there. Remember, you have voicemail for a reason, and your text messages will be there when you stop driving. You can pick up the SolCHAT at Best Buy right now for $89.99, or directly from the manufacturer’s website for an additional ten dollars.

[via Scosche]

In the box there’s the Pro2 itself, a spare stylus, wired stereo handsfree kit, a case with magnetic closure (though no belt clip or loop), a USB to ExtUSB cable and an AC power adapter. Our full unboxing video is further down the page; you can find our first-impressions with the Pro2 here. In terms of connectivity there’s 900/2100MHz HSPA/WCDMA and quadband 850/900/1800/1900MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE, together with WiFi b/g and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR with A2DP support.

HTC’s hardware keyboards have won no small number of fans over the past few years, and we were relieved to find that the Pro2 certainly delivers on that count. The screen section clicks out with a firm, solid slide, revealing a well-spaced QWERTY layout. As well as a dedicated number row there are shortcuts for messaging, SMS, internet and the wireless connection manager. Key travel is good – for a portable keyboard – with a quiet though tactile click leaving no confusion as to whether a button has been pressed. The whole ‘board is backlit, and despite the metal trim on the screen bezel the weight balance in your hands is excellent.

In a welcome comeback from earlier devices, the Pro2′s display also tilts once it is fully-opened, up to around 45-degrees from the horizontal. There’s a little wobble in the friction-fit hinges, though the display itself stays put no matter how long it’s extended. Here, though, the weight balance of the Pro2 is not quite ideal, with the smartphone having a tendency to rock back slightly as the curved back-plate and heavy screen section make themselves known.

The other controls pale in comparison to the keyboard, with the main row of four under the screen – call, Windows, back and end-call – small and with hard to read legends. As with the Diamond2, sandwiched between display and keys is a touch-sensitive zoom bar, used in the Pro2′s browser and image viewer. It allowed for a less-jerky zoom than we found the Diamond2 capable of, though we’d still like to see it implemented in more apps. Why can’t we slide through tabs in TouchFLO 3D with the zoom bar, enlarge text in the messaging app or fast-forward through media playback?

As for the screen, at 3.6-inches that gains a welcome 0.4-inches over the Diamond2 (though is still 0.2-inches less than the Touch HD) with the same WVGA 800 x 480 resolution. Colors are bright and well-saturated, and the active backlighting – which adjusts brightness in accordance to ambient conditions – seems to have more scope for change than on previous HTC phones we’ve used. The Pro2 uses a resistive touchscreen, which will obviously have its detractors among the capacitive-camp. In this case it requires a firm touch or tap, harder than on the Diamond2, and lacks some of the glass-like stiffness of the Touch HD. One side-effect of this is that you’ll have to support the back of the phone while tapping the folded-upright screen, otherwise it rocks backward. Still, it proved accurate and usable, as well as reluctant to accidentally respond when held to the face during calls.

Call quality often gets dumped to the bottom of a smartphone review, with other, glossier features getting the attention. In the case of the Touch Pro2, however, it deserves equal billing: this is an excellent device for voice calls. The earpiece is full-bodied and clear, while the microphone does an excellent job; callers had no problem hearing us. HTC have also included their latest speakerphone technology, “Straight Talk”, activated by flipping the phone face-down. Do that, and the Pro2′s speakers and dual microphone array click into action, using noise-cancellation technology to maximize sound quality. Cellphone speakerphones often turn out better suited to acting as a music loudspeaker than for hands-free calls, but the Pro2 does an admirable job keeping things clear and very loud. Meanwhile software tweaks make adding participants into conference calls is far quicker than on rival handsets, while taking part in third-party calls (admittedly not something we do that often) has its own dedicated scheduler with time and PIN reminders together with an on-screen “call” button. The oversized volume controls are easily accessible, and there’s a handy microphone-mute button just below the camera.

As for that camera, it comes in at 3.2-megapixels with autofocus but no flash. Like earlier HTC cameras, you can selectively focus by tapping a point on the preview screen; shots are taken relatively quickly, and there are a range of settings – white balance, exposure, etc – that can be tweaked, together with basic effects such as sepia and negative. Image quality didn’t impress as much as with other recent HTC handsets, looking a little more grainy than we’ve come to expect, while video shows the usual cameraphone proclivity to blurring and smearing when shooting fast-moving subjects. Unlike other platforms, Windows Mobile lacks any sort of quick-upload feature for either stills or video footage, something we wish HTC had carried over from their Android devices as part of TouchFLO 3D.

What you do get with TouchFLO 3D is a far more integrated Windows Mobile experience than on any other Microsoft-based device – bar the Diamond2 – to date. Contacts are linked into recent calls, messages and emails, while the calendar gets promoted to its own homescreen tab. There’s still the occasional Windows Mobile 6.1 dialog – adding a new calendar entry, for instance, or if you want to load anything but the most basic contact details to the address book – but this latest iteration of TouchFLO 3D is the best yet at hiding the ugly underlying platform. In fact, it’s not even Windows Mobile 6.5 that presents the most challenge to TouchFLO 3D: it’s HTC’s own Sense UI as seen on the recently-announced HTC Hero Android smartphone. HTC have already admitted that Sense as on the Hero is the culmination of three years of TouchFLO development, and we’re hopeful that this new platform returns the favor and hands back some of the gloss to upcoming Windows Mobile devices.

Internet access on the Pro2 is courtesy of Opera Mobile, and as ever it’s a slick method of browsing. The same push-page system as on the Diamond2 – where you can have the smartphone cache recent versions of a webpage on a preset schedule, for speedy access even without a connection – is present, while the Google search box is on the internet tab in TouchFLO 3D thus cutting out an extra tap. Considering its proficiency, some of the standard settings for Opera are confusing; we’d suggest increasing the number of simultaneous tabs from the default three, together with changing the “minimum overview zoom” figure under “Adaptive Zoom” to 70 to 100-percent. The latter will allow you to select links without having to zoom in first, something eminently possible with the Pro2′s expansive display.

The Pro2 also has GPS, which works as you’d expect from previous smartphones. Google Maps with Latitude support, satellite views and directions is pre-installed, while the QuickGPS app is used to speed up satellite acquisition times. We found the phone a little slower than others to fix its position, and the tougher touchscreen made smooth map panning a little trickier, but the hardware keyboard made tapping in addresses far quicker than trying to do so on-screen (especially when trying to walk at the same time).

Media functionality isn’t the focus of the Pro2, but that doesn’t mean it’s incapable. As well as the usual Windows Mobile media player there’s HTC’s own audio and video playback, together with a decent range of supported formats. AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV, MIDI and M4A audio is accommodated, as is WMV, ASF, MP4, 3GP, 3G2, M4V and AVI video. The Pro2 actually makes for a neat desktop video player, with the tilting screen ideal for hands-free viewing; it’s also compatible with HTC’s TV Out cable, meaning you can pump out footage (or, if you want to stick it on expenses, PowerPoint presentations) to a TV or projector. Sadly there’s no such cable included in the box, while another odd omission is the FM radio you find on the Diamond2. HTC have been accused of failing to software-enable an otherwise present FM radio module on previous handsets, so we’re not sure whether this is a technical limitation or a case of jaded product positioning.

The Pro2 isn’t without flaws, and one of the most frustrating is the lack of a 3.5mm headset socket. HTC still maintain that this is reserved for their consumer range of devices, but in our experience business customers are just as likely to want to plug in a wired hands-free kit of their choice (or enjoy a few MP3s on the commute into work) as anybody else. The omission is compounded by the fact that HTC don’t bundle the ExtUSB-to-3.5mm-jack adapter with the Pro2, a miserly touch considering this is effectively their Windows Mobile flagship. The included headset is reasonable, but only in terms of what you might typically find bundled in with a smartphone.

Perhaps the missing socket is a casualty of space shortages, but the upshot to that isn’t a compact handset. At 116 x 59.2 x 17.25 mm (4.57 x 2.33 x 0.68 inches) and 187.5g (6.61oz) this is a hefty chunk of smartphone; you can carry it in a front trouser pocket, certainly, but you’ll definitely know it’s there. HTC have attempted to save some weight with a plastic back cover, but it ends up being the cheapest-feeling aspect of the Pro2 and frustratingly can’t be easily removed without first whipping out the stylus. At least the microSD card slot is accessible without then needing to remove the battery.

That battery needs to share some of the weight blame, being a considerable 1,500mAh Li-Ion pack. HTC quote up to 510 minutes GSM talktime (390 WCDMA) or up to 500hrs GSM standby (750 WCDMA) and the Pro2 can certainly stand up to some heavy use. Left to its own devices it happily sat for a full week in standby, chewing through less than half its charge, while over the course of two days of heavy internet and messaging (over 3G and WiFi) with occasional short calls it still had power to spare at the end. If you’re regularly let down by the runtime on your iPhone, Palm Pre or T-Mobile G1, it’s safe to say the Touch Pro2 will prove a revelation.

Target market for the Pro2, then, is clear. Windows Mobile’s excellent integration with enterprise-friendly Exchange servers, together with the phone’s strong voice call support, lag-free Qualcomm MSM7200A 528MHz processor and capacious 512MB ROM (with 288MB RAM) add up to a resolute business device that should also satisfy the heavy-duty message addict. The QWERTY keyboard on the Pro2 is among the best we’ve tested on a mobile device, and if you do as much email sending on your smartphone as you read messages then you’ll likely find your productivity gets a welcome kick.

The payoff to all that functionality is the heft of the device and the overly-sensible Windows Mobile operating system. TouchFLO 3D does its best job to date of hiding the aging platform, but we’re very much looking forward to seeing WM6.5 make its appearance. Similarly, while resistive touchscreen technology may have come on in leaps and bounds from its spongy heydays, we’d still love to see some of HTC’s capacitive magic from their Android range cross over to their Windows Mobile line-up.

Lengthy battery life, broad functionality and a surfeit of input methods win the day, however, for the HTC Touch Pro2. Handsome, though perhaps lacking the instant style-appeal of Apple or Palm’s latest devices, it’s a solid business buy and a strong contender for anybody prioritizing text-entry when mobile.

This gadget lets you play music from your phone over your car speakers wirelessly. It also lets you receive and make calls via your car’s stereo, so there’s no more taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

Featuring Bluetooth, this speaker phone simply attaches to the visor in your car and you’re good to go. You can get the BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone now for $99.99, which I guess isn’t too bad you simply must receive your calls in stereo.

These included alerts when new emails, BlackBerry Messenger messages, texts, IMs, tweets and Facebook messages are received.  When pressed on whether RIM was developing their own Bluetooth watch, the VP would only say that his team “are exploring many accessories that would surprise people.” 

Similarly, Boucher hinted that RIM are developing a next-gen version of the company’s Remote Stereo Gateway, the Bluetooth-enabled audio streaming box that allows music on a Blackberry to be wirelessly played through a stereo system.  The new device would allow for wireless video playback across a Bluetooth connection.

While those two devices are only possible, RIM did confirm two more mainstream Bluetooth accessories.  “Alpha 1″ is an over-the-ear headset with a molded in-ear bud, slightly smaller than the Jawbone PRIME and with a dial/hangup button and dedicated power control.  It can be used for voice calls, mono music playback and listening to voice-command controlled GPS apps, and RIM are looking at future upgrades to support text-to-speech and vice-versa.

Finally, the Bluetooth Vehicle Visor Mount – seen at CES 2009 – is on target for a June/July 2009 release, and will have both Bluetooth hands-free functionality and an integrated FM transmitter to pipe music on the smartphone to the car’s stereo.  No word on pricing, however

Video demo after the cut

Sound quality seemed reasonable – as much as we could tell from the noisy show floor – but we’ll need to spend more time with the Jabra HALO to see if the company’s inclusion of Zirene Power Bass makes a significant difference.  Still, they’re comfortable and flexible: a 3.5mm input and supplied cable means you can still use the HALO headset with non-Bluetooth mediaplayers.  It’ll go on sale on May 1st, with an MRSP of $129.99.

As for the Jabra SP200, it’s surprisingly small and the controls are as straightforward as you’d want for an entry-level speakerphone.  The huge volume dial is a nice touch, as is the microUSB connector for recharging.  The Jabra SP200 speakerphone is available now with an MRSP of $59.99.  More details on both in the video.