BTCloud

Bluetooth Technology: More popular than ever

BTCloud — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT

It seems this has been a busy week for Bluetooth news.

Recently, Bluetooth is becoming more popular than ever through the creative uses of new devices around the world.

For instance, Inamo, a restaurant in Soho, central London, has incorporated Bluetooth into their menus. The tables turns into giant computer screens where the customers can order anything from the menu, pay their bill when done, summon a cab, play games with one table or the entire restaurant, and even change the look of the table.

Keep on truckin'

In some product news, truckers are even getting into the action. Cobra decided to upgrade their CB's by including Bluetooth in them. With the new model of the Cobra 29 LTD BT CB, the truck drivers would only need a mobile phone to connect to the CB.

With the current California law of requiring a person to have a Bluetooth headset when talking on the phone, Cobra may be a leader in this field for developing such a CB.

Mobility rules the world

Mobile Europe reports that ABI Research is forecasting that Bluetooth will indeed participate in the 167% annual growth over the next five years for Mobile Internet Devices.

One such technology on the horizon is the "Bluetooth over 802.11" where the Bluetooth circuits will "piggyback" on Wi-Fi connections to assist in transfering large amounts of data.

They also report that by 2011, UWB (Ultra-Wideband) will join the mix of technologies.

More in store for Bluetoooth

Along with the popularity of Bluetooth and high speed transfers for the future, the Bluetooth SIG provided a Bluetooth Low Energy Educational Seminar to industry watchers on understanding and implementing the low energy specification in numerous low energy battery-powered products.

Ten Best Bluetooth Headsets

BTCloud — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Here is a list of the best Bluetooth Headsets on the market today.

If you've been looking for a Bluetooth headset, your head is probably spinning from everything out there.

Luckily, RegisterHardware.co.uk provides an article about the Ten Best Bluetooth Headsets.

If you like a particular headset, make sure you check out the Bluetooth Headsets section of BTCloud.com.

Bluetooth Headset Quick Guide

BTCloud — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 19:00:00 GMT

Find out how to select the perfect Bluetooth Headset for your needs.

Everyone is looking for the perfect Bluetooth headset, but some don't even know where to start when it comes to features with a Bluetooth headset.

CNet has a great Bluetooth Headset Quick Guide for those who need direction on how to pick the right one.

Obviously, you want to get a Bluetooth headset with Bluetooth 2.1 and EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), but some models don't have that feature. Give it some time and you'll notice more products appearing with EDR.

Bluetooth Reviews for August 6, 2008

BTCloud — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 10:00:00 GMT

Bluetooth reviews across the web for August 6, 2008

Bluetooth Headsets

Jaybird JB-200 Review - IGN Gear.com
Metal Gear Solid 4 Headset review - Gizmodo
Sony DR-BT140QP A2DP Bluetooth earphones - T3 Gadget Site

Bluetooth Accessories/Miscellaneous

Seiko DPU-S445 Mobile Printer - WSJ Marketwatch
Tritton Axvisor TRIBC200 Hands-free kit - Gadgets.TMCnet.com

Can a Bluetooth headset save your life?

BTCloud — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Do you need another reason to start using a Bluetooth headset?

California may be on to something.

Since the California law went into effect in June requiring drivers to use Bluetooth headsets, police have been handing out tickets because they are trying to save your life.

Yes, they are showing you that you need to pay attention to driving as opposed to wrapping your car around a tree or swerving into oncoming traffic, but did you know that this law is actually two-fold?

The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute indicates that it may be a good idea to limit your use of a cell phone because you may suffer the possibility of a tumor.

According to the institute:

The risk of brain cancer from cell phone use is low, Dr. Herberman says. But there might be a connection between cell phone use and tumors that strike a salivary gland near the ear and the intersection of the ear and the brain. For that reason, Dr. Herberman believes that children should use cell phones only for emergencies --- and that it's best for adults not to press their cell phones against their heads.

Their solution to the problem? Based on the article at The Huffington Post, they recommend Bluetooth headsets.

The cops may not be aware that they are truly saving your life from not just traffic problems with your cell phone, but also from developing a tumor.

They also mention three recommended Bluetooth headsets, which are exceptional choices. Those products are listed below as well to compare prices.

I can remember as long as 10 years ago where people were conducting research as to whether cell phones cause brain cancer.

So, I still think it may be a good idea to the listen to the doctors. Why tempt fate?

Secret Agent Bluetooth Headsets

BTCloud — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Looking for a discreet Bluetooth headset?

If you want to look like an secret agent with the latest tech gadgets, the NY TImes has an article comparing three small Bluetooth headsets currently on the market. These Bluetooth headsets are meant to be concealed so everyone thinks you are talking to yourself.

The Bluetooth headsets are the SM100 (SoundId.com) for $86, the Dragon V2 (CallPod) for $100, and the Scala Rider (Cardo Systems) for $129.

The difference between these three headsets seems to be the range and functionality. We all know that Bluetooth has a range of 30 feet, but the Dragon V2 has Bluetooth 2.0, which has a range of 250 feet, making it the better product according to the NY Times. The Scala Rider is meant for motorcyclists who want to talk to a fellow biker next to them while on the road.

NY Times favors the Dragon V2 for it's Bluetooth range and value.

Bluetooth News for July 24, 2008

BTCloud — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Bluetooth printer from Polaroid, New media device from Cowon uses Bluetooth, and Cellenden Bluetooth Headset Review

Polaroid released a new Bluetooth printer called the Polaroid PoGo Portable Photo Printer. Retail price for PoGo is $150 and allows any device to connect to the printer through Bluetooth, transfer the pictures to the printer, and immediately print the photos. More details at the Washington Post.

Cowon has released a new Personal Media Player (PMP) called the P5 PMP. The media player has 40GB, 60GB, or 80GB hard drives for storage and runs on the Windows CE Operating System. The 40GB is $434US, 60GB is $592US, and the 80GB is $692US. More details at SlashGear.

Bluetooth headsets are becoming smaller and smaller. Cellenden is no exception. The latest Bluetooth headset from Cellenden is about the size of a quarter and is almost invisible. The price of this little beauty is £29.99. Check out Absolute Gadget for their Cellenden Bluetooth Headset Review.

The Dark Side of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

BTCloud — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

With everyone using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and RFID wireless technology, be aware that hackers know it exists as well.

Hackers have been around for a long time, snatching data from PC's and laptops in the wired world. Now, since we have data flowing around our heads in the air with Bluetooth and Wi-fi technology everywhere, hackers are armed with more tools to capture personal data from our phones using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technologies.

At The Times of India, Sujata Dutta Sachdeva reports on how hackers snoop on mobile phones and warns that there are already 200 viruses that exist in the world with more created every day. They recommend the best route is the apply your security features on your mobile device, such as "antivirus, firewall, anti-SMS spam, and data encryption technologies and install regular security updates to protect phones from viruses and other malware."

In addition, CNet has covered wireless security as well with their news on Protecting against Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID data attacks. The one quote from the article should give people an idea how "secure" we really are (a video is available at the bottom of the article on CNET as well).

Many people don't realize that new U.S. passports have RFID technology with weak encryption that makes the data on the chip easy to read with the proper reader device.

Wireless technology isn't being used just for crime. The Evening Telegraph reports on how police are using Bluetooth wireless technology at the Peterborough United vs. Liverpool football game to remind individuals on keeping their personal possessions safe and to not advertise your property to thieves. This is just one way Bluetooth wireless technology is used to fight crime, but other techniques will be applied as they become available to more mobile devices.

Bluetooth News for July 17, 2008

BTCloud — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Here''s the latest on Bluetooth in the news this week.

Toyota is now offering a Bluetooth^® hands-free systems on 15 of their models. These models include:

Toyota RAV4
Corolla
Matrix models with a JBL audio unit
4Runner
Highlander
Highlander Hybrid
Land Cruiser
Sequoia
Sienna
Tundra
Avalon
Camry
Camry Hybrid
Prius
Solara

For those mobile warriors, PlanOn has released a pocket-size printer that packs a Bluetooth punch called the PRINTSTIK.
Even Disneyland Paris is getting into Bluetooth technology. Disneyland Paris announced they will have four Bluetooth terminals around the park and guests who activate Bluetooth on their cell phones will be made aware of how long wait times are for popular attractions and starting times for park shows.
HP has released two on-the-go printers: A630 Compact Photo Printer and the A530 Compact Photo Printer. Both are meant for mobility and have the ability to receive and print photos through Bluetooth^® wireless technology.

Yes, there is even a Bluetooth Umbrella

BTCloud — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Mikhail Stawsky has designed a Bluetooth Umbrella. Yeah, I know.

Ever had a time where it was raining and you needed an extra hand to hold your umbrella and your phone?

Well, designer Mikhail Stawsky created a Bluetooth Umbrella that connects to your phone and allows you to talk into the handle of the umbrella.

Maybe its just me, but you couldn't you use a Bluetooth headset instead?