The IoGear GBMH211W6 wireless stereo headphones is a simple headset with great functions. Also, you can make phone calls, using the built-in microphone, and even answer calls while music playback (the music will be paused).

IoGear’s behind-the-neck design makes the headphones very comfortable to wear even for extended periods of time. You can also easily change tracks, adjust the volume, and pause your music with the integrated headphone control buttons. Also, you can make phone calls, using the built-in microphone, and even answer calls while music playback. Works with any Bluetooth-enabled devices that support A2DP and AVRCP Bluetooth profiles.

The built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 6.5 hours of music play time.

Features:

* Maximum wireless range up to 33 ft.(10 meters)
* Supports mp3-quality stereo sound (frequency response 20Hz – 20 KHz)
* Works with Bluetooth mobile phones and allows you to pick up incoming calls even during music playback
* Integrated headphone control buttons give you quick access to play/pause, track selection, and volume control
* Comfortable to wear behind-the-neck design
* Alerts you of incoming calls from your Bluetooth mobile phone even while you listen to music
* Convenient built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6.5 hours play time
* Avoids interference with other wireless devices and does not require direct line-of-sight
* Foldable easy-to-carry design
* Bluetooth 1.2 Class 2 specification compliant

Sony has announced interesting Stereo Bluetooth devices lately, but the Sony SRS-BT100 Bluetooth speaker is in evidence now. It is high-powered amplifiers with a total of 30 watts of power that promise to fill a your big room with excellent streaming and music quality. The rich sound is powered by MegaBass� technology, and correspondence to SCMS-T copyright system delivers more protection. The speaker supports Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and includes support for EDR for more stable connection. The total range is the standard 30 feet.

If you have nothing to pair with, use stereo mini jack to connect speaker with non-Bluetooth devices. The volume is adjusted with the a remote control, and tracks are managed from connected Bluetooth devices. Sony have plans to start selling the SRS-BT100 Bluetooth speaker in March for about $160. If you are on the market looking for a good A2DP speaker, try to check the availability on the product at a Sony Store near your, and maybe you can have a chance to play with the device.

The Lubix UBHS-NC1 stereo headset consist of two, magnetically held halves which can be separated and slung around the neck, then reconnected for easy toting. You can now enjoy a true wireless freedom while your phone gently rests in your pocket. Despite LCD screen, 3D sound and other technical marvels, your headset weights only 28g. You can comfortably wear the headset doing sports or other exercises requiring a lot of movements. Don’t sacrifice comfortableness for wireless technology.

The Lubix UBHS-NC1 Stereo Headset provides high quality 3D Sound through XEN Solution. You also can choose the 3D sound effect that fits you best among 4 types of 3D Sound effect provided.

Full specifications:

* Wireless standard: Bluetooth 2.0 Class 2, Bluetooth 1.1
* Supported profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
* Operating time: 6 hrs talk / 5 hrs music playback / 150 hrs standby
* Max. output power: 10 mW + 10 mW
* Frequency response: 20 � 20,000 Hz � 3 dB
* Sensitivity: 110 dB
* Wireless range: 33 ft. (10 m) maximum
* Power source: Lithium-polymer battery. Recharge with USB cable or wall adaptor (both included)
* Size: 38mm x 42mm x 13mm
* Weight: 22g (0.8 oz)
* Colors: Available in white, black, and blue

If you want to read a full review about the Lubix UBHS-NC1 from A2DP.info, just click here. Also, below you can find a video review from wmexperts.com

By Alicia M.

Bluetooth has come a long way in recent years and is now transforming the user experience across a growing range of new and innovative devices.

Today Broadcom announces its Bluetooth Broadcom BCM2048 system-on-a-chip (SoC) is powering the Samsung P2 music player. This functionality not only removes the need for wired headphones, soon it will allow the device to receive forwarded calls from a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The P2 was voted one of Time Magazine�s top ten gadgets of 2007, boasting superb sound quality, along with the ability to play a variety of music file formats. The 3-inch screen also has touch controls for viewing photos and watching videos, which are displayed at a DVD-quality rate of 30 frames per second.

600 million devices with Bluetooth inside were shipped in 2007, and it continues to be one of the fastest growing wireless technologies.

Also check the Press Release below related to the Samsung YP-P2 and YP-T10 Portable Media Players.

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 12 — 2008 MWC — Broadcom Corporation (Nasdaq: BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that its combined Bluetooth(R) and FM radio chip is featured in the new award-winning MP3 players from Samsung Electronics. Equipped with the Broadcom(R) BCM2048 system-on-a-chip (SoC), Samsung’s YP-P2 and YP-T10 allow consumers to receive FM radio broadcasts on their MP3 players, or wirelessly stream digital music to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. In addition to creating new ways for consumers to enjoy and share their digital content with friends, Samsung’s Bluetooth-enabled MP3 players introduce a new era of wireless connectivity that will help drive wired headphones into obsolescence.

The popularity of MP3 devices continues to grow as music, video and other digital entertainment media files become increasingly portable. With an estimated 240 million media devices expected to ship in 2008(1), Samsung is differentiating its products with built-in wireless features and has received accolades for its innovative designs. Samsung’s YP-P2 was recently named one of the Top Ten Gadgets of 2007 by Time Magazine, and recognized as a CES 2008 Innovation Award Honoree.

One of the most innovative features of Samsung’s new MP3 players is multi- user audio that enables two YP-T10 users or three YP-P2 users to simultaneously enjoy the same music or video stream over multiple wireless headsets. This capability takes advantage of Bluetooth’s A2DP profile, supplemented by the advanced quality of service (QoS) enhancements in Broadcom’s Bluetooth software stack and silicon, which ensures a great multi- A2DP user experience.

Adding Bluetooth to these new MP3 players also allows the devices to interact with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. When associated with the user’s cell phone, the YP-T10 and YP-P2 players can automatically pause video and audio streams to allow the user to answer an incoming call. This unique capability further enhances the user experience.

“Consumers love MP3 players despite the inconvenience of a wired headset connection to the device,” said Jim Muth, Senior Product Line Manager of Broadcom’s Wireless Personal Area Networking line of business. “Bluetooth is transforming the user experience across a growing range of new and innovative devices by eliminating those wires, enabling leading companies like Samsung to drive the MP3 evolution with unique products, such as the YP-P2 and YP-T10 players.”

Samsung announced its YP-P2 and YP-T10 players in August 2007, providing a new lineup of MP3 devices that combines stylish design, state-of-the-art-video and sound quality, and convenient connectivity options. Both the YP-P2 and YP- T10 boast built-in Bluetooth 2.0 capabilities and slim form factor designs that fit naturally in one’s hand or pocket. The new Samsung products are the first MP3 players using Broadcom’s BCM2048 Bluetooth and FM radio combination chip in conjunction with the company’s popular Windows Bluetooth for Entertainment (BTE) software.

BCM2048 Technical Information

The new Samsung MP3 devices integrate the Broadcom BCM2048 Bluetooth solution, which includes a complete Bluetooth radio and baseband along with a high performance FM stereo radio receiver into a single chip. Makers of multimedia cell phones and digital media players enabled with Bluetooth can now conveniently add FM radio functionality to their products with significant power, size and cost savings versus other solutions, offering a more complete stereo audio experience to their customers.

The BCM2048 supports all of the key features of the Bluetooth Version 2.0 specification, with the capability of supporting Version 2.1 as well. Based on Broadcom’s proven enhanced data rate (EDR) technology, the Bluetooth radio offers superior receive sensitivity and employs proprietary adaptive radio techniques designed to provide an optimized user experience with greater range and less interference from other devices. The BCM2048 also includes all of the advanced FM features including high receiver sensitivity, station information enhancements through intelligent Radio Data Service (RDS) and Radio Broadcast Data Service (RBDS) processing, and superior tuning and station search functions.

Samsung YP-P2 and YP-T10 Portable Media Players

The YP-P2 is a portable widescreen video player that includes an array of functions such as video, music, photos, voice recording, FM radio and text, and portable file storage. Positioned as Samsung’s flagship MP3 player, the YP-P2 is only 0.4 inches thick and boasts an expansive 3-inch wide screen ideal for mobile movie lovers. The high resolution 16:9 screen ratio displays 30 frames per second for seamless and steady video playback and utilizes a full touch screen GUI that provides ultimate device control with the touch of a finger.

The YP-T10 is a stylish MP3 player that features full functionality in a super slim, featherweight design. At only 0.3 inches thick and 1.5 ounces, the YP-T10 combines a music player, FM radio, photo album, video player, voice recorder, text reader and game player, all in one. The 2-inch screen delivers crystal clear QVGA resolution while the Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe) provides powerful high quality acoustics designed to sound great in earphones.

Broadcom’s Bluetooth Product Family

Broadcom offers the most complete family of Bluetooth silicon and software solutions for mobile phones, PCs, wireless headphones and headsets, peripherals, gaming and other applications. Broadcom’s Bluetooth solutions are widely recognized in the industry as the most widely deployed and feature rich solutions available. The world’s largest manufacturers of consumer electronics, mobile phones and personal computer products rely on Broadcom Bluetooth technology to provide their customers with a unique, intuitive and feature rich user experience increasingly free of wires and cables.

About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry’s broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art, system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything(R).

Broadcom is one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2007 revenue of $3.78 billion, and holds over 2,500 U.S. and 1,000 foreign patents, more than 7,400 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video and data.

Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at http://www.broadcom.com.

Bleill, 30, is one of two Iraq war veterans, both double leg amputees, to use the Bluetooth prosthetics. Computer chips in each leg send signals to motors in the artificial joints so the knees and ankles move in a coordinated fashion. Bleill’s set of prosthetics have Bluetooth receivers strapped to the ankle area. The Bluetooth device on each leg tells the other leg what it’s doing, how it’s moving, whether walking, standing or climbing steps, for example. “They mimic each other, so for stride length, for amount of force coming up, going uphill, downhill and such, they can vary speed and then to stop them again,” Bleill told CNN from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he’s undergoing rehab.

Read the full story at CNN.

Great news for the Bluetooth wireless industry. The Bluetooth SIG has expanded its plan to meet consumers� need for wireless tech speed by combining the ease and functionality of Bluetooth technology with the speed of 802.11. This move is the first in a two-step process by the SIG to bring higher speeds and bandwidth to consumer electronic devices � ultra-wideband technology will also be combined with Bluetooth applications once it is market-ready.

Check the Press Release below:

BARCELONA, SPAIN, Mobile World Congress � Feb. 11, 2008 �Wireless transfer of large format entertainment data � music, video, and photos � between devices at short range is imminent. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) today announced a new way it will provide for consumers� growing need for speed.

The Bluetooth SIG is developing an innovative method of radio substitution. It will allow the well known Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and pairing to be used in consumer devices while achieving faster throughput with momentary use of a secondary radio already present in the device. This architecture, called �Alternate MAC/PHY� by Bluetooth SIG members working on the specification, is taking on a two-phased approach as SIG member companies drive the specification forward.

“This is the wireless technology equivalent of �low hanging fruit,�� said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, the Bluetooth SIG. �What we�re doing is taking classic Bluetooth connections � using Bluetooth protocols, profiles, security and other architectural elements � and allowing it to jump on top of the already present 802.11 radio, when necessary, to send bulky entertainment data, faster. When the speed of 802.11 is overkill, the connection returns to normal operation on a Bluetooth radio for optimal power management and performance.��

In 2006, the Bluetooth SIG announced the selection of the WiMedia Alliance brand of ultra wideband technology as a high speed channel for Bluetooth technology. This development work continues between the two organizations in advance of widespread ultra wideband technology adoption � expected to be co-located in many Bluetooth devices. In the meantime, however, the SIG will make use of IEEE 802.11, a technology already present in many of the devices demanding greater speeds.

This two-phased roadmap for higher speeds will allow for a steady evolution in Bluetooth devices utilizing the presence of 802.11 today while continuing preparations for the presence of ultra wideband in the near future. �We�re committed to speedy wireless personal area network connections and we�ll always be looking for the best near term and long term way to accomplish that,� adds Foley. �The greatness of a generic alternate radio architecture being developed is that it�s adaptable.�

With the availability of high speed Bluetooth technology, device users can expect to move their entertainment data between their own devices and the trusted devices of friends, without the need for cables and wires. Some applications consumers will experience include:

Wirelessly bulk synchronize music libraries between PC and MP3 player
Bulk download photos to a printer or PC
Send video files from camera or phone to computer or television

Meanwhile, Bluetooth devices will continue to offer the well known, low power and secure connections that make up the nearly 2 billion products already on the market. The core specification enabling the Alternate MAC/PHY is expected to be published to members in mid-2009 with work already well underway.

“The Bluetooth SIG is taking a logical step by applying Bluetooth protocols over an existing 802.11 radio to achieve efficient transfers of high data throughput applications,” said Flint Pulskamp, wireless and mobile analyst at IDC. “Since Bluetooth and 802.11 already have significant traction in mobile devices, this coupled solution could prove to be an efficient interim solution, as the Bluetooth SIG continues to develop UWB for the future.”

About Bluetooth� Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global short-range wireless standard for personal connectivity of a broad range of electronic devices. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the core specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths � small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, built-in security, robustness, ease-of-use, and ad hoc networking abilities. More than five new Bluetooth enabled products are qualified every working day and 13 million Bluetooth units are shipping per week. The installed base of Bluetooth devices is nearly two billion and climbing, making it the only proven wireless technology choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide.

About the Bluetooth SIG
The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, consumer electronics, automotive and network industries, is driving development of Bluetooth wireless technology and bringing it to market. The Bluetooth SIG includes Promoter group companies Ericsson, Intel, Lenovo, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba, along with over 10,000 Associate and Adopter member companies. The Bluetooth SIG, Inc. headquarters are located in Bellevue, Washington, U.S.A. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com.

The Bluetooth word mark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Brendan from Mobileburn.com posted a detailed review about the BlueAnt Z9 Bluetooth Headset. I have been checking the Z9 since the CES 2008, when I had the chance to play with the device. The Z9 leads the next generation of Bluetooth headsets with its stylish design and use of dual microphone, noise reduction technology via BlueAnt�s patented Voice Isolation Technology, a revolutionary proprietary Digital Signal Processor (DSP). To read the full review and check more images of the BlueAnt Z9 Bluetooth headset, just click here.

Cambridge, UK – 7 February 2008 – CSR (LSE: CSR) today announced it has successfully integrated GPS with cellular measurements to create eGPS� (enhanced Global Positioning System) technology capable of providing accurate position information on demand in all environments. CSR will be demonstrating the benefits of eGPS technology at Mobile World Congress (MWC 08) in Barcelona. CSR’s location technologies are now proven to provide significant power and performance improvements necessary for embedding into a mobile handset. CSR’s first single-chip GPS with embedded Bluetooth and FM radio technologies is back from the fab and proven working. CSR’s eGPS demonstrations take place at Mobile World Congress Hall 1, stand 1E51 from 11 – 14 February 2008.

CSR’s CEO, Joep van Beurden commented, “Along with last month’s announcement of the intention to form the EGPS Forum with Motorola, our working silicon and demonstrations at Mobile World Congress are all significant steps on CSR’s roadmap towards adding high performance, yet power-efficient eGPS to cellular phones at an additional cost of less than $1.” van Beurden continued, “Our patented eGPS technologies are ready to change the market for location technologies in mobile handsets.”

CSR’s GPS demonstrations at MWC 08 will show its technologies providing real-time GPS navigation embedded in a mobile handset as well as improving the responsiveness and availability of accurate position information compared with assisted GPS (A-GPS) in a live cellular network.

CSR’s patented eGPS techniques augment traditional GPS or A-GPS with cellular network measurements to provide a much improved user experience. Universal availability of location information, increased responsiveness and reduced power consumption make eGPS far more appropriate for use in mobile handsets when compared with current GPS technologies. eGPS works globally, providing far more accurate position information than conventional cellular-based technologies and allowing carriers to support the fine time aiding critical to GPS performance in difficult environments without needing expensive overhauls of unsynchronised GSM or W-CDMA network infrastructure.

In January, CSR and Motorola announced their intention to create the EGPS Forum:
http://www.csr.com/pr/pr321.htm

CSR’s eGPS demonstrations show how its technology can be easily embedded into a standard slimline handset and minimises power usage as well as avoiding conflicts with other handset technologies. Using off-the-shelf mapping software, CSR’s handset demo shows highly accurate turn-by-turn navigation driven by signal processing software running entirely upon the embedded host applications processor. A comparative demo against conventional A-GPS systems shows greatly improved time to first fix (TTFF) in difficult environments and a reliable fallback position based on cellular measurements when A-GPS fails. CSR’s Bluetooth silicon with embedded support for eGPS allows satellite measurements to be maintained when the host processor is powered down, providing position information on demand while minimising power and resource loads. A typical eGPS push-to-fix will be available in less than 4 seconds, accurate to within 10 metres and require the equivalent power of less than 1 second of handset talk time.

CSR has a long history of success in embedding radio technologies in mobile handsets for customers such as Nokia, Motorola and Samsung. In January 2007 CSR announced its acquisition of GPS specialists NordNav Technologies AB and Cambridge Positioning Systems. By combining its expertise with that of its acquisitions CSR has been developing eGPS product offerings that support satellite navigation and other location-based services.

For further information about CSR’s eGPS technologies visit: http://www.csr.com/egps

About CSR
CSR is the leading global provider of personal wireless technology and its product portfolio covers Bluetooth, GPS, FM and Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). CSR offers developed hardware/software solutions, based around its silicon platforms, that incorporate fully integrated radio, baseband and microcontroller elements.

CSR’s customers include industry leaders such as Apple, Dell, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, RIM, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TomTom and Toshiba.

CSR has its headquarters and offices in Cambridge, UK, and offices in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, India, France, Denmark, Sweden and both Dallas and Detroit in the USA.

More information can be found at www.csr.com

If you have been researching the Motorola MOTOROKR S9 headphones, the Motorola S9-HD will be your next home work. At the CES 2008 show, Motorola announced the Motorola S9-HD, an update to the very well known Motorola S9 stereo Bluetooth headphones. This new version adds 3D surround sound and high-definition audio – compliments of SRS WOW HD technology. The ear buds on the S9-HD have also been redesigned to reduce background noise and maximize comfort.

The Motorola S9-HD is compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and MP3 players. If you are an iPod user, however, you’d have to get Motorola D650 Bluetooth adaptor for synchronization.

The Motorola S9-HD stereo Bluetooth headset weighs only 32g (1oz). With up to 6 hours of music playback and dedicated music playback controls, the Motorola S9-HD looks to be quite promising. The S9-HD should be available in Q2 2008, though pricing is not currently available.

NFC is an extremely short-range (4.0 inches or 10 cm) wireless communication technology that dramatically simplifies the pairing of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices. Essentially, it enables devices to automatically recognize and pair with each other when they are in close proximity. This eliminates the typical multi-step manual pairing process between Bluetooth devices that could take consumers one to two minutes or longer to conclude, especially on their first attempt.

Check the video below (via Phonescoop.com) to see the how the NFC technology works with different devices, including the photo frame.

If you want to read more about the NFC technology, visit the the Near Field Communication (NFC) Forum.