Philips' sleek and unique stereo Bluetooth headset, dubbed the Tapster for its slick touch-sensitive controls, garnered early praise from press and even took home an iF Product Design Award. Sadly, the gadget will never grace retail shelves, and while Philips elected not to enlighten us as to why, I think I have an idea: it doesn't work.
Well, at least our review sample didn't. The major draw of the Tapster is the playback and volume controls, which are manipulated via light tapping and swiping on the ear modules. In theory, this is a sweet idea, because pressing tactile buttons on an in-ear headset has a tendency to dislodge the earbuds. Unfortunately, although we tested the Tapster with four different devices, it never worked completely as advertised. Sigh...well, at least we got some pictures worthy of ogling.
(Credit:
CrackBerry.com)
As if checking e-mail on your BlackBerry wasn't addicting enough, there may be an accessory in the works that may just fuel your habit. CrackBerry.com has posted images of what it's claiming to be actual renderings of a BlackBerry watch.
The site claims that the Bluetooth accessory is being developed by a new, dedicated BlackBerry accessory company and will be branded as the inPulse Smartwatch. It's not meant to be a replacement for your BlackBerry but rather shows your notifications and previews of incoming messages for those times when you can't pull out your BlackBerry; for example, during meetings, while driving, and so forth.
CrackBerry says the InPulse will have an OLED screen that's optimized for displaying text clearly and will have solid battery life.
"Connected watches" haven't had the most successful run in the past (read: Microsoft Spot watches), though the LG Watch Phone certainly has piqued some people's interest. While the InPulse is just a rumor right now, what do you think? Useful or a waste of time?
Sony Ericsson's MS500 is the company's first outdoor Bluetooth speaker system.
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)They're a far cry from the classic boombox and they don't carry that bit of nostalgia of the good 'ol days (shoot, am I dating myself here?), but Sony Ericsson's new Bluetooth speakers will certainly turn heads and achieve the same goal of broadcasting your music wherever you go.
The Sony Ericsson Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500 is the company's first outdoor Bluetooth speaker system and is powered by two AA batteries so you can bring it with you anywhere and stream music for up to five hours.
Using Bluetooth, you can wirelessly stream music from "most" of Sony Ericsson's Bluetooth-enabled phones as well as other manufacturers. (You can find a list of compatible phones from Sony Ericsson's Web site.) In addition, you can use your handset as a remote control to change tracks and adjust volume.
The egg-shaped MS500 weighs a lightweight 5.4 ounces (with batteries) and features a splash-proof shell and a strap for attaching to your bag or wrist. The speaker will be offered in two color combo options: orange/black or white/pink. Sony Ericsson said the Outdoor Wireless Speaker MS500 will ship in the next three months, though pricing was not yet revealed.
(Credit:
Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)
To put the word "audiophile" in the name of your product is a bold claim indeed, but that's exactly what Soundmatters did with its FoxL Personal Audiophile Loudspeaker. This travel-friendly speaker is among the most compact we've seen, and yet it manages to offer exceptional range and clarity, not to mention a tight low-end.
However, you'll need a wired connection to enjoy the speaker's audio capability. The FoxL comes in a Bluetooth model ($249) and a standard version ($199), but we don't recommend dropping the extra $50 for wireless connectivity.
Read the Soundmatters FoxL review.
The BS300 is truly pocketable.
(Credit: Samsung)You don't need much more than your MP3 player--whether it's a standalone device or an app built into your cell phone--to enjoy all your favorite tunes on the go, but certain accessories can up the entertainment factor.
For example, if you spend a lot of time in hotel rooms, a portable speaker is practically a necessity, allowing you to rock out without being tethered to your headphones. In fact, why not do away with the wires entirely? One of the more advanced features you can find in portable speakers on the market today is built-in Bluetooth technology. This wireless protocol lets you stream music from any device with integrated A2DP technology, which can be found in most media-centric cell phones (save the iPhone) and even a handful of dedicated MP3 players.
The speakers often include integrated keys for controlling music playback, and some even offer mics for use as a speakerphone--and, really, we see no reason not to kill two birds with one stone.
Jawbone's new fit earbuds are among the new accessories announced by Aliph.
(Credit: Nicole Lee/CNET)Accessories for a Bluetooth headset may seem a little much, but Aliph has recently announced a few new add-ons to its popular Aliph Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset. First, it addresses a few complaints about the Jawbone 2 fit with these new fit earbuds. These rubber ear cushions come with an additional rubber loop made to fit securely within the folds of the outer ear, so you won't need the Jawbone ear hook any more. Aliph also claims that these new ear cushions will make it easier for consumers to place the Voice Activity Sensor correctly.
The Jawbone car charger has a USB cable.
(Credit: Aliph)Next is the Jawbone car charger with USB cable, which is exactly what it sounds like. Nothing much more to say about this silver-looking bullet, except that it will cost you around $29.99. The aforementioned new fit earbuds are free with any new purchase of the Jawbone 2; we're currently checking to see if existing customers will have to pay for them.
UPDATE 11/11/08: According to Aliph, the new fit earbuds will be available around the end of November, free of charge to new and existing customers.
Nokia BH-504 stereo Bluetooth headset
(Credit: Nokia)Along with the Nokia 5800 Xpress Music and its Comes with Music promotion, Nokia also announced a slew of stereo headsets to match its new music-focused products on Thursday. The Nokia BH-504 is the only Bluetooth headset of the bunch, with the ability to handle calls as well as listen to music wirelessly. Looking a lot like regular over-the-ear headphones, it's fully foldable, with advanced digital signal processing that includes echo cancellation and noise reduction. It has the typical multifunction button as well as music player controls and a volume rocker. The BH-504 has a rated battery life of 9 hours talk time, 7.5 hours music time, and 3.75 days standby time.
Nokia WH-202, Nokia WH-500, Nokia WH-800
(Credit: Nokia)The other three headsets are of the wired variety, and all three have call management features. The WH-202 has ear clips for long-wear comfort and has a 2.5mm connector for cell phones with that headset jack, though it doesn't have music player controls. The WH-500 has a design similar to that of the BH-504, plus it has music keys such as play/pause and next/previous track and a 3.5 mm connector (as well as a 2.5mm adapter). Finally, the WH-800 earbuds come with adjustable ear hooks, a volume rocker, a carrying case, and a 3.5 mm connector plus a 2.5mm adapter.
On Sale Now:
$79.99
View the latest prices for Nokia WH-800 stereo headset
Motorola Rokr EQ7
(Credit: Motorola)In addition to unveiling a trio of new Rokr phones, Motorola announced today the U.S. availability of the Motorola Rokr EQ7 and the Motorola Rokr EQ5 portable speakers. The Bluetooth accessories allow you to wirelessly play your music or take speakerphone calls from a compatible cell phone like the Motorola Rokr E8 and can be purchased directly from Motorola or at electronic retail stores.
The Motorola Rokr EQ7 features four JBL speakers and noise- and echo-reduction technology for better sound quality during phone calls. While it's Bluetooth-enabled (A2DP), there's also a 3.5mm audio cable included in the box so you can connect other non-Bluetooth devices, such as an MP3 player, to play your music. The Rokr EQ7 has a retail price of $199.95.
Motorola Rokr EQ5
(Credit: Motorola)If you're looking for something a little more portable, check out the Motorola Rokr EQ5. The sleek Bluetooth speaker system can fit in a pocket and has a kick-stand and up to 6 hours of play time. It also comes with a 3.5mm audio cable; SRS WOW HD technology for improved call quality; and radio frequency shielding to help prevent static interference. The EQ5 costs $119.95; check out Kent German's full review of the Rokr EQ5 here.
Sony Ericsson dropped a load of accessories to go with its new W902, W595, and W302 announced yesterday. The new products range from stereo wireless speakers to wired noise-canceling headsets. We give you the details below--or check Sony Ericsson's Web site for more specs. The accessories won't be available in most markets until the end of this year.
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MPS-100
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)The MPS-100 portable speakers are an update to Sony Ericsson's earlier MPS-60 and MPS-70 speakers. Though they use a wired connection to your Walkman handset, the MPS-100 speakers have an appealing, compact design. They weigh just 4.8 ounces and and feature a 3.5mm line in port.
MBS-200
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)The MBS-200 wireless portable speaker uses a Bluetooth stereo connection and offers an eye-catching circular design. Features include an OLED display and a 3.5mm audio jack. The compact MBS-200 comes with a carrying bag and weighs 8.9 ounces.
MBS-400
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)For a more powerful Bluetooth listening experience, the MBS-400 wireless portable speakers offer stereo sound. The ball-shaped speakers weigh 8.9 ounces and 8.2 ounces and feature a 3.5mm audio port.
HBH-IS800
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)The HBH-IS800 wireless stereo headphones come in silver and black. The earbuds are tiny and the behind-the-neck connector cord is unobtrusive. They use a Bluetooth connection and have a promised battery life of four hours music playback time.
The HPM-88 noise-canceling headphones use a wired connection. Features include a 3.5mm jack, noise-canceling technology, an oxygen-free copper cord, and a Sony Ericsson fast port connector.
HPM-66
(Credit: Sony Ericsson)The HPM-66 active stereo headphones feature a secure behind-the-ear fit. Features are similar to the HPM-88 headphones, including an inline remote for handling calls and controlling your Walkman phone's music player.
Hot or not?
At first, I thought California's new hands-free calling law was a great idea. Though it's debatable whether cell phones in the car can ever be safe, I took a lot of comfort in knowing that holding your phone to your ear while driving was now illegal. True, there's no guarantee that both hands will now be on the steering wheel, but I thought my chances of being run down by a yakking driver were just a bit smaller.
But, only a few days after the law went into effect I realized that it had one unfortunate consequence: a very rapid proliferation of Bluetooth dorks. Since headset-use is now required by law, the number of people wearing their headset when they're not in the car or on the phone has exploded. The sight of these people has always made me cringe, but now it appears they're here to stay. I'm know I'm not the only one who feels this way so I encourage my fellow Californians to remember this: please remove your headset when not in use. You're not a Borg drone; it doesn't make you look important or edgy, and it's not a fashion statement. If you need a place to stash it you can always buy the LG Decoy, but otherwise your pocket or purse should suffice.
