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Bluetooth Home Automation with a Twist

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in November 19th, 2008   
Topics: Internet, Mobile Phones, Wireless, bk-unv01, bluekey, bluekey wireless, bluetooth, company, devices, electronc house, insteon, module, powerlinc, x10     

The new BK-UNV01 module from startup bluekey_controller.jpgBlueKey Wireless can turn most Bluetooth-enabled phones into home controllers.

Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth solutions on the market, the company believes this product is unique because of the company’s robust on-screen programming interface.

The module and companion software debuted at the Electronic House Expo Fall 2008 in Long Beach, Calif.

The BK-UNV01 receives Bluetooth commands from compatible phones and other devices — up to 300 feet away for Class 1 Bluetooth products — and can trigger virtually any low-voltage device via seven onboard programmable relays.

The unit also has a serial interface for controlling more advanced control systems (one-way). Out of the box, it supports the Powerlinc serial-to-powerline module for controlling Insteon and X10 devices over the home’s existing AC wiring.

Up to 16 mobile devices can be tied into the system.

BlueKey’s Java-based application software loads onto a Bluetooth phone like any other application. It allows users to configure (with delays, if desired) each relay and label each command (up to 82) via an onscreen wizard.

Optional cellular and landline interfaces enable the BK-UNV01 to deliver status reports to the customer’s phone when out of range. Eventually, BluKey will provide Internet connectivity as well.

BlueKey sells the BK-UNV01 module and software for $499 (including a license for one mobile device), but the company is focused mainly on OEM business.

More at CEPro.

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Callpod Drone VoIP Bluetooth Headset

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in November 14th, 2008   
Topics: A2DP, Callpod, Drone, Gadgets, Headsets, Mobile Phones, TMCnet, USB, VoIP, Wireless, bluetooth, bluetooth headset, dongle, headset, skype     

callpod-drone.jpg
Callpod’s new Drone USB Bluetooth adapter turns your mobile phone’s Bluetooth headset into a headset/mic for your PC or Mac allowing you to receive Skype or other VoIP calls using your high-end Bluetooth headset (Plantronics, Jawbone, etc.). Just connect the Drone into the USB port of your computer, and it will immediately connect with your Bluetooth headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range. When a Skype call comes in, Drone switches over to the call automatically. It supports the A2DP (Stereo) Bluetooth profile.

Of course, many PCs and laptops come with Bluetooth built-in, making this device unnecessary. It’s basically a $50 USB Bluetooth adapter/Bluetooth dongle, which is nothing new. Still, if you need to add Bluetooth functionality to your PC or Mac, this might be the way to go. Though, you can pick up a Bluetooth USB dongle for $20. However, they claim their software automatically switches the audio to the Bluetooth headset on an incoming Skype call. I don’t believe most Bluetooth dongles support that functionality. Not sure it’s worth the extra $30 for the auto-Skype answer, but you make the call.

Features:

  • 100-meter (Class-1) range
  • VoIP and music streaming to any Bluetooth headset or stereo headphones
  • Automatically pairs with your headset or headphones
  • Seamlessly switch between music and VoIP calls
  • No software installation - Plug and Play
  • Optional software install for advanced functions such as data transfer
  • Upgradeable firmware

Read

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Rosy Future for Wireless — Both Audio and Video

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in November 11th, 2008   
Topics: 60 GHz, ABI Research, Video, WiFi, Wireless, bluetooth, research, ultra-wideband     

bluetooth logo.gifShipments of four classes of wireless audio and video connectivity products for the home will increase nearly 500% by the end of 2013, according to a new study from ABI Research.

The four technologies involved are named as Bluetooth, WiFi, ultra-wideband (UWB) and 60 GHz. The last one is described by ABI Research as the “likely standard-bearer” for in-home wireless distribution of uncompressed high-definition video.

The research firm adds that as the wireless home electronics market grows, these technologies will coexist and become closely integrated according to their strengths and specialities.

More at Connected Home News. 

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How Low Can Storage Go?

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in October 22nd, 2008   
Topics: Computer Hardware, bluetooth, cheap, data, emc, iomega, network, products, rsa, storage, storcenter ix2     

iomega_logo.gifNew storage products usually involve gadgets that are bigger, faster and cheaper as disk drives keep packing in more and more data and prices keep on dropping.

However, EMC’s Iomega, well-known for such personal disk storage products as the Zip and Jaz drives, is coming out with new products that are smaller — yet “bigger” in capacity — and cheaper.

Iomega recently introduced the StorCenter ix2, a 1TB-capacity network storage drive with a desktop footprint that the company describes as “smaller than a large dictionary.” The price: $300.   (Cheap, cheap …)

The StorCenter ix2 comes in 1TB and 2TB ($479) versions and provides a centralized network storage repository that can be used in the home to share, secure and protect data and files, including databases, photos, MP3 files, videos and financial records.

It’s ridiculous how cheap these things are, but it is what it is. It’s a great value for the consumer.

The ix2 includes built-in support for Bluetooth, UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certified devices; it even sports an integrated iTunes server.

The ix2 includes security software from RSA, also owned by EMC.

More at eWeek.com.

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Palmtop PCs on Their Way Back

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in October 21st, 2008   
Topics: Apple, Computer Hardware, IMOVIO, Newton, Wi-Fi, Wireless, bluetooth, pda, subnotebook     

ikit.jpgIn the what’s old is new again category …

IMOVIO has launched a smaller alternative to a subnotebook – much smaller. The new iKIT is about the size of a PDA from 10 years ago, but has a QWERTY keyboard and connects to the Internet at 3G speeds via your cell phone or Wi-Fi.

(Ah the Newton … Anybody still using that little gadget goodie from Apple?) 

The $175 Linux-based system has a built-in Webcam as well as a range of applications, such as Web browsing, e-mail and IM.

It can connect to the Internet using a standard Wi-Fi connection, or it can use your cell phone’s mobile broadband connection via Bluetooth. 

Now are those chicklet keys easy on our big fingers? 

Get more at Computerworld.

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Motorola Femtocell Picture Frame Combines VoIP, Video, Bluetooth, Touchscreen and more

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in September 26th, 2008   
Topics: Gadgets, Home Entertainment, Mobile, Mobile Phones, Motorola, TMCnet, Video, Video Hardware & Software, VoIP, bluetooth, femtocell, photo frame, picture frame, video conferencing     

motorola-femtocell-voip-prototype.jpg
Check out this cool new converged prototype device from Motorola that combines a picture frame with touch-screen, video camera, Bluetooth headset, VoIP, femtocell, and video streaming. A femtocell is a small cellular base station, typically designed for use in residential or small business environments that allows you to use your mobile phone in your home connecting to your femtocell access point.

Femtocells essentially are an alternative way to deliver the benefits of Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) without the need for a dual-mode handset. In the Youtube demo video below demoed by Motorola representative Harsha Hegde, you can clearly see they’re using the popular Counterpath Xten SIP-based softphone - also shown in the screen grab above. Motorola also demonstrates a femtocell mobile-to-mobile VoIP call, which is pretty cool.

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Sony’s Bluetooth Watch: Calling Dick Tracy!

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in September 24th, 2008   
Topics: Accessories, Mobile Phones, Sony, Sony Ericsson, bluetooth, cell phone, fossil, mbw-200, phone, range, resistant, watch, wrist watch     

Sony Bluetooth Watch MBW_TN_70x70.jpgCan’t get to the ringing cell phone fast enough ladies because it’s hidden inside your briefcase, purse, bag or pocket?

Well, does Sony have a product for you!

The new Bluetooth MBW-200 range of Bluetooth watches is an expansion of the highly successful Bluetooth MBW-150 range, which enables you to control your phone with your watch.

Missed an important call or SMS because you couldn’t hear or find your phone at the bottom of your handbag? With the MBW-200 this is now a thing of the past. Using innovative Bluetooth technology, the watch displays the caller ID and vibrates as your phone is ringing or when you receive an SMS.

Reject or mute the call with a button on the watch or use the Bluetooth headset or mobile phone to answer the call and start chatting.

Designed in partnership with watch industry leader Fossil and the knowhow of Sony Ericsson, the MBW-200 series comes in three distinct designs; Sparkling Allure, Contemporary Elegance and Evening Classic.

The collection features scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass with an anti-glare coating for optimum readability and glow. The discreet, yet stylish and clear monochrome OLED display is invisible when not in use and clearly visible on a bright day so that you can easily see who is calling or which track is playing.

Features include:

  • Reject or mute call through the watch
  • Vibrates on new SMS/MMS — and an out of range warning — when 30 feet away from your phone
  • Discreet yet clear caller ID — OLED display
  • Play, pause, stop or skip a track on your phone’s music player
  • Quartz movements for exact time keeping — both digital and analog
  • Auto pairing — easier to connect the watch to your phone
  • Water resistant up to 3 ATM
  • Allergy safe stainless steel
  • Mineral crystal scratch resistant face with antiglare coating 

Availability in early Q4 2008. 

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Polycom KIRK DECT SIP Phones

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in September 22nd, 2008   
Topics: Captain Kirk, KIRK 5040, KIRK Wireless Server 300, KWS, KWS 6000, Mobile Phones, Polycom, SIP, TMCnet, VoIP, Wireless, bluetooth, calls, coverage, wireless server     

polycom-kirk5040.jpgPolycom today announced the launch of its latest KIRK Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) wireless products. Polycom has introduced three new products: the KIRK Wireless Server (KWS) 300, the KWS 6000, and the KIRK 5040 handset. which are all SIP-based.

The name KIRK certainly evokes Captain Kirk from Star Trek and most likely intentionally, since Captain Kirk and his crew made the wireless communicator famous 40 years ago. No doubt Polycom has some Trekkies in their engineering or marketing teams.

Of course, I should mention that Polycom acquired Spectralink, a well known wireless phone manufacturer and Spectralink previously acquired Kirk Telecom, the makers of these DECT wireless phones. So the product name is simply a reflection of their corporate name. So perhaps all this Trekkie analogy business is moot. Or maybe they named their company Kirk Telecom to honor Captain Kirk. Stranger things have happened.

All KIRK solutions are scalable, both in terms of the number of users as well as the coverage areas supported. The latest additions to the KIRK Wireless Server portfolio include:

  • The KIRK Wireless Server 300, a SIP-based wireless telephony system, is ideal for smaller sized businesses, by scaling support from one to 12 handsets The KIRK Wireless Server 300 is a single-cell solution that can support up to four simultaneously calls and up to six KIRK repeaters in order to extend the coverage area. Each KIRK repeater increases the coverage area by approximately 50 percent.
     
  • The KWS 6000 is a SIP-based enterprise wireless telephony solution that scales from just a handful up to more than 4,000 users. Up to 256 radio units are supported, which when combined with the KIRK Media Resource, can support more than 1,000 simultaneous calls. Each KIRK base station handles 12 simultaneous calls, and customers can scale up based on their individual needs. Additionally, KIRK repeaters can be added to increase the coverage area by approximately 50 percent.

The KIRK 5040 handset, the newest addition to the KIRK product line, is a lightweight DECT phone that combines an intuitive user interface and wireless headset that can be operated hands-free and wirelessly with a Bluetooth headset. Like the KIRK 5020, the 5040 can quickly be switched to silent mode and will distinguish between external and internal calls by ring tone. The KIRK 5040 handset also features an intuitive user interface and a large color-display offering an experience similar to a mobile phone and with the added benefit of hands-free operation.

Features of the 5040:

  • TFT colour display (65.000 colours, 8 lines of text/icons)
  • Li-ion battery
  • 4 Way navigation key
  • 2 Softkeys
  • CLIP (40 caller-ID presentations)
  • Date and time in display when supported by system
  • Internal/external ring pattern
  • Volume control
  • Telephone book with 250 name entries (4 numbers per name)
  • Auto login - roaming between 10 different installations
  • Silent mode (mutes all alerts/calls)
  • Alerting on silent mode (choice from display flash, vibrator or short ring)
  • Call list of incoming/missed/received (last 40 entries)
  • Redial function from call list
  • Speed dial
  • Auto answer with different settings (after 1st ring/when lifted from charger/on headset/loud speaker on)
  • 10 different ring signals and adjustable ring volume
  • Key lock
  • Auto key lock
  • Vibrating alert
  • Any key answer
  • 11 menu languages (UK, FR, DE, ES, IT, NL, CZ, PL, DK, NO, SE)
  • Headset connection
  • Ring signal in headset
  • Adjustable volume in headset
  • Answer/end calls via headset button
  • Microphone mute
  • Speaker on auto-answer
  • R-key for transfer and special services
  • Adjustable alerting volume (low battery/low coverage/incoming message)
  • Adjustable backlight delay (for max. battery conservation)
  • Text messaging - max. 72 characters per message (system dependant) 10 user defined messaging templates
  • Stores 20 messages
  • Speech/stand by time: Up to 15/100 hours
  • Weight incl. battery: 110g
  • Size (LxWxH): 146×48x19mm
  • 2 types of chargers (w/wo USB 2.0 connection)
  • Suitable for Bluetooth headsets

Pricing & Availability
The new KIRK solutions are available worldwide through Polycom’s certified reseller partners. The list price for the KWS 300 is U.S. $360. The KWS 6000 list price is U.S. $1,200 and includes a server and one base station, which supports up to 30 users. With the scalable nature of the KWS6000 it can also be set up for more users. The KIRK 5040 handset sells at a list price of U.S. $310. To learn more about Polycom’s KIRK phone solution, head here.

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Free Those Trapped Cell Phone Photos!

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in August 7th, 2008   
Topics: CNET, Digital Cameras, bluetooth, camera phone, memory, memory card, micro sd, mini sd, phone, phones, pictures     

samsung 32876795-2-200-0.gifGetting your great candid pictures off your camera phone is no easy matter — it should be so simple!

CNET gives us a couple of ways to do it. One of them has got to work!

The least labor-intensive way to rescue your pictures from being trapped on your phone is to send them to an e-mail address in a multimedia message. But as you know, this costs money, so you’ll be pleased to hear there are alternatives.

If your phone accepts a memory card, you can save your pictures to the card, then use the card to transfer the images. Most cell phones use smaller memory cards in a Micro SD or Mini SD card format, so if you don’t have an adapter, the cards won’t fit in most readers.

If you don’t have a memory card slot, you can use Bluetooth or an infrared port to send shots to another capable device. But be wary, because some carriers block some Bluetooth transfers on its phones.

Still another method is to use a USB cable that connects your cell phone with your computer. Not all phones have USB capability, so check to see if yours does. Also, USB transfers on some phones require software from the carrier or the manufacturer.

If your phone doesn’t come with any of the features, don’t despair, as you’re not out of luck. A final method is to invest in cell phone-syncing software. Although these products require an initial investment, it’s not an ongoing one, and you’ll be able to not only transfer photos but also sync your calendar, your contacts list, and your messages.

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‘Look Ma, No Hands’: Bluetooth Converts?

by VoIP & Gadgets Blog in July 7th, 2008   
Topics: CNET, bluetooth, phone     

Just read a CNET blog about Bluetooth converts in Cali, due of course to their “no cell phones when driving” lbluetooth logo.gifaw (at least meaning that it can’t be in your hand).

That blog discusses an ingenious way to use Bluetooth and your cell phone in the car.

Was wondering if anyone has become a Bluetooth convert in CT now that we have the cell phone law here, too.  Or how about in other states, too, like New York?

I’m pretty attached to the wired headset feeling, but have had serious thoughts about using Bluetooth — although now there is even more discussion about cell phone radiation and the like for close to head or in-ear use.

What’s a boy to do? Although “look ma, no hands” is pretty cool …

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