News

Parrot CONFERENCE Bluetooth spakerphone

Parrot have been announcing a lot of new devices lately and here is another, the Parrot CONFERENCE Speakerphone.

Parrot is introducing Bluetooth convenience to corporate boardrooms, offices and conference rooms with the launch of its new high-performance Bluetooth wireless speakerphone.

Called the Parrot CONFERENCE, the speakerphone features Parrot’s proprietary advanced digital signal processing technology with full duplexing for clear, echo-free conversations in both small and large rooms. Its three highly sensitive microphones provide complete 360-degree voice pickup and a powerful 5-watt speaker allows conversations in normal voice levels for all participants.

Because it is wireless and powered by three rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries, the speakerphone can be easily moved from office to conference room to accommodate phone meetings wherever they occur. The batteries provide 10 hours of continuous talk-time, and fully recharge in five hours. And the Parrot CONFERENCE can be paired with up to 50 phones.

The Parrot CONFERENCE has fully integrated Internet communications (VoIP) software. And, for the Skype subscribers, the Parrot CONFERENCE comes with an integrated Skype(TM) interface so it is ready to use out of the box.

The Parrot CONFERENCE also features a large, bright active-matrix TFT color display that makes its menus, settings and phone listings easy to see and read. The Parrot CONFERENCE will store up to 6,000 contacts that are automatically loaded wirelessly via Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, PDAs, and laptops. A built-in digital keypad also allows manual dialing if required.

The self-contained Parrot CONFERENCE is relatively lightweight and has a small footprint for convenience and easy portability. It measures about 10 inches in diameter, sits less than two inches high and weights only 22 ounces including the batteries

Parrot CONFERENCE Specification:

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Parrot, Parrot CONFERENCE, Speakerphone, Bluetooth, Tracy & Matt]

Samsung announces the T9B (YP-T9B) MP3 player

You might be forgiven for thinking that the device below is a Samsung Mobile Phone. In actual fact the T9B is an MP3 player.

The T9B MP3 player takes features a step further and allows consumers to listen free as a bird with Bluetooth-enabled wireless stereo. Now listeners can enjoy their favorite songs wire-free using compatible Bluetooth enabled headphones. And with advanced remote control functions on headsets including play, pause, seek and volume control, the T9B player can stay safely tucked away in a pocket or bag.

The T9B player can also be paired with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Music lovers won’t have to worry about missing a call while listening to their favorite tunes; the player tells its user when they have an incoming call. While the mobile phone is in a pocket or bag, users can talk to friends and family by using the embedded microphone within the T9B MP3 player. When the call is over, the T9B player takes the user back to where they left off with their music.

The T9B MP3 players is available in jet black and deep purple, come in 2GB and 4GB version. The T9B pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Tracy & Matt, Samsung T9B, MP3 Player, Samsung]

Vodafone launch 1210 3G Smartphone in Portugal

Vodafone Portugal announce the release of their 1210 Smartphone. Here is the official release:

Vodafone Portugal is launching its first 3G Smartphone under its own brand, the Vodafone 1210. Its characteristics, design and functions were specified by Vodafone to facilitate the use of mobile services by its customers.

This exclusive Vodafone phone has the lowest price in its range and combines the most advanced functions of a Smartphone with the multimedia characteristics of a telephone. With this phone it is possible to access the Internet, view Word, Excel, PDF and Powerpoint files and process multimedia content such as music tracks and videos.

The use of 384kbps 3G technology enables broadband access to a range of content, making it ideal for using – via the Vodafone Mobile E-mail service – e-mail, calendar, address book, Internet, Intranet and other corporate applications. These characteristics and functions are complemented by an elegant design and an attractive price of 190 euros.

In order to make the Mobile E-mail service even more accessible to corporate customers, it will be possible to purchase this phone for only 20 euros, with 20 euros of free calls included, by subscribing to a 24-month contract with activation of the voice service and Mobile E-mail.

Vodafone 1210 Specification

See the 1210 on Vodafone’s Portuguese website.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Vodafone, 1210, Vodafone 1210, Tracy & Matt]

3 new devices for Orange.NL

Three new phones have appeared in the Dutch Orange magazine further adding to the choice of Windows Mobile devices available to our friends from the Netherlands.

The devices showing up are the SPV C100 (HTC Oxygen), SPV M650 (HTC Artemis) and SPV M700 (HTC Trinity).

In the past Orange UK have not been far behind the Netherlands launch (if they launch at all) so fingers crossed that it wont be long before we begin to see these devices for sale here in the UK!

Orange SPV C100 Specification:

Orange SPV M650 Specification:

Orange SPV M700 Specification

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Orange SPV M650, Orange SPV M700, Orange SPV C100, HTC Oxygen, HTC Trinity, HTC Artemis, Tracy & Matt]

Vista Named ‘Best of CES’ 2007

Windows Vista operating system has been selected by the editors at CNET as a winner of the “Best of CES 2007” award in the computers and hardware category at the 2007 International Consumer
Electronics Show (CES). Windows Vista, scheduled to be broadly available on
Jan. 30, 2007, was honored for enhancements and innovations that provide
users with an experience that is easier, safer, more entertaining and
better connected, at home or on the go.

“It is a great honor to have Windows Vista declared one of the best
products at this year’s CES,” said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president
for Windows(R) Client Marketing at Microsoft Corp. “We are in outstanding
company here at the show, and this award is an indication of what customers
can expect when they are able to experience Windows Vista for themselves
later this month.”

The development of Windows Vista is the result of an unprecedented
collaboration between Microsoft and its customers and partners. The product
was designed with the help of millions of testers worldwide, including 50
families from seven countries taking part in the Life with Windows Vista
program. The feedback gathered from this testing was invaluable to the
product development, and Windows Vista is better because of it.

In preparation for the Windows Vista launch, thousands of PC manufacturers and
system builders across the globe are preparing to deliver new PCs designed
to run the new operating system. By Jan. 30, more than 1.5 million devices
will have the Works with Windows Vista logo and more than 2,000 products
will be Certified for Windows Vista, helping make Internet and networking
connections, home entertainment and business tasks faster, easier and more
secure. Many of those products are on display at CES, including two Windows
Vista-based PCs — the HP TouchSmart PC IQ770 and the ASUS W5Fe
SideShow(TM) Notebook — that were the other two finalists for the Best of
CES award in the computers and hardware category.

The Best of CES awards, which are produced and judged by CNET,
recognize the best products at 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show
in 10 categories, plus a Best of Show.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): Microsoft, Vista, CES, Cisco, Tracy & Matt]

Orange comment on iPhone

Everyone is talking about Apple’s iPhone today and it would appear that Orange are no different. The following statement was released in reaction to the iPhone announcement:

“Today’s launch of Apple’s iPhone is another example of how the world of entertainment technology is converging. It reinforces our belief here at Orange that we shall see many more similar moves in the future. We have already seen our own Music Player service grow rapidly in the last year to average 100,000 single downloads per month, with over 500,000 tracks to choose from currently. Apple’s entry into the market will no doubt stimulate even further interest in mobile music services.”

I do find it quite amusing that Orange have (tried to) put themselves in the same bracket as Apple saying that they are at the forefront of this new technology. I’m sure that there are many out there that would disagree. Comments anyone?

Thanks to MSMobileNews for the Orange release heads up.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): iPhone, Apple, OS X, Orange, Tracy & Matt]

Eten Glofiish M700 offer – save £25 – reminder

Just a quick reminder fo you all that our friends at Clove Technology are still running the discount offer for the Eten M700. You can save £25 when you purchase an Eten Glofiish M700 from Clove using the voucher code below.

The ETEN Glofiish M700 is now available on the Clove website.

To take advantage of this brilliant offer all you have to do is type TM25PNOV07 into the voucher box on the order form once you have selected to buy the Eten M700 and £25 will be deducted at the checkout stage. Take a look at theEten M700 on the Clove Technology site.

This really is a good offer and, as far as we know, this is still the cheapest Glofiish M700 in the UK and we are offering you £25 off to boot!!

This offer is just for our readers and is now valid until the end of January 2007.

Overview
Compose and send e-mails, SMS message or create and edit documents on the move with the Eten M700. The Glofiish M700 is a compact Windows Mobile 5 device featuring an integrated sliding keyboard, Quad-band GSM/GPRS with support for EDGE, SiRFStar III GPS Receiver, Bluetooth 2.0, WiFi 802.11b/g and 2.0 mega pixels camera. With all these features you only ever need to carry one device, to stay in contact by phone, accessing the Internet, managing documents, appointments and contacts, and taking quality pictures.

GPS navigation is also possible with the Eten M700, due to the integrated SiRFStar III GPS receiver, ensuring that this is truly an all in one device.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, ETEN M700, glofiish, E-TEN Glofiish, Clove, Tracy & Matt]

Apple iPhone announced at Macworld

After months (perhaps years!) of speculation Steve Jobs finally and officially announced the Apple iPhone during his speech at Macworld.

“iPhone combines three products — a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight handheld device. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. So it ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone.”

Apple iPhone Specifications

Specs are also said to include touchscreen display with multi-touch support and a proximity sensor to turn off the sensor when it’s close to your face, WiFi that automatically engages when in range, and quadband GSM radio with EDGE. A partnership with Yahoo will allow all iPhone customers to hook up with free push IMAP email.

Said to be selling in the US as a Cingular exclusive for $499 on a two-year contract, 8GB for $599. Ships Stateside in June, Europe in fourth quarter, Asia in 2008.

Check out the full details on engadget or the official iPhone site.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): iPhone, Apple, OS X, Cingular, Tracy & Matt]

Worlds smallest USB Bluetooth Dongle

Newton Peripherals, the developer of the revolutionary MoGo Mouse™, today announced the MoGo Dapter™, a breakthrough in Bluetooth™ adapters that makes it easier than ever for millions of laptop users to use Bluetooth-enabled wireless devices.

The MoGo Dapter is the world’s smallest Bluetooth adapter, specifically designed for “road warriors” and other mobile computer users. Newton Peripherals’ engineers designed the Dapter, miniaturizing and encapsulating the patent-pending technology so that the adapter simply plugs into any free USB port and virtually sits flush, without protruding like standard adapters. In doing so, the Dapter delivers “set it and forget it” Bluetooth functionality, eliminating the current requirement of unplugging and carrying a bulky adapter when traveling.

The MoGo Dapter will be available in the second quarter of this year from a worldwide network of authorized resellers, at an MSRP of $49.99 See the product page HERE.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): Bluetooth, MoGo, MoGo Dapter, Tracy & Matt, Newton Peripherals]

Pioneer announce Blu-ray combo drive

At the International Consumer Electronics Show today, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. announced the new BDC-202 combination Blu-ray Disc® BD-ROM computer drive with enhanced DVD and CD writing and reading capabilities. The newly designed Pioneer drive offers playback of BD-ROM discs allowing users to view Blu-ray Disc high definition programs directly on a properly configured computer. The Pioneer BDC-202 can play multiple Blu-ray Disc formats, as well as provide high-speed reading and writing of DVD and CD formats.

With a focus on BD-ROM playback, the new Pioneer combination computer drive will be a significant contributor in the emergence of the Blu-ray Disc format for both professional and consumer use on computers. In addition to BD-ROM playback, the BDC-202 allows users to access and transfer A/V and data files rapidly to DVD and CD.

With up to 50GB of storage capacity, the Blu-ray Disc format allows for copious amounts of high definition video and audio content on a single disc, including advanced interactive features and extensive bonus materials. The BDC-202 drive allows computer system builders to provide a cost effective playback solution for advanced Blu-ray content as well as DVD and CD recording and playback.

The Pioneer BDC-202 combines fast DVD and CD recording speeds with enhanced BD-ROM playback to the delight of audio video enthusiasts who now have the capability to view recently released film titles directly on a computer for times when they are not in a home theater environment.

Matt

[Technorati tag(s): smartphone, Pocket PC, Pioneer, BLU-RAY, CES, Tracy & Matt]