Bluetooth

Remember when your cell phone was used only when you were out and about, and the minute you walked in the door it was turned off? Those days are long gone. In fact, cell phones have become the main form of communication for many. VTech realizes this and has integrated Bluetooth technology into their latest home phones.

The new VTech Bluetooth-enabled LS6245 and DS6321-3 cordless phone systems can be synced with your cell phone so you can make and receive cell calls using the cordless handset. You can also use a Bluetooth headset to answer landline calls.

Up to four BLUETOOTH devices (cell phones, smartphones, headsets) can be registered on either the LS6245 or DS6321-3, and two cell phones can be connected at one time. Don't have a landline? You can still benefit by having a cordless system in your house for all of your cell calls.Read more

Those looking for a Bluetooth wireless keyboard should check out the latest from Adesso, the WKB-4000BB. The company's first compact Bluetooth keyboard, it features a built-in touchpad, low profile scissor-switch keys, an ON/OFF switch (to help save battery life) and a Quick Connect button, which synchs to the PC with a simple click.

Great for people with limited space, this compact keyboard allows for more room on your desk, table, living room…anywhere you want to take it (up to 100 feet). And, thanks to the handy touchpad, a mouse isn't needed, saving even more space. It fits easily in a backpack or briefcase as well, so you can take it with you on the go.

The SlimTouch Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, model WKB-4000BB, is compatible with Windows 7, Vista and XP systems with Bluetooth connectivity. It is available now for $129.99.

Visit www.adesso.com for more information.

The Motorola Endeavor HX1 that we told you about back in June is now available in the United States. This bluetooth headset features CrystalTalk noise cancellation and a new stealth mode, which, when activated, true bone conduction technology lets the caller hear only your voice and blocks out all outside noise.

The Endeavor HX1 was created with the same bone conduction technology that special military forces use. To activate stealth mode, simply touch a button and stealth mode triggers bone conduction technology which uses an ear sensor to seal off outside noise. When you talk, the sensor taps your vocal vibrations and converts them to speech so only your voice is heard.

Motorola Endeavor HX1 is available only at Sprint starting today for $129.99.

Scosche on Thursday announced the availability of its "green" solCHAT handsfree speakerphone. The device features an integrated solar panel that keeps the solCHAT's battery charged.

For added safety, it has a Voice announce caller ID that tells you the phone number of incoming calls, so you can know whether to take (or avoid) the call while keeping your eyes on the road.

The solCHAT has a simple three button design (volume up, volume down, and answer/hang-up) and automatic cell phone pairing. It doesn't get much easier than that.

The speakerphone comes with a USB charging cable and car adaptor for charging at night and on overcast days. A windshield suction cup mount and sun visor clip is also included.

The SolCHAT is available at Best Buy stores, www.bestbuy.com and www.scosche.com for just $99.99. It is coming soon to other major retailers.

Jabra just announced that their new HALO Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset is now available at Best Buy stores in North America. This new headset is compatible with Blackberry smartphones, as well as Apple's iPhone and iPod touch.

Weighing in at just 3 ounces, the Jabra HALO is a compact, over-the-head, foldable headset that is small enough to take wherever you go. The HALO offers wireless connectivity with a 30 foot operating range, as well as the ability to connect to 3.5 mm multimedia playing devices such as cell phones and laptops.

The Jabra HALO lets you connect two Bluetooth-enabled devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players, or laptops. It also includes an intuitive on/off functionality, a display that shows battery and connectivity status, a touch volume control, and to make sure you don't miss a call, the HALO fades out music when you receive an incoming call. Read more

Research in Motion (RIM) has a new accessory for your BlackBerry that lets you listen to your favorite songs over your car's stereo – the BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone (model VM-605). This Bluetooth-enabled device also helps you keep both hands on the wheel by streaming calls from your BlackBerry through your car's stereo system. It supports voice activated dialing, caller ID, and gives you verbal notifications of who's calling.

It's easy to use, too. Just clip it to your car's visor with no installation required. The BlackBerry Visor Mount is available at www.shopblackberry.com for $99.99.

AT&T just announced that on July 19th the BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset with Multipoint will be available in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com.

The BlueAnt Q1 is a noise-cancelling headset that you control using your voice. All you have to do is push a button and say, "What can I say?" and the headset will give you a menu of voice commands. Much easier than memorizing different button combinations.

The Q1 also features BlueAnt's Voice Isolation Technology software which distinguishes your voice from other background noise. This makes your call much clearer than some of the other headsets in the marketplace. And with true multipoint technology, calls can be managed from two phones at the same time.

The BlueAnt Q1 will be available for $129.99 on July 19th at AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. To learn more about the BlueAnt Q1, visit www.myblueant.com.

The Motorola Endeavor HX1 will be the first headset to combine Motorola's CrystalTalk noise cancellation technology with a stealth mode so you can hear and be heard in the fiercest environments.

When stealth mode is activated, true bone conduction technology relays only your voice while knocking out the most extreme noise and wind for a revolutionary premium headset experience. This experience makes Motorola Endeavor the only Bluetooth headset to use true bone conduction technology, all without compromising comfort.

The HX1 was created with the same bone conduction technology that special military forces around the world use. Activated with a touch of a button, the stealth mode instantly triggers bone conduction technology. This technology uses an ear sensor to seal off outside noise, rather than relying on an exposed exterior microphone. As you speak, the sensor taps your vocal vibrations and seamlessly converts them to speech so the listener hears your voice and only your voice.Read more

The Pioneer AVIC-X710BT and AVIC-X910BT, build upon Pioneer's history of in-dash navigation systems by combining turn-by-turn navigation, audio and video entertainment and connectivity options including Apple iPod and iPhone, Bluetooth cell phones, MSN Direct, HD Radio and SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio.

Both models provide consumers with the latest and most comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas covering the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, enabling users to route to millions of destinations including more than 12 million points of interest (POI).

Some other features include:

• Map View Modes: includes 3D map mode, 2D North Up and the new 2D Heading Up modes
• Highway Sign Boards: Simulated highway signs appear onscreen when a major junction approaches for a quick visual aid while navigating
• Redesigned Map Interface: Key on-screen information layered on top of the map
• 3D Icons: More than 1,300 icons are displayed in 3D illustrations

Pioneer is now offering the best value in in-dash navigation with the AVIC-U310BT. This device is a robust, full-featured system with the convenience of built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling and Apple iPod/iPhone control. The comprehensive, 2-DIN system provides the sound quality and features expected from a Pioneer in-dash source unit, renowned navigation performance with turn-by-turn route guidance and the ease of wirelessly connecting to Bluetooth enabled cell phones.

Pioneer's AVIC-U310BT utilizes a full-color 4.3-inch WQVGA touch screen display and 2GB of flash memory. It features voice guidance, text-to-speech technology and an SD card slot. Powered by Tele Atlas, the unit's comprehensive database covers the entire United States, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada and includes more than 500,000 points of interest.Read more