Bluetooth

Pioneer Electronics today announced a new line of 5.1 channel A/V receivers. The new VSX-520-K and VSX-820-K are the first Pioneer A/V receivers to feature wireless Bluetooth transfer of audio content from a Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, Android or smartphone with an optional Bluetooth adapter. Both receivers are also equipped with HDMI 1.4 for future 3D home theater connections and feature the new Dolby ProLogic IIz decoder for HD audio formats.

A step up from the VSX-520-K, the new VSX-820-K touts "Works with iPhone" certification and includes a USB-to-iPod/iPhone cable, meaning there's no need to buy a separate dock to listen to your iPod on your home theater. It also has front USB connectivity. Read more

Callpod recently announced the Onyx Bluetooth headset…what the company says is the "next generation of Bluetooth headset."

The Onyx has a customized internal amplifier which gives it 5 times the operating range of your standard Bluetooth headset – allowing you to roam up to 164ft. away from your mobile phone. The device also features a two-way walkie-talkie function that allows you to connect the Onyx to any other Callpod Bluetooth headset and communicate up to 84,000 sq ft. while you are still connected to your mobile phone.

The device can also pair to Skype and a mobile phone or two phones at the same time with auto switching. It can store several devices in memory for automatic pairing. The headset also supports voice dialing and call controls.

The ear bud on the Onyx is made with a GummyGel material which molds itself to the inside of your ear for a comfortable fit. When removed, it goes back to its original shape.

The Callpod Onyx Bluetooth headset will be available Q1 2010 for $69.95.

Belkin's new Bluetooth Music Receiver is a device that lets you listen to music from your iPhone or iPod touch wirelessly through your home stereo system.

Simply connect the receiver to your home stereo system (cables are included), pair your device to the receiver, and you're ready to listen to your music from up to 33 feet away. Up to six devices can be paired with the receiver.

Bluetooth Music Receiver (F8Z492) features:

• Bluetooth v2.0 with EDR
• Transmits up to 33 ft. away
• Includes 3.5mm-to-RCA and 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cables
• Compatible with all devices enabled with A2DP stereo Bluetooth, including the iPhone 3GS, 3G, and first generation, iPod touch 2nd generation

The Belkin Bluetooth Music Receiver is now available in the US for $49.99 and will be available in March 2010 in Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Mobile devices are lost or stolen all the time. In fact, my son lost his cell phone not too long ago and after hours of searching, it was never found. It would have been nice to have nio, a new Bluetooth security tag connected to it.

It works like this - nio connects via bluetooth to a mobile device to create a security zone around the item (up to 80 feet). If you become separated from your device, nio notifies you immediately with an alarm and a flash. The cell phone even emits an alarm when separated. It's kind of like a security alarm for your mobile devices. Read more

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