Not just your father’s headset, Bluetooth wireless technology is not only in the hands of a billion consumers worldwide , it is popping up in all kinds of devices. At CES, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group conducted a contest to highlight the newest, most innovative products from a variety of categories. They also introduced Experience Icons making it easier than ever to determine the Bluetooth functionality of the product. Here are a batch of the winners.
Overall Winner: Motorola O ROKR
O ROKR Bluetooth Stereo Eyewear from Motorola and Oakley lets you stay connected to calls and music while hiking, biking and doing virtually any activity where cords and wires can get in the way. The O ROKRs can wirelessly stream music from a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone or a portable music player with an add-on Bluetooth adapter. The eyewear is equipped with high-quality speakers, stereo music listening and the ability to make and receive phone calls. When you need to take a call, you can answer it from O ROKR while your compatible mobile phone is up to 30 feet away. MSRP is $249. www.motorola.com
Headset Winner: Plantronics Discovery 665
This is the perfect headset for the road-warrior who wants to stay connected while on the go and not fumble with cumbersome wires. The Discovery 665 incorporates AudioIQ technology – this automatically adjusts voice levels and cuts out background noise to provide enhanced sound quality. It also allows you to charge on the go with a vehicle power charger and a USB connector for easy recharging from your computer. The call indicator lights up and vibrates to alert you to incoming calls. MSRP is $149.95 www.plantronics.com
Audio Winner: Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones
The FreePulse Wireless headphones enable you to listen to your iPod or MP3 player wirelessly and are compatible with most audio players and include custom fit iPod adapters. Bluetooth technology enables clear, interference-free audio with up to 33 ft range. Extended life rechargeable batteries provide up to six hours of play time. MSRP is $99.99 www.logitech.com
Human Interface Device (HID) Winner: MoGo Mouse X54
This Bluetooth enabled mouse is perfect for a clutter-free workspace and provides more freedom and flexibility when you are on the go. The MoGo Mouse X54 is the size of a business card and stores and recharges right inside the laptop’s Express Card/54 Card slot. The handy scroll center pad lets you scan documents with one finger ease. MSRP is $79.99. http://www.newtonperipherals.com
Printing and Imaging Winner: HP Photosmart A618 Printer
The A618 enables wireless printing directly from camera phones and other devices with built-in Bluetooth technology. Take this printer with you – it is light and sturdy with a convenient carry handle and fold up paper tray. THe A618 allows you to print a variety of photo sizes from passport, 4X6, 5X7 and panorama. MSRP is $149 www.hp.com
Mobile Phone Winner: Cingular Blackjack from Samsung
This phone is meant to satisfy everyone from the music fan to the business user. The Blackjack has an MP3 player with access to Cingular Music (the most comprehensive music subscription service of its kind ever offered by a U.S. wireless carrier - access to online subscription music content from eMusic, Napster and Yahoo!), High speed Internet browsing over Internet Explorer Mobile, and 1.3 mega pixel digital camera with video capture capabilities. This phone also has Stereo Bluetooth version 2.0 meaning transmission speeds three times faster (up to ten times faster in certain cases). The Blackjack is available exclusively from Cingular for as low as $199.99 (with a two-year activation and unlimited data plan) www.cingular.com
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