• April 30th, 2012

    Hands-On With the Jawbone Big Jambox: 2.7 Pounds of Audio Fury, Available May 15 for $299

    photo 1

    Bigger isn’t necessarily better but in the case of Jawbone’s Jambox, it might actually work out. Typically known for their Bluetooth headsets and the ill-fated-but-not-quite-dead UP band, Jawbone has figured out what their “cool kids” product is and it happens to be a tiny portable speaker.

    But for the second generation version, simply called Big Jambox, the company is cranking up the volume from 10 to 11. While it retains some portability, the Big Jambox is really meant for those instances where you have 20 people posted up near the bonfire or you’re looking for a no-fuss micro system for your home entertainment center. At less than three pounds — 2.7 pounds to be specific — it’s still portable but everything else is on steroids. Jawbone says the built-in battery will last up to 15 hours for continuous playback and 500 hours of standby. → Read More

    October 25th, 2011

    Bluetooth SIG Announces A Lot Of Weird Branding For 4.0-Compatible Devices

    Screen Shot 2011-10-25 at 10.33.41 AM

    If your device is Bluetooth Smart Ready then it’s compatible with Bluetooth Smart and Bluetooth but if it’s Smart then it’s not compatible with regular Bluetooth. Got that?

    The Bluetooth SIG, never content to leave well enough alone, as introduced three new “icons” for their new 4.0 standard. “Best” Bluetooth devices will support both “old” Bluetooth and 4.0 while Smart devices will only support 4.0. In short, Smart Ready devices will support dual modes and work the way with which we are currently familiar in devices like laptops, phones, and PCs, while Smart devices will support ultra low power devices like heart rate monitors and pedometers, allowing Bluetooth to come up against wireless standards like ANT.
    → Read More

    October 5th, 2011

    Bose’s Series 2 Bluetooth Headset Packs 2 Mics, Hefty Price Tag

    bosebt2

    Looks like Bose is taking another swing at phone accessories because the company has just revealed their new Series 2 Bluetooth headset.

    So what exactly does Bose bring to the party this time? Aside from the basics, like A2DP streaming and multiple ear tips in the box, the Series 2 has a few new tricks up its sleeves. → Read More

    March 23rd, 2011

    Casio Releases Bluetooth Connecting G-Shock Watch

    A bit faster than I expected Casio has now finally debuted its first Bluetooth connected watch. The Casio G-Shock Bluetooth is designed for use with upcoming Bluetooth profile 4.0 mobile phones that are said to be coming soon (a few might already be around). As Bluetooth 4.0 is designated as a “low energy profile,” this watch will retain a 2 year battery life on a single CR2032 battery. So what does it do? In a nutshell the Casio G-Shock Bluetooth with wireless sync with your phone’s time, and help you manage incoming alerts as well as work with your phone’s alarms. → Read More

    March 7th, 2011

    DIY Bluetooth Handset For Your Hand (Video)

    You would expect someone with blue hair to wear a purple glove phone. This DIY Bluetooth glove, sourced from a purple fingerless glove and a Bluetooth headset, was made with just a few extra wires and shrink wrapping. → Read More

    February 24th, 2011

    OT Tags Bluetooth Headset: For People Who Like To Get Rough With Their Headsets

    Outdoor Technology has just come out with some dog-tag-like Bluetooth headphones called OT Tags. You can get them in either black or red and when not in use they hang down like dog tags – see what I mean? The Bluetooth headset offers stereo listening from any Bluetooth device and if the connected device is a phone, then you can also make and receive calls. → Read More

    November 20th, 2010

    I Have Seen The Future, And It Looks A Lot Like Bump (Without The Bump)

    There is something about exchanging information by bumping fists that is deeply satisfying. What I like most about the iPhone app Bump is that it’s different. Its features are nifty enough; transfer money, information, and as of last week, music to someone else by tapping your phone against theirs. More importantly, though, it’s a harbinger of the next wave of the mobile revolution.

    Unfortunately, that also means Bump is already doomed.

    Most app developers treat smartphones as little more than very small laptops. Location-based apps are the only real exception, which is why they’ve provoked such excitement. But that is obvious low-hanging fruit. Only a very few apps take advantage of the fact that smartphones are constantly with us, portable enough for actions that laptops can’t perform, and frequently within range of a shifting mesh of other devices. → Read More

    November 10th, 2010

    Elecom Outs Bluetooth 3.0 Mouse

    → Read More

    September 23rd, 2010

    Are You Man Enough To Handle The Maverick Nica Sunrise Bluetooth Headset?


    You’re not ready for the Maverick Nica Sunrise Bluetooth headset. This thing is for mavericks only, it’s for the risk-takers, the men who look fear in the face and spit, men whose loins are rock hard and whose teeth are made of iron. → Read More

    September 16th, 2010

    Logitec Announces The World’s Smallest Bluetooth Earphones

    Logitec announced their newest product today, something that they are selling as the world’s smallest Bluetooth earphones. Weighing in at a mere 1/3 of an ounce, the LBT-PCHP02 earphones just might qualify for the title. → Read More

    September 13th, 2010

    Just In Time For Halloween: The iPazzPort Bluetooth Mini Keyboard

    I was about to open a can of Samhain on this Brando Bluetooth keyboard until I saw what it looked like backlit. BAM! Great freaking pumpkin, Charlie Brown! → Read More

    September 8th, 2010

    Android Notifier App Makes Your Phone Growl

    Looking for an easy way to get SMS, phone call, and battery life notifications to your desktop? Got an Android phone? Well, Android Notifier will do all that to your PC, Mac, or Linux box for free. All you have to do is install the appropriate software. You can send notifications via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and choose which notifications you want to receive. You phone will then let you know whenever something happens on your phone. Android Notifier is a free download, but you’ll also need to go to the app’s homepage for detailed instructions on how to install the software and the QR code that’ll take you directly to the Android Marketplace. [via Gizmodo and ReadWriteWeb] → Read More

    August 26th, 2010

    Wavetooth: The Bluetooth Headset For Swimming

    Most of the time I’m like “Brando, you dumb” but today I’m like “Brando, wow.” This is basically a waterproof headset the connects via Bluetooth to most A2DP-compatible devices. You also get a bag to put your stuff into so it doesn’t get wet and it works with the iPhone.

    It’s waterproof to 3 meters and you can even use it out of the water. Sadly it’s $57 so it’s a bit pricey, but you guys weren’t going to buy this anyway. Who swims anymore? → Read More

    July 20th, 2010

    Hello, Moshi. Call home.

    Hello, Moshi. Call home. Darn, no one’s answering. Jeebus, I sound like a total dork on the home answering machine. Hi honey. I’ll be a little late coming home tonight. Just wanted you to know. Okay bye! Hello, Moshi. Call office. Hi John. What? No, I’m in my car. Yes, I’m in my car. I’m talking to you from within my automobile. No, I can’t post about that right now because I’m in my car. Yes. Okay, fine, I’ll do it when I get there. Good bye. Oh man, why is John calling me back? Hello, Moshi. Ignore. HEY BUDDY WHERE’D YOU LEARN TO DRIVE? Sheesh. Hello, Moshi. Call voicemail. → Read More

    July 19th, 2010

    Bluetooth wristwatch with detachable LCD (which doubles as headset)

    Not everything Tokyo-based crap gadget maker Thanko churns out is necessarily silly or utterly useless. The infamous company is now offering a Bluetooth wristwatch [JP] with a pretty clever concept: it allows you to detach the device’s LCD and use it as a wireless headset, for example in case you want to make calls or listen to music. → Read More

    July 14th, 2010

    Brando Rolls Out Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

    Check out this new folding keyboard from Brando. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your favorite devices – even iPad and iPhone 4. → Read More

    June 28th, 2010

    Beewi Bluetooth headphones certainly look appealing

    Oh look, a random pair of UK-only, Bluetooth headphones! They’re the Beewi BBH100, and I will readily admit that they look fairly spiffy. Not too expensive either, at £32.90, or around $50. → Read More

    June 17th, 2010

    Hands-on with Creative's ZiiSound D5 and D200 Bluetooth speakers

    I’ve been following Creative for so long I feel like they’re old friends to me. I’ve been impressed over the years with their MP3 player line but they, like so many audio manufacturers, have seen the writing on the wall and the future isn’t in making the MP3 players – it’s in making the stuff that works with MP3 players. To wit: here we present the Zii Sound D5 and D200 Bluetooth speakers. I also saw the D100, a $69 entry-level set for the younger crowd, but those aren’t shipping for another month. The D5, at $299.99 is my absolute favorite. Clad in black plastic and chrome accents, this kit has a surprise – a fully portable iPod/iPad dock that turns your device into a remote control. → Read More

    May 24th, 2010

    Sound ID 510 Bluetooth headset coming to AT&T in June

    I’ve used a number of Bluetooth headsets, and I really tried to make myself comfortable while wearing them. None of them have been quite comfortable enough for me, and I feel like I’m missing out on sounds around me when the piece is sitting dormant in my ear. Perhaps the new Sound ID 510 headset, coupled with the EarPrint App, will solve my concerns. → Read More

    April 29th, 2010

    Citizen Japan to release new i:Virt M Bluetooth watch for cell phone control

    Citizen in Japan has two new models in its oddly named i:Virt M series of Bluetooth-enabled wristwatches ready [JP], the TM84-0351V (108g, leather band) and the TM84-0352V (178g, stainless steel band). The last update i:Virt M happened about a year ago. Owners can use the watches to interact with their (Japanese) cell phones, i.e. by noting incoming calls, controlling the phone camera (the shutter button, to be more exact) or displaying emails. → Read More

    Upcoming Events

    Disrupt SF 2012

    San Francisco, CA

    Real-Time
    Crunchbase

    The Etailers — Received €400k in Unattributed funding from Caixa Capital
    5.28.2012
    The Etailers — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.29.2012
    Caixa Capital — Invested in The Etailers.
    5.28.2012
    Compliance11 — Acquired by Compliance11, Inc..
    11.15.2012
    Facebook — Went public with stock symbol NASDAQ:FB.
    5.18.2012
    Compliance11 — Acquired by Compliance11, Inc..
    11.15.2012
    Bolt | Peters — Acquired by Facebook for $50M.
    6.21.2012
    FounderMatchup — Acquired by CoFoundersLab.
    5.22.2012
    GlobalEnglish — Acquired by Pearson for $90M.
    5.25.2012
    Chick Approved — Acquired by Lockerz.
    5.25.2012
    The Etailers — Received €400k in Unattributed funding from Caixa Capital
    5.28.2012
    OptoNova — Received Unattributed funding from Almi Invest
    5.28.2012
    Infrafone — Received Unattributed funding from Almi Invest
    5.28.2012
    Glopho — Received £150k in Unattributed funding from London Business Angels
    5.28.2012
    Housebites — Received Unattributed funding from EC1 Capital Ltd
    5.28.2012
    Caixa Capital — Invested in The Etailers.
    5.28.2012
    Almi Invest — Invested in OptoNova.
    5.28.2012
    Almi Invest — Invested in Infrafone.
    5.28.2012
    London Business Angels — Invested in Glopho.
    5.28.2012
    EC1 Capital Ltd — Invested in Housebites.
    5.28.2012
    Facebook — Went public with stock symbol NASDAQ:FB.
    5.18.2012
    The Etailers — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.29.2012
    OptoNova — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.29.2012
    Infrafone — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.29.2012
    Glopho — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.29.2012
    CoFoundersLab — Company added to CrunchBase
    5.28.2012
    PocketHound — Product added to CrunchBase
    5.28.2012
    http://www.pingola.co.il/ — Product added to CrunchBase
    5.28.2012
    http://www.pingola.ru/ — Product added to CrunchBase
    5.28.2012
    AnB — Product added to CrunchBase
    5.28.2012
    CrunchBase