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The new BK-UNV01 module from startup BlueKey Wireless can turn most Bluetooth-enabled phones into home controllers.

Despite the prevalence of Bluetooth solutions on the market, the company believes this product is unique because of the company’s robust on-screen programming interface.

The module and companion software debuted at the Electronic House Expo Fall 2008 in Long Beach, Calif.

The BK-UN↙ receives Bluetooth commands from compatible phones and other devices — up to 300 feet away for Class 1 Bluetooth products — and can trigger virtually any low-voltage device via seven onboard programmable relays.

The unit also has a serial interface for controlling more advanced control systems (one-way). Out of the box, it supports the Powerlinc serial-to-powerline module for controlling Insteon and ≪ devices over the home’s existing AC wiring.

Up to 16 mobile devices can be tied into the system.

BlueKey’s Java-based application software loads onto a Bluetooth phone like any other application. It allows users to configure (with delays, if desired) each relay and label each command (up to 82) via an onscreen wizard.

Optional cellular and landline interfaces enable the BK-UNV01 to deliver status reports to the customer’s phone when out of range. Eventually, BluKey will provide Internet connectivity as well.

BlueKey sells the BK-UNV01 module and software for $499 (including a license for one mobile device), but the company is focused mainly on OEM business.

More at CEPro.

Tags: bk-unv01, bluekey wireless, electronc house, insteon, powerlinc, x10

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Original post by nafiz

Callpod’s new Drone USB Bluetooth adapter turns your mobile phone’s Bluetooth headset into a headset/mic for your PC or Mac allowing you to receive Skype or other VoIP calls using your high-end Bluetooth headset (Plantronics, Jawbone, etc.). Just connect the Drone into the USB port of your computer, and it will immediately connect with your Bluetooth headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range. When a Skype call comes in, Drone switches over to the call automatically. It supports the A2DP (Stereo) Bluetooth profile.

Of course, many PCs and laptops come with Bluetooth built-in, making this device unnecessary. It’s basically a $50 USB Bluetooth adapter/Bluetooth dongle, which is nothing new. Still, if you need to add Bluetooth functionality to your PC or Mac, this might be the way to go. Though, you can pick up a Bluetooth USB dongle for $20. However, they claim their software automatically switches the audio to the Bluetooth headset on an incoming Skype call. I don’t believe most Bluetooth dongles support that functionality. Not sure it’s worth the extra $30 for the auto-Skype answer, but you make the call.

Features:

• 100-meter (Class-1) range
• VoIP and music streaming to any Bluetooth headset or stereo headphones
• Automatically pairs with your headset or headphones
• Seamlessly switch between music and VoIP calls
• No software installation - Plug and Play
• Optional software install for advanced functions such as data transfer
• Upgradeable firmware

Read

Tags: A2DP, Bluetooth, Callpod, dongle, Drone, headset, skype, USB, voip

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Original post by nafiz

If you’re looking to pick up an iPod and some accessories for Christmas, why not just go the whole hog and grab the lot at once? Intempo has piled together a special promotion pack and a special offer that’s exclusive to Comet. For £59.99 you get a speaker-dock that pumps out 8W of power and comes with a remote control so you can operate it from afar. There’s also an FM transmitter, in-car cigarette lighter charger and international mains power plug that you can use in any country. They’re all finished in gloss black and the kit is compatible with any of Apple’s players. The ‘Go Pack′ is also available elsewhere but retails for £119 so the half price saving at Comet is a pretty good deal if you think you’ll use the accessories on offer. - Paul Lester [Pocket Lint] Clip Sandisk MP3

Original post by nafiz

In the last couple of months, the first pico [very small] handheld projectors have been arriving in the UK and recently, Optoma announced one of the most anticipated ones, and not just because it’s the smallest. The Optoma Pico Pocket Projector is the first one to be based on Texas Instruments’ DLP projection technology - the market leading projection technology. Apple’s psyched too because on its Japanese site, we just caught glimpse of the wee projector and an iPod getting cosy. There, the projector will be sold complete with an iPhone/iPod kit and dock connector. We are waiting to see when it will pop up on Apple UK.The Optoma projector is due out here anytime now and will cost £249 - around £50 less than rivals - and, measuring 51 x 105 x 17mm and weighing 110g, it’s the world’s smallest and lightest. It uses a white LED light, boasts an impressive [for a tiny projector] contrast of 1000:1 and can throw up a 60in image with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. Looking forward to testing one out.-Martin Lynch [Engadget] apple projector ipod movies

Original post by nafiz

Everyone likes their tunes but it’s fair to say that not even your favourite Tom Jones’ track is worth dying for. A study presented in the US to the American Heart Foundation has stated that the little earphones commonly bundled with Ṃ players can cause interference with pacemakers and defibrillators. Earlier this year Apple’s iPod was cleared of being a danger to those with pacemakers but it seems that audio tech is back in the firing line - and that includes the earbuds distributed with the iPod too. It’s the strong little magnets inside the earphones that are causing concern. Around 25% of 60 patients in the test found that the earphones, when placed within 1.2ins of the pacemakers or defibrillators, interfered with their normal working to a noticeable degree. The incidents were twice as high with defibrillators. So, if you have a dodgy ticker with some internal tech hooked up, just keep the buds away from your chest.-Martin Lynch [Source] music health ipod

Original post by nafiz

Now you can turn your iPod into your own mini, hand-sized recording studio with Belkin’s GoStudio.  It can record stereo audo directly to an iPod Classic, Nano or Video with its two built-in microphones, a mono speaker and four external microphone inputs.

The iPod slips into a holster-like setup and a recording menu appears.  Neat features include built-in gain and recording level controls as well as monitor controls so you can listen to your recording while you are doing it.

Recordings can be uploaded immediately to iTunes when your iPod is connected to your computer. You can then add that audio to your blog, web site, Facebook or MySpace pages. 

Pretty cool!  Can some pro audio recording studios be jealous of your work   

Tags: belkin, facebook, gostudio, ipod, itunes, myspace

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Original post by nafiz

If you’ve struggled to convert video files from various sources into a suitable resolution and format for your iPod then you wouldn′t be the only one. Even dedicated packages can be stumped by strange codecs so the new version of i-Studio should be a welcome addition to this market. Touted as a ‘one-stop-converter’, the software’s strengths are that it supports a wide range of formats that can be instantly converted for seamless playback on any of Apple’s devices, including the iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple TV. In addition it can rip directly from DVD or CD and record internet radio. In the case of the latter there’s the facility to automatically record any of thousands of available stations to sync directly, with meta-data and tags added where possible to make it easier to see what’s being added. Other helpful extras such as the ability to optimise video to the correct aspect ratio without stretching and ensuring that the full screen on your player is used wherever possible means that i-Studio3 certainly seems to have all its bases covered in terms of a total solution. The software is available to download today for £24.99 from the link below. - Paul Lester [iStudio] iPod video conversion

Original post by nafiz

If you’ve struggled to convert video files from various sources into a suitable resolution and format for your iPod then you wouldn’t be the only one. Even dedicated packages can be stumped by strange codecs so the new version of i-Studio should be a welcome addition to this market. Touted as a ‘one-stop-converter′, the software’s strengths are that it supports a wide range of formats that can be instantly converted for seamless playback on any of Apple’s devices, including the iPod Video, iPod Nano, iPhone, iPod Touch and Apple TV. In addition it can rip directly from DVD or CD and record internet radio. In the case of the latter there’s the facility to automatically record any of thousands of available stations to sync directly, with meta-data and tags added where possible to make it easier to see what’s being added. Other helpful extras such as the ability to optimise video to the correct aspect ratio without stretching and ensuring that the full screen on your player is used wherever possible means that i-Studio3 certainly seems to have all its bases covered in terms of a total solution. The software is available to download today for £24.99 from the link below. - Paul Lester [iStudio] iPod video conversion

Original post by nafiz

Of the seemingly endless supply of iPod Docks on the market, a large proportion of them are cheap, tacky-looking, poor quality or a combination of the three. Not so in the case of Revo’s new Blok, which holds distinct aesthetic charm with its hand crafted wooden cabinet carved from natural materials, something which it claims is a contributing factor towards the excellent sound. Audio is apparently of a ‘hi-fi’ standard with 2×20W of output from the twin full-range speakers capable of a frequency response of 55Hz to 20kHz. There are a full range of iPod adaptors available for the perfect fit and a particularly snazzy remote control which it calls the ‘Kontrol’. Yep, see what you did there. Still, we think it looks great in either of the American Walnut or Black Oak colour options and though it’s fairly pricey at £200, this is an occasion where it certainly looks like you’re paying for quality. - Paul Lester [Revo] Revo iPod speaker

Original post by nafiz

Now you no longer have to worry about the tragic and unthinkable happening — losing power to your iPhone or iPod!

Brando’s iPhone/iPod Emergency Charger puts the emphasis on simplicity, portability and usefulness. (So nice!)

This compact, lightweight Emergency Charger with retractable cable can use “AA” batteries to power the Apple iPhone and iPod anytime, anywhere and at the time that you need it most. 

It features anytime, anywhere instant charging, and it’s retractable cable makes it very easy to carry.

But remember, this is just for emergency use only and doesn’t replace your A/C power charger to make your iPhone or iPod 100% charged.

Cost: $10.00

mobile.brando.com.hk

Tags: brando, iphone, ipod

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Original post by nafiz

We’re still waiting to see if video eyewear will ever go mainstream but Myvu, the market leader, has announced a UK distribution deal with O2 and, that its Crystal goggles can now be used with the iPhone. First off, the O2 deal. O2 will be distributing the Crystal video eyewear which essentially allows you to wear them and believe you are watching a movie on a big widescreen TV. You can find them at the O2 Arena outlet first in London with a bigger rollout planned. The Crystal eyewear may make you look like a bit of a dork but it’s far better than having to stare at fellow commuters who, are probably just jealous anyhow. You can, by the way, still see the outside world in the periphery so you won′t miss your stop, or, some scumbag trying to rob them.They work with portable DVD players and portable media players and now, thanks to a new cable ($24.95), they’ll work with the iPhone and iPhone 3G - they are already compatible with video iPods. The Crystal is also compatible with the Zune, along with Nokia or Samsung phones with a ‘video out’ connection. The video resoltuion is a respectable 640 x 480 pixels. Myvu Crystal has a 4-hour battery life and comes bundled with a rechargeable battery, a USB charging cable and noise-cancelling earphones from Ultimate Ears. Available in black or amber, they will cost a shade under £200. Ouch, I know, but there’s plenty of time to start dropping hints now to people who really, really, really like you that these would make a perfect stocking filler. And, would they mind spending the extra £14 on the iPhone/iPod cable too? Thanks.-Martin Lynch iphone ipod myvu

Original post by nafiz

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

With pointy hats and staffs stowed in a coat-check of pure gold, Catholic bishops have decreed the use of mass, digital communications to spread the word of the bible in as many languages as possible. In a statement just issued to the flock, the bishops said:

“The voice of the Divine Word must resonate over the radio, on Internet channels with virtual distribution (and by) CDs, DVDs and iPods, and on television and cinema screens.”

The implied message here is very clear: God hates the Blu-ray.

And the Lord said unto Sony, ‘01101000 01100…’ originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Thomas Ricker

Filed under: Laptops, Portable Audio

Toys ‘R’ Us, the primary provisioner of joy and happiness to children in the world, is branching out into iPods and Eee PCs. Though never a stranger to consumer electronics, Toys ‘R’ Us has traditionally shied away from strict gadgetry — with a notable exception being Zune sales starting last year. Now the retailer will be offering iPods in a little “iPod boutique,” with various shuffles, nanos, touches and related accessories to help you fill those stockings and bolster Geoffrey’s bottom line. The Eee PC will be offered in black and white, with low-end 7-inch Linux and XP versions available for $269 and $299, respectively.

Toys ‘R′ Us makes room for iPods, Eee PCs and cash money originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Original post by Paul Miller

Last week we had a lot of politically correct oddness going on and it looks like Apple is planning to give us all another dose. iTunes UK has started censoring song titles so that supposedly offensive words like ‘pussy’, now appear as p***y, making innocent tunes like Richard Price’s The Owl & The P***y Cat sound very devious indeed. You’ll also get no joy if your song title contains the words whore, snatch, s**t and f**k. But, bizarrely you’re good to go if the song has the words beaver, f***ing and f***ed. We’re not sure exactly what Apple’s intentions are here and maybe this is all some terrible f***ing mistake but if people are allowed to buy and listen to these songs from iTunes, what exact harm is there in reading the title? Hell, even Dick Van Dyke [above] gets a few *** in his surname. Check out the silliness yourselves and feel free to report on some of the stupider censored tune titles. -Martin Lynch [Thanks to Giz US for the great pic] music itunes censorship

Original post by nafiz

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

Listen up, Ringo Beatles fans — your holiday gift has just been located, and it’s on aisle 17 in Bloomingdale’s. The somewhat janky limited edition collector’s box is a dream come true for fanatics of the Fab Four, packing 13 original Beatles’ CDs, an engraved guitar pick, two masters and the “Love” CD — none of which are available via the iTunes Music Store, mind you. Just 2,500 of the $795 sets are available, but — humorously enough — you’ll be stuck ripping and transferring every last disc onto your individually numbered, etched-with-a-Beatles-logo 120GB iPod classic. Ah well, at least this scenario lets you choose your own bitrate, right?

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Original post by Darren Murph