Posts in Mobile Phones
Jawbone to be sold alongside iPhone
Nicole Lee | Jun 21, 2007
When Apple fans across the country flock to their neighborhood Apple Store to pick up their shiny new iPhone next Friday, they'll also have the opportunity to buy a Jawbone Bluetooth headset to go along with it.
That's right. the Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset will be sold alongside the iPhone at all Apple Stores (plus Apple's online store) starting June 29, 2007.
Designed by Yves Behar and decked out with military-grade noise-canceling technology, the Jawbone is certainly no slouch in the design and performance department, but we can't help but wonder whatever happened to Apple's own Bluetooth headset that Steve Jobs showed at MacWorld earlier this year.
Will that be available in stores as well? Or will it be bundled with the phone? Considering the Jawbone sells for around US$119.99, it might be wise for Apple to offer its own headset at a lower and more affordable price. That said, the Jawbone is a quality device (it's one of CNET's highest rated Bluetooth headsets), so if you have the cash to spare and the wherewithal to wait in line for the iPhone, it'll be there waiting for your Bluetooth-hungry hands.
Via CNET Crave
iPhone apps: Try before you buy
Rafe Needleman | Jun 21, 2007
You don't need an iPhone to try out iPhone apps. Since the application platform is just a browser, you can see right now how some of the apps that people are building will look on your phone.
We've covered Digg and OneTrip already, but to see even more iPhone apps all together on one page, check out iPhoneApplicationList. For best results you should use Safari, although I've also had good luck previewing iPhone apps in Firefox.
Since the apps are just Web pages, no doubt there will be many, many iPhone app directories springing up soon.
Via CNET Crave
Digital Concierge for you?
Stephen Tong | Jun 20, 2007
CommunicAsia 2007 saw the pilot launch of the Digital Concierge service that is a joint project of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB). In a nutshell, detailed information on Singapore landmarks such as hotels, shops and places of worship can be conveniently made available through a mobile phone.
To summarize the information that Digital Concierge provides, users can have access to on-the-go directory searching, location maps, daily news, currency conversion and weather reports. Other options that are expected in the near future will include assisted taxi/event booking, traveler recommendations on items such as food, and location-based services such as shopping offers. This service clearly targets tourists who may be clueless as to where to roam around, although locals might find this useful to sussing out parts of Singapore they have not visited.
The platform, which is developed by a group led by Frontline and The Cell City, currently supports only selected mobile devices such as the Sony Ericsson K800i and Nokia N73, but more models are expected to added to the list. Data is transmitted via 3G, GPRS or Wireless@SG networks which basically provides 512kbps Wi-Fi Internet access in selected areas within Singapore.
The event kicks off Digital Concierge's pilot run where users can register and test the platform. It is expected to launch islandwide by 2008. Registration is free and charges will apply upon 3G and GPRS usage. Should people use Wireless@SG, then the service will essentially be free of charge. But, of course, don't forget to get a phone with Wi-Fi support.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
One feature-packed rearview mirror coming up
Stephen Tong | Jun 20, 2007
Sonor has come up with a feature-packed rearview mirror that's simply called the Bluetooth Hands Free Carkit With Parking Video. While you have probably seen products like these that sport caller information on the display, this goes one up by including both a camera to place in any angle you want and a earpiece.
For starters, this multifeatured model makes use of various technologies such as Bluetooth and FM transmission to good effect. Bluetooth sets up the link with your mobile phone, while the inbuilt speakers and microphone allow everyone in the car to teleconference with the person on the opposite end. Privacy is sometimes need. As such, the user needs to remove the earpiece that receives FM transmissions from the mirror. Oh, and to make it really convenient, it's magnetically attached to the right side of the console.
A 12-digit caller ID indicator, at a glance, will show who is calling you. In addition, the "With Parking Video" portion of the model name actually refers to a camera that is linked to the mirror which can be placed anywhere in the car. Ideally, the cam is to pointed toward your rear bumper to ensure that the driver doesn't hit the car behind. This is great for those who can't parallel park very well. Of course, the image that is reflected on your display can be toggled on/off to avoid any form of distraction when you are driving.
The rearview mirror is a relatively new technology, though the folks we talked to, WE Business Technology, mentioned that China, Thailand and South Korea have seen the likes of it since the start of 2007. It may very well hit Singapore shores as we're told the company is seeking local distributors.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
i-mate gets a foot in Asia's door
John Chan | Jun 20, 2007
At CommunicAsia 2007, i-mate announced that it will be expanding its operations into more areas in Asia. Originating in Dubai, this company already has a presence in the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe.
Early this year, i-mate released images and specifications of its Ultimate line of handhelds. These five devices come in different form factors and all run on Windows Mobile 6. They also feature VGA displays rather than the more common QVGA ones found on most current Windows Mobile handhelds. Every one of them also supports HSDPA and direct video-out up to XGA resolution.
The company will tap into this region with its base in Singapore. Two devices from the Ultimate range, the 8150 and 6150 PDA-phones, will be sold in Asia from September.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (2232)
» Digital Cameras (986)
» Notebooks (1234)
» PC & Peripherals (1312)
» Handhelds (585)
» Printers (82)
» Home AV (1146)
» Music & Play (893)
» Gadgets (1485)
» Future Tech (395)
» Green Tech (172)
» Lifestyle (157)
» Luxury (22)
» Home Appliances (57)
» Cars (99)
» Games and Gear (248)
» Software (95)
» Web (118)
Previously...
Hot Topics
What's Hot
apple apple inc. apple iphone apple ipod asia battery camera game google inc. iphone microsoft corp. microsoft windows mobile phone photograph singapore smart phone software sony corp. video
Copyright © 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
