At last year’s CES, iDevices showed off the iGrill, a Bluetooth-enabled cooking thermometer. This year, they’re back with iShower, a waterproof speaker. Andy and Don tune in with Jonathan Conelias from iDevices.

As with the iGrill, the iShower is Bluetooth-enabled, playing audio from iOS, Android and Blackberry phones. In fact, any device that can stream music via Bluetooth will work with the iShower and up to five devices can be paired. Naturally the iShower is waterproof, making it suitable for the shower, swimming pool and beach. Buttons on the iShower can control the music, skipping backwards and forwards through the playlist.

The iShower’s rich sound speaker cuts through the noise of the shower and in good taste, there’s no microphone. If you were thinking of taking a phone call in the shower, think again. A mounting bracket is supplied and complementary accessories such as a mirror make this a complete shower solution.

The iShower will be available from March both online and in good retail stores with an MSRP of $99.99.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net, and Don Baine, the Gadget Professor.

Zimri Speakers was recently at the Consumer Electronics Show to display their latest line of speakers.  They have a full range beginning with tiny bluetooth speakers that can be used with a laptop or even tablets and smartphones.  What sets their speakers apart is both battery life and the lack of distortion, even at the highest levels.

Moving up the line from the smallest speaker already mentioned, Zimri’s next entry is nearly identical, but has a slightly bigger body for better base and also an SD Card slot, allowing it to be a stand-alone music player.  Zimri also offers battery packs that can not only recharge your speaker, but also your mobile device.

You really have to watch the video below to get the full concept of Zimri Speakers.  The demo of the bluetooth range, especially in a crowded and noisy CES show filled with other  bluetooth devices, is absolutely amazing.  For more information you can visit Zimri Speakers.

Interview by Nick DiMeo of F5 Live.

Veteran biker, Andy “Hog” McCaskey, checks out Vertix‘s Raptor helmet communicator. Let’s roll!

Vertix Raptor-i is a Bluetooth-based helmet communication system that brings together phone, intercom, radio and music player functions into a single unit. It’s perfect for any activity where wearing a helmet is the norm including motorcycling, motorport and skiing.

A microphone and speaker are fitted inside the helmet and Raptor unit goes on the outside. The unit’s controls are designed to be operated with gloves on and a remote control will be available in a few month’s time. Noise-cancellation and auto-gain control to ensure that voices can be heard clearly even at speed.

For the intercom function, two Raptor units can be paired together so that rider and pillion can talk or two riding buddies can chat between bikes.

The MSRP for the Vertix Raptor-i is $160 and it’s available now.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net.

I think it would be fair to say that Cambridge Audio has successfully moved from being a budget hi-fi brand into a solid middle tier player with several of their products receiving praise from audio and home cinema magazines. Consequently, I was interested to see what Cambridge Audio was demonstrating at CES this year, especially as it’s a British company. Scott has the interview.

The DacMagic Plus is a digital-to-analogue converter that will take the digital output from a games console, PC or smartphone, analyse and upscale the signal and then produce a clean analogue signal vastly superior to that produced by the original device. Let’s be honest, the DAC in your average games console or PC probably cost pennies to the OEM so it’s unlikely to be hi-fi quality. The DacMagic Plus has a pair of digital inputs, both optical and co-axial, plus USB input for high data rates (24 bit). There’s also an optional Bluetooth adaptor which uses the new AptX high quality codec. Output is to headphones, phono (RCA) and XLR.

The StreamMagic 6 is a new network music player that streams from a wide variety of sources – PC, uPnP, DLNA, Internet radio, Pandora – and it connects to the network either by ethernet or wireless-n. Cambridge Audio provides an on-line music portal which lets the audiophile choose their listening selection from a PC or tablet before sending the playlist to the StreamMagic. This neatly avoids the problem of poking around thousands of tracks on a tiny screen trying to find the ones you want. Round the back, like the DacMagic Plus, two digital inputs can take signals from sources such as smartphones or music players.

Overall, two great products that are definitely worth checking out.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live.

One of the biggest mistake that people make when exercising with weights is they do it wrong. This is especially true with free weights, whether you are talking about 5 lbs or 50 lbs, lifting dumb bells correctly is the key to building muscles and preventing injuries. That is the concept behind the prototype Diesel Dog LLC is working on. They are developing a system which connects dumb bells to an application on a Smart Phone, either iOs or Android via Bluetooth. The application then keeps a record of the wave lengths of an exercise as you do it. The idea is a trainer would perform the exercise first correctly and there would be a record of their wave lengths. Then as the client preformed the exercise they could tell if they were doing it right or wrong based on whether their wave lengths matched the trainers. Diesel Dog LLC is also looking at other visual cues to use other then wave lengths, such as trying to match circles. Eric Zorij of Diesel Dog stated they are trying to add the ability to connect to social networks such as Twitter or Facebook into the finished project.

The Bluetooth barbell concept was a finalist in the Bluetooth Innovation World Cup of 2011. They just started developing the prototype little over five weeks ago and are continuing to improve it, they hope to have it in the iOS and Android Market as soon as they can.

Interview by Courtney Wallin of SDRNews for the TechPodcast Network.

Andy talks to Jim from DeLorme about the new inReach two-way satellite communicator, perfect for those really out of the way places.

The DeLorme inReach is a tracking and communication device that uses a satellite radio link to transmit text and GPS location data, rather than the mobile phone network. Owners can communicate via text message from anywhere on the planet, not just those areas with mobile phone coverage, and it’s ideal for hikers and extreme sports enthusiasts who might have an emergency far from a phone signal (or simply want to reassure family that they’re ok.)

The inReach has two modes of operation, one where you use the control unit directly, the other where an Android smartphone app talks to the control unit via Bluetooth. The app is needed for two-way text messaging, mainly as the control unit doesn’t have a keyboard, but there is a dedicated SOS button on the control unit for emergencies. Other smartphones may be supported later.

The inReach costs $250 and a monthly subscription is required for service priced at $9.95 per month. The units are available now.

The inReach is impact-resistant, waterproof, floats and weighs 8oz. Battery life is 60 hours on a pair of lithium AAs. Overall, it’s an ideal emergency backup device but please note, gadgets like this are not a substitute for proper planning, preparation and equipment. Always tell someone your plan and expected return time.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News.

iLuv will be familiar to many with their extensive range of matching accessories for tablets, smartphones and MP3 players. At CES this year, iLuv won no less than 5 CES Innovations Honoree awards to add to their collection of accolades. Todd gets a review of their latest products from Peter of iLuv.

The DreamTraveler is combined iPhone dock, USB charger and mains power strip squared aimed at those unfortunate souls who have to spend time in poorly equipped hotel rooms. It has two USB charging ports, three power outlets and an Apple connector for charging iPhones, iPods and iPads.

For the international traveller, iLuv has the RockWall, a dual USB charger that comes with the right mains plugs for different countries round the world.

Finally, the Mo’Beats is a portable tablet or smartphone cradle with Bluetooth wireless speakers that has a built-in lithium-ion battery which will run for about 4 hours.

All the products will be available in April or May. The Mo’Beats SRP is expected to be $89.99 but the website is currently showing $99.99. I think Peter gets his prices mixed up in the video as the RockWall is priced at $49.99 on the website and the DreamTraveler is $129.99.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

Today most of us travel with portable music devices, and in a lot cases that’s now our smartphone or tablet.  Those device don’t always have very good external speakers, but most them do have Bluetooth capability.  That same Bluetooth technology is now built into external speakers, which really helps to bring these new portable devices to life.

The new BlueII Bluetooth speaker from Mighty Dwarf brings surface induction to the external speaker world.  By using the surface the speaker is sitting on to amplify the sound Mighty Dwarf has added a whole new dimension to this external speaker.  For those with a device that doesn’t feature Bluetooth technology there is a model for you as well.

The new BlueII will be available in March of this year and carries an MSRP of $120 for the Bluetooth model, and $100 for the standard version.  There are also other versions already available in the $75 range.  You can visit Mighty Dwarf to find out more, and also check out the video demo posted below.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

Todd talks with Eric from Invoxia about their latest office product, a stylish dock that converts iPhones and iPads into a VoIP desktop phone. Winner of a CES 2012 Showcase Engineering Award, it’s really quite stunning.

The NVX 610 can use Skype or a SIP telephony provider and control of the desktop phone is via an app on the iPhone which uses Bluetooth to communicate with the dock. The unit has built-in speakers, creating a hands-free phone and a music dock all in one.

Available on-line now for $599. Cool but pricey.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

At CES in Las Vegas, Withings has announced its wireless Internet-connected baby and toddle scale, winner of a 2012 CES Innovations Award. Developed by the French company, the Smart Baby Scale incorporates WiFi, Bluetooth and the low power Bluetooth Smart connectivity and allows parents to accurately record their child’s weight from birth.

Using the Smart Baby Scale, parents can view the weight readings from any net connected device, such as PC, laptop, iPad, iPhone or iPod touch using the already available WiScale app. Parents can easily pass on their child’s weight profile to their doctor, family and friends and the scale can also update Facebook and Twitter. Messages can be sent to email addresses with new readings and, if desired, parents can put together a scrapbook with notes and photos to create a story of their child’s growth.

Cédric Hutchings, Withings co-founder says, “We are very excited to announce our Smart Baby Scale and offer parents an amazing new way to take care of their newborn or young child. The success of our WiFi Body Scale has proven the benefits of connected weight tracking on adults and we were eager to also bring these benefits to babies and children. We are thrilled that our Smart Baby Scale was awarded the prestigious CES Innovation Award and this further reinforces our vision of designing smart communicating devices that help families take better charge of their health”.

The Smart Baby Scale complements other Withings products such as the adult Withings WiFi body scale and the Withings Blood Pressure Monitor. Parents are able to monitor their child’s weight on the same dashboard they view their own weight and blood pressure. (Hmm, I wonder if parents are as inclined to put their own weight on Facebook!)

No news on pricing but the Smart Baby Scale will be available from Q2 of 2012. The WiScale app is available now for iOS devices from the App Store for free.

A couple of weeks ago I finally bought an iPad. At the time of purchase, I also bought a inexpensive Griffin iPad case. For about $90, I could have bought a case that came with an integrated Bluetooth keyboard, but I thought that was a bit much for something I really didn’t need considering I’ve got laptop computers coming out my ears.

I was eating in a Flying J truck stop a couple of evenings ago and when I came out of the Denny’s restaurant and into the truck stop’s convenience store area I happened to notice they had a table set up with marked-down items. They had a small quantity of Bluetooth Case/Keypads that also came bundled with a 12-volt USB charging port and AC USB adapter port with the Micro USB charging cable (“Transit” brand model #11017), marked down to $15.

For $15, I figured I couldn’t go wrong!

It turns out that I ended up with a tremendous bargain. The keyboard painlessly paired up with the iPad Bluetooth, and to my surprise the case is for an iPad 2 so I can use the iPad’s built-in cameras. I was even more surprised to discover that when folded up, it is engineered to automatically put the iPad to sleep and also automatically wakes it back up when it is unfolded just like the Apple smart covers. When folded, it isn’t much thicker than the typical third party cushioned iPad case, and when unfolded props the iPad screen up in a vertical laptop-style position. The iPad fits securely in position in the sleeve, yet is easily removable.

As I expected, the 45-hour charge silicone rubber keyboard does not offer the greatest typing experience in the world, but it’s a million times better than trying to touch-type on glass. The typing experience is very similar to typing on the typical netbook keyboard.

For $15 dollars, I am in geek heaven.

I have an older car – with no Bluetooth and definitely no MP3 player. It hasn’t been a big deal – I have been using my iPhone through a device that sends an FM radio signal. But now I can take all those wires away and use this Jabra Freeway Bluetooth speaker. A pretty impressive device that was awarded the best of CTIA wireless in 2011.

Jabra Freeway Front View

The Good Stuff – Jabra Freeway

Let’s answer the “What is the FM button for” question. Well, it simply turns this device into a FM tuner. You can listen to the voice through the built-in speaker, or through the radio on a tuned frequency. Great for if the whole car needs to hear a conversation.

The Jabra Freeway charges on a Micro-USB plug. The device can be affixed to the visor of your car (or wherever you want to put it). Turn the power on and you hear a voice say “Jabra on – Ready for pairing”.

The pairing process on iPhone is pretty standard. Turn on Bluetooth and choose the Freeway. Key in the pin (if necessary) and the device will pair.

When you have to answer a call, just hit the button with the phone receiver on it. Need to hang up – do the same. Volume buttons on the bottom to turn up and down the audio and a mute button if sirens are piercing outside.

Even though it’s pretty big for a Bluetooth hands-free unit, the contour does make it work so you can place it on the visor without blocking the vanity mirror. However, the speaker will also do double-duty. Whereas most hands-free units only take the phone calls, you can play music right through this unit. Turn on the FM button and your music will transfer over.

Like most units nowadays, you can charge in a couple hours and be on standby for days. Even with moderate to heavy usage, you might have to re-charge once every 6-7 days.

Since the unit is most likely right above your head, I can talk to someone while my windows are rolled down. Everyone I talked to through the unit has said there was no issue in hearing me. That is the best test of the Jabra Freeway.

The Not So Good Stuff – Jabra Freeway

I wasn’t completely impressed with the speakers in the unit. There was a noticeable clip (a buzzing sound) when I was listening to either music or someone talking to me with the volume around 70-80%. I had to turn down the speaker a bit to make the clipping sound go away.

The devices’ wire clip to the visor causes a bit of concern – especially since this is a bigger unit. If I am driving down the highway with the windows rolled down, then get a blast from the sun – causing me to whip the visor to the side window – I could see that unit go flying into the cross-traffic. A piece of velcro could be the answer, since I don’t see a person moving this unit around too much.

There are a lot of voice commands in this unit. Other hands-free units let me say “Call – [person]” once I press the button. You have to learn the commands – although by asking for help, the unit will give you a list of options.

There is no pause or stop button for the music. You have to press voice and then say “Pause”. Would have been better with just the button.

The Verdict

It does have a couple flaws, but the device is pretty good. This is a unit that sells for $129.99, so the price might be the tipping point to saying no. After all, I don’t need a device to play my iPod music as much and I can get a hands-free bluetooth unit for $50 or less.

If the Freeway was to drop below $100 and fix the speaker clipping, then it will be worth it. Otherwise, if you need a nicely designed unit with a larger speaker, then the Freeway is for you.

Disclaimer: I did receive a unit from the company. This is a unbiased review of the Freeway.

As an over-the-road truck driver I spend dozens of hours a week listening to various podcasts while I’m driving. In the past, my company truck had a stereo that had a cassette tape player, which made it possible to use an audiocassette adapter to plug in my MP3 player directly. Unfortunately, my current truck does not have an audiocassette player or an aux in port, leaving the only choices an ineffective FM transmitter, or ear buds. I gave up on FM transmitters long ago in favor of ear buds.

Why not go for some sort of iPod dock? Well, there’s a problem with iPod docks. They may work just fine in a stable environment, but a flopping docked iPod bouncing down the road in a truck invites a broken 30 pin iPod connector in no time.

So, I got the idea of looking for some sort of stereo Bluetooth capable boombox. Since I power all of my electronic devices from a DC to AC power inverter, the ability to operate on battery power isn’t a concern.

After searching through websites such as Amazon.Com and also searching through the local Best Buy store more than once, and talking to at least two Best Buy employees, I ended up finding on my own the Tango TRX Bluetooth-capable iPod/iPad dock. I paid $150 plus tax for it at my local Best Buy store.

The Tango TRX has a pleasing sound quality. The unit actually comes with two conventional iPod docks, one built in to the main unit that houses the speaker assembly, and a satellite unit that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth back to the main unit. The satellite iPod dock is adaptable to any generation of iPod device provided it has the standard 30-pin iPod connector.

More importantly to me, the Tango TRX will also connect to any device that has stereo Bluetooth capability. I am able to easily pair it with my iPod Touch as well as my Android Evo smartphone without having to enter the typical “0000” pin code so common to Bluetooth devices. It will simply connect automatically. Interestingly, the Tango TRX will also function as a speakerphone since it also comes equipped with a built-in noise-cancelling microphone specifically for that purpose.

There’s also a free Tango TRX iPod/iPhone/iPad app that gives additional functionality in the form of a 5 band graphic equalizer, as well as iPod remote control functionality. The unit comes with its own small infrared remote control.

The Tango TRX works extremely well in my truck. It has plenty of volume and does not distort at higher volume levels. It solves the problem and frees my ears from endless hours of ear bud purgatory.

I needed a bluetooth keyboard that I could use with my iPad. I did take a look at the Apple keyboard, it looked very nice, but expensive. I wasn’t sure I wanted to spend $70.00 on something that there was a good chance I would spill something on or leave it somewhere. So I kept looking, I was on the Newegg site picking up an HDMI splitter and I saw the AZiO Keyboard. It said it was iPad ready and it was white, plus it was about $40 cheaper then the Apple keyboard. It is like the Apple wireless keyboard in that it doesn’t have the number keys on the side, but since I never use them anyway I don’t miss them. It does have an extra column on the right hand side which has function keys f14 thru f16, plus page up and page down, so it is slightly larger then the Apple keyboard.

While connecting the keyboard to the iPad I did have to push the connection button on the keypad twice , when it lost connection. However once it was connected and I entered the number given I have not lost the connection since then. The keyboard feels like it was build out of lego parts, another words a little plasticly and cheap. The keys are like chiclets and do make a clicking sound when you type. The Apple keyboard feels much more substantial and better made. If you want a keyboard that looks good and is silent then I would lean toward the Apple keyboard. However if you just want a keyboard that you can throw in a bag with your iPad and it works, but it you loose it no big deal, then the AZiO KB333BM keyboard is perfect. It is available through various sites, including NewEgg where you can get it for $39.00.

Tom Newman clocks in with Mike from Casio, who were demonstrating low-power Bluetooth in a watch. As you might expect, low power drain is highly desirable in a watch as, unlike smartphones, it’s not normal to recharge them every night. Most people would expect a watch to last several years between battery changes and fortunately, Casio expects the battery in the phone to last two years before needing changed.

Low-power Bluetooth is an enhancement to the Bluetooth 4.0 core specification and it’s expected to appear in devices from 2012 onwards. The video shows a couple of different scenarios, such as the watch changing time when your change the time zone in your smartphone.

Interview by Tom Newman of The Fogview Podcast.

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Andy McCaskey and Esby Larsen sound out Ivan Kuan of Sennheiser, my favourite headphone manufacturer, on the latest aural delights. Recently, Sennheiser have introduced a number of travel and lifestyle headphones, including models marketed in conjunction with Adidas under the Originals brand – HD 25, CX 310 & HD 220. They’re blue. Very blue.

Returning to monochrome reality, the CXC 700s are new in-ear phones with digital active noise cancellation. Three different noise cancellation modes are available to suit the particular travel environment, e.g. plane or train. The phones comes with “TalkThrough” that when pressed mutes the music and allows external noise through. The phones themselves are specially shaped so that if you fall asleep lying down, they don’t press too hard into your ear. $229 and shipping soon.

CX 980i is another set of in-ear phones, but these are aimed at those people who listen to music on their iPhone, as the integrated remote includes a microphone so they can take a call without getting the phone out. Also works with iPods and iPads. There’s some nice metal-craft detailing as well. $229 too.

Finally, the PXC 360BT are pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones with noise cancellation and SRS surround sound. Cleverly, when travelling by air, the Bluetooth can be turned off and a lead plugged in. Definitely a audiophile product for the high mileage air traveller but you know you’re worth it.  $449.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and Esbjorn Larsen of MrNetCast.com.

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Todd chats to Ted Lopez, Interface Product Manager for  Scosche Industries on their long-term association with the motor (auto) industry and their latest award-winning products.

Scosche have been in business for over 30 years starting out on dash-mounted entertainment systems, which 30 years ago was probably just a radio and a cassette player. These days Scosche still has a strong business with in-car entertainment but more recently has expanded into Bluetooth systems and accessories for the iPhone and iPod. Ted gives Todd a drive-by of their latest products, all of which have won innovation awards at CES or other major shows.

The FreedomMIC is a lapel-mounted Bluetooth microphone suitable for video interview work. Available in Spring – price not known.

The FlipSYNC II keychain are small charge’n'sync cables that clip up into a keyfob. Two models, one for Apple devices, the other micro- and mini-USB. Never leave home without them. Available now for $19.99.

The MotorMOUTH II (shown above) is a Bluetooth hands-free kit and A2DP audio streaming device that plugs straight into the 3.5 mm jack on the car dash. I need one of these – I currently use a Jabra BT3030 for streaming audio to my car stereo but if I have to take a phone call, the microphone is poor. Available now for $79.99.

Finally, the MyTREK is an armband fitness trainer with a complementary iPhone app. No surprise there. Available Spring – price not known.

All innovation award winners so check them out.
Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Esby talks with Nic the Intern from BodyMedia about their range of products all designed to get people back into shape. The BodyMedia Armband is a Bluetooth-equipped monitor that measures, records and transmits your activity and sleep pattern, which is an important factor in weight loss.

The armband measures galvanic skin response (how sweaty you are area), temperature, heat loss and motion through a three-axis accelerometer. Depending on the model, the information can be uploaded to your personal web dashboard either via Bluetooth and your smartphone or by plugging it into a USB port your PC.

Apps for Android and iOS are part of the package and these both show the results of your activities, but also lets you log the food that you’ve eaten as you go.  Consequently, it’s very easy to see calories burned v. calories eaten.

MSRP is $199 for the non-Bluetooth version and $249 for the Bluetooth armband. A monthly subscription is also required starting at $6.95 per month for 12 months.

Interview by Esbjorn Larsen of MrNetCast.com.

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Andy McCaskey interviews Ariel Garten, CEO of InteraXon – Thought Controlled Computing.  It’s no longer sci-fi, you can now interact with technology using the power of your mind (rather than your thoughts being controlled by computers.)

The system consists of a lightweight headset with two electrodes that detects brainwaves such as alpha and beta waves.  Different patterns are associated with different mental states, e.g. concentrating with beta waves and relaxed with alpha, so as your mind changes states an action can be taken. Trivially, you can link your concentration to a light, so while you are concentrating on reading, the light is on and bright, but as you relax and drift off to sleep, the light dims before finally turning off.

Obviously, it’s early days for the technology and Ariel likens the current state to that of voice recognition 20 years ago. Ariel believes that in the future this will be the main way that users interact with technology.

On show was a game called ZenBound 2 which is available for the iPhone and iPad. Normally, the player uses their fingers to manipulate a rope around a sculpture but with InteraXon the player can use their mind to control the game. You can see this in Andy’s video or the original is here. At the end of the game, you can get a report about how you were able to focus or relax.

Ariel also mentions some of the possible medical benefits which are potentially available now that you have a portable EEG system. It uses both Bluetooth or Wifi to communicate from the headband to mobile devices.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News.

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Just before Christmas, Qmadix launched this very neat portfolio case for the Apple iPad that includes a slim bluetooth keyboard. The case doubles as a stand and the keyboard can be removed from the portfolio if it’s not going to be used. Comes in a range of colours, too. Available now from Fry’s for a penny under $130.

Also on the video are Qmadix’s Qi-Wear by iHarmonix, stereo bluetooth sunglasses. Not cheap at $279, but look cool.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central

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Jonathan Conelias of iDevices, Inc. (www.idevicesinc.com) presents the iGrill Bluetooth-enabled wireless temperature probe device that is designed to synch up with an iPod, iPhone or iPad and remotely display temperatures of cooking meats. It is able to monitor two temperatures at once and runs on four “AA” batteries. The iOS application features alarms that can be set to notify the user that the desired cooking temperature has been reached. The app also includes recipes and an Internet browser. The app is currently available for Apple’s iOS devices but will be available for Google Android by the end of the first quarter of 2011. It sells for $99.99 and comes with one temperature probe. A second temperature probe can be purchased for $19.99. The probes have 48″ inch cords and can measure 40 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit inside cooking meat products.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast and Tom Newman of The Fogview Podcast.

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This week’s unofficial style and design award goes to Native Union and their beautiful Moshi Moshi range of handsets for mobile phones, USB VoIP and Bluetooth.

There’s four in the range, the first three created by designer David Turpin and the last by Michael Young.   They’re a stylish mix of retro and modern and I think they’re reasonably priced for a well-designed item.   I’m tempted to get the Bluetooth handset (MM03) myself.

Two of them have 3.5mm jacks and two are Bluetooth.  A range of adaptors are also available from the web site, including one for converting to USB for Skype, GoogleTalk and so on.

Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite but the website has full photo galleries.

And if you are wondering what “Moshi Moshi” is, it’s what Japanese people say when they answer the phone.  You can read about the myth behind this phrase over on WikiAnswers.

This last week has been a pretty good one for me, for I got to review more than just a computer, printer or network. I got to review a car. Well, mostly the computer in the car, but still a very tricked out Ford Taurus SHO. A $37,000 vehicle with the Microsoft SYNC system inside.

Ford delivered the Taurus last week to my home. Blue-Grey in color, it didn’t look like the Taurus of years past. I used to drive one for work from time-to-time. That is when the car pool had one available.

However, this one was fully loaded. It had everything from the aluminum wheels to the SHO branded floor mats. It really made me feel like I was on top of my game when driving it. Not that I don’t like the current car I have – But when the time comes, I wouldn’t mind swapping for that one. As long as I can put a full drum set into it.

So let’s take a look at the car, the geeky stuff and other items inside:

The Car:

Ford Taurus SHO

We’ll start out with the car itself. This is the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO with 3.5 Liter EcoBoost V6 engine. EcoBoost Technology combines turbocharging and direct injection. It basically works like a V8, but with fewer emissions. The 365 horsepower engine can get 17 city/25 highway using All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

The wheel stock was 19″ premium painted luster nickel-aluminum. The SHO uses the intelligent Access technology with Push-Button Start. All you need is the FAB close by and you will not only be able to get in your car, but also start it without taking anything out of your pocket.

The Geeky Stuff:

Inside the car was where I was focused on. It contained the Microsoft SYNC system – A navigation software package, personal media player and full Satellite / AM /FM radio. The voice recognition was from Nuance – makers of the Dragon Naturally Speaking software. Connection was through audio jack, USB or Blutooth.

Microsoft SYNC

Navigation:

The voice navigation system was fairly straightforward to understand. If you have used a Tom-Tom or Garmin system, then the SYNC navigation will be second-hand. I entered in a couple destinations and the voice guided me to where I needed to go. There were a couple times it was unsure, so it said “Incomplete data, proceed with caution”. That way, I didn’t trust the system to the point where I would drive it off a cliff.

The voice navigation was also very competent on what it was saying. “Turn left onto Ambercrombe – Turn right onto McKenna..” and so forth. I think there was only one time I noticed the voice sound digital in my travels.

You can put in new destinations, or pre-program common ones. Just in case you forget where the store is, or if this is a company car – you can pre-program the destinations so new drivers can find the route without asking for directions.

The Climate Control:

What can I say about this? April is a Hot – then Cold kinda month. One minute you have all the windows rolled down, then the next the heat is blasted at 90 degrees. To be able to have all that at your fingertips is pretty important. I do have to say, though – The actual button configuration toward the bottom was more confusing than on the SYNC system. Especially when I wanted to turn the blower up and down.

The Sound System:

Microsoft SYNC with Sony Speakers

This is by far the best sound experience I have had in a car. The 12 speakers by Sony pushing out 390 Watts brought clarity to anything I played. Podcasts and music was both enjoyable to listen to, and easy. With the Bluetooth built in, I didn’t need to connect my iPhone to a cable – although I had an option through the USB port. The 10 GB of Hard Drive storage could allow me to put my CD’s into memory.

I was a little flustered that it wouldn’t let me upload MP3 CD’s into the car. I could play the MP3 CD through the system, though. Once I had the jukebox running, I could go through the songs as easily as if they were on my computer.

Since the system has Hands-Free options, I was able to answer phone calls with my cell in the pocket. It stored all my contact info so I could just push the button and go. The Stereo would duck under the phone voice, the backup sensors or the Navigation voice if needed. It made for a comforting experience where I didn’t have to juggle for phones or cables.

The Bling:

I was playing with the interior lighting all week. There were 2 buttons on the dash – One that dimmed a series of LED lights inside the car (by the door handles, in the compartments) and another that changed the color of the LED lights. I could choose the light based on my mood, but I mostly stuck with my favorite color: Green.

What is missing?

When we talked with Ford at CES, I thought there was going to be a special uplink option for music and podcasts. I was expecting to let the car talk with a wireless system to download media. That wasn’t the case. Sure, I could have used a Bluetooth connection from the house, but it would have been nice to be able to connect to the media server and get the music and podcasts that way. This was the only thing I wished it would have.

The car specs said I had a Rear View Camera. Either I missed it or this model didn’t have one. If it did, then I am surprised it wasn’t an intuitive system.

The Verdict:

I enjoyed the ride for the week. I got to take a couple longer trips and felt comfortable the whole time. I had a few friends ride along and they really enjoyed the handling. The only thing they mentioned on the car was the design of the dashboard felt a little enclosing. It was an akward looking dashboard, but there was one big Sony speaker in the middle.

I was really happy to drive this car around for the week. I would like to thank Ford for their generosity in letting me review the system. The SYNC system is absolutely a fabulous idea and with some extras can be a very useful and very fun addition to your drive.

Have you ever had the need to read email, tweet or text while you are driving? With the news Bluetrek Bluetooth headset you can now do so.The technology behind the Concerto Headset is a proprietary hands-free, voice-activated messaging platform by Dial2Do that is accessed by dialing a network access number.

For the person that is on the go and largely on the move this may be a headset and service you will want to check out.

CES 2010 Content Sponsor: Try GotoAssist Express free for 30 days! For this special offer, visit www.GotoAssist.com/techpodcasts

Nokia announced that its is developing a portable Internet device based on the open-source Linux operating system. Designed to take advantage of the wide distribution of accessible Wi-Fi networks, the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet features a widescreen display and an on-screen keyboard, a la a PDA on steroids. The device will also be able to connect to Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones as an alternative network connection source.

The portable computer includes built-in access to Internet radio, RSS (Real Simple Syndication) news reader, and a digital media player. Weighing in at about a half-pound, the device will be available to consumers this fall.

According to Nokia’s website, “The device runs on Linux based Nokia Internet Tablet 2005 software edition which includes widely deployed desktop Linux and Open Source technologies. The maemo development platform (www.maemo.org) will provide Open Source developers and innovation houses with the tools and opportunities to collaborate with Nokia on future devices and OS releases in the Internet Tablet category.”

Dave’s Opinion
This is a good foray for Nokia: designing a portable media device without being beholden to the restrictions and costs that traditional laptops face with Microsoft Windows. The Linux operating system is generally considered more stable and flexible than Windows, and with proper installation is equally secure, and some IT experts think, more secure than Microsoft’s operating system.

Nokia 770 Internet Tablet Press Release: http://press.nokia.com/PR/200505/995802_5.html

Call for Comments
What do you think? Leave your comments below.

References
Nokia 770 Internet Tablet Press Release