Bluetooth

Many people now carry pocket-sized computers around in the shape of smartphones, and the processing power and graphics capabilities offered by modern devices means that gamers can now enjoy a mobile experience that's not too far removed from console gaming - albeit on a much smaller scale. Unless you've opted for Sony's Xperia PLAY, though, smartphone gaming can be distinctly lacking in the level of control that console gamers are used to. With six face buttons, two rear trigger buttons and a digital D-pad, the iControlPad Bluetooth gaming controller aims to address this issue. It's compatible with just about all smartphones, and there's even an adjustable metal clamp to hold the phone securely in place above the controller. Read More

Bose has unveiled its new Bluetooth headset. The Series 2 headset features the same form factor as the original, but now comes in left- and right-ear versions. A2DP streaming has also been added, alongside Bose's Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology that automatically adjusts the speaker volume in response to changes in ambient noise levels - keeping the volume down when in a quiet office and pumping up the volume when you step out in to a busy street, for example. Read More

Whether you have the wind whistling in your ears on the highway, or the sound of scrunching tires coming from beneath you on a singletrack trail, it can often be difficult to hear what other cyclists are saying. While most of us are just content to yell “WHAT?”, Swedish wireless tech company Free2Move has what it thinks is a better idea – it’s HIOD One, a Bluetooth communications system designed specifically for cyclists. Read More

If there's one issue with the gorgeous COOL LEAF keyboard from Minebea, it's the less-than-satisfying feel of the touch panel keying action. When not in use, the equally good-looking Levitatr Bluetooth keyboard has a similarly flat upper surface but when activated the chiclet keys rise up and illuminate to offer some gratifying tactile typing. Read More

Those not willing to compromise on sound quality when out and about have been enjoying the impressive sound and compact form factor of Soundmatters' foxLv2 and foxLv2 Bluetooth portable speakers for over a year. Now the company founded by physicist and former NASA engineer Dr Godehard Guenther has updated foxLv2 line with the upcoming release of the foxLv2 PLATIMUM unit. Along with a new platinum-look finish, the PLATINUM model boasts improved battery life, new audiophile cabling and the inclusion of apt-X audio coding to provide CD quality audio over Bluetooth. Read More

Bose has updated its wireless speaker lineup with a new Bluetooth-enabled portable unit. Featuring an integrated cover which doubles as a stand, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker is tailored for outdoor use with a built-in lithium-ion battery delivering up to eight hours of playback (make that three hours if you crank it to 11) and a shock-resistant shell/stand that's designed to withstand salt-fog, sand, or moisture. Read More

Sony has unveiled a couple of rather ballsy offerings at IFA 2011 in the form of the SRS-BTV25 and RDP-V20iP. The compact spherical units pack Sony's 360° Circle Sound audio diffusion technology that promises to deliver omnidirectional sound to all corners of a room. The SRS-BTV25 model is designed to play audio streamed from Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, Walkmans and iDevices, while the RDP-V20iP is an iPhone/iPod charger and speaker dock that can be controlled via an included remote. Read More

Jawbone has built a reputation for producing slickly designed Bluetooth headsets and the company's latest flagship model - the Jawbone ERA - continues that tradition. The ERA is an exceptionally lightweight package that has 25 percent more audio output than previous models, an updated version of NoiseAssassin noise cancelling technology, an onboard processor and flash storage, but its the first ever inclusion of an accelerometer in the unit that has really grabbed attention. So is this a case of tech for tech's sake or does it actually add up to a better headset? We've been putting the ERA through its paces to find out. Read More

Tablet users who want to utilize their tablet PCs as desktop workstations would no doubt appreciate an Android-tailored wireless mouse. Announced this May, the Logitech mouse for Android 3.1+ is now available for purchase online, and joins the previously-launched tablet-oriented physical keyboard. Read More