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News & Reviews for Living with Bluetooth Wireless

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GEAK Ring Puts Near Field Communication on Your Finger

Geak Ring - QTOOTH

Some say NFC is dead, but GEAK from Shanghai wants to prove them wrong. Announced alongside the GEAK Watch earlier today was this GEAK Ring, a tiny NFC-enabled wearable device that stores your identity. The ring’s pitched as an intuitive way to unlock your phone — just hold it with the hand that’s wearing the ring, and it’ll unlock without having to type in the password; plus it’ll stay awake as long as it’s still in the same hand. Another feature is that since the ring has your contact details stored (presumably rewritable), you can also use it to share your contact card with other NFC-enabled devices. But of course, given the risk of NFC (near field communication) cloning, you should treat GEAK’s solution as a convenience rather than a more secure method.

At launch, this ring will only be compatible with the GEAK Eye and GEAK Mars quad-core phones that were also announced today, but it’ll support other devices from the likes of Samsung, Xiaomi and Oppo starting in November. GEAK will be taking pre-orders from August 8th, and it’ll cost Chinese buyers ¥199 or about $30 each. It’ll sure go nicely alongside that Google ring.

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iOS 7 Massively Expands Bluetooth Support for Smartwatches, Fitness Trackers, Other Devices

Using a Pebble or any other smartwatch alongside iOS isn’t nearly as convenient or user-friendly as it should be, but thankfully Apple plans on fixing that come fall. As part of iOS 7 (and OS X Mavericks), the company is greatly broadening its support for Bluetooth, a huge boon for smartwatches, fitness trackers, medical devices, and other products based around the technology.

“Less will be needed of the user”

In a post at the official Bluetooth blog, chief marketing officer Suke Jawanda outlines some of these changes. First, he confirms that Bluetooth Smart is a big part of AirDrop, an iOS 7 feature that lets nearby users quickly exchange photos and documents. With the new operating systems, Bluetooth hardware will also gain access to Apple Notification Center Services (ANCS), making the task of pushing notifications to smartwatches and other wearables far more seamless for developers. Rather than having to come up with clever workarounds — as Pebble had to do with iOS 6 — the expanded support ideally means users shouldn’t have to worry about fussing with settings to get things functioning properly.

iOS 7 Bluetooth Enhancements - QTOOTH

 

Bluetooth Smart devices will also see inclusion in iOS Preservation and Restoration services. What this means is that rather than needing to hold down a sync button on your Nike Fuelband, the fitness tracker will automatically push your stats to Nike’s iOS app in real time without requiring any user intervention — even if the app is closed. It’s equally big news for the growing number of Bluetooth-based medical devices on the market and in hospitals; patients won’t be encumbered with nearly as many special directives to ensure everything is communicating properly. As Apple has famously said in years past, it should “just work.” We’ll have to see whether Apple’s execution can live up to its promises when iOS 7 ships this fall. With Android also embracing Bluetooth Smart, Jawanda hints that we should hear more about Microsoft’s standing at Build later this month.

via The Verge.

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Samsung Introduces GALAXY S4 Zoom – First Smartphone to Offer 10x Optical Zoom

Samsung Introduces GALAXY S4 zoom – the first smartphone to offer 10x optical zoom, for perfect picture taking.

Samsung Electronics announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom, a powerful new device which combines the stylish heritage of the latest GALAXY S4 smartphone with advanced photographic capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy Zoom - QTOOTH

Part of the GALAXY S4 family, the GALAXY S4 zoom is the realization of Samsung’s mission to create a single device that can fulfill the role of both an industry leading smartphone and a high-end compact camera. Combining 10x Optical Zoom, 16 Mega Pixel CMOS Sensor, OIS and Xenon Flash with the very latest Samsung GALAXY S4 technology, the GALAXY S4 zoom sets new standards for perfect mobile photography. It is the ultimate smartphone and camera experience in one, and the only device you’ll ever need.

Galaxy S4 Zoom - QTOOTH

Revolutionary new interface

Do it all and miss nothing thanks to the revolutionary new Zoom Ring, a simple and intuitive way to access the GALAXY S4 zoom’s key features. When you’re in the middle of a phone call and you see something you absolutely have to share, a quick twist of the Zoom Ring will activate the In-Call Photo Share feature, letting you capture and send an image directly via MMS to whoever you are talking to simply.

For easy camera navigation, the Zoom Ring can be used to activate the Quick Launch and Shortcut features, giving you instant access to multiple camera modes including Auto, Gallery and Smart Mode with a simple twist.

The Zoom Ring also revolutionizes conventional camera zoom controls. Optical zoom control replaces traditional dials and buttons with smooth, easy-to-operate digital controls. Professional-quality accuracy and unprecedented ease of use are just a twist away, making it easy to compose a scene and capture wide-angle shots or tight close-ups.

Galaxy S4 Zoom Lense Side - QTOOTH

Capture the best images

When it comes to high quality photography, bigger isn’t always better. The compact GALAXY S4 zoom’s best-in-class 10x Optical Zoom and 16MP BSI CMOS Sensor lets you capture beautiful images from far away or up close and personal, in all light conditions, without having to carry heavy camera gear around with you. Furthermore, the built-in Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) helps keep the camera perfectly still even when you’re not, reducing blur and stabilizing the image while zoomed in for high-quality photos and video.

Photo Suggest instantly connects you to huge libraries of images taken by fellow photographers, to help you find and compose your best shots anywhere in the world. Photo Suggest can even direct you to the ideal nearby location which will give you the vantage point you need for that perfect photo.

The GALAXY S4 zoom also features Samsung’s popular Smart Mode, so you can stop worrying about settings and start taking professional-quality artistic shots. Simply choose from a series of pre-set modes and the camera will automatically adjust to ensure you capture the best photo possible. Use Drama Shot to merge continuous shots of moving objects into a single composed image, or Action Freeze to instantly capture high-speed action. If you aren’t sure which Smart Mode to select, the Smart Mode Suggest feature can assess the scene for you and provide a short list of the best options for your consideration based on surrounding factors such as light levels, focal length, or face detection, ensuring you always get the best shot you want.

Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom Product Specifications

Unlimited entertainment in the palm of your hand

The GALAXY S4 zoom’s heritage is evident throughout, from its sleek and stylish design to the powerful, yet intuitive user interface. Running on Android Jelly Bean 4.2, the GALAXY S4 zoom boasts many of the same features as the recently launched GALAXY S4, including Touchwiz, which lets you fully customize various aspects of your device including the lock screen and notification bar, for a truly personal mobile experience.

When you return from your travel adventures, Story Album lets you arrange all of your treasured images and videos into one timeline to share with friends and loved ones. You can also edit images and even order prints directly from the device through a partnership with blurb*. If you’d rather transfer your images to your laptop or tablet for safe keeping, Samsung Link lets you do so quickly and easily with just the touch of a button. Alternatively, you can sync all of your data in your own personal cloud through HomeSync, providing the ultimate peace of mind and ensuring your images and videos are waiting for you whenever you need them.

The GALAXY S4 zoom features the new Samsung Hub, a one-stop destination for all of the latest music, videos, books and games. Search, download and enjoy all of your favorite entertainment at the touch of a button, all directly from your device. When you find that amazing new track or game that you can’t wait to share with your friends, Group Play lets you connect directly with their Samsung devices so you can all listen and play together, without the need for a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal.

via Samsung

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Nokia Lumia 925 vs HTC One

Here’s a great little video review on the pros and cons of the Nokia Lumia 925 vs. the HTC One from the folks over at PocketNow.

nokia-lumia-925-qtoothEach of these phones are the flagship of their respective companies. Both have some stunning features and just like most phone shootouts, each comes out on top… depending on what features you value the most. Choices, choices. Nokia Lumia 925 or HTC One. Hmm… htc-one-qtooth

Check it out:

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Pioneer XDJ-R1 Wireless All-In-One DJ System

Pioneer XDJ-R1 Wireless All-In-One DJ System - QTOOTH

Pioneer introduces a really fun Wireless All-In-One DJ System. Check out the specs and the video demo below:

Industry-first operation of various functions with iPad/iPhone/iPod touch

By connecting this device via a wireless LAN connection to an iPad/iPhone/iPod touch with the special “remotebox”*2 mobile application installed, it is possible to select songs stored inside USB storage devices connected to the XDJ-R1 via the screens of these devices. In addition, it is possible to apply an “AUTO BEAT LOOP”*3 function, which automatically loops music at a specified tempo, as well as intuitively controlling various effects using the X-Y pads of devices. The back of the XDJ-R1 also features a stand for installation of iPhone/iPod touch devices at an angle conducive to easy song selection.XDJ-R1

Support for diverse media and music formats

DJ play can be performed using a diverse range of media and music formats, including music CDs and file formats such as MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF stored inside USB storage devices or recorded onto CD-R/RW.
The XDJ-R1 also provides MIDI support and can be used to operate various pieces of DJ software.

“BEAT SYNC” function*5 for one-touch beat synchronization of two songs

The “BEAT SYNC” function automatically synchronizes the beats of songs that have been analyzed by the “rekordbox™” music management software played on each player, simply by pressing the “SYNC” button.

Unified structure containing two players and a mixer

The unified structure of two players and a mixer means users can DJ with this device alone. The mixer part is equipped with ports for the connection of external hardware such as CDJ players and turntables, etc., so it can also be used as an independent 2-channel mixer.

Functions for enjoyment of wide range of music arranging and mixing

A combination of all kinds of effects enables simple performance of a wide range of music arrangements and mixes.

1. HOT CUE
The “HOT CUE” function enables instant playback from a previously specified point, simply by pressing a button. Each player can set “HOT CUES” at three points.
2. 4 BEAT SAMPLER
The “4-BEAT SAMPLER” function makes it possible to play recorded sampling sound sources simply by pressing a button. Sound sources can be recorded from songs on USB storage devices and CDs.
3. BEAT FX*3
Diverse forms of DJ play can be enjoyed by selecting from 4 effects (TRANS, FLANGER, ECHO, and ROLL) for each song played on each player and changing BPM and effects levels.
4. SOUND COLOR FX
Diverse forms of DJ play can be enjoyed by selecting from 4 effects (FILTER, CRUSH, PITCH, and NOISE) for each song played in each channel.

XDJ-R1

High sound quality design for clear and powerful DJ sound

Noise has been reduced by separating analog and digital circuits, and performing digital conversion of analog input signals by the shortest distance possible. All signal processing is conducted with a high-performance CPU to ensure that DJ mixes have a clear sound.

Additional Features

  • ● “AUTO BEAT LOOP”*3 function enables songs to be looped automatically at a specified BPM
  • ● “QUANTIZE”*5 function automatically corrections divergence from specified BPM when using “AUTO BEAT LOOP” or “BEAT FX”
  • ● Equipped with independent 3-band isolator
  • ● Internal sound card (Audio Interface)
  • ● Complete with MASTER OUT (XLR), BOOTH OUT, AUX and MIC ports
  • ● Environmentally-friendly “Auto Standby Function” that switches the power to standby mode when there is no operation or input for a certain period of time.

Main specifications

Playable mediaUSB storage devices, music CD,CD-R/RW
Playable file formatsMP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF (only MP3, WAV and AIFF can be played from CD)
USB storage formats supportedFAT32、FAT16
No. of channels2
Wireless communications formatIEEE 802.11b/g (2.4GHz band)
Sampling rate44.1kHz
A/D, D/A converter24bit
Frequency response20Hz～20kHz
S/N ratio98dB or above (USB)
Total harmonic distortionMax. 0.006 % (USB)
Head room19dB
USB portsA port × 1, B port × 1
InputsPHONO/LINE × 2 (RCA)　MIC × 1 (1/4inch PHONE)　AUX × 1 (RCA)
OutputsMASTER OUT × 2 (XLR × 1, RCA × 1) HEADPHONE MONITOR OUT × 2 (front 1/4inch PHONE, MiniPin)
BOOTH OUT × 1 (RCA)
Maximum external dimensions (W×D×H)623mm × 308.4mm × 107.7mm
Body weight6.8kg

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Dell ships its WiGig-based Wireless Dock for Latitude

Dell WiGig Wireless Dock

Dell Makes Wireless Docking a Reality with the Industry’s First and Only WiGig Docking Station for Unparalleled Connectivity and Convenience

New Dell Wireless Dock provides best-in-class untethered docking experience with the Dell Latitude 6430u Ultrabook for fast, flexible connectivity between devices and peripherals

WiGig standard led by Dell and Wilocity marks new era in mainstream wireless with speeds up to 10 times faster than Wi-Fi and the ability to transmit high quality video streams

Dell today announced the availability of the Dell Wireless Dock, the industry’s first and only docking solution based on the latest multi-gigabit tri-band Wi-Fi standard (WiGig) and compatible with the award-winning Dell Latitude 6430u Ultrabook™ for a best–in-class wireless docking experience. The new WiGig standard begins an exciting new era in mainstream wireless connectivity with speeds up to 10 times that of today’s fastest Wi-Fi networks.

Designed for use in offices, meeting rooms and classrooms, the Dell Wireless Dock offers quick and easy connectivity to displays, projectors, networks, speakers and other peripherals for unparalleled connectivity and convenience. The new dock supports up to two external displays with both DisplayPort and HDMI, features ample peripheral connectivity via three USB 3.0 ports and facilitates easy collaboration with a front Audio In/Out port for voice over IP at speeds of up to 4.6 gigabits per second. The Dell Wireless Dock can also be easily managed with the updated Dell Connection Manager that now supports both WiGig and Wireless LAN settings.

Especially ideal as a connectivity solution in conference rooms and classrooms, the Dell Wireless Dock supports cable-free, seamless transitions between multiple presenters and hassle-free collaboration. An adapter is available for VGA-based infrastructures and an Ethernet connector helps ensure dedicated, stable bandwidth for fast data transfers and efficient communication with remote locations. Additionally, the Dell Wireless Dock has the same level of usability and easy integration as the current Latitude E Series Docking Stations with remote access, monitoring and configuration for business class control.

With the potential to offer many advanced uses, such as virtually instantaneous wireless backups, synchronization and file transfers between computers and handheld devices, the WiGig standard (802.11ad) is the result of close industry collaboration led by Dell and Wilocity. Based on the proven IEEE 802.11 standard specification for long-term stability, WiGig offers the same level of security and manageability as today’s best WLAN technologies. WiGig is powered by the first 60 GHz multi-gigabit wireless chipsets developed by Wilocity and brought to the Dell Latitude 6430u by Qualcomm Atheros, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

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