Dotsep Wireless

Another old concept is refreshed again, it is GPS (Global Positioning System) that allow you to identify your current exact position. But this time it is planted on shoes. GTX’s corp. is the manufacturer of Xplorer, this smart GPS shoes. It has small GPS tracking device inside the shoe that communicate with central location tracking service. It is powered by built-in rechargeable battery that can last up to several days.

Additional features which is Dual Geo-fencing allow you to preset the area that you consider as ‘safe ‘ zone and ‘unsafe’ zone, if you trespass those preset zone then it will send alerts to your cell phone to notify you.

However so far, there is no indication how to recharge the built-in battery and how to set the GPS shoe so it will send alert directly to the intended cell phone not to the others.

There are many implementations that can be applied by using this GPS shoe. The company mentioned that it can become very handy for parents to keep eye on their kids. But the thing is the kids can possibly bring another pair of shoes and drop the Xplorer at their friend’s house while they can do things that their parents don’t approve. Or another thought is Xplorer can be a “very nice birthday present” for your friends without telling them it has GPS inside, you know what I’m talking about.

Nokia introduced N800 the revolutionary internet tablet above the older model N770. The N800 uses WiFi and Bluetooth for connectivity. Additionally, its slim travel design make this wireless gadget become very handy and perfect for internet browsing during outdoor meeting or when traveling. It works very great to keep you up to date with the latest news while you enjoy your coffee break at the access point available coffee shop (such as Starbucks). This cool gadget is not meant to replace your PDA, laptop, or smartphone, it just perfect as your travel mate which has a bit less features than those gadgets.

Most of people think N800 is a cell phone, don’t get mistake, it is not cell phone. It is an internet tablet that allows you to make calls using VoIP (Voice over IP). You can choose either using Wifi (802.11b/g) to connect to access point or couple it up with Bluetooth enabled phone to connect with cellular network. Wireless connectivity makes you easy for browsing and instant messaging during travel.

It has multifunction built-in camera, can be used as webcam for video calls as well. N800 come with tremendous wide-screen, it supports 800 x 480 resolutions and 65,000 colors display, producing lively images. Moreover, it is provided with the marvelous touch-screen features that allow you to put information with fingertips or with the provided stylus. The N800 is designed for you who travel a lot, it has slim design with dimension 2.9x5.7x0.5 inches and weight 7.2 ounces, just perfectly fit into your pocket.

Finally the question is 'will this gadget able to position itself as a high demand gadget?' Considering the offered features can be found on any other devices such as PDAs and smartphones. Furthermore, its wireless connectivity can be boomerang for itself, since the connectivity is limited to WiFi or Bluetooth only, no cable. It might be a bit hassle.

Anycom announced FIPO, a Bluetooth protocol converter that allow any other Bluetooth enabled devices with A2DP compatibility (such as mobile phone, mp3, PC, PDA, laptop, etc.) to transmit audio streams to any iPod intended speaker system. No matter what type of media player you use on your Bluetooth enabled mobile phones, FIPO is still able to play your song with any speaker systems that are designed for iPod. This is a good news for non-iPod owners, you can still enjoy the great quality of iPod speaker system (Altec Lansing iM7, Logitech mm50, iDeck, and so on) without having iPod itself.

If you are having problem with low signal accessing Wi-Fi access point or you want to add wireless connection features for your computer or laptop, Buffalo's AirStation WLI-U2-SG54HP might be the answer for you. This USB 2.0 stick adapter is able to boost up your wireless connection up to 210 percents and can greatly increase the range up to 170 meters.

The company claimed the wireless adapter works perfectly especially when you need wireless connection in large area. For instance, your job expects you to be in open space all the time and you need to bring your laptop wherever you go. In certain cases you need wireless connection, but unfortunately the internet Wi-Fi access point is located 160 meters away from you. As you know at this range you will have really bad ‘low signal’ problem. But it is not a problem anymore, simply stick WLI-U2-SG54HP up at the back of your laptop, plug the usb in and you are ready to rock.

You may think what possibility you can do with this Wi Fi adapter which has the ability to receive signal at very great range. Hijack some Wi Fi to get free connection? Always consider the risks before you do that.

It has dimension 220x25x10 mm and 33 gram weight. It is Vista compatible, Wi-Fi b/g, WEP 64/128bits, WPA-PSK and IPv6. And available for sale at approximately 30 euros.

There is rumor that apple will charge 5 dollars for downloading software enabler patch to activate 802.11n Wi-fi chip that has already planted inside the system. Apple representative, Lyn Fox gave her statement to Cnet that it will cost only 1.99 dollars and available at Apple’s official website.

802.11n chip come with every Mac that has Intel Core 2 Duo or Xeon processor, except the one with the 1.83 GHz Core 2 Duo chip. But as mentioned above, to enable the Wi Fi chip you have to spend another 1.99 dollars. However the good news is, for you who has purchased the new Airport Extreme Base Station (179$) can get the software for free as it is included in package.

Why does Apple charge instead of giving it for free? Apple mentioned that the charge is necessary, generally because under the accounting principle circumstances. Is there any other purpose behind the scene? Yes it sounds weird, what do you think?

The function of the wristwatch has changed since several years ago, it is not only used for displaying the time but also can have other functions. Sony Ericsson’s Bluetooth Watch MBW-100 is one of the examples of multifunction watch. As can be seen from its brand it is relevant with Bluetooth and phone manufacturer. Yes, it is a watch that can alerts you when there is an incoming call.

MBW-100 is a wireless gadget that connects to your mobile phone with Bluetooth technology. This cool gadget alerts and displays the information of who is calling you. Within the range of 30 metres, it will vibrate gently if there is incoming call and then display the name and number of the person. It gives you control to accept or reject calls and has voice mail directing service. However, you still have to take the phone manually unless you have Bluetooth headset.

Furthermore, this cool wireless gadget has feature to control and navigate through tracks of your phone’s music player by allowing you to play, stop, pause or skip tracks. In addition, MBW-100 has feature to give alerts if it lose contact with your mobile phones because it is too far. It can be very annoying in particular situation, but of course the feature can be turned off.

So far the compatibility is still limited to only several types of Sony Ericsson’s Bluetooth enabled mobile phones. It is a great basic concept by Sony Ericsson, and perhaps there will be future development that can make this wireless technology to be more widely implemented.

For further reading: Sony Ericsson MBW-100 press released.

There is breakthrough news in wireless technology, completely wireless PC. After the Bluetooth has enabled mouse, keyboard, and speakers to communicate with PC wirelessly, now monitor will be able to be cordless as well. Display Link’s announced the product DL-120 and DL-160 ICs, which allows wireless USB dongle from PC tower to connect with monitor that is plugged with USB wireless hub. The only two cables that are needed are power cord for the PC tower and monitor’s power cord.

This wireless USB chip is the first breakthrough to provide VGA over usb 2.0 connection. The company performed tests and as the result they claimed that there was no lag or loss in the quality of picture, the response was fast and the video streaming ran smoothly.

The DL-120 supports resolutions up to 1,280 x 1,024, while the DL-160 can carry up to 1,600 x 1,200 resolutions. Display Links stated that further application of these chips will not be only for monitor flat panels but also for other display purpose devices such as digiframes.

Currently, the products are still in production but there is no indication for the starting price. We’ll just wait for the launch of both chips because they are extremely good enough to make the PC set completely wireless.

For further reading: DL-120 and DL-160 press released

You might be wondering why this wireless technology was named Bluetooth and you might ask where did this funny name come from? Did it come from the inventor who had a tooth with blue color?

The real answer is the word ‘Bluetooth’ came from the 10th century king of Denmark and Norway, Harald Blatand. The name ‘Blatand’ was loosely translated as Bluetooth. So, what is the relevancy between the king’s name and wireless technology? The king did great deeds by forming unification of Norway and Denmark (including Sweden, where Bluetooth technology was initially introduced).

Based on this philosophy, Bluetooth was invented with the purpose to unite different kind of devices such as cell phones, laptops, PC’s, digital cameras, printers, PDAs, MP3 players, and other wireless enabled devices.

The Bluetooth Logo

If you notice at the Bluetooth logo, it is like designed from the combination of two letters which are a 'B' and a reverse 'K'. But it actually is a mix of two Nordic runes (ancient alphabet), they are similar to modern Latin H (Haglaz) and B (Berkanan) .

Version 1.0 and 1.0b

This is the first version the Bluetooth was introduced in 1998. It still had flaws, manufactures still had problems to make it interoperable among devices.

Version 1.1

Flaws and errors in version 1.0 and 1.0b were corrected. Bluetooth 1.1 was the first fully working operating version. It had so much greater interoperability than the previous version. Additionally, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) was added.

Version 1.2

The improvements that the Bluetooth 1.2 had were:

• It is compatible with version 1.1.
• Adaptive Frequency Hopping, support avoiding radio interference by eliminating the use of crowded frequencies in the hopping sequence.
• Higher transmission speeds
• Host Controller Interface (HCI) support 3-wire UART
• Extended Synchronous Connections Oriented links, supports re-transmissions of corrupted data for improving audio quality connections.
• HCI provides timing information for Bluetooth applications.

Version 2.0

It is compatible with all the previous version (1.x). This version had main important development which is Enhance Data Rate (EDR) that made the transfer speed from three up to ten times faster depend on the case.

• Up to 100 meter range
• Lower power consumption through a reduced duty cycle.
• Simplification of multi-link scenarios due to more available bandwidth.
• Improved BER (bit error rate) performance.
• Distributed media-access control protocols
• Broadcast/multicast support

Version 2.1

A draft version of the Bluetooth Core Specification Version 2.1 + EDR.

Bluetooth was invented by Sven Matisson and Jaap Haartsen in 1994. At that time, both of them were Ericsson staffs in Mobile Platforms in Lund, Sweden. Then the company, Ericsson joined venture with Sony Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Toshiba, Agere, Motorolla, and Nokia formed organization called Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

SIG was found on September 1998 but was formally announced on 20 May 1998. The organization is alliance of leading companies in computing, network, telecommunication, and automation industries. The SIG has mission and vision to support and encourage the Bluetooth technology invention and development.

At the first time Bluetooth technology was introduced, it was initially purposed for replacing powerline (wires and cables) technology but still focusing on delivering high speed data transmission.

Few years ago, there are lots of arguments and doubts whether Bluetooth technology will survive or not. However, Bluetooth has given a proof for its existence. Lots of improvements and changes happened since Bluetooth Core Specification Version was introduced. Several Bluetooth Core Specification Versions have been released since it was first introduced.

For further information click on Bluetooth Core Specification Version and its development since 1998.

There are lots of devices that connect to other devices, for example, keyboard and mouse connect to PC, speakers to mp3 player, cell phones to laptop, and so on. How can they connect to each other? Initially, they used cables and wires. But, as we know, it creates such a cable mess if it involves many devices. Few years ago, people have started to look for other solutions for this problem, and they found Bluetooth.

Bluetooth is one way to connect and exchange information from many devices without cables or wires, it connects wirelessly. The devices are such as cell phones, laptops, PC’s, digital cameras, printers, PDAs, or even MP3 players. By using Bluetooth technology all those devices can be connected without creating any tangled mess cables around.

What is Bluetooth actually? Bluetooth is a short-range radio standards and communication protocol mainly used for connecting low power consumption devices within a small area. It has range up to 100 meters, depending on the device’s year of production.

When Bluetooth technology was introduced, a set of standards was established as well. These global standards are the key that allows many kinds of devices, such as mobile phones, PCs, laptops, digital cameras, and many other different kinds of devices can be wirelessly connected.

Furthermore, connecting Bluetooth devices is very simple. The setup and installation can be done in a matter of minutes or seconds. Bluetooth applies the concept of ‘profiles’, this is the concept which make installation process very easy. Profile defines a list of features that is supported by the gadget. Connection between Bluetooth gadgets can be made if they have the match profiles. For example, if you want to connect hands-free headset with your mobile phone, Bluetooth automatically detects for hands-free profile on both gadgets. If it is found on both gadgets, then you are ready to make a call.

Dig your knowledge more, see How does the Bluetooth work? And Where did the ‘Bluetooth’ word come from?

Have you ever experienced talking on your cell phone inside room or your house, and then suddenly you couldn’t hear your friend’s voice or he/she might say to you “Hello, you still there?” Then you realized that there was very low signal that expected you to find a ‘good spot’ which was perhaps your backyard.

Actiontec Electronics solved the problem, the company announced the wireless FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergence) router. A device that supports switching calls from cellular network into Wi-Fi based connection or the other way around when your cell’s signal drops to certain level, even while you are on the phone (red. great features!). It does help people who have hybrid mobile/Wi-Fi phones to make or receive calls using the Wi-Fi network inside the house, and it will switch back to cellular network when you are out of the router’s range.

Security will be the first thing to prioritize, the routers use robust firewall, 64/128-bit WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption which guarantee there will be no spy who can hear your ‘secret conversation’.

Yet, another great feature is the ability to adapt with other device. If it is plugged with another router, it acts as a switch. If it connects with DSL modem, it automatically detects the current used settings and login info. This is very great feature to free your self from the ‘pain in the a**’ of installing and setup new device.

This supporting wireless device will be available for sale $180,00 at Actiontec Online Store in the second quarter of this year.

For further reading : Actiontec’s product.

Alpine is one of the leading company in manufacturing mobile media system worked together with Motorolla to produce a Bluetooth interface module, KCE-300BT. It is a device that provides Bluetooth connection inside your vehicle. It performs as a bridge to connect Bluetooth enabled cell phone with Bluetooth head unit (car stereo tape).

Don’t have to mention, nowadays, people rely on their cell phone for communicating. Even this fundamental thing has changed a bit, people have turned to use cell phone as music source and entertainment sources. KCE-300BT acts as a connector, which can allow you to enjoy the music from cell phone through your car stereo system. Transmitting music files is possibly done by head unit with Advance Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) technology.

There are many types of Alpine’s head unit products. Some types will not only let you to play music but to have full control of music files in your cell phone, such as play, pause, and track forward/backward. AVRCP, Audio Video Remote Control Profile allows you to do that.

Joining Bluetooth enabled cell phone with this wireless gadget will let you to view phone’s information on the car head unit’s display screen. Information such as missed calls, dialed calls, and even caller ID. Some types of head unit are able to display contact info from your cell’s phonebook. So you can navigate and view contact details in your cell's phone book using car head unit, and you can even make a call with that. This will greatly help you to keep focus on driving.

Furthermore, additional service is that allow you to have hands-free calling, this can only be done when using your mobile phone with Bluetooth enabled car stereos that support Bluetooth Head Set (HSP) and Hands-Free Profiles.

For pricing and product’s spec : Alpine

Many networking vendors are clashing to decide what technology is the best for delivering high quality for streaming high definition video. High definition video technology, HDTV, generally refers to any higher resolution video system than standard-definition (SD), such as NTSC, PAL, and SECAM.

The latest wireless technology (802.11n standard) is still considered very difficult for delivering the high quality service of streaming HDTV. The 802.11n standard may be the best used for sharing data, however streaming video should be handled by higher speed technologies, such as powerline. But as we know, powerline technology still using cable, ironically lots of people want to get rid of those tangled mess of cable out of their rooms.

Reversely, wireless vendors have different perspectives, they think Wi-Fi will have great prospective in the future. D-Link as one of the networking wireless vendors, introduced the latest routers which support 802.11n standard. It is manufactured in the 5 GHz frequency, as well as in 2.4 GHz. The executives claimed that they focused the performance quality by prioritizing voice and video transmitting. They believe the improvisation will greatly help Wi-Fi to the next stage in enhancing video streaming.

Both existing technology Wi-Fi and powerline are capable of delivering support for HDTV. There is not much difference in price between those products. However, they have their own advantages over each other.

On the other hand, there is another consideration to look over the new technologies, ultrawideband (UWB) technology. UWB is able to transmit data spread over more than 500 MHz bandwidth and able to share spectrum with other users. Tzero Technologies, the pioneer, claimed that UWB can provide higher performance than the two existing technologies. It has greater speed to maintain the stream of HDTV. Furthermore, there is plan to enhance the services to support fast forward and rewind.

Furthermore, there is another potential solution, you will be able to share entertainment content over coaxial cable. Both UWB and powerline technology can run through this coaxial cable.

In the end, no matter what, there must be a persist standard that will greatly support people to enjoy HDTV.

The fast pace revolution of technology has changed so many fundamental things, including the way of designing user-friendly mobile phone. For instance, the keypad was initially made big enough for the anatomy of human fingers, so people feel comfortable when using them. Recently the minima-style design has beaten the important aspect which is the usability itself. The size of phone becomes smaller and slimmer, sometimes they made the keypad very close to each other, make them very difficult to be pressed especially for old folks.

Yanko Design has very great solution for the problems above. It is futuristic concept to introduce Finger Touching, wearable devices that take advantage of human finger joints to be an alphanumeric keypad. Human fingers joints, excluding thumb, makes up to twelve buttons and this is smartly made up into 3 x 4 number and letter blocks concept.

Using wireless technology, Finger Touching can be easily used. Place this wireless gadget around your palm, it has small screen displaying the person that you communicate with. The laser projector will display 3 x 4 alphanumeric on to your hands. Then you can start typing your sms.

It is very smart and futuristic idea, but it still remains as a concept. There is no indication yet to make this concept become reality.

For further reading : Yanko Design's product

Mobility, spacious, and free movement are the reasons why people prefer to choose wireless gadget. BT8010 is wi-fi headset that will make those perceptions become real. This fabulous wireless gadget supports mobile phone users to switch between speaking on the phone and playing mp3 music with a single touch. This will greatly enhance mobility for active person.

Personalized phonebook, caller ID, and up to 10 hours talk time are other impressive features BT8010 offers besides using Bluetooth technology to connect with other devices. This gadget comes with second headset, which can be attached to main unit and become speaker with stereo sound. It is also featured with jog wheel for quick navigating through tracks and adjusting volume.

The Jabra BT8010 will be available for sale in the next few months, with starting price around $100,00.

For further reading : Jabra Products

Samsung as one of the leading technology company introduces wireless plasma TV. Recently, lots of people don’t mind to pay more money to get rid of cables, so there is no through cable that can make the room ‘looks uglier’. FP-T5894W, so-called plasma TV is completely wireless when communicating with other A/V devices such as extension sound system. However, the only cable required is the power cord.

FP-T5894W’s wireless A/V center supports all the installation connections with other A/V devices by using 802.11n wireless standard, and the bit rates can be up to 150 Mbps. Samsung claimed that the A/V devices can be placed up to 300 feet away from the FP-T5894W’s panel itself.

The company stated that only 58-inches version will be available for sale this year. FP-T5894W’s is 58-inches plasma display with 1920 x 1080 resolutions. The display screen is supported by FilterBright2 Filter technology, which can reduce glare and improve picture display quality in bright light.

The plasma TV has 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and the A/V centers is HDMI 1.3 . It will be available in September for $5799.

The news is taken from : CNet

You’re on the way driving your car in the middle of the day to meet client. Unfortunately, there is little accident which causes you problems. You know you’re not going to make it, meeting the client on time. You are trying to reach the mobile phone, before you realize it has no battery power left. Don’t worry, Visteon wireless gadget charger will help you to recharge your mobile without cord or cable.

Initially, Visteon was well-known as a provider for car accessories, specifically for delivering high quality car audio equipments. Recently, Visteon introduced wireless charger for vehicle which is practically able to recharge many kinds of gadgets, such as mobile phones, Ipods, PDAs, and even digital cameras.

As simple as plugging it into cigarette lighter in your car, and you can either place your gadget on the green pad or else it will recharge the gadget wirelessly. Then, it will transfer energy to your cell phone.

This wireless gadget is officially demonstrated on 8-11 January 2007 at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

For further reading : Visteon wireless charger gadget.