Tag: bluetooth

The Road To Bluetooth 5.0: Key Differences Between All The Bluetooth Versions

The term Bluetooth was officially coined in the year 1998. It is a global wireless communication standard that is used for connectivity and exchange of data over a limited distance. Over a time period of almost 20 years, this technology is not an option anymore. It’s a necessity for all mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, Laptops and Tablets. Bluetooth 1.0 specification was released in 1999, and in the very next year, the first v1.0 enabled mobile handset and headset was launched in the market.

After a long series of product integrations and new versions being rolled out almost every year, Bluetooth v5.0 was announced in 2016. By the next year, Apple, Samsung and other major smartphone brands had included v5.0 support in their devices. Currently, the company extends its support to almost 35,000 brands, all of which are members of the SIG (Special Interest Group). Most users associate the chronological Bluetooth versions with the increase in transfer speed, which is not entirely true. A lot has changed over the years, and it’s not just the data transfer speeds, it’s basically everything that the technology is built around.

The various factors that are involved in distinguishing between different Bluetooth versions are the range, data transfer speed and power consumption. See how the different iterations of the technology line up against each other.

Bluetooth 1.0 & 2.0

The first iteration of Bluetooth paved the way for wireless headsets, controllers and speakers that we still use today. Bluetooth 1.0 supported data speeds that capped off at just 1 Mbps. This is because Bluetooth 1.0 used a modulation scheme called Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying, or GFSK, which enabled the carrier to switch between two different frequencies (represented by 0 and 1). The two devices had to be placed within 10 meters of each other in order to facilitate communication between them.

The shortcomings of GFSK were attempted to be eliminated in the v2.0, which used two newer schemes, p/4-DQPSK and 8DPSK. Where Bluetooth 1.0 used frequency modulations to transfer data, v2.0 made use of changes in waveform phases to carry data. This led to a minimal yet significant upgrade in information transfer speeds, with devices communicating at speeds of up to 3 Mbps.

Bluetooth 3.0

Bluetooth 3.0 was the first iteration to be recognized as a “high-speed” data transfer norm. While offering a much higher transfer rate of almost 24 Mbps, it also reduced the power consumption of devices using the technology. The high data transfer speed was achieved by the addition of 802.11, which is a standard created by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) for wireless connectivity. Bluetooth v3.0 revolutionized short-range wireless communication and lay the foundation stone upon which v4.0 was designed a few years later.

Bluetooth 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2

Bluetooth v4.0 boasted of a higher range of usage and better power management. It also introduced the Low energy protocol, which was highly appreciated by people who used Bluetooth headphones for longer period of times. Bluetooth 4.1 took this a step further. It introduced a power plan for Bluetooth devices that automatically adjusted the power consumption of the device depending on range and usage. Sure, 4G LTE and other communication technology interfered with its frequency bands, but updates have been introduced since then to get rid of that problem.

v4.2 brought some privacy updates to the table, which specified that tracking services cannot do what they are intended to do unless the user’s permission is granted. Also, it increased transfer speeds by almost 2.6 times, which was a huge step up from Bluetooth 4.1.

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.0 is the latest iteration in the series as of now. First announced in 2016, v5.0 was specifically designed to render a lossless and secure communication channel between devices. With twice the connection speed of Bluetooth 4.0 and 4 times the range, it is very responsive as compared to the previous versions. Also, a larger amount of data can be transferred using an increased message broadcast message size.

Also Read: What Is Wi-Fi 6; Understanding Different Wi-Fi Standards

A summarized table of all the versions and their key details is given below

Bluetooth Version	Transfer Rate	Range (without obstacles)
v1.0	1 Mbps	10m (33ft)
v2.0, 2.1	3 Mbps	30m (100ft)
v3.0	24 Mbps	30m (100ft)
v4.0, 4.1, 4.2	24 Mbps	60m (200ft)
v5.0	48 Mbps	200m (800ft)

March 5, 2019

Bluetooth Pairing To Be Faster On Android Phones After Future Update

Google is trying hard to reduce the time it takes to pair bluetooth devices with Android phones. A new update is going to make pairing some Bluetooth devices much easier. Starting with Google Play Services 11.7 on Android 6.0 Marshmallow and higher, users will be able to take advantage of the new Fast Pair feature. Fast Pair will make the process of pairing Bluetooth devices easier by scanning for nearby Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) broadcasts and prompting you to pair with them.

Once Fast Pair is enabled, Android will scan for BLE broadcasts close to the user’s device and discovers a Fast Pair packet. That packet is then in turn sent to Google’s servers to retrieve the device’s product name, image, and companion app. After that information is returned, a high-priority notification shows up on the user’s device and asks them to “tap to pair” to the device. That notification will display the product name and image that Google’s server returned.

Once the user taps on the notification, standard Bluetooth connection is established and the device is connected to the phone. After a successful connection, a second notification will appear with a link to download a companion app if the Bluetooth device has one.

It is worth noting that barely any pair of bluetooth headphones support Fast Pair now. As of now, only Google Pixelbuds and Libratone Q Adapt headphones support this upcoming feature. The soon to be launched Plantronics Voyager 8200 series wireless headphones will also support the feature too. Google is open to supporting more devices in the future and if you are a Bluetooth device manufacturer, you can contact Google here.

November 1, 2017
Next Gen Wifi to be the End of Bluetooth?

The Wi-Fi Alliance, body that controls research, and advances of the Wi-Fi technology, yesterday at CES, 2016 announced its future plans for taking this already indispensable medium of communicating with the Internet forward.In a bid to expand the reach and adoption of the Wi-Fi technology when it comes to connectivity with the Internet of Things, ‘Wi-Fi HaLow’ was announced. This new Wi-Fi framework which will operate on the 900 Mhz range, promises to double the reach of the already existing 2.4, and 5 Ghz Wi-Fi baseband.

This switch to the new spectrum will also help conserve energy, making it the perfect platform for low-power, less data intensive devices like smart watches, and other Internet enabled household appliances that the coming days will bring to us.

When quizzed about the real world benefits of ‘HaLow’ to the end consumer, Kevin Robinson, Vice President of the Wi-Fi Alliance had this to say,

“For a consumer, you might imagine someone who wants to deploy a water sensor in their basement to detect flooding or a motion sensor at the end of their driveway to warn them of someone arriving late at night.

In both of these cases, Wi-Fi HaLow will deliver power-efficient connectivity to the home access point, despite the challenging environment caused by obstructions in the device’s path or ranges involved.”

Emergence of ‘Wi-Fi HaLow’ will have implications far greater than just how efficiently low powered devices will interact with the Internet in the future. It will most likely be sounding of the death knell for the outdated Bluetooth framework which currently is used by such low-powered devices. ‘Wi-Fi HaLow’ in time promises to be the perfect platform to meet the needs of the various upcoming Smart Homes, and Smart Cities around the world.But, all is not lost in the land of despair for our trusted old warrior, Bluetooth. According to reports, the new Wi-Fi framework will not come into effect any time before 2018; even then it will take some time to make its way into consumer durables, and even more time through our routers in to our homes, thus leaving a small window of chance for low energy Bluetooth framework to reinvent itself, and leave ‘HaLow’ feeling like a hollow idea to implement altogether.

January 5, 2016
Bluetooth To Amp Up Speed and Connectivity In 2016

Bluetooth SIG has made some important announcements today regarding an upgrade in the upcoming year. The company is set on increasing the ‘Internet Of Things’ by including updates such as longer range, higher speeds and mesh networking. They also aim at taking a stride towards industries that deal with smart homes, industrial automation, locations-based services and smart infrastructure.

“There is significant demand from our members and the industry at large to enhance Bluetooth with the new capabilities we’re announcing today,” said Toby Nixon, chairman of the Bluetooth SIG Board of Directors

Bluetooth has also further announced that apart from the above mentioned updates, users will also experience a 100% speed boost along with a 4X better range than the usual. Their mesh networking updates are targeted to allow a collection of individual devices to work together to blanket an entire building. With all these developments, 2016 does seem like an interesting year to look forward to, at least in the tech department.

November 12, 2015
EmojiWorks Creates the World’s First Emoji Keyboard

We are all aware how important emoticons are nowadays. Nobody wants to type ‘okay’ anymore, just a thumbs up emoticon will do. The process is supposed to save time, but we still have to press an extra key to open our emoji options. These troubles will however soon be in the past, because EmojiWorks has debuted its first hardware based emoji keyboard. So now, with the help of a built-in shortcut, you can immediately just type in your preferred emoji.

Design wise it looks like an Apple keyboard with emoji symbols and each key has an emoji along with a character. Just like the shift key we use in order to type in a letter in capitals, there is an additional ’emoji’ button which you need to press in order to insert the specific emoji.

EmojiWorks has been very careful so as to include all your favourite emoji, including the poop emoji. They also claim that the emoji keyboard is up to 10 times faster than a standard keyboard and is Bluetooth enabled; this feature in turn makes it compatible with Mac and iOS devices. The only con that comes with this keyboard is that it cannot be customized as it comes pre-printed with emoji on the keys along with pre-programmed emoji shortcuts. Here is a short video:

https://youtu.be/Hvm3B6kXPK0

Speaking of its availability, the emoji keyboards come in three different models: the Emoji Keyboard at $79.95 (approx Rs.5,175), the Emoji Keyboard Plus at $89.95 (Rs.5,830), and the Emoji Keyboard Pro at $99.95 (Rs.6,485). The difference between these keyboards is that the number of emoji shortcuts differ, so basically, the cheapest one will have one emoji per key, the emoji plus will have a total of 94 emoji and the emoji plus will have more than 120 emoji, with three shortcuts per key.

Click here for your pre-order and more information.

November 4, 2015
Doctor Who Adds Headphones to Their Tech Merchandise

Massive Audio Inc announced their new set of ‘Doctor Who’ Headphone Collection today, under license from BBC Worldwide North America. The company had previously released other products such as the TARDIS and Dalek Bluetooth speakers for Doctor Who fans too. So, this new collection of TARDIS and DW insignia Bluetooth and Wired Over-Ear Headphones will add to their line of tech merchandise.

These Bluetooth Headphones have built-in buttons for full control over tracks, volume, phone calls and a bass boost option. The device also has a built-in microphone for phone calls without the need of a boom. Apart from these savvy buttons, the headphones also have a rechargeable battery which can be charged via the USC cable and will last for up to 30 hours with constant music.

The wired headphones are slightly different, since they come with an inline control box. However, they come with the same features and microphone. The packaging comes in a cool Doctor Who branded carry bag along with flat tangle-free wire packed in a collector’s-style windowed gift box.

The TARDIS & DW Bluetooth Headphones will come at a price of approximately Rs.7,889 while the TARDIS & DW Wired Headphones will be priced at around Rs.5,194. Both products will be released on the 1st of October 2015 and will be available for sale online an in retail stores starting early October.

September 30, 2015
Bluetooth 4.2 Core Arrives With an Agenda to Focus on the ‘Internet of Things’

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has officially announced version 4.2 of the Bluetooth core specification. The most significant update since last year’s 4.1 version, this one promises greater speed and privacy.

According to SIG, the new update will increase the transfer rate between two devices connected over Bluetooth by 2.5 times. The recent development in the area of Bluetooth Smart Data packets lets it hold ten times as much data as before, hence the increased speed.

Also, Bluetooth 4.2 will improve the features of Bluetooth Low Energy which allows low-power IP connectivity over Bluetooth, with a new profile which supports low power wireless personal area network. As a result, Bluetooth devices will be able to directly access the internet through a router or an edge device, rather than have to be bound to a smartphone or any other devices with IP connectivity first.

The SIG said the latest standard will compliment the market and let developers make devices that can easily connect with each other, making Bluetooth 4.2 “the foundation for the Internet of Things”. The update also brings some privacy features. Currently, Bluetooth Beacons can be utilized as a way to track people. However, for privacy conscious people, the new 4.2 will allow the MAC address of Bluetooth devices to be masked unless connecting to a trusted device.

Well, unlike 4.1 standard which was a software upgrade to 4.0 Bluetooth, 4.2 will require hardware improvements. Some features like privacy controls can still be added to older devices via software, but other capabilities including speed and IPv6 features will require hardware upgrades.

December 5, 2014
Jabra Launches New Solemate Mini Speakers at a Price of 4999 INR

Jabra launched its new portable speaker, the Jabra Solemate Mini is the latest edition the company’s Solemate line up of speaker and is priced at 4999 INR.

The Jabra Solemate Mini features front-facing speakers and provide wired as well as wireless playback mode options. The Solemate Mini Speakers can be used with Bluetooth and NFC for connectivity options and can also be wirelessly controlled. The speakers support Bluetooth version 3.0 and NFC based Perimeter Pairing. The speakers has a Digital Signal Processing (DSP), a technology that digitally optimizes voice and music and suppresses echoes. They also have an omni Directional/ noise filter equipped microphone to eliminate background noise while answering calls. The speakers feature an all-round rubber protection design for durability to handle scratches and for making the speakers resistant to sweat, dust and splashes, claims the company.

The Jabra Solemate Mini speakers weigh 295 grams and will be available in Red, Yellow, Blue and Black colors. The company claims a playback time of 8 hours.

[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdVC8XnY5WY”]

October 31, 2013
Google Glass No Longer Requires Tethering Plan, Gets App-Based Data Sharing

Explorer Edition of Google Glass is continuously being updated with new tricks, In a normal case scenario to use internet on the Glass, one needs smartphone tethering plans which adds more expense to the ownership of the Glass.

However, the latest update to the device shows a way to save this additional cost. With XE9 loaded onto the device, the Android app stores data to and from the hardware, overcoming the smartphone’s Bluetooth tethering settings and extra plan needed from some carriers.

Google Glass is currently only on the faces of a small number of early adopters, so this is not suppose to massively disrupt any carrier incomes. Once the device becomes available to the general public, this firmware update could see some push-back from carriers.

September 16, 2013
Jabra launches its summer collection – CLIPPER Series!
The clipper comes in several bright colours

Jabra has launched its stylish summer collection which includes fashionable CLIPPER models in trendy colours. Its the perfect amalgamation of fashion and technology.

The clipper can team up with your favorite set of headphones or earphones

It is compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices and equipped with Multiuse™ capability, it can team up with your favorite set of headphones or earphones (any model with standard 3.5mm jack). Stream music wirelessly from portable devices, all without missing a call as incoming phone calls will automatically override the music being played. To carry out a phone conversation, simply slide the CLIPPER onto your collar or closer to your mouth to use its built-in microphone.

The key features of the headset are Bluetooth 2.1, including EDR, A2DP and AVRCP, US Military Grade Rain and Shock protection, Talk/Music time – up to 6 hours; standby time – up to 8 days, Noise-blocking Stereo Ear buds etc.

Check out the press release below –
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June 15, 2012: Just in time for the season where fashion intersects technology, the Jabra CLIPPER™ bursts forth with new Scandinavian summer colors of Tangerine Tango, Turquoise, New Pink and White. Combining fiercely cool color pops with quality audio output and snazzy design, Bluetooth fans can now mix-and-match mobile music and talk with even greater style and flair.

The nifty, chic Jabra CLIPPER™ with its built-in microphone attaches to clothing or bag-strap and can connect via Bluetooth to a smart phone and a tablet simultaneously. With its Multiuse™ technology, Jabra CLIPPER™ users on the move can enjoy the freedom of listening to their music, multimedia and managing their voice-calls with a single set of headphones or earphones.

Great tunes in vibrant hues

According to Ms. Ann Goh, Head of Sales, South Asia Region, GN Netcom (S) Pte Ltd, responsible for mobile products business in South East Asia, “As mobile music becomes more popular across Southeast Asia markets in tandem with increasing adoption of smart phones, tablets and MP3 players, trend-savvy music lovers look for hands-free audio solutions that match their personal preferences of color, fashion and audio style. Jabra CLIPPER™ in classic black has been a stand-out hit with busy professionals and executives from day one. With latest range of vivid and luxe shades, Jabra CLIPPER™ now offers users a choice of colors to enhance their music experience, individual style and hands-free communications.”

Hands-free simplicity on the fly

Jabra CLIPPER™ is the perfect versatile audio solution: compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices and equipped with Multiuse™ capability, it can team up with your favorite set of headphones or earphones (any model with standard 3.5mm jack). Stream music wirelessly from portable devices, all without missing a call as incoming phone calls will automatically override the music being played. To carry out a phone conversation, simply slide the Jabra CLIPPER™ onto your collar or closer to your mouth to use its built-in microphone.

Music and calls for the active user

Weighing just 20g and capable of delivering 6 hours of music/talk time, Jabra CLIPPER™ combines style with high usability. Secured to the clothing, it becomes the mobile accessory for the music-filled, outdoor and active lifestyle, complete with US military grade for rain and shock-resistance. To adjust volume, pause and skip music tracks, the controls on the multi-function button are distinct and easy to use.

Key Specifications of Jabra CLIPPER™:
Bluetooth 2.1, including EDR, A2DP and AVRCP

Clip-on wearing style

Colors: Tangerine Tango, Turquoise, New Pink, White, Black

US Military Grade Rain and Shock protection

Talk/Music time – up to 6 hours; standby time – up to 8 days

Dimensions = 4.8 cm (L) x 1.65 cm (W) x 2.55 cm (H)

Weight = 20 grams

Noise-blocking Stereo Ear buds

AC charger

About Jabra

Jabra is the brand of GN Netcom, a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S (GN) – listed on NASDAQ OMX. Jabra employs approximately 850 people worldwide and in 2011 produced annual revenue which amounted to DKK 2,106 million. Jabra is a world leader in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of a broad range of hands-free communications solutions. With a reputation for innovation, reliability, and ease of use that goes back more than two decades, Jabra’s consumer and business divisions produce corded and wireless headsets, plus mobile and in-office speakerphones that empower individuals and businesses through increased freedom of movement, comfort, and functionality.

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June 19, 2012
Apple new ‘digital handshake’ will be powered by invisible ink, according to patent

Apple has filed a new patent that will enable the use of next-generation cameras and invisible ink to negotiate digital handshakes.

Snap a picture of a cash register with a barcode and your iDevice will generate a unique ID to pair up. but in order to keep the technology secure, the codes would have to be painted on with “invisible” fluorescent coatings. Similarly to share information between 2 iPhones or iDevices, the screen of one will display the information while the camera from the other will simply click to transfer the info.

While the whole world is looking forward to NFC, you can leave it up to Apple to think of a different standard. Remember the whole world was using regular size sim cards before apple managed to make the Micro-sim a standard.

USPTO (1), USPTO (2)

December 3, 2011
Jabra Launches Halo 2 Bluetooth Headset (PR)

Jabra has launched the revision to their bluetooth headband the Halo. Dubbed the Halo 2 (thats original!) The bluetooth headset revises and ups to Bluetooth 3.0. Stay tuned for us to go hands on with a ton of accessories.

Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:

Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology
A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ounces

Price is set at Rs. 6499/-

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Jabra launches HALO2, the stylish Bluetooth headband

Enables users to hear music on-the-go in wired or wireless mode without missing a call

Increase/decrease volume, answer/end calls, skip tracks and play/pause music without touching or taking out the phone or music player from the pocket or bag

New Delhi, November 17, 2011: Though, mobile phones are multitasking as portable music players, 89% of the respondents in a study* commissioned by Jabra recently stated that they regularly use a music device other than their phones, indicating a growing need for a headset that’s perfect match for phones as well as music players. Jabra, a GN Netcom brand and a one of the leading Bluetooth headset vendors worldwide, today announced the launch of HALO2, a stylish Bluetooth headband that allows users to enjoy their music on-the-go and yet never miss a call. Building on the high acceptance of Jabra HALO amidst users, the HALO2 version features advanced Multiuse technology, enabling connection with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously. It offers a winning combination of wireless and wired technology as it can be connected to non-Bluetooth music players as well via 3.5mm universal audio jack cable bundled along.

According to Ms. Ann Goh, Regional Sales Manager, GN Netcom, responsible for mobile products business in South East Asia, “Jabra HALO2 includes new features like AM3D Virtual Surround Sound (mimics multiple-speaker-sound that seems to come from various directions) with Power Bass, best-in-class digital signal processing (DSP) and proprietary Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones for crisp and clear music and call experience. What’s more, it has touch sensor on side that lets users adjust volume with the swipe of a finger besides a one-touch button to answer / end calls, skip tracks and play / pause songs. All of this can be done without touching or taking out the phone or the music player from the pocket or the bag.”

For comfort, the ear-pieces are cushioned with velvet and when it comes to the glamour quotient, the new metallic color-style makes Jabra HALO2 a really fashionable wear. It has a discreet extension at both the ends to suit different head sizes. Not to forget the intelligent power management or the intuitive on-off capability that saves on battery charge. Jabra HALO2 can be folded at both the ends and switches off when done so, and the moment the user unfolds it back into its regular shape, it switches itself on. Its battery lasts for 8 hours and has a standby time of 13 days. On one side, it displays the battery as well as Bluetooth connectivity status clearly such that users get to know when to charge the headband or when the pairing is weak.

Additionally, users will be able to upgrade their HALO2 with updates from Jabra as and when they become available via the in-built micro USB port. Apple-certified version of the product is also available for iPod, iPhone and iPad users.

Key specifications of the Jabra HALO2 Bluetooth stereo headset:

Bluetooth 3.0 wireless technology

A2DP for wireless music streaming
AM3D Virtual Surround Sound 2.0 and Power Bass
AVRCP for remote controls (skip track, pause, etc.)
Noise Blackout™ technology with dual microphones
Foldable headband
Talk time – 8 hours
Standby time – 13 days
Micro USB charger
Dimensions – 45mm (D) x 165-190mm (H) x 136mm (W)
Weight – 2.8 ounces

* Source: May 2011, GN External Stereo Web Survey

Price: Rs 6499
Warranty: One year local warranty
Availability: Redington (National Distributor)
Contact details: Phone – 044 39181300, Email – rahul.sondhi@redington.co.in

About GN Netcom: Through its Jabra brand, GN Netcom is a world leader in innovative headset solutions. With around 850 employees and sales offices around the world, GN Netcom develops and markets a broad range of wireless headsets and in-car speakerphones for mobile users and both wireless and corded headsets for contact center and office-based users. GN Netcom’s business activities also include its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. GN Netcom is a subsidiary of GN Store Nord A/S.

For more information, please visit www.jabra.com

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November 21, 2011
Nokia Essence Noise Cancellation Bluetooth Headsets cancel out the traffic noise?

The new Nokia Essence Bluetooth Headset from the company promise to deliver 99.8% noise cancellation. But in the noise of our country is it possible to have devices like these perfom at their optimal levels , we wont know till we know. There is only one question I have for Nokia. Is it compatible with Siri?

October 18, 2011
iPhone 4s is officially the first bluetooth 4.0 phone, the peasants rejoice!

Apple has claimed yet another title when it comes to the iPhone. The iPhone 4s is officially the first smartphone with bluetooth 4.0 shipping in the body of the device. Bluetooth 4.0 will enable a whole new series of devices with the iPhone allowing heart monitors, and other gadgets of sorts to seamlessly connect with the device over long range and low power.

October 13, 2011
The Parrot Asteroid – The Next Generation of In Car Entertainment

From the makers of the much acclaimed Parrot AR Drone, a quadricopter for the iPhone, comes a new product for your car. They have designed an Android powered in car entertainment system supporting maps and attractions, voice calling, weather, and other applications in addition to providing radio and music playback.

The device fits into the head-unit of a standard 1-DIN car, and features a 3.2 inch LCD as well as tactile buttons and a jog dial to control the various features of the device. Many of the Asteroid’s features can also be controlled via voice input. It is able to connect to the Internet via your smart phone or a separate 3G dongle, and the device can also connect to an external GPS to provide its location based services. With the help of the Fuel for Less app, the Asteroid can display the nearest petrol pump, and can also display the prices of the various fuels offered. The device has another app called iCoyote which can warn users of upcoming speed and red light cameras as well as traffic jams and accidents.

For music playback, the device integrates with iPod, iPhone, USB or SD card sources, analog players, bluetooth stereo, and FM and Internet radio and is equipped with a built-in amplifier and sub-woofer. For digital sources, all music can be accessed by voice with the ‘vocal music search’ that responds to the names of artist or albums in users’ music libraries.

The Asteroid will be available from October 2011 and will retail for around $200.

August 31, 2011