This Bluetooth Ring Is Like a Magic Wand on Your Finger

We've seen interactive rings that receive alerts from your smartphone and even rings that will give you the current time in a unique way, but a new ring leapfrogs the rest by acting as a full-on control mechanism.

On its exterior, Logbar's Ring device looks like nothing more than a silver ring, but packed inside the device are electronics that allow it to recognize your finger gestures and control any number of devices.

Logbar CEO Takuro Yoshida gave a detailed demonstration of the silver interactive device last year in San Francisco, and now Ring is available for purchase through a Kickstarter campaign.

By recognizing finger gestures, Ring allows the wearer to write text messages by simply drawing in the air. The same dynamic allows the wearer to access apps by drawing designated shapes in the air. For example, drawing a music note could access your music player, while drawing an envelope shape would allow you to access your email.

More advanced functions depicted in the company's Kickstarter video (see above) include using the Bluetooth device for mobile payments via GPS or iBeacon, and as a controller for televisions and lights in smart homes. The company also says that it has tested Ring with devices spanning a wide spectrum of currently available, bleeding-edge hardware, including the Pebble watch, quadcopter drones and even Google Glass.

Ring's associated app also allows you to program original shape gesture commands. This option could be particularly useful for disabled or visually impaired users with somewhat unconventional finger gesture patterns.

To activate the device, you simply press the side button on the Ring, and to receive alerts you can either receive a vibration or view the discreet little LED pinpoints near the button port. According to the device's developers, Ring can perform up to 1,000 gestures before its battery needs to be recharged.

The only obvious shortcoming of the device at this point is that fact that it's not waterproof. That could turn into a problem for those attempting to use Ring in mobile environments during bad weather, or even inside the home, say, if you forget you have Ring on when you go to wash your hands.

Also, Ring's rechargeable battery is not replaceable. Once it stops charging, the fun is over, and you'll have to pony up for a brand new Ring. That might not be as bad as it sounds. The cheapest early bird version of the device sold for $145, and during Yoshida's presentation last year he mentioned hopes of getting the device down to the $100 range.

At launch, the Ring app will only be available for iOS and Android devices, but the company has plans to release a Windows Phone version.

The device blew past its original Kickstarter goal of $250,000 in just its first five days of availability and, as of this writing, Ring had reached about $400,000 in funding, with nearly a full month left for new signups.

Image: LOGBAR

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This Wearable Computer is Like Google Glass for Your Ears

A new kind of wearable computer has been created that immediately evokes images of the ear-mounted PC worn by Joaquin Phoenix in the recent film Her.

Created by Hiroshima City University staffer Kazuhiro Taniguchi, the prototype device's interface uses infrared waves to detect when the wearer opens and closes his mouth. Those movements send corresponding command signals back to the device. Conceivably, apps could be created for the device that would let you do things like fetch traffic information or get directions by turning your head or biting down.

Taniguchi, who calls the Bluetooth device an Ear Switch, also embedded the formfitting earpiece with a compass, barometer, a speaker and microphone, gyro-sensors, a battery and GPS functions.

In a video (in Japanese) posted by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Taniguchi is seen demonstrating the device at a Hiroshima, Japan, business fair in January.

Yet another video (see below), linked from Taniguchi's staff page, shows just how seamlessly the Ear Switch could be used to guide a person through their daily life, tucked almost invisibly behind their ear.

Aside from allowing the wearer to operate the device completely hands free, Taniguchi also believes the Ear Switch's sensors could serve as a tool to monitor the wearer's health. However, Taniguchi hasn't released many of the technical details behind the device, so at this point it's best to consider this a brilliant concept device that may become a commercial reality.

Nevertheless, the concept itself is incredibly promising. And while some of the most interesting parts of the web and mobile content are visual — an area in which the Ear Switch falls short — unwieldy devices like Google Glass have struggled to gain acceptance.

Moving the wearable computing paradigm from the eyes to the ears — an unobtrusive position that would make it difficult for most to know whether or not you're even computing – immediately makes the Ear Switch a far more viable mainstream solution than something like Glass.

According to a report in the Nikkei, the developer hopes to team up with a major firm to release a commercial version of the device sometime in 2015.

VIDEO: YOUTUBE, JAPAN MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS

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Wearable Transmitter Turns Your Palm Into a Touch Interface

The world could be at your fingertips, thanks to a new wearable, gesture-based gadget.

Fin enables users to control up to three devices such as smartphones, car radios and smart TVs using only swipes and taps. The ring-shaped technology is worn on the thumb, and communicates with different devices using Bluetooth.

Fin has five pre-programmed gestures; in its final iteration, users will be able to create custom ones on an app that will come with the device.

"People in today's world are becoming more busy, but still they are wasting a lot of time interacting with their smart devices, " Rohildev Nattukallingal, founder of RHL Vision Technologies, the startup behind Fin. "Fin removes this interaction gap by allowing users to quickly interact with those devices."

The portable gadget can control the volume on a television, and even lets users text or dial a number without touching their phone. Fin's creators say they hope this natural interaction can help people who are visually impaired.

Fin can last for up to a month on one charge if it's in power-saving mode, and is only used for eight hours a day, according to Nattukallingal. Fin will retail for $120, and is expected to be released in September 2014. Its creators also plan to release a software development kit, so developers can create their own apps for Fin. The device will be sold in five different colors.

Nattukallingal and his team aim to raise $100,000 in flexible funding on crowdfunding site Indiegogo (this means they will still receive the funds even if they don't reach their goal). As of press time, the campaign has raised more than $15,000 with 21 days remaining.

IMAGE: FIN

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Wren's Plus-Size Bluetooth Speaker Is Big on Sound, Beauty and Price

The Wren V5BT Bluetooth speaker provides full sound in an attractive package. This assessment comes despite a caveat from the makers that their AirPlay and Play-Fi models are superior.

So why go for Bluetooth? To avoid any buyers' remorse to be incurred with a switch from iOS to Android or vice versa. Either way, the V5BT will serve handsomely.

At approximately 6 x 4.25 x 16.5 inches, the Wren V5BT is svelte enough to slip into a decent-sized nook or cranny on a desktop or bookshelf. It'll fit seamlessly, too, as it's constructed with a bamboo or rosewood casing and is lusciously curved.

The speaker isn't particularly portable given its size and weight (about 6 1/2 pounds), but can still be moved from room to room easily. The wood veneer is offset by retro silver plastic edging and a matching grill.

V5BT’s power button is illuminated white, and it turns to orange in standby. Another light flashes to indicate volume changes; two more lights indicate whether it's in Bluetooth or wired mode. Pairing is as simple as pushing the "setup" button and linking via device. There is no remote control, however, so volume is adjusted with the paired device or by the buttons on the speaker.

Sound-wise, the speaker triumphs. The 50-watt V5BT delivers CD-quality music when attached to an iOS device — this despite the warning that non-CSR aptX-enabled devices aren't going to sound as good as when connected to an enabled device (Motorola, HTC, Samsung, e.g.s).

Bass is strong without being overpowering, and highs and mids are clear even at higher volumes — loud enough to fill a large room. As a bonus, there are inputs for charging USB-powered devices as well as for analog input.

Ultimately, the Wren serves its purpose like the traditional loudspeaker it's patterned after.

The Lowdown

The Good

> Clear sound, hefty bass

> Easy to connect

> Beautiful chassis

The Bad

> Device buttons support volume, but not skipping or rewinding tracks

> Heavy

> Pricey

Bottom Line: The V5BT is an all-in-one Bluetooth speaker that sounds as good as it looks.

Image: WRENSOUND

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Jawbone ERA Actually Makes You Want to Use Bluetooth Headsets

Bluetooth headsets are certainly practical, but not everyone wants to walk around with a clunky device sticking out of his ear. To cut down on hardware size and introduce more smart features to its lineup, Jawbone introduced on Thursday a slim, voice-activated ERA headset.

You probably know Jawbone for its fitness wristband trackers and Jambox speakers, but the company first started in the audio business with earphones. Its latest product launch is in line with its roots and has trimmed the ERA headset down 42% compared to the predecessor, which launched in 2011.

The Bluetooth device comes in four colors — black, silver, brown and red — and several earbud sizes (small, medium and large for the right ear and a medium size for the left). The design is sleek, which is an improvement from most headsets, and aligned with the rest of Jawbone's collection (see below). It features slight ridges on the headset's casing.

It's priced at $129.99 with the charging case and $99.99 for just the headset (and a USB charging cord), now available for purchase at Purchase.com and Verizon — but coming to Apple, AT&T and Best Buy stores in the near future.

The ERA is two inches long in size and delivers about 10 hours of talk time. Unfortunately, it doesn't come with volume control.

Setup for the ERA is almost nonexistent: Download the Jawbone app and sync it with the Era device with the Bluetooth setting on a smartphone.

During a recent testing of the product, audio was extremely clear while making phone calls and watching videos. I made a call on a noisy New York City street, as ambulance sirens and chatter from commuters swarmed around me; to the recipient, though, I was coming in loud and clear. I could still hear the person on the other end amid the noise, too, thanks to Jawbone's NoiseAssassin 4.0 noise cancellation software.

The audio-assistant functionality is also easy and entertaining to use. It worked seamlessly when my smartphone was nearby, promptly making phone calls ("call mom") and telling me directions when asked. (It's compatible with both Siri and Google Now). However, it was slightly less reliable when my phone was in the kitchen and I was in the living room, mostly due to obstacles with getting around the lock screen which would set into place.

Meanwhile, what started as a basic test to see whether I could get through an episode of a streaming TV show turned into a much longer binge session. I was able to still hear conversations around me without ever taking the device out, and it remained comfortable throughout the duration. It was also painless to switch back and forth between music and phone calls via the button.

Following its removal after a few hours, my ear was sensitive for just a few minutes due to the earbud size. I was using a smaller size, but might opt for a larger one in the future so it doesn't sit as snugly.

The ERA also nudges you when the battery is low with audio alerts like "20 minutes of talk time remaining." The voice is soothing and feels almost like a whisper, so hearing these updates from the system are never annoying. Charging the device is simple, too, especially since the accompanying case supplies the power. It snaps into place within the case, but sometimes needs a firm maneuvering to get it in place. My biggest concern was that the tiny ERA would get lost in my bag or jacket pocket, but there are two ways around this: a clasp on the charger case can serve as a keychain, so you'll always know where to find it, and a feature within the app will make the device beep if you can't find it.

The ERA is a strong choice for a Bluetooth headset with its slim form factor, excellent audio quality and features that make using the device a lot of fun.

Image: JAWBONE

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This Cube can Capture any Color

Now the ability to “paint with all the colors of the wind” doesn’t solely belong to Disney's Pocahontas.

Developed by three university friends, The SwatchMate Cube aims to expand the color palettes of designers and artists with the colors around them.

Utilizing an inner sphere with a light source and a color sensor, the Cube functions as a swatch grabber, recording the color of virtually any object placed underneath it. The Cube then sends the swatch via Bluetooth Low Energy directly to any smartphone into Photoshop; or if the Cube cannot connect to any device, it will store up to a maximum of 20 swatches locally.

Cofounders Paul Peng, Djordje Dikic and Rocky Liang designed the Cube to work both as a device for designers and artists to gain inspiration from natural color sources, but also as a means of color-grading their images, essentially making nature another tool in their kit.

After winning the 2013 Melbourne and Sydney Design Awards (while also getting on the short list for the 2014 Brisbane Design Awards), SwatchMate rounded out the new year with a successful Kickstarter campaign. The project almost doubled its intended $49,000 (55,000 AUD) target, reaching a sizeable $89,300 (100,317 AUD). Donors hit multiple stretch goals, unlocking additional features for the device including a thermometer and a light intensity sensor.

"We are looking to have the Cube available to consumers by June 2014," Peng tells Mashable. "An exact price point hasn't yet been decided, but we have indicated to about $120, although we currently have it available for pre-order at about $80."

SwatchMate is a product development studio based out of Melbourne, Australia. For more on the Cube, check out the video above.

Image: SwatchMate

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Sharp Debuts Wireless High-Def Audio and Video Player

In addition to debuting its not-quite-4K Aquos Quattron+ televisions at the International CES, Sharp also unveiled a new line of audio components primarily focused on wireless functionality.

The biggest news on the audio front is Sharp’s new Universal Player (pictured above) and Wireless Bridge, a combined system that the company claims is the first home solution with the ability to transmit uncompressed sound at 24-bit/96kHz and video at full HD (1080p) wirelessly.

Although not for the casual home-entertainment user –- it costs $3,999 –- the Universal Player seems to be a simple-to-operate tool aimed at audiophiles who are usually more accustomed to elaborate set-ups and controls.

The Universal Player and the associated Wireless Bridge ($599) are scheduled for a spring release.

Sharp also unveiled a new line of Bluetooth devices, including the XL-HF202P component system ($249.99) that turns your iPhone into the brain of a full-fledged stereo-component system, as well as the beautifully designed GX-BT7 (pictured above) Bluetooth and NFC-enabled wireless speaker ($199.99). Both products are set to hit the market this spring.

Image: Sharp

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TCL's $330 Idol X+ Boasts 2GHz octa-core chip, Bluetooth Activity Tracker

While some of us are still recovering from holiday, the TCL folks in China -- whose products are better known under the Alcatel brand in many other countries -- have gone ahead and launched a new phone. As the name suggests, the Idol X+ is pretty much an updated version of the already impressive Idol X, with the highlight being it's the first device to carry the 2GHz bin of the octa-core MT6592 SoC (with 2GB RAM). TCL's reps told us that this is courtesy of an exclusive deal they arranged with MediaTek. Additionally, you'll find a familiar 5-inch 1080p IPS display within a slimmer 1.9mm bezel, plus a 13-megapixel f/2.0 camera on the back. Due to the larger 2,500mAh battery, the body is now slightly thicker at 7.9mm, but it's actually not that much different when we saw a prototype earlier.

For a flagship Android phone that costs just about US$330 unsubsidized, it's pretty bold of TCL to also include a Bluetooth activity plus sleep tracker. This Boom Band is essentially a little nugget that sits inside a plastic wristband (available in several colors), and it can double as a proximity alarm in case you accidentally leave your phone behind. It naturally has a companion app that lets you track your performance, and should you wish to, you can also show off your stats to friends.

There's no word on whether non-China markets will get the same package branded by Alcatel, but if you already reside in China, you can head to JD.com and order one on January 15th.

Image: TCL

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Teleza Turns Your Mobile Device Into A Dual-SIM Powerhouse

Add 2 phone numbers to your mobile that means dual SIM Peel case and turned countless iPod Touches into iPhones. Now you can do the same thing, but wirelessly.

New product, called Teleza, costs $129 and is styled like a high-end cigarette case. It comes in silver and gold and features a built-in battery. It connects to your device via Bluetooth and has buttons to control audio level and a camera remote for selfies.

The Teleza is quad-band GSM compatible. It has two SIM slots can can also act as sort of a speakerphone for your calls, ostensibly allowing you to use it like a handset. It also works with Android.

They'll shipping the devices after Christmas.

While dial-SIM phones are a dime-a-dozen in China, they’re fairly rare over here. I’ve slowly discovered the value of a local SIM card as I travel the world, allowing me, at the very least, to have a local phone number. This device saves you from having to SIM unlock your phone during your travels or buying a new, unlocked phone.

Image: Teleza

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New Technology Lets You Control Paper Airplane with Smartphone

Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to control the paper airplane via their smartphone with an accompanying app.

Researchers have developed new technology that turns your self-made paper airplane into a smartphone-controlled flying machine capable of twisting and turning through open skies. 

PowerUp 3.0, built by US-based designer Shai Goitein, promises to give the basic paper model an upgrade, using a small attachable propeller and rudder for a little more speed and steering control. 

PowerUp 3.0's wireless communication is based on Bluetooth Smart technology.

Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to control the paper airplane via their smartphone with an accompanying app. 

Tilting the phone to the left or right allows users to turn their airplane as it flies a whopping 60 yards. The app also includes a compass, controls for thrust and readouts for battery life and range. 

To begin, a user has to simply fold a piece of copier paper into a paper airplane. Then, they have to attach the smart module to their paper plane with the patented clips underneath the Smart Module. 

Starting the app connects the Smart Module with their cell phone. 

Users can then push throttle to full and launch the paper airplane high up into the sky, according to the product's description on Kickstarter website.

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Bluetooth Devices Are About to Get a Lot Smarter

             Future Bluetooth devices will be more flexible, have better connectivity and play nicer with other gadgets in the coming months. Bluetooth 4.1, set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), upgrades the short-range wireless standard with a number of feature improvements.

             If you've ever had the experience of losing, say, a Bluetooth audio stream because you stepped out of range of your phone or PC, then you'll appreciate this latest change. With the new standard, devices will be able to quickly and automatically reconnect once you're back in range.Bluetooth 4.1 brings with it several other features, many of which will be invisible to most users but make things easier for developers and improve the overall experience. The new specification lets a device's Bluetooth radio communicate with its LTE radio, greatly reducing the possibility of interference. Data travels more efficiently, too — like when you sync your Nike+ Fuelband — which should tax batteries a bit less. 

              Developers will like that Bluetooth 4.1 lets devices work as both a Bluetooth Smart peripheral and a Smart Ready hub. Bluetooth 4.1 lets devices work as both a Bluetooth Smart peripheral and a Smart Ready hub. Many devices, such as heart-rate monitors, are peripherals, which sip tiny amounts of energy and communicate with hubs like your smartphone. However, as more kinds of wearable technologies emerge, it's important for a device to function sometimes as both, such as a smart-watch that communicates with both the heart monitor on your chest and the smartphone in your pocket.

Finally, Bluetooth 4.1 adds support for the new Internet-numbering system, IPv6. Introduced last year, IPv6 allows more devices to have direct connections to the Internet, enabling connections from anywhere. Theoretically, you could remotely access a Bluetooth 4.1 device in your home, connecting to it as if it were in your hand. Devices can also communicate with each other, further enabling the currently vague, but exciting, concept of the "Internet of Things."

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