Handsfree Is The Way To Be!

OK, cheesy titles aside, the truth is we are moving towards a hands-free mobile world and not just because it's cool. We're doing it because it's smart, and more and more states are passing legislation that actually makes it illegal to talk on your mobile while driving without some sort of hands-free device. California's legislation goes active July 1st of this year, and Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and SoundDomain's own Washington state are soon to follow. There are a ton of options out there to suit anyone's needs-- headsets, speakerphones, complete automotive kits integrated into your car stereo -- it just depends on how much tech you handle (and how much you want to spend). One of my favorite integration companies, Scosche, has a pretty good selection that falls under all three types mentioned.

I Want That: Autonet Mobile

This week on Whipnotic's "I Want That" series, Al & Ed's Mr. Mobile shows off a pretty cool wireless internet solution designed specifically for mobile use. The Autonet Mobile router installs in your car and picks up wireless 3G and EVDO signals, providing a nationwide wireless web that can be shared with multiple computers in one car. I couldn't find any info on the manufacturer's site for service packages or coverage areas, but I have an email in via the company's website.

This is definitely a cool toy though, and one that has made it onto my want list (it's getting to be a long list...). Want one? Follow the jump to check out the video and get info on how to win your own Autonet Mobile router.

Next Gen Aliph Jawbone: Slim & Sexy

I really would have preferred to see these three Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headsets come to market, but the new Jawbone pictured here will do just fine too. The "Jawbone 2" has been slimmed down and is about 50% smaller than the original design, weighing in at only 10 grams, and Aliph claims “the best just got better” and the new Jawbone sports upgraded "NoiseAssassin" noise cancellation technology. Aliph claims 4 hours of talk time, 8 days of standby, and grabs a full charge about an hour. Initially the headset is available only in black, but gold and silver will follow shortly after. This slim and sexy Jawbone retails for $129 and is available through Jawbone or at your local AT&T store.

Wired has a pretty good review of the headset too.

Source: Aliph

Kicking the Dead Horse: Bluetooth Tape Adapter

OK, file this one under "Things I never Thought I'd See".... A Bluetooth enabled cassette adapter. In actuality, it's not that bad of an idea. Some cassette decks can't handle the pigtail cable that comes off of traditional cassette adapters, and it's pretty easy easy to use. Using the A2DP profile, the Flexii adapter pulls in stereo audio from your Bluetooth enabled device (cell phone, portable player, etc). Bluetooth's frequency response is about the same as a cassette (15-15kHz), so it's not like you'll be sacrificing sound quality, either. Plus, you're more than likely going to be using this to pipe compressed audio into your cassette deck anyhow. The cassette has a built-in Li-Ion battery that lasts for 5 hours of continuous play and 120 hours of standby, and only needs about 2 hours to fully charge. If you're one of those folks who just can't let go their cassettes, this might be just the auxiliary input adapter for you.

in the forums!

Source: Slashgear
Source: Vavolo

Forehead Slapper: Cuusoo Concept Phone

This concept design is sure to give mobile phone designers worldwide a forehead-slapping "Why didn't we think of this??" moment. Cuusoo's idea is purely a concept, but is a totally viable product design that I'm sure would be pretty popular world wide. I can't read kanji, but from what I can tell, the phone features a removable main screen that can also wirelessly communicate with the main body for wireless video conferencing. The concept also allows other dockable accessories to be added depending on the phone's function - a widescreen for video viewing or a split screen for video conferencing (maybe multitasking as well?).  I could see this making it's way as a cool way to get mobile phone's docked in a car should you prefer not to use  Bluetooth. 

Any other ideas percolating in your mind? What else should they design this phone to do? Share your ideas in the forums!

in the forums!

Source: DVICE via Cuusoo