The original Jabra Extreme was one of the company’s best-selling products, and stood out in a crowded marketplace. Now Jabra have released the Extreme 2, a headset that they are calling their best product yet.

Featuring Noise Blackout 3.0 dual noise cancellation technology and HD Voice, you will be hard pressed to find a headset with better noise clarity. The Extreme 2 also includes advanced voice guidance that covers caller ID, connection status, battery charge level and a step-by-step set-up wizard when you connect it to a Bluetooth capable device.

The earset itself is small and comfortable, and includes an optional ear-hook to ensure it stays attached at all times. With a weight of just over 10 grams and measuring L47mm x W18.5mm x H27.5mm, it is light enough to be worn for hours on end and you will barely notice it is there. Coming complete with a plug and car charger, the Extreme 2 offers with to 5.5 hours talk time and 10.5 hours standby time when fully charged.

The USB attachment means that you will always be able to keep the firmware up to date as the latest version of the headset software become available. The Jabra Extreme 2 headset comes with a recommended retail price of £79.99, and is currently available at www.buyjabra.com.

For further information on the Jabra Extreme 2 and the full range of speakerphones and Bluetooth headset products, please visit www.jabra.com.

[Source: Jabra Extreme 2 – high performance Bluetooth headset]

This Bluetooth Class II laser device projects a cybernetic keyboard onto any flat and opaque surface, thus giving iPhone, iPad or Android users instant access to a keyboard. And far from being tiny, fiddly and awkward – does the Blackberry’s keyboard ring any bells, the virtual keyboard projected is 9 ¾ inches wide and 4 inches deep, with ¾ inch keys.

But how could a keyboard, without ‘actual’ keys, recognise keystrokes you may be asking? According to The Virtual Keyboard press release, an optical sensor recognises keystrokes in three dimensions and is so sensitive to finger placement that it distinguishes between a finger hovering over or pressing a “key”. An invisible infrared horizontal plane is also projected just millimetres above the surface, which detects ‘actual’ contact with the ‘key’. When a finger then breaks the plane, the projector then allocates a character on the keyboard and transfers it to the device it is hooked up to – spookily clever hey?

If you are a speedo typist and worried that The Virtual Keyboard will not be able to keep up with your ultra-fast typing skills or produce the 100% accuracy you expect it to, then fear not, as this simulated keyboard can apparently keep up with typing speeds of up to 400 characters-per-minute, and, Hammacher Schlemmer’s general manager informs, that it transmits “100% accurate keystrokes to a smartphone or iPad.”

This three inch tall projector sits inconspicuously on a desk and, given its unobtrusive size, is easily transportable, whilst its rechargeable battery provides up to 2 ½ hours of typing after a 1 ½ hour charge.

Since 1848 this long-running American company has prided itself on offering only ‘the Best, the Only and the Unexpected.’ And in providing iPhone and iPad users with an alternative method to type on other than a tiny touchscreen, which is bracingly bigger than the minute keyboard of the Blackberry, Hammacher Schlemmer really is living up to its self-implemented reputation of offering ‘the Best, the Only and the Unexpected’. Bring on 2012 if gadgets this year are going to be as thrilling as The Virtual Keyboard!

The Virtual Keyboard retails at $199.95.

[Source: Hammacher Schlemer’s Virtual Keyboard for iPhone and iPad: A spookily clever device!]

This ludicrously (love that word…) useful little product is a compact, high-powered rechargeable battery that charges from any USB port and allows you to juice up even the most power-hungry gadgets again and again, no matter where you are – yes, Summer 2012 festival goers, you may now address the good people at Proporta as your almighty saviours. Get this little beauty in yer Xmas stockings now.

The capacity of the latest Proporta TurboCharger is an impressive 7000 mAh, and it comes with two USB output ports, allowing you to charge more than one phone and iPad (and anything else that can be powered by USB) at the same time… awesome. Sorry, there’s not any other words for this thing. Really though, it’s probably the best thing since sliced… iPad?

The TurboCharger works with all leading mobile devices, from the iPod, iPad and iPhone ranges, to Blackberry, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Nokia, digital cameras and lots of other gadgets. An LED display shows the level of charge, and the TurboCharger comes with two retractable cables and a range of interchangeable connector heads. Best of all gadget fiends, it’s so lightweight (at about 175g) that you’ll barely even notice you’re carrying it.

This is a great accessory for anyone on the move – stop-outs et al. Indeed, whether it’s the world traveller who never wants to miss that vital photo opportunity, or the commuter who’s terrified of being stuck on the train without their iPhone 4S or iPad2. Quite literally, you need never run out of power again. Very nice Proporta. Very nice indeed.

Available now for £54.95 from http://www.proporta.com

[Source: Proporta TurboCharger: Ludicrously useful]

Convenience, nonetheless, is a staple of the Acer Liquid Express, which, according to Acer, “has been designed with your comfort in mind.” This ‘convenience’ is achieved by the ‘contactless’ technology embedded in the smartphone, which adapts to its users’ requirements by reading NFC tags or targets, identification, virtualisation of loyalty or payment cards. As our stomach’s lurch at the suggestion that technology has the ability to ‘virtualise’ payment cards, Acer assure us that only the tightest security standards are maintained to achieve such ‘contactless’ technology.

Great, we all love comfort and convenience, but how does Acer’s latest answer to reading a user’s mind compare with the smartphone ‘big boys’?

In possessing a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, it’s certainly ‘en par’ with the iPhone 4 in the camera stakes, although remains significantly inferior to the 4S’s 8 megapixel camera – Not bad but not the best!

With a 3.5 inch screen the Liquid Express’s screen matches Apple’s iPhone 4S in screen dynamics, of which some have complained about being too small.

All-in-all the Acer Liquid Express sounds pretty impressive, although, as yet, is only available to buy in the UK from both T-Mobile and Orange, the former costing £15.32 per month for a 24-month contract and the latter costing £20.50 per month for a 24-month contract. Although 24 months is a fairly long time to be tied up to a phone if it doesn’t live up to its hype.

[Source: Acer Liquid Express: Because smartphones certainly aren’t getting any dumber!]

With an ‘attention-grabbing’ headline, “Zombies fear it – Other Stylus want to be it; The Gun Stylus Assault Rifle Edition makes you cool without trying”, introducing the press release, you can understand what why I felt compelled to laugh!

Although I am sure not everyone will share my mockery, as for any war gaming enthusiasts out there, the ‘killer stylus’, that enables you to ‘shoot, navigate, signature, paint and draw’ at your touch device, would be, as Plow Game’s puts it, “A prized addition to every war gamer’s mobile collection.”

The black toy gun made from a durable plastic features several ‘unique’ features that apparently gives it the ‘edge’ over other gaming accessories. One such feature is the Stylus touch chamber, which apparently improves experiences with applications for navigating, gaming/playing and sketching. The limited edition gaming rifle even includes a Lanyard slot, which means wannabie soldiers can keep their weapon at the ready to draw when needed. Although it has to be said, perhaps the Gun Stylus Assault Rifle’s greatest asset is that it will keep your iPhone, iPad, Android or whatever touch device you may have, screen clean of fingerprints!

In priding itself on developing ‘oh-my-gosh-have-you-seen-that’ products, Plow Games certainly have excelled themselves in creating the admittedly highly creative Gun Stylus Assault Rifle Limited Edition.

For more information about the Gun Stylus visit http://www.weaponstylus.com

[Source: ‘Oh-my-gosh-have-you-seen-that’ Gun Stylus Assault Rifle?]

For people who record audio on the go, their “best” option just got better with the new Tascam iM2 – a high quality stereo microphone for the iPhone. I’m a big fan of such devices and used to adore my Blue Mikey for recording podcasts on the go from a few years back (up until the release of the iPhone 4 when the device regrettably stopped working).

Featuring a pair of 180 degree adjustable condenser microphones of the same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders, the iM2 plugs into the 30-pin dock connector at the base of iOS devices. The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and premium audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB SPL sounds for the loudest concerts and instruments.

Worried about unexpected background noise throwing your record off balance? The iM2 packs a built-in stereo limiter to tame sudden loud sounds. You can adjust the microphone level via a knob on the side, making it quick and easy to adjust without looking at the unit. The iM2 is powered through the dock connector so no battery is required. If you intend to be recording for lengthy periods of time, there is a micro USB socket on the side that enables you to charge your device. This means with the right set up – a tripod, iPhone 4S, Glif tripod adaptor and an iM2 you can record high quality audio and video, edit it on your phone and share it with the world.

There is also the free Tascam PCM Recorder app which works wonderfully with the iM2 for recording pure audio. The TASCAM PCM Recorder app has input and output level faders with an “on-screen” meter to help check levels. High and low EQ is built-in, as well as stereo limiting and a low cut filter to prevent overload. Users are able to record mono or stereo files at CD-quality for up to 12 hours. After recording, files can be accessed through iTunes or uploaded to SoundCloud right from the iPhone. TASCAM PCM Recorder app is available now as a download from the iTunes store.

[Source: Tascam iM2 review: CD quality recording comes to the iPhone]

The ‘proper’ unveiling of this innovative device will apparently take place at CES 2012; although that hasn’t stopped a whirl of excitement flurrying around the net since Wahoo Fitness exposed its Blue HR press release.

In “harnessing the power of Bluetooth Smart Ready Devices”, the Blue HR will effectively transform your smartphone into an all-in-one training partner, and given that an all-in-one training partner is what our poor neglected bodies are all crying out for in January, Wahoo Fitness’s timing of the Blue HR release is impeccable.

In using the latest in Bluetooth Technology, the Blue HR is able to communicate directly with Bluetooth Smart Ready Devices, including the iPhone 4S. Being in full support of various Wahoo Fitness’ app partners, including several of the most popular fitness apps, such as Runmeter, MotionX, 321 Run, RunKeeper and MapMyFitness, users will have access to heart rate data, music playlists, their phone, GPS maps, etc., all in one place.

In generating heart rate data in real time, the Blue HR provides highly accurate readings of the number of calories you have burned during a workout. Blue HR users also have the option of purchasing a Wahoo Armband, which provides protection for your iPhone 4S with full touchscreen access, and, of course, as the device relays heart information via Bluetooth Smart Technology wirelessly; no key or additional hardware is needed.

According to Wahoo Fitness, virtually all new smartphones in 2012 will include the Bluetooth V4.0 technology that is all Bluetooth Smart Ready devices and that the Blue HR marks the first release of a Bluetooth Smart app enabled accessory for the iPhone 4S.

[Source: January’s get fit schedule just got smarter with the Wahoo Fitness Blue Heart Monitor]

The answer to the problem would be? The Capulet Wristlet for the iPhone.

This designer piece from the London-based luxury accessories brand, is a wallet, which has room for your iPhone and which can be hung from your wrist or popped in a handbag should you so wish.

Designed to take out dancing, or to pick up if you pop down the shops, the Wristlet comes in a variety of colours, and has a compartment for the iPhone 4S, a coin compartment and room for credit cards.

Choose from cobalt, seashell white, powder blue, jet black and sunset red

Capulet head of design, Joyce Lin, said: “I wanted to create a wristlet that was relevant to today’s modern woman. It needed to be a minimalist design, carry all the essentials, and seamlessly transition from day to evening.I think this wristlet achieves all of these design
goals.”

The wristlet costs £299 and can be pre-ordered from www.capuletlondon.com/iphone

[Source: £300 to spare? How about a wallet for your iPhone 4S?]

The Gametel looks familiar to gamers – with its D-pad, four buttons and two shoulder triggers. It is compatible with phones and tablets running Android 2.1.1 Éclair or later and connects to your device using Bluetooth. The device connects to a phone or tablet with the built-in adjustable spring-loaded clamp. Once paired, the Gametel will connect automatically, every time it is turned on,

There are more than 50 compatible games available for download from Android Market – Happy Vikings, Cordy, Reckless Getaway and MotoX Mayhem to name a few.

Bo Nyman, CEO of Fructel says: “Playing casual games on a touchscreen phone is fine but when it comes to playing the more addictive and immersive titles, seamless gameplay is impossible. The Gametel controller overcomes this problem by delivering a console experience on your Android device, freeing the screen from fingers, opening up a bigger viewing area and delivering more responsive physical controls.”

And if your Android device has HDMI, mobile gaming can also be brought to the big screen. Hook up an Android device to an HDTV, wirelessly connect up to four Gametel controllers and you can bring your favourite mobile games into the living room with a console-like multi-player set-up.

The Gametel offers around nine hours of battery life and switches off automatically after six minutes if it is not in use.

The Gametel costs £49.99 from Amazon.

[Source: Turn your phone into a games console with the Gametel]

Samsung and Google left little out of the guts of the Galaxy Nexus. Inside the device you’ll find a dual-core TI OMAP 4460 CPU clocked to 1.2GHz, 1GB of RAM, 32GB or 16GB of storage (I tested a phone with 16GB), and the usual assortment of radios (Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, GPS). The device is also equipped with an NFC chip, as well as a compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, and barometer.

Smartphone cameras are rapidly getting better and better and are being called upon to do more heavy lifting. The camera on the rear of the device is a 5-megapixel shooter with a companion single LED flash, while up front there’s a 1.3-megapixel camera. A year ago I might have felt this camera was amazing. Now I merely find it so so. Performance was sub-par in low light and it regular conditions it lacked the “wow” of iPhone 4S, but still really good. I am merely whelmed by it. However the built in Hipstamatic/Instagram functionality is pretty cool and the in camera editing facilities are excellent – knocking the pants of the modest offerings of iOS5.

Settings in general are great – a nice addition to Ice Cream Sandwich, the latest incarnation of Android. It’s really easy to pop in and edit settings on most pages and there lots of little dials I can hit. This is much much better than the iOS system of having to hunt through the settings menu to find things.

As someone who feel foul of O2′s “unlimited data” when using Spotify for the first time, the ability to monitor and restrict data usage was a godsend and it’s great to be able to set hard limits for data usage to prevent hefty fees.

The Nexus uses face recognition to unlock the screen, which is clearly a gimmick but is also fun. I tried with a picture of Milli Vanilli and it didn’t work, so it’s a useful way of settling lots of “you look just like X” type arguments.

The battery life is about a day, which is acceptable in this age of lowered expectations.The screen is huge, which is wonderful for gaming and photo viewing yet annoying for day to day use.
Multi-tasking on the Nexus however was brilliant. There is a dedicated software button (if there can be such a thing) on the side that lets you jump in and out of multi-tasking. There is a swipe gesture that lets you flick away tasks. Multi-tasking uses a large thumbnail of the screen rather than an icon. Again this is much better than iOS’s little tray of icons system – at least in terms of user friendliness.

Overall, everything was very fast and responsive and oversized screen aside, delightful to use. The mobile browser was quick and played nicely with 3′s mobile network across East London.

For more about the Samsung Galaxy Nexus head to Three

[Source: Samsung Galaxy Nexus on Three: Hands-on review]