Mainnav pairs GPS and Bluetooth in a watch

Mainnav has released the Innovator MW-705 BT GPS watch - a timepiece that teams inbuilt Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality with a Bluetooth transmitter and also manages to pack-in a heart rate monitor, speed and distance sensor, temperature sensor, pedometer as well as the standard countdown timer and alarm.
It is the inclusion of GPS and Bluetooth in the one package that truly expands the functionality of the watch as it enables the watch to send GPS data to a Bluetooth enabled device up to 10 meters away, such as a PDA or a smart phone, for the purposes of navigation. The GPS functionality also allows for altitude data to be analyzed giving fitness fanatics using altitude training access to even more information about their performance.
Weighing in at 75g, the watch may not be the prettiest or smallest thing you’ve ever strapped to your wrist, but it does pack quite a bit of functionality into one package. The watch can also be easily removed from the wrist strap and placed in a special included frame for attachment to a bike or hung around the neck with the included lanyard.
The watch is also water resistant complying with the IPX7 standard, meaning it can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, although the operational limitations of GPS mean the functionality won’t work under water. With normal use the Li-ion 400 mA/h battery will tell you where you are for 66 hours before needing a recharge through the mini USB interface meaning you’ll have plenty of time to figure out where you are and where to send the rescue choppers if you get lost.
For further info visit Mainnav.

Videotex SIM Card Backup Device with LCD display

November 2, 2007 Anyone who has ever lost or had stolen their mobile phone will appreciate the utter chaos this can cause. As as our reliance on the information stored in mobile devices grows, so does the need to ensure that the data on your SIM card is securely backed-up. The Videotex SIM Card Backup Device 801A offers a sensible solution in the form of a pocket-sized (3.3 x 2 x 0.5 inch) unit with an LCD screen for displaying up to 1000 contact details and the ability to restore data quickly to your replacement SIM card.

The 801 series works with GSM and CDMA SIM cards plus UK 3G SIM cards and supports data exchange amongst different compatible SIM cards. It features 32KB internal memory capacity and a large keypad for editing information stored in the device.
The Datopal Brand Videotex SIM Card Backup Device 801A is available via Vavolo.com for USD$16 - not a huge outlay for the resulting peace of mind.

Unplug from the electricity grid: Solar bags for the eco-minded

November 8, 2007 Adding to a growing selection of solar powered bagsand backpacks on the market, Office Depot has announced the release of a line of Voltaic solar charging bags that feature three lightweight, waterproof solar panels generating up to four watts of power - enough energy to charge nearly any handheld electronic device.
The bags can be used to charge Blackberrys, MP3 players, digital cameras, two-way radios, PDAs and nearly all brands of cell phones, however laptops prove too big a power challenge. Included with each bag is a Li-Ion battery pack, which clips inside the back pocket of the bags and stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when needed - not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).
Integrating the solar panels into the back pocket of the bag means there is no need to unpack and setup the panels and they are built into the back of the bag in a way that allows them to articulate, so the bag itself does not feel stiff or restrictive. The solar panels will charge a typical cell phone in 4-6 hours in direct sun. The panels are built on a strong but lightweight aluminum plastic composite, specifically selected to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Further adding to the bags’ environmentally friendly credentials is the fact that the bags are also made largely from recycled plastic soda bottles.
Office Depot carries three products in the assortment: The Voltaic Converter Solar Charging Bag, which can be used as a standalone daypack, or can be easily attached to another bag by utilizing the included fastek buckles. It is fully padded to carry and protect a notebook computer, includes a lined MP3/sunglasses pouch and features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel, and can be worn as a backpack or a sling bag.
The Voltaic Messenger Solar Charging Bag is aimed at the professional or businessperson traveling to the office and/or going on a short business trip while the Voltaic Solar Charging Backpack has 1,850 cubic inches of storage space, includes multiple pockets and wire channels for electronic devices. It also features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel, a nylon mesh backing for better air flow, an adjustable phone/MP3 pouch on the shoulder strap, a padded laptop sleeve, and a lined pouch inside.
The bags and backpacks range in price from US$179.99 to US$219.99

MOTOROKR T505: hands-free speakerphone and FM transmitter

November 8, 2007 Motorola’s latest in-car technology combines a Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone and a Digital FM Transmitter for hands-free phone calls and music streamed to the car stereo. When calls come in, the T505 automatically mutes the music and audibly announces the Caller-ID, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road and echo and noise reduction technology are built-in along with "StationFinder" technology that identifies the best FM connection. When the ride’s over, the T505 can be easily unhooked and taken to another car for the next trip.

The T505 requires no wires or installation - it can simply be clipped to a car’s visor and paired to a compatible Bluetooth device using Motorola’s EasyPair technology - and supports Bluetooth Advanced Audio Delivery, Audio Video Remote Control, Hands-free, and Headset profiles. When the T505 is paired to a stereo Bluetooth phone or MP3 player calls and music are streamed wirelessly to the car stereo via the built-in digital FM transmitter. To ensure a clear connection the T505 also features StationFinder, a technology that announces where the best FM connection can be found on the user’s car radio.
“Today’s drivers demand convenience and connectivity without missing a beat to what’s important to them – their calls and their music,” said Jason Few, corporate vice president, Motorola, Inc. “We’re excited to introduce a portable, music-optimized ROKR to the car to enhance the mobile experience while consumers are on the road.”
The ROKR T505 features a talk time of 18 hours with standby time of up to 14 days. It is expected to become available in Q1 2008.
For further info visit Motorola.