Yubz Clipo Bluetooth Headset
As you may recall, I paid a visit to the people at YUBZ during CES 2009 and they showed off some of their newest gadgets and accessories. One of the highlights was the Yubz Clipo, which offers a unique take on the Bluetooth headset market.
Most Bluetooth headsets are designed to stay attached to your ear the whole time, but this may not be the most comfortable of experiences. So, the Yubz Clipo simply clips to your shirt and when a call comes in, you can pull on that retractable earpiece and hit the answer button.
When the call is done, you hit the retract button and the earpiece slides back up to the clip itself. Even though there is only a single earpiece, the Yubz Clipo is perfectly compatible with the stereo Bluetooth A2DP profile, so you can use it for mono-styled music listening too.
In my quick tests, however, listening to music on the Yubz Clipo left a lot to be desired. The sound quality was worse than what I’d get from a handheld radio. For voice conversations, the sound was perfectly adequate. You do have to make sure that you have the clip facing the right way, though, since the microphone is only on one side.
The Yubz Clipo Bluetooth headset lists at $49.95 and comes in your choice of sky blue, magenta pink, or jet black.
Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth is a wonderfully versatile technology. You can use it as a cellular gateway or as an extension of your phone for voice calls, but it can also be used to send music over a wireless connection too.
When you’re ready to share tunes without cables (or a power outlet), you may want the Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth speaker. As its name implies, this Bluetooth speaker comes equipped with a large solar panel across the entire top portion. This way, it can soak in the rays and stay charged.
Not surprisingly, the Solar Sound fully supports any Bluetooth phone or MP3 player with the A2DP and AVRCP profiles. This way, you can beam over your tunes from a BlackBerry, iPhone 3GS, Nokia smartphone, or any number of other kinds of devices. It’ll also work as a speakerphone, since there is a built-in mic as well.
Even if you’re using a regular audio device like an Apple iPod or Samsung MP3 player, you can pump out the tunes using the standard 3.5mm audio jack. Devotec has even included a retractable cable for this purpose and you can charge it up via USB if the solar panel isn’t keeping pace.
The sound quality from the twin 2W speakers is far from sound blasting, but you’re getting a portable audio experience that is clearly better than most clock radios or cheap portable iPod speaker docks. The touch panel controls are attractive too.
The Devotec Solar Sound Bluetooth Speaker sells for about $80.
Accessorizing for Function and Fashion
Whether you’re looking for a slick new Bluetooth headset, something to protect your handset from unforeseen damage, or a way to proudly display your device at your desk, there is a cell phone accessory for you. There’s so much more to enjoy than simple car chargers and leather holsters, you know.