iSkin announces Cerulean wireless Bluetooth accessories for iPod and iPhone

iSkin today announced three stereo Bluetooth audio accessories to join the company’s line of products: the Cerulean TX+RX (Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 Transmitter/ Receiver) and the Cerulean F1 (Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 Earphones and Mobile Headset)

The Cerulean TX is an accessory that connects to the iPod enabling it with stereo Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities. TX attaches to the iPod with no need for set-up or batteries. The TX can also be connected to a computer for instant wireless streaming of audio. TX automatically connects to a Cerulean RX equipped speaker, creating a wireless bond between the two devices.

The Cerulean RX docks with your favorite iPod speaker system, adding Bluetooth wireless audio functionality. RX equipped speakers seek out and pair with TX equipped iPods or computers and require no setup, additional software or batteries.

The Cerulean F1 combines a stereo Bluetooth earphone with a mono mobile headset in a sleek and compact design. The F1 receives and reproduces crisp clean sounds from a TX equipped iPod or a stereo Bluetooth mobile device. The Cerulean F1 forms a bond with a TX equipped iPod and can be simultaneously connected to a supported mobile phone–automatically switching to headset mode upon incoming phone calls and resuming music playback when you’re done. The F1 features controls that allow you to adjust volume, cycle through tracks and pause playback.

TX+RX and F1 are expected to ship in May and will retail for USD$149.99 and USD$129.99 respectively.

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A nudge from a Bluetooth device may not be enough to wake your Mac

In a recent Knowledge Base document, Apple confirms that some third-party USB Bluetooth adaptors, such as the D-Link DBT-120 (C1 rev or later) may not allow wireless keyboards or mice to wake some Macs from sleep.

Apple offers the obvious “hit the power button” solution for waking the deep sleeping Mac and recommends checking the “Allow Bluetooth devices to wake this computer” option in the Bluetooth preference pane in the System Preferences. But, when it comes right down to it, unless your Bluetooth dongle is a D-Link model revision B2 through B4, it’s just going to be less hassle to go with Apple’s Bluetooth option when buying your new Mac. The C1 version pictured here is going to give you the issues described in the Knowledge Base document.
It just goes to show you, there’s no dongle like an old dongle.
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Bluetooth Firmware Update 1.1 issued by Apple

Run Software Update to apply this update to the Bluetooth Firmware. Check Apple’s site for details.

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Apple intros wireless keyboard and mouse

Apple today introduced the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse, new Bluetooth-based peripherals that provide reliable performance at up to 30 feet and offer secure 128-bit, over-the-air encryption keeping sensitive information safe as it is being typed. Apple is the first to deliver Adaptive Frequency Hopping (AFH) software which eliminates interference between Bluetooth devices and other wireless networks and devices. This feature enables the Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse to perform reliably in home, office, school and lab settings where other wireless devices and networks may be in use.
The Apple Wireless Keyboard and Apple Wireless Mouse are expected to be available in two weeks through the Apple Store, at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $69 (US) each. Both the keyboard and mouse require Mac(R) OS X version 10.2.6 or later and easily connect to Mac systems with either a built-in Bluetooth adapter or an external USB Bluetooth adapter.
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Bluetooth Updated to v1.2.1

Apple has updated Bluetooth to v1.2.1. Currently, this update is only available through SoftwareUpdate.
“Bluetooth 1.2.1 provides enhanced stability and support for the following Symbian OS based mobile phones: Nokia 3650, Nokia 7650, and Sony Ericsson P800. Bluetooth 1.2.1 is recommended for use with iSync 1.1″
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Apple paves the way with Bluetooth

This week at the Macworld Expo in Tokyo, Apple made a few announcements: flat-panel iMac production has been stepped up (so has the price by $100US), a new 10GB iPod was been unveiled as was the Cinema High Definition 23-inch Flat Panel Display. But what may turn out to be the announcement with the most long term effect on the way we revolve around Apple’s digital hub is the addition of Bluetooth wireless connectivity for Mac OS X.

Bluetooth is a networking standard that will enable short-range wireless connectivity between a Mac and a variety of digital devices, including bluetooth-enabled PDAs and cell phones. Apple is making a preview version of its Bluetooth software for Mac OS X available as a free software download and is offering a Bluetooth USB adaptor, which can Bluetooth-enable any USB-based Macintosh® computer, for $49 (US).

Bluetooth transmits data at up to 1 Mbps within a range of about 30 feet. Apple’s Bluetooth technology for Mac OS X lets customers wirelessly share files between Macs; synchronize and share contact information with Palm-OS based PDAs, including models from Sony and Palm; and access the Internet through Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, including models from Nokia, Ericsson and Motorola.

Customers can download the free Bluetooth preview software from www.apple.com and plug in the Bluetooth USB adapter to any USB port on a Mac running Mac OS X version 10.1.3. The Bluetooth software automatically discovers other Bluetooth-enabled devices within its range. Connecting is as easy as selecting the desired Bluetooth-enabled device that appears in the list and clicking the “Pair� button.

Pricing & Availability

The Bluetooth preview software will be available for download, and the Bluetooth USB adapter will be available through the Apple Store® for $49 (US) beginning in early April.

Users of Apple’s Bluetooth preview software for Mac OS X can also submit feedback and participate in web-based message board discussions.

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