GeekSugar

Geek Tip: Beam Photos Between iPhones

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:31:38 PDT

Sending a picture to a friend is now as easy as a beam between iPhones, no email or Facebook login required. First step in getting the WiFi wavelengths to work their magic is to have both Apple devices, whether it's an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch upgradde to iOS 5.1. Once the latest operating system is in gear, download the new iPhoto app for iOS ($5) to both gadgets. If you're transferring photos between your own iPhone and iPad, the app should be loaded on to both devices, granted the same iTunes account is used with each.

Once in iPhoto, select the Gear icon to change the settings and turn Wireless Beaming on within both phones. Both devices need to be on the same wireless network and have iPhoto open. Tap the image you want to send, then hit the Share icon. The Share screen will appear with a number of ways to send photos; since we're beaming a photo, select the Beam icon. Again, you'll be asked to select the image or images to share. Then, find your friend's iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch listed in the iOS Devices Found menu. Tap their device's name, and once they accept the transfer, your photos will wirelessly beam to their Apple product, as seamlessly as if you were aboard a Star Trek Transporter.

Love It or Leave It: Bluetooth Antilost-iPhone Device

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 03:07:22 PST

Losing a pricey iPhone or iPad haunts our tech nightmares, so we'll do just about anything to cut the worry. The Bluetooth-based iAlarm pairs with an iOS device to alert you whenever you step a certain distance away from the gadget. The iAlarm will vibrate and beep and the LED blink for up to one minute unless you press a button on the product signaling the iPhone is safe and sound.

The manufacturers of the iAlarm recommend attaching the iPhone companion to a key chain or belt loop since, of course, you don't want to lose the iAlarm itself. Still, we wonder if adding a gadget to another gadget will really do all that much to ensure we don't drop or walk away from this precious cargo.

The New Drill in Tooth Technology: A Bluetooth Brush

Kelly Schwarze — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:33:47 PST

Dental hygiene isn't a topic we often discuss around here, but with a new smartphone-interactive toothbrush ready to debut in March, the tooth is coming out! The Beam Bluetooth-equipped Brush ($50) bills itself as the world's first smart toothbrush, a gadget you never knew you needed to encourage healthy brushing habits at home.

The brush connects to an Android or Apple app via Bluetooth and logs data from each brushing session. Use the app to set specific brushing goals like increasing the duration of each cleansing to ensure you don't forget to keep your pearly whites up to par.

We're not sure that the average adult would need such an intense at-home dental regimen, though an app-driven teeth brushing experience could be beneficial to children. Beam hopes to upgrade the toothbrush in the near future with sensors to measure the parts of the mouth that weren't thoroughly cleaned. The toothbrush's concept is that knowing exactly where you need to focus your scrubbing energy is actually much more useful than simply monitoring the number of times teeth are cleaned each day.

Are you interested in a smart toothbrush?

iWant: Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:42:54 PST

It's not often that I crave a keyboard for my iPad 2, but this hot white leather Hatch & Co Skinny iPad 2 Case ($75) is hard to resist.

This ultrathin case comes with a Bluetooth touch keyboard (no buttons, just slim raised edges), smart keys to control volume and language, and a smart cover so your iPad goes to sleep when you're done working as to save the battery. The case's battery lasts up to two weeks on its own (six weeks on standby), so you won't have to worry about constantly finding an outlet.

It's a hot little number, and one that I could definitely see myself toting on work trips. Get a better look for yourself in the gallery!

Speakers That Can Go Anywhere: Turtle Shell by Outdoor Technology

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:10:46 PST

Taking your tunes with you wherever you roam is easy with an MP3 player and some solid headphones, but what if you're riding a bike, hanging at the lake with some friends, or camping? Enter the Turtle Shell by Outdoor Technology. This small speaker was made to hit the road (or trail) with you. The geometric-shaped speaker fits in the palm of your hand, is water-resistant, comes with a built-in microphone for connecting to your Bluetooth devices (like an iPhone perhaps), and even connects to a Gorillapod for clamping down on the nearest tree or a specialized rig to attach to the front end of your bike. A bike trail sing-along? I'll take it.

The Turtle Shell won't be out until May of this year, and Outdoor Technology also has some sweet wireless Bluetooth headphones with the same geometric flair going on sale in June, most likely through Urban Outfitters. See more of both products in the gallery!

Jawbone Releases the First Motion-Controlled Bluetooth Headset

Kristen Hawley — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 05:00:48 PST

Jawbone, manufacturers of Bluetooth Headsets and most recently the awesome Jambox Bluetooth-enabled speaker, has just released the first motion-controlled Bluetooth headset with HD audio. The Jawbone ERA features top-quality noise cancellation and volume control that automatically adjusts volume for both sides of the conversation.

Its MotionX technology uses a built-in accelerometer to give users control of the device; shake the ERA to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device, tap to answer phone calls, and more. Pressing a button on the device gives users an audio update of how much battery life remains. It packs 5.5 hours of talk time or 10 hours of standby time.

Each of the ERA's four designs is available for $129 and is in Apple, AT&T, and Best Buy stores now.

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Do You Use a Bluetooth Headset?

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 05:47:49 PDT

I don't drive that often, so I don't really have a need for a Bluetooth headset. However these new Jawbone Icon headsets ($99) are really making me reconsider my situation. Coming in four new styles, the Icon is definitely a fashion statement that I'd have no problem making if I needed to. But it got me wondering how many of you actually use a Bluetooth headset today. Now that more vehicles are allowing you to connect your smartphone to built-in systems, it seems that Bluetooth headsets may be on their way out, at least when it comes to handsfree driving. Tell me - do you use a Bluetooth headset in the car, or while wandering the world on foot?

Take a Look at TokyoFlash's Bluetooth Concept Lineup

GeekSugar — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:43 PST

I love checking out concept gadgets, mostly because it reminds me of what's possible. One company I can't get enough of in general is TokyoFlash, who are widely known for their über-geeky binary watches, but they're churning out the concept Bluetooth devices like there's no tomorrow these days. I've rounded up a few of my favorites, but give them a once-over yourself and tell me which one you'd take out for a test drive!

Stream Tunes From Anywhere With Ipevo's Wireless Speakers

GeekSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:47:17 PST

Sometimes, you just need to have some music handy to set the mood - during your day in the park, your weekend away, or your camping trip with friends - but you don't always have room in your bag for a big 'ole ghetto-blaster like you did in the '80s. These days, if you have a Bluetooth-enabled device, a digital playlist, and these speakers, you're already set to go. The Tubular Wireless Speakers ($80) from Ipevo connect wirelessly over Bluetooth and will blast your tunes for up to eight hours on a full charge. Small enough to fit in your bag, but powerful enough so that you can actually hear your favorite songs, the Ipevo speakers come in stereo so you get a full sound out of the tiny package. Plus, they would look good on your desk if you decided to keep them all to yourself. I don't blame you - they're pretty cute!

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Listen to Music and Make Phone Calls While You Ski

GeekSugar — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:30:51 PST

I'm not a skier, but most of my friends are, and I'm consistently jealous of all of the awesome geeky ski and snowboard equipment they have. I got a chance to try out the Radiance jacket, which keeps you warm and charges your iPod, but when my friend sent me a snapshot of his latest purchase, I had a total geek-out at my desk. It's a ski helmet outfitted with Skullcandy headphones and Bluetooth.

Now he'll be able to listen to music and answer the phone while hitting the slopes. To be honest, I think this is only a good idea if you're a fairly capable and focused skier (after all, some of us can't even walk and talk on the phone without an accident), but it's a pretty cool way to stay connected and entertained.

If, like me, you're more of a lodge-dweller than a ski bunny, check out these adorable knit headphone earmuffs.

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