Bluetooth

Belkin launches FastFit Bluetooth keyboard case for iPad mini

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Logitech yesterday announced its Ultrathin Bluetooth keyboard for the iPad mini, but its rivals are not standing still. This morning, Belkin said its comparable offering will be available via its web site for the same eighty bucks as the Logitech keyboard case. Built with anodized aircraft grade aluminum, it's a fit for the iPad mini's industrial design. The FastFit Keyboard Case is also 0.3mm thinner than Logitech's (7mm vs 7.3mm).

We're not sure if anyone will be able to tell the difference in thinness, but that sure looks like a damn nice portable keyboard case, if I ever saw one. Jump past the fold for more info...

Apple TV updated: use Bluetooth keyboards, queue up songs, access purchased music

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 21, 2017

Hot on the heels of releasing the new iOS 6.1 software with iTunes Match improvements, Siri movie ticket sales and enhanced LTE carrier support, Apple just posted a matching firmware update for its $99 Apple TV set-top box.

As indicated back in December 2012, one of the biggest new features the new software brings out is awesome support for Bluetooth keyboards, making the little hockey-puck much more than a "hobby" device. Other improvements include enhanced iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Up Next. Go past the break for the full breakdown...

Archos unveils new ultra-slim Bluetooth keyboard for iPad

Cody Lee ∙ January 26, 2013

Archos, a long-time producer of tablets and media players, announced this week that it's getting into the iPad accessory space with a new keyboard called the G10XS. It's the first product of a new division in the company dedicated to sharing its technology with other platforms.

The keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect the iPad, and is largely based on the keyboard found in the company's Gen10 XS tablet. It features Smart Cover-like magnets, a built-in kickstand, and with just a 0.2-inch depth, it's one of the thinnest iPad keyboards available...

Apple offering popular hipKey proximity sensor online

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

How many times have you misplaced your keys in the last few years? Ok, how about your iPhone? Children? Well the good news is that there are actually iOS accessories that can help you with your forgetfulness, like the hipKey.

The hipKey is a simple proximity sensor, powered by Bluetooth, built to help you keep track of your valuables. It has a key ring, allowing you to attach it to your keys, purse, etc., and a companion iPhone app for easy tracking...

Petite Square: an elegant, powerful wooden bluetooth speaker

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

If you're in the market for a wireless Bluetooth speaker, you won't have to look far to see some good options. There's the Jawbone Jambox and the Beats Pill, and countless other offerings from the likes of Logitech, JBL and Bose.

But what if you want something more elegant-looking? Like maybe perhaps with a vintage wooden enclosure? Then your options become a lot more limited. Luckily, we're adding another one to that list today with the Petite Square...

Quick review: Keycard unlocks your Mac when you’re nearby, but…

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

http://vimeo.com/52132178

Keycard from Appuous is a nifty new app which keeps your Mac secure by locking your OS X user account automatically when you're not around. It does this by using your Bluetooth connection to check for your iPhone or iPad's presence, thereby detecting when you've stepped away from your computer or returned to it. Of course, unless you remember to take the paired device with you, Keycard won't be up for the task.

On the surface, the idea seems pretty useful as the app turns your iOS device into a personal 'keycard' of sorts. However, it isn't without pitfalls and the flashy promo video doesn't mention the fine print. I installed the program and after spending a few minutes with it immediately noticed a couple issues you should be aware of...

CES 2013: Fitbit launches Bluetooth Smart-enabled Flex wristband life tracker

Christian Zibreg ∙ January 7, 2013

Looking to one-up Jawbone's Up wristband, Fitbit today at CES unveiled a new fitness-tracking accessory for your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad, the Flex. This tiny tracker fits comfortably around your wrist and arrives as the first wristband on the market to sync with low-power Bluetooth Smart devices.

It has a built-in battery that last up to seven days and will track steps taken, distance travelled, calories burned and even figure your sleeping habits...

Crazy rumor says Apple and Intel collaborating on a Bluetooth smart watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated July 24, 2016

http://youtu.be/W_mn5rkwyCs

Seen above is the iSiri, the intriguing iWatch concept we recently shared. Plenty more iWatch concepts are circulating around the web as watchers increasingly believe Apple will some day enter the wearable computing space. Patent filings indicate as much and last December The New York Times reported that Apple was working on a Siri-controlled add-on that interfaces with the iPhone. And now, the German blog Mobile Geeks relays a Chinese site rumor claiming Apple and Intel are collaborating on an Apple-branded Bluetooth smart watch set for releases some time next year...

How Bluetooth can make Apple TV more than a ‘hobby’ device

Ed Sutherland ∙ December 11, 2012

News that the Apple TV software will support Bluetooth could make the streaming device largely viewed as a "hobby" into something more. Much more. More than simply replacing the Apple remote with a keyboard, the new software potentially does for video what the iPhone did for grainy phone snaps.

While speculation is rampant (and likely quiet wrong) about when Cupertino will enter the television business, the Apple TV box is a gold mine just gathering dust, here's why...

Here’s how the Apple TV’s new Bluetooth keyboard support works

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

Earlier today we told you about how the latest beta version of the Apple TV firmware adds Bluetooth keyboard support. Why Apple is just now getting around to adding support for keyboards is anyone's guess, but it's better late than never.

No longer will you have to tediously type in hidden WiFi SSIDs and passwords in order to setup a WiFi connection. No longer will you tear your hair out in frustration as you search YouTube for your favorite videos from iDB.

We've downloaded the beta version of the latest Apple TV firmware, and tested out the Bluetooth keyboard support for ourselves. Now we'd like to share with you the entire setup process just to show you how incredibly easy it all is. Take a look inside...

Apple TV to see Bluetooth support, courtesy of iOS update

Oliver Haslam ∙ Updated April 10, 2018

The Apple TV may just be a hobby (or is it?) but that doesn't mean that it isn't still receiving some new features as new versions of iOS are released. The latest beta release of iOS for the Apple TV is a prime example of Apple's intent to push the device forward, and one particular new feature is one we've been begging for.

If you've ever sat and entered a long iTunes or Wi-FI password using the Apple TV's remote control, then you'll probably have asked why the little black box doesn't support Bluetooth keyboards. Nobody really understood the decision but, thankfully, it appears that it's all about to change.

That's right folks, the current iOS beta endows the Apple TV with support for Bluetooth keyboards! Finally...

The Boombot Rex is a durable speaker with Siri support

Cody Lee ∙ December 7, 2012

When it comes to iPhone-friendly speakers, there's no shortage of choices. There's the Jawbone Jambox, the Beats Pill, and countless other options. But when it comes to durable speakers that you can take with you anywhere, the choices are a lot more limited.

In fact, you might even say there's a gap in the market for such a product. And the Boombot REX ultraportable speaker is hoping to fill that gap...