DALLAS, July 1, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — AT&T* today announced the BlueAnt Q1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset with Multipoint will be available in AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com on July 19. The BlueAnt Q1 is a premium noise-cancelling headset that allows users to control functions with their voice.

A little communication goes a long way with the BlueAnt Q1 headset. Just push a button and say, “What can I say?” and the headset will cycle through a menu of voice commands. This ability to manage the device entirely with one’s voice eliminates the need to memorize button combinations.

In addition, BlueAnt’s Voice Isolation Technology software provides clear call quality by distinguishing the user’s voice from other sounds. The result is outstanding environmental noise reduction, echo cancellation and wind noise protection. The headset also allows users to manage calls from two phones at the same time with true multipoint technology. The sleek, gunmetal headset was designed to fit all ear shapes and sizes and be comfortable enough for all-day wear.

“Bluetooth devices should be easy and intuitive,” said Michael Cowan AT&T director of accessories, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “The BlueAnt Q1, with voice commands and noise cancellation technology, makes calling easier and clearer with only one button.”

Beginning July 19, the BlueAnt Q1 will retail for $129.99 at AT&T stores and online at www.wireless.att.com. To learn more about the BlueAnt Q1, visit an AT&T store or visit http://www.myblueant.com/.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!t/quotes/nls/t (T 24.59, -0.50, -1.99%) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation’s fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation’s leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine’s lists of the World’s Most Admired Companies and America’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.

(C) 2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

Note: This AT&T news release and other announcements are available as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.

About BlueAnt Wireless

BlueAnt Wireless is a leading global supplier of Bluetooth peripheral devices and accessories. BlueAnt’s product portfolio includes handsfree, stereo audio streaming and wireless communication products offering cutting-edge technology, design and features. With its Head Office in Melbourne Australia, BlueAnt has offices in San Francisco, London and Hong Kong. For a full list of Q1 features and other products, please visit the BlueAnt website at www.myblueant.com.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

http://www.wireless.att.com

Copyright (C) 2009 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Thursday July 02, 2009 05:00 AM EST; Category: iPhone
Written by Arnold Kim

Apple has let loose a number of revealing new patent applications that cover some interesting technologies that could be used in future iPhones.

Haptic Tactile Feedback

Perhaps most interesting amongst the patent applications is the acknowledgement by Apple that despite the many advantages of the iPhone’s multi-touch screen, a lack of tactile feedback remains its biggest disadvantage:

However, one of a touchscreen’s biggest advantages (i.e., the ability to utilize the same physical space for different functions) is also one of a touchscreen’s biggest disadvantages. When the user is unable to view the display (because the user is occupied with other tasks), the user can only feel the smooth hard surface of the touchscreen, regardless of the shape, size and location of the virtual buttons and/or other display elements. This makes it difficult for users to find icons, hyperlinks, textboxes or other user-selectable input elements that are being displayed, if any are even being displayed, without looking at the display.
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Unless touch input components are improved, users that, for example, drive a motor vehicle, may avoid devices that have a touch input component and favor those that have a plurality of physical input components (e.g., buttons, wheels, etc.).

The proposed solution is the adoption of “haptic” display technologies which allow for some tactile feedback from touch screen displays. Apple proposes including a grid of piezoelectronic actuators that can be activated on command. By fluctuating the frequency of these actuators, the user will “feel” different surfaces as their finger moves across it. As an example, a display could include a virtual click wheel which vibrates at a different frequency as the center. Users could easily sense the difference and use the click wheel without having to look at it.

Haptic technology has started gaining adoption in other mobile phones and there had been some talk that Apple might have been looking to adopt it.

Fingerprint Identification as an Input Method

A second very intriguing patent application suggests the detection of a user’s individual fingerprints as an input method. Fingerprints have already been used in computers for security purposes, but Apple’s research involves the use of fingerprint patterns to actually identify distinct fingers. This could then be used to produce specific functions depending on which finger is being used. As shown in the table below, an index finger press might perform one action (PLAY/STOP) while a middle finger press could fast forward.

The reason for such a distinction again falls back on non-visual usage. Instead of requiring the user to find a button on the touchscreen, the use of different fingers alone could trigger different commands.

RFID Reader

Finally, the last notable application covers the dual use of a touch screen as an RFID reader. RFID tags are small circuits that can be embedded in objects for identification using a special reader. Apple suggests that the an RFID antenna can be placed in the touch sensor panel itself, allowing it to also be used as a RFID reader. As RFID tags become more prevalent, this could add a very useful function to future touch screen devices.

Innovative Bluetooth®-enabled RS507 hands-free bar code imager provides wireless flexibility and functionality for increased productivity

April 21, 2009

Geneva, Switzerland, April 21, 2009 – at LogiPharma Europe 2009, Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced the RS507 hands-free Imager, an innovative combination of technology, form and function that businesses need to achieve new levels of scanning efficiencies.  The RS507 solution will initially interoperate with Motorola’s WT4000 wearable mobile computer. The RS507 hands-free imager’s superior ergonomics, best-in-class rugged qualifications and scanning, including support for 1D and 2D bar codes, will also provide an easy and cost-effective way to extend hands-free cordless scanning to Motorola’s complete line of mobile computers in the future.

Incorporating Motorola’s Symbol SE4500 imaging engine, the new RS507 provides the aggressive and accurate decoding of 1D and 2D symbologies, omni-directionally with unmatched motion tolerance.  The RS507 allows mobile workers in warehouse, postal and pharmaceutical distribution environments to reach new levels of productivity and operational efficiencies with Motorola’s proven technology and product reliability.

“As the leader in enterprise mobility, Motorola constantly innovates to provide customers with the best technological tools to facilitate efficient business operations,” said Daniel Dombach, director of logistics, Motorola Enterprise Mobility Solutions. “The RS507 illustrates Motorola’s ability to deliver products that help workers improve efficiency with robust connectivity in a compact business-class device. The fact that the unit links seamlessly with the WT4000 wearable mobile computer means that existing customers can integrate the RS507 and add a further level of functionality that will enhance their efficiency and accuracy.”

With Motorola’s patent-pending Intelligent Sensing technology, the RS507 provides mobile workers with fast, intuitive automatic triggering that improves productivity in highly scan-intensive applications while maintaining the battery.  And the RS507 comes in either a corded or cordless configuration to meet the varying needs of enterprise customers. In the RS507’s cordless configuration, each customer can literally ‘cut the cord’ and with easy Bluetooth pairing to the WT4000 both enhance operational flexibility and increase reliability. As a cordless device, the RS507 can be worn on one hand with the WT4000 wearable mobile computer worn on the same or opposite arm, or worn on a belt, whichever is most productive and comfortable for the user.

To help customers maintain peak performance, Enterprise Mobility Services recommends Service from the Start with Comprehensive Coverage for the RS507. From the first day of the hardware purchase, customers can rest assured that no matter what is damaged under normal operation — from broken triggers or scan engines, to cracked exit windows — the repair is covered. This significantly reduces unforeseen repair expenses while providing investment protection and service peace of mind.

The RS507 is available in the U.S., Canada and Europe through Motorola PartnerSelect members and Motorola sales.  It is expected to be available in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of Q2.

For more details about the RS507, please visit www.motorola.com/rs507

About Motorola

Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to high-definition video and mobile devices, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $30.1 billion in 2008. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com

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Media Contacts:

Simon Craddock
Office: +44 (0)1256 790809
Mobile: +44 (0)7738 928092
simon.craddock@motorola.com
Motorola, Inc.

The Phones Bluetooth Source Team