What is a radio earpiece? An earpiece as the name suggests is a piece for the ear that can either be put inside the ear, covering it or suspended next to the ear. Its main function is to transmit sound signals converted from electronic waves. Earpieces can either be wired or wireless and with a variety of designs as well.
Some of its designs and features
Radio earpieces are convenient; especially where the user is constantly on the move. They are stylish and whether they have a cord or not are still presentable and handy. They too have special microphones that enable two way communications. A light inline push to talk button is as well present and it can be detached or attached to the earpiece.
You can have one that is over the ear that is usually quite fitting. It can either be circum-aural whereby it covers the entire ear and is usually large or supra-aural which only fits on the ear without surrounding it. For these radio earpieces to be of good quality, the material needs to be flexible to reduce chances of breakage.
Other features of the different earpiece designs include having reinforcements aimed at making them more secure. You can also choose to have a wireless or corded radio micro phone that works just as well. Some of the covert earpieces will come with their own separate cables of different lengths and easily adjustable volumes.
An earpiece that is fitted inside the canal of the outer ear can also be referred to as an ear bud. A good radio ear bud will not have any negative effect in your ear functioning. It also needs to be comfortable for the wearer.
The one with a sound tube connector is even more secure and makes a perfect fit into the ear. The radio earpiece will also come with wire pieces if one decides to use them. One can in addition have more than one connector with a single radio earpiece. These acoustic tubes will also come with mushroom replacements.
An earpiece worn inside the ear canal will obstruct external sounds unlike the ear bud. It is also possible to have a radio transmitter over the ear that ensures that you get clear and quality sound without influence from the noise in the background. The microphones are also able to reduce the sound in the environment and focus on what needs to be transmitted. Over the ear earpieces come in a number of interesting designs such as the D shaped and the G shaped radio earpieces which are especially favourable if the earpiece is being used by more than one person. They are not only sanitary for sharing but comfortable too.
Advantages of covert radio earpiece
Sometimes it will just seem like one is simply listening to their radio but the earpiece is a great communication tool as well. Most of its advantages are drawn from its unique features.
A radio earpiece comes in handy especially because if it's small size and its hidden nature. You can easily keep your conversation over the radio private and no one will even know you are on it. This is especially when the information being passed is on a need to know basis.
This makes it the earpiece appropriate for those working under cover, security agents, and police officers or even by the government. It is also good for any other occupation or activity that needs a high amount of secrecy or those involving investigations. Another important feature of the earpiece is its ability to enable free flow of information within that particular time. This communication makes it very helpful in such circumstances when one needs to be regularly updated while performing a particular task. This can be because they need to be given instructions or need to be informed about the progress of something.
However, this in combination with the private and convertproperties of the radio earpiece also makes it the perfect device for more sinister motives such as illegal spying or cheat in a game or even a test. On the positive side, this communication is extremely helpful in public speaking when one needs some pointers while on stage or in front of an audience without having the listeners know about it.
Being hands free and portable makes it possible for them to be used in occupations where holding a radio to communicate is not an option. This is for instance in works involving heights or need a lot of precision such as engineering or doing a delicate electrical project.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Windows 10 to get 'holographic' headset and Cortana
Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will bring its voice-controlled assistant Cortana to PCs.
It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the operating system over views of the real world.
In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.
The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10's first year of release, may aid its adoption.
It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft's previous policy of charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.
One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its ecosystem.
"Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy.
"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.
"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.
"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people interested in its phones."
Holographic helmet
Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens headset represented a "magical moment" of "category creation" that developers lived for.
The wearable tech's augmented reality see-through lenses represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other existing eyewear - assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the world surrounding the wearer.
The company said that the final version of the machine would not need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released within Windows 10's "timeframe".
It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a prototype version as soon as July.
Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:
"The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by developer commitment in the months and years to come," commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.
"Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his tenure as CEO.
"The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an encouraging sign that he's breaking down the silos that slowed innovation and stalled execution in recent years."
Cortana on PCs
Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm's Xbox games console.
One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs from "day one" is Cortana - the voice-controlled tool previously limited to Windows Phone handsets.
In addition, Mr Belfiore showed how the software could be used to respond to requests that had been typed, rather than spoken into a PC.
Windows 8 had been criticised by some for placing so much focus on touch-centric commands rather than the mouse and keyboard.
But Mr Gillett said he thought the addition of Cortana's voice controls could prove more popular.
"Voice is a going to complement other ways of interacting with the computer not be a substitute," he said.
"If you had to say every command instead of touching or clicking, then that would be annoying.
"But if you can quickly say to Cortana, for example, schedule lunch with my mum next Tuesday, then that is powerful."
Browsing with Spartan
Mr Belfiore also highlighted one of the core benefits of Windows 10: a single app will run on multiple types of device, with the user interface reformatting itself to suit the machine it is running on, rather than having a different program for phones, tablets and PCs.
He showed how this meant more advanced versions of the firm's popular Office programs Excel, Powerpoint and Word could be brought to handsets running Windows 10 than were possible under Windows Phone 8. He also demonstrated a new "universal" Photos app that collates and sorts pictures taken with different devices.
Mr Belfiore also confirmed reports that the firm's Internet Explorer web browser was being replaced by a new program codenamed Project Spartan.
This will have Cortana built-in to allow voice commands and provide extra personalised information - such as directions to a restaurant whose website is being looked at.
The software also includes a new "noting mode", which will let users scribble or type over a page and then share it with others.
"Project Spartan shows a new Microsoft that is not afraid to depart from legacy in order to deliver a better experience," remarked Carolina Milanesi from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech.
The new system also introduces the ability to stream Xbox One video games from the console to any other Windows 10 PC or tablet on the same wi-fi network.
This means that users will be able to play any game in their Xbox library on another device in another room of their home if the property's main TV is being watched by someone else.
The facility is similar to the service Sony offers for its PlayStation 4 games machine that allows it to stream titles to Xperia phones and tablets and the PlayStation TV mini-console.
Some - like voice dictation on mobile, a cloud-based music service and auto-enhance for photos - are strikingly similar to those already available on rival operating systems.
But others are genuinely innovative - quite aside from its awe-inspiring holographic ecosystem.
Gamers will appreciate making the traditional gaming experiences more social and cross-platform.
Heavy web users may be tempted by the collaboration and offline features of the Spartan web browser, as well as the deep integration of Cortana.
And the addition of this powerful natural voice assistant on the desktop is groundbreaking too.
But the case for voice interaction on PCs is not as well-proven as it is on mobile - and Cortana needs to be well executed, otherwise the tried and tested keyboard and mouse could still prove too tempting for users.
The key question: will the combination of the familiarity of past versions of Windows and an enhanced feature set be enough to tempt users to upgrade?
Offering Windows 10 free for the first year is a huge incentive to kickstart adoption.
Windows 10 is well positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of PCs.
But Microsoft is hoping for more than this: it needs the OS to provide a much-needed boost for its mobile ecosystem - and in this regard Microsoft is betting that its universal approach to coding apps will be enough to tempt users away from rivals.
Source -Â http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30924022
It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the operating system over views of the real world.
In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.
The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10's first year of release, may aid its adoption.
It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft's previous policy of charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.
One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its ecosystem.
"Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy.
"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.
"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.
"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people interested in its phones."
Holographic helmet
Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens headset represented a "magical moment" of "category creation" that developers lived for.
The wearable tech's augmented reality see-through lenses represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other existing eyewear - assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the world surrounding the wearer.
The company said that the final version of the machine would not need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released within Windows 10's "timeframe".
It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a prototype version as soon as July.
Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:
- playing Minecraft with the video game's graphics appearing over living room furniture
- seeing a Skype video appear as if it was taking place on a building wall
- creating a model of a drone, which she saw in front of her face while shaping it by moving her hands and giving voice commands
"The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by developer commitment in the months and years to come," commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.
"Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his tenure as CEO.
"The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an encouraging sign that he's breaking down the silos that slowed innovation and stalled execution in recent years."
Cortana on PCs
Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm's Xbox games console.
One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs from "day one" is Cortana - the voice-controlled tool previously limited to Windows Phone handsets.
- bring up Powerpoint presentation documents
- locate photos taken during a specific month
- dictate and send emails
- tell the user whether or not the weather forecast indicates they should wear a coat later
- show where their car is parked
In addition, Mr Belfiore showed how the software could be used to respond to requests that had been typed, rather than spoken into a PC.
Windows 8 had been criticised by some for placing so much focus on touch-centric commands rather than the mouse and keyboard.
But Mr Gillett said he thought the addition of Cortana's voice controls could prove more popular.
"Voice is a going to complement other ways of interacting with the computer not be a substitute," he said.
"If you had to say every command instead of touching or clicking, then that would be annoying.
"But if you can quickly say to Cortana, for example, schedule lunch with my mum next Tuesday, then that is powerful."
Browsing with Spartan
Mr Belfiore also highlighted one of the core benefits of Windows 10: a single app will run on multiple types of device, with the user interface reformatting itself to suit the machine it is running on, rather than having a different program for phones, tablets and PCs.
He showed how this meant more advanced versions of the firm's popular Office programs Excel, Powerpoint and Word could be brought to handsets running Windows 10 than were possible under Windows Phone 8. He also demonstrated a new "universal" Photos app that collates and sorts pictures taken with different devices.
Mr Belfiore also confirmed reports that the firm's Internet Explorer web browser was being replaced by a new program codenamed Project Spartan.
This will have Cortana built-in to allow voice commands and provide extra personalised information - such as directions to a restaurant whose website is being looked at.
The software also includes a new "noting mode", which will let users scribble or type over a page and then share it with others.
"Project Spartan shows a new Microsoft that is not afraid to depart from legacy in order to deliver a better experience," remarked Carolina Milanesi from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech.
The new system also introduces the ability to stream Xbox One video games from the console to any other Windows 10 PC or tablet on the same wi-fi network.
This means that users will be able to play any game in their Xbox library on another device in another room of their home if the property's main TV is being watched by someone else.
The facility is similar to the service Sony offers for its PlayStation 4 games machine that allows it to stream titles to Xperia phones and tablets and the PlayStation TV mini-console.
Some - like voice dictation on mobile, a cloud-based music service and auto-enhance for photos - are strikingly similar to those already available on rival operating systems.
But others are genuinely innovative - quite aside from its awe-inspiring holographic ecosystem.
Gamers will appreciate making the traditional gaming experiences more social and cross-platform.
Heavy web users may be tempted by the collaboration and offline features of the Spartan web browser, as well as the deep integration of Cortana.
And the addition of this powerful natural voice assistant on the desktop is groundbreaking too.
But the case for voice interaction on PCs is not as well-proven as it is on mobile - and Cortana needs to be well executed, otherwise the tried and tested keyboard and mouse could still prove too tempting for users.
The key question: will the combination of the familiarity of past versions of Windows and an enhanced feature set be enough to tempt users to upgrade?
Offering Windows 10 free for the first year is a huge incentive to kickstart adoption.
Windows 10 is well positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of PCs.
But Microsoft is hoping for more than this: it needs the OS to provide a much-needed boost for its mobile ecosystem - and in this regard Microsoft is betting that its universal approach to coding apps will be enough to tempt users away from rivals.
Source -Â http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30924022
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Jawbone earpiece makes it easier to love smartphones
The supplier of this piece is here - thestar.com
Jawbone began making it easier to love Siri, Google Now or other virtual assistants in a hint at the future portrayed in the Oscar-nominated filmHer.
The San Francisco-based company behind sophisticated and stylish wireless ear pieces released a new ERA model packing big technology in a diminutive form and enabling users to speak more naturally with software on their mobile devices.
"I hope they don't fall in love with their operating systems, but they will at least rekindle a relationship with voice commands," Jawbone audio product manager Gernard Feril said while providing AFP an early look at the new ERA.
Feril was making a playful reference to the Spike Jonze film Her starring Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a man who falls in love with a personal computer operating system.
Advanced Siri and Google Now software, which combine natural language exchanges with contextual awareness and even anticipating what users might want, have created a place for an ERA ear piece with enhanced technology for speaking to smartphones as one would a person, according to Feril.
Jawbone built in wide-band audio, high-quality microphones, and NoiseAssassinsoftware to block out unwanted sounds to make voice quality closer to what is found in Internet telephone calls than in typical ear pieces.
Being able to speak commands and have spoken exchanges with virtual assistants through the ear piece frees people to either ignore smartphone screens or use them for other tasks, such as e-mail, games or maps.
"This device has become so powerful," Feril said of the smartphone in his hand, "that holding it to your face limits what you're doing."
And, as screen sizes of mobile devices have grown, they become awkward to hold up to faces, he noted.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show gadget extravaganza that played out recently in Las Vegas was rife with headsets. Jawbone set out to distinguish itself with a tiny, high-quality ear piece crafted with style and brains to complement smartphone lifestyles.
Feril billed ERA as the smallest, lightest, best-sounding ear piece available.
ERA was priced at US$99 (RM300) at www.jawbone.com, but could be purchased with a protective charging case for US$130 (RM390) to increase talk time to 10 hours from four. The ear piece was less than half the size of its predecessor.
Since ERA is tiny, Jawbone added a "locator" feature that signals an ear piece to chirp to disclose where it is.A Jawbone "Nerd" USB device can be used to automatically synch the ear piece to laptop computers.
"It's the Internet-of-me," Feril said. "It is not about the things, it is about the person. You can see that, at least in Spike Jonze's interpretation, the Internet is going to be with you at all times."
Jawbone began making it easier to love Siri, Google Now or other virtual assistants in a hint at the future portrayed in the Oscar-nominated filmHer.
The San Francisco-based company behind sophisticated and stylish wireless ear pieces released a new ERA model packing big technology in a diminutive form and enabling users to speak more naturally with software on their mobile devices.
"I hope they don't fall in love with their operating systems, but they will at least rekindle a relationship with voice commands," Jawbone audio product manager Gernard Feril said while providing AFP an early look at the new ERA.
Feril was making a playful reference to the Spike Jonze film Her starring Joaquin Phoenix, who plays a man who falls in love with a personal computer operating system.
Advanced Siri and Google Now software, which combine natural language exchanges with contextual awareness and even anticipating what users might want, have created a place for an ERA ear piece with enhanced technology for speaking to smartphones as one would a person, according to Feril.
Jawbone built in wide-band audio, high-quality microphones, and NoiseAssassinsoftware to block out unwanted sounds to make voice quality closer to what is found in Internet telephone calls than in typical ear pieces.
Being able to speak commands and have spoken exchanges with virtual assistants through the ear piece frees people to either ignore smartphone screens or use them for other tasks, such as e-mail, games or maps.
"This device has become so powerful," Feril said of the smartphone in his hand, "that holding it to your face limits what you're doing."
And, as screen sizes of mobile devices have grown, they become awkward to hold up to faces, he noted.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show gadget extravaganza that played out recently in Las Vegas was rife with headsets. Jawbone set out to distinguish itself with a tiny, high-quality ear piece crafted with style and brains to complement smartphone lifestyles.
Feril billed ERA as the smallest, lightest, best-sounding ear piece available.
ERA was priced at US$99 (RM300) at www.jawbone.com, but could be purchased with a protective charging case for US$130 (RM390) to increase talk time to 10 hours from four. The ear piece was less than half the size of its predecessor.
Since ERA is tiny, Jawbone added a "locator" feature that signals an ear piece to chirp to disclose where it is.A Jawbone "Nerd" USB device can be used to automatically synch the ear piece to laptop computers.
"It's the Internet-of-me," Feril said. "It is not about the things, it is about the person. You can see that, at least in Spike Jonze's interpretation, the Internet is going to be with you at all times."
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Windows 10 to get 'holographic' headset and Cortana
Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will bring its voice-controlled assistant Cortana to PCs.
It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the operating system over views of the real world.
In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.
The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10's first year of release, may aid its adoption.
It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft's previous policy of charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.
One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its ecosystem.
"Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy.
"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.
"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.
"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people interested in its phones."
Holographic helmet
Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens headset represented a "magical moment" of "category creation" that developers lived for.
The wearable tech's augmented reality see-through lenses represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other existing eyewear - assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the world surrounding the wearer.
The company said that the final version of the machine would not need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released within Windows 10's "timeframe".
It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a prototype version as soon as July.
Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:
"The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by developer commitment in the months and years to come," commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.
"Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his tenure as CEO.
"The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an encouraging sign that he's breaking down the silos that slowed innovation and stalled execution in recent years."
Cortana on PCs
Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm's Xbox games console.
One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs from "day one" is Cortana - the voice-controlled tool previously limited to Windows Phone handsets.
In addition, Mr Belfiore showed how the software could be used to respond to requests that had been typed, rather than spoken into a PC.
Windows 8 had been criticised by some for placing so much focus on touch-centric commands rather than the mouse and keyboard.
But Mr Gillett said he thought the addition of Cortana's voice controls could prove more popular.
"Voice is a going to complement other ways of interacting with the computer not be a substitute," he said.
"If you had to say every command instead of touching or clicking, then that would be annoying.
"But if you can quickly say to Cortana, for example, schedule lunch with my mum next Tuesday, then that is powerful."
Browsing with Spartan
Mr Belfiore also highlighted one of the core benefits of Windows 10: a single app will run on multiple types of device, with the user interface reformatting itself to suit the machine it is running on, rather than having a different program for phones, tablets and PCs.
He showed how this meant more advanced versions of the firm's popular Office programs Excel, Powerpoint and Word could be brought to handsets running Windows 10 than were possible under Windows Phone 8. He also demonstrated a new "universal" Photos app that collates and sorts pictures taken with different devices.
Mr Belfiore also confirmed reports that the firm's Internet Explorer web browser was being replaced by a new program codenamed Project Spartan.
This will have Cortana built-in to allow voice commands and provide extra personalised information - such as directions to a restaurant whose website is being looked at.
The software also includes a new "noting mode", which will let users scribble or type over a page and then share it with others.
"Project Spartan shows a new Microsoft that is not afraid to depart from legacy in order to deliver a better experience," remarked Carolina Milanesi from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech.
The new system also introduces the ability to stream Xbox One video games from the console to any other Windows 10 PC or tablet on the same wi-fi network.
This means that users will be able to play any game in their Xbox library on another device in another room of their home if the property's main TV is being watched by someone else.
The facility is similar to the service Sony offers for its PlayStation 4 games machine that allows it to stream titles to Xperia phones and tablets and the PlayStation TV mini-console.
Some - like voice dictation on mobile, a cloud-based music service and auto-enhance for photos - are strikingly similar to those already available on rival operating systems.
But others are genuinely innovative - quite aside from its awe-inspiring holographic ecosystem.
Gamers will appreciate making the traditional gaming experiences more social and cross-platform.
Heavy web users may be tempted by the collaboration and offline features of the Spartan web browser, as well as the deep integration of Cortana.
And the addition of this powerful natural voice assistant on the desktop is groundbreaking too.
But the case for voice interaction on PCs is not as well-proven as it is on mobile - and Cortana needs to be well executed, otherwise the tried and tested keyboard and mouse could still prove too tempting for users.
The key question: will the combination of the familiarity of past versions of Windows and an enhanced feature set be enough to tempt users to upgrade?
Offering Windows 10 free for the first year is a huge incentive to kickstart adoption.
Windows 10 is well positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of PCs.
But Microsoft is hoping for more than this: it needs the OS to provide a much-needed boost for its mobile ecosystem - and in this regard Microsoft is betting that its universal approach to coding apps will be enough to tempt users away from rivals.
Source -Â http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30924022
It also unveiled a headset that it said would one day project the operating system over views of the real world.
In addition, the firm announced that the OS upgrade would be offered free of charge for devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.
The offer, which is limited to the Windows 10's first year of release, may aid its adoption.
It marks a change in strategy from Microsoft's previous policy of charging for major updates, and could help avoid a repeat of the relatively slow uptake of Windows 8.
One analyst suggested the firm had needed to renew interest in its ecosystem.
"Overall, we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy.
"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.
"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.
"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications. The challenge is getting people interested in its phones."
Holographic helmet
Microsoft's chief executive Satya Nadella said the HoloLens headset represented a "magical moment" of "category creation" that developers lived for.
The wearable tech's augmented reality see-through lenses represent a major leap forward over Google Glass and other existing eyewear - assuming the machine lives up to its on-stage demo, in which computer-generated elements appeared in the world surrounding the wearer.
The company said that the final version of the machine would not need to be linked to other devices to work, and should be released within Windows 10's "timeframe".
It revealed Nasa was already working with the kit, and said the US space agency hoped to start controlling its Mars rovers with a prototype version as soon as July.
Other demos involving the machine included the wearer:
- playing Minecraft with the video game's graphics appearing over living room furniture
- seeing a Skype video appear as if it was taking place on a building wall
- creating a model of a drone, which she saw in front of her face while shaping it by moving her hands and giving voice commands
"The true innovation HoloLens delivers will be determined by developer commitment in the months and years to come," commented Geoff Blaber from the CCS Insight consultancy.
"Windows 10 is a defining moment for Satya Nadella early in his tenure as CEO.
"The collaboration required to deliver HoloLens to market is an encouraging sign that he's breaking down the silos that slowed innovation and stalled execution in recent years."
Cortana on PCs
Windows 10 brings the same operating system to devices of all sizes, rather than having different ones for PCs/tablets, mobile phones and the firm's Xbox games console.
One of the key features that consumers will be able to use on PCs from "day one" is Cortana - the voice-controlled tool previously limited to Windows Phone handsets.
- bring up Powerpoint presentation documents
- locate photos taken during a specific month
- dictate and send emails
- tell the user whether or not the weather forecast indicates they should wear a coat later
- show where their car is parked
In addition, Mr Belfiore showed how the software could be used to respond to requests that had been typed, rather than spoken into a PC.
Windows 8 had been criticised by some for placing so much focus on touch-centric commands rather than the mouse and keyboard.
But Mr Gillett said he thought the addition of Cortana's voice controls could prove more popular.
"Voice is a going to complement other ways of interacting with the computer not be a substitute," he said.
"If you had to say every command instead of touching or clicking, then that would be annoying.
"But if you can quickly say to Cortana, for example, schedule lunch with my mum next Tuesday, then that is powerful."
Browsing with Spartan
Mr Belfiore also highlighted one of the core benefits of Windows 10: a single app will run on multiple types of device, with the user interface reformatting itself to suit the machine it is running on, rather than having a different program for phones, tablets and PCs.
He showed how this meant more advanced versions of the firm's popular Office programs Excel, Powerpoint and Word could be brought to handsets running Windows 10 than were possible under Windows Phone 8. He also demonstrated a new "universal" Photos app that collates and sorts pictures taken with different devices.
Mr Belfiore also confirmed reports that the firm's Internet Explorer web browser was being replaced by a new program codenamed Project Spartan.
This will have Cortana built-in to allow voice commands and provide extra personalised information - such as directions to a restaurant whose website is being looked at.
The software also includes a new "noting mode", which will let users scribble or type over a page and then share it with others.
"Project Spartan shows a new Microsoft that is not afraid to depart from legacy in order to deliver a better experience," remarked Carolina Milanesi from Kantar Worldpanel Comtech.
The new system also introduces the ability to stream Xbox One video games from the console to any other Windows 10 PC or tablet on the same wi-fi network.
This means that users will be able to play any game in their Xbox library on another device in another room of their home if the property's main TV is being watched by someone else.
The facility is similar to the service Sony offers for its PlayStation 4 games machine that allows it to stream titles to Xperia phones and tablets and the PlayStation TV mini-console.
Some - like voice dictation on mobile, a cloud-based music service and auto-enhance for photos - are strikingly similar to those already available on rival operating systems.
But others are genuinely innovative - quite aside from its awe-inspiring holographic ecosystem.
Gamers will appreciate making the traditional gaming experiences more social and cross-platform.
Heavy web users may be tempted by the collaboration and offline features of the Spartan web browser, as well as the deep integration of Cortana.
And the addition of this powerful natural voice assistant on the desktop is groundbreaking too.
But the case for voice interaction on PCs is not as well-proven as it is on mobile - and Cortana needs to be well executed, otherwise the tried and tested keyboard and mouse could still prove too tempting for users.
The key question: will the combination of the familiarity of past versions of Windows and an enhanced feature set be enough to tempt users to upgrade?
Offering Windows 10 free for the first year is a huge incentive to kickstart adoption.
Windows 10 is well positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of PCs.
But Microsoft is hoping for more than this: it needs the OS to provide a much-needed boost for its mobile ecosystem - and in this regard Microsoft is betting that its universal approach to coding apps will be enough to tempt users away from rivals.
Source -Â http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-30924022
Monday, February 9, 2015
Primo3 combines wireless headphones, sports tracking and music player
Eamey’s Primo 3 is a headset that combines activity tracking and audio playback, while doing away with wires. The low-cost accessory offers local audio storage alongside a built-in FM radio, and is currently the subject of a crowdfunding campaign.
If you’re not a fan of taking your smartphone with you when you go for a run, then the Primo 3 might be a good fit. While the accessory has been designed to link to a smartphone via Bluetooth (2.1 and 4.0), it’s also possible to store and play back audio locally via the built-in TF/microSD card reader, and there’s even an FM radio included.
There are controls on board for skipping songs and adjusting volume, and there’s a built-in microphone included, meaning you can use the headset as a hands-free kit for a connected smartphone.
China-based Eamey claims that the headset offers “excellent sound quality†as well as noise reduction tech. Given its low-cost nature, we’re somewhat skeptical about just how great the headset will actually sound, but without some hands-on time, it’s impossible to pass judgement.
Aside from its appeal as an inexpensive wireless headset, the Primo 3 could prove popular with fitness buffs. There are sensors onboard for activity tracking, allowing the accessory to record steps, calories burned and distance traveled.
There’s a rechargeable 190-mAh battery keeping the device running, which the company claims will be good for 24 hours of audio playback on a single charge. It's also durable, with the wire that connects the two earpieces constructed from a flexible NiTi metal that snaps back into shape when the headset isn't in use.
There’s also a social element to the device, with users getting access to an online community where they can share their activity stats, comparing them with those of other users.
The headset is lightweight, coming in at just 34g (1.2 oz) and will be available in a choice of black and white hypoallergenic finishes. Earlybird pledges for the accessory start at just US$13, with the final retail cost rising to $16 thereafter.
Eamey’s Pozible crowdfunding campaign has already exceeded its conservative $1,612 target, and is set to conclude February 12. The first Primo3 headsets are expected to ship to backers in March 2015, assuming they reach production.
Source:Â Pozible
If you’re not a fan of taking your smartphone with you when you go for a run, then the Primo 3 might be a good fit. While the accessory has been designed to link to a smartphone via Bluetooth (2.1 and 4.0), it’s also possible to store and play back audio locally via the built-in TF/microSD card reader, and there’s even an FM radio included.
There are controls on board for skipping songs and adjusting volume, and there’s a built-in microphone included, meaning you can use the headset as a hands-free kit for a connected smartphone.
China-based Eamey claims that the headset offers “excellent sound quality†as well as noise reduction tech. Given its low-cost nature, we’re somewhat skeptical about just how great the headset will actually sound, but without some hands-on time, it’s impossible to pass judgement.
Aside from its appeal as an inexpensive wireless headset, the Primo 3 could prove popular with fitness buffs. There are sensors onboard for activity tracking, allowing the accessory to record steps, calories burned and distance traveled.
There’s a rechargeable 190-mAh battery keeping the device running, which the company claims will be good for 24 hours of audio playback on a single charge. It's also durable, with the wire that connects the two earpieces constructed from a flexible NiTi metal that snaps back into shape when the headset isn't in use.
There’s also a social element to the device, with users getting access to an online community where they can share their activity stats, comparing them with those of other users.
The headset is lightweight, coming in at just 34g (1.2 oz) and will be available in a choice of black and white hypoallergenic finishes. Earlybird pledges for the accessory start at just US$13, with the final retail cost rising to $16 thereafter.
Eamey’s Pozible crowdfunding campaign has already exceeded its conservative $1,612 target, and is set to conclude February 12. The first Primo3 headsets are expected to ship to backers in March 2015, assuming they reach production.
Source:Â Pozible
Thursday, January 15, 2015
(EO) What Is an Acoustic Tube Earpiece? (filler)
Without giving too much about this earpiece piece, but I thought it fascinating and significant to what I’m currently doing.
An acoustic tube earpiece is a special type of listening device that features a thin tube that helps transmit sound, which often fits behind the ear and is attached to an earbud placed inside of the ear. Such devices allow for hands-free operation of a two-way radio or may be used in mobile communications or television broadcasting. Sometimes referred to as a radio headset or a tactical earpiece, some also refer to this device as a surveillance earpiece.
acoustic tube earpieceThis particular type of radio accessory is commonly used by security personnel and may feature an earpiece that includes a hidden microphone, making it highly useful for two-way communication. The earpiece does not have to include a microphone, however. Most are constructed so the tubing fits discreetly and comfortably behind the ear, which makes it useful for covert surveillance.
Though commonly used in security and covert operations, some also prefer an acoustic tube earpiece for mobile civilian devices, which include personal audio devices and mobile phones. Television broadcasters are also known to wear these earpieces, as they allow for communication between producers and broadcasters without being visible to viewers. Most are comfortable to wear and efficiently reduce background noise. They are also known to be particularly useful in noisy environments, as quality models make it easy for users to comfortably listen to incoming audio despite high environmental noise. Depending on the manufacturer, some may also feature volume control buttons on the cord.
Aside from a covert design and a high sound quality, one of the primary benefits of an acoustic tube earpiece is its durability. The sturdiness of some of these earpieces is often preferred over earpieces that feature exposed wiring, as well as certain wireless earpiece devices. Sturdy tubing protects delicate wiring crucial to the device’s operation, which is particularly useful in occupations where the person wearing an earpiece may be required to engage in rigorous physical activity while wearing it. Such earpieces are also known to outlast other wired devices.
In order for an acoustic tube earpiece to work, it must be plugged into a wireless receiver, which is usually hidden beneath a person’s clothing. Some are also accompanied by microphones, which are covertly placed on the user’s shoulder or at the wrist.
An acoustic tube earpiece is a special type of listening device that features a thin tube that helps transmit sound, which often fits behind the ear and is attached to an earbud placed inside of the ear. Such devices allow for hands-free operation of a two-way radio or may be used in mobile communications or television broadcasting. Sometimes referred to as a radio headset or a tactical earpiece, some also refer to this device as a surveillance earpiece.
acoustic tube earpieceThis particular type of radio accessory is commonly used by security personnel and may feature an earpiece that includes a hidden microphone, making it highly useful for two-way communication. The earpiece does not have to include a microphone, however. Most are constructed so the tubing fits discreetly and comfortably behind the ear, which makes it useful for covert surveillance.
Though commonly used in security and covert operations, some also prefer an acoustic tube earpiece for mobile civilian devices, which include personal audio devices and mobile phones. Television broadcasters are also known to wear these earpieces, as they allow for communication between producers and broadcasters without being visible to viewers. Most are comfortable to wear and efficiently reduce background noise. They are also known to be particularly useful in noisy environments, as quality models make it easy for users to comfortably listen to incoming audio despite high environmental noise. Depending on the manufacturer, some may also feature volume control buttons on the cord.
Aside from a covert design and a high sound quality, one of the primary benefits of an acoustic tube earpiece is its durability. The sturdiness of some of these earpieces is often preferred over earpieces that feature exposed wiring, as well as certain wireless earpiece devices. Sturdy tubing protects delicate wiring crucial to the device’s operation, which is particularly useful in occupations where the person wearing an earpiece may be required to engage in rigorous physical activity while wearing it. Such earpieces are also known to outlast other wired devices.
In order for an acoustic tube earpiece to work, it must be plugged into a wireless receiver, which is usually hidden beneath a person’s clothing. Some are also accompanied by microphones, which are covertly placed on the user’s shoulder or at the wrist.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Earpiece Review: The First Bluetooth Earpiece I Wasn't Ashamed for you to Wear
With very little information on the internet about radio accessory's, it is very rare when we get a chance to re post, with permission, an article from this industry.
Bluetooth earpieces have always stuck out. I mean they've literally stuck out of your ear. Perhaps they're not as much of a fashion faux pas as Google Glass, but there's definitely a stigma about them. To combat the cyborg look, some wearable manufacturers are building smartwatches, but Motorola also has a backup plan: a tiny, handsome earbud that can act like a personal assistant.
What Is It?
It's an itsy bitsy teenie weenie Bluetooth headsetâ€"basically the entire thing fits inside your ear. It pairs more or less seamlessly with Motorola's already very good voice-control software on the new Moto X, allowing you to do stuff with your phone while it's still in your pocket/purse/backpack/bathroom floor. Did you see the movie Her? Remember the earpieces they wore to interact with their digital assistants? This is basically the beta version of that. But with a less robust (and less sexy) operating system.
Who's It For?
It's for people who have secretly wanted the utility of a hands-free Bluetooth headset but couldn't bear the stigma of wearing one in public. I mean, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all, but come on, those things make you look like an asshole. Realtalk. While it'll work with any Bluetooth-capable phone (which is basically every phone) it's especially designed to work with Motorola's latest and greatest.
Design
From an engineering point of view, it's really damn impressive. It packs in a speaker, a touch-sensitive panel, dual noise-canceling microphones, a battery, and an IR proximity detector into something that's the size of a thimble and weighs only 6 grams (or 0.2 ounces). You can even trick out the Hint with backplates made of different materials, like canvas, wood, and leather, so you can match it to your Moto X though Moto Maker.
Motorola couldn't cram a very large battery in there, though: Indeed, there's just a 46 mAh cell inside the Hint's diminutive chassis. To put that in perspective, that is exactly 1/50th (yes,fiftieth) of the size of the battery in the Moto X. So, to help you get through the day, Motorola also built a rather clever carrying case that doubles as a portable charging station.
Drop your Hint into the little docking port inside the case, plug in a standard micro-USB cable, and you'll actually be charging two batteries at once: the 46mAh cell inside the Hint, and a second 150mAh battery in the case that holds an additional 2.5 charges worth of electricity. Simply pop the Hint out of your ear when it's running low, and into the little slide-out cubby on the Charging Case once again. When you close the case, an LED light at the top begins to pulse so that you know it's working.
The case, too, can be customized to match your earpiece and phone (though I'm not sure if there's a wood variant). It's easy on the eyes, definitely pocket-sized, and convenient.
Using It
You pair the Hint with your Moto X pretty much like you'd pair anything else. It's a simple process and thankfully it worked on the first try (which isn't always the case with Bluetooth audio devices). Once paired, you can choose to set the Hint as a "trusted device" which means that when the Hint is connected to your phone you can bypass your lockscreen. In other words, if you have the Hint in your ear (not in your pocket), you'll be able to skip straight to your homescreen as soon as you turn on your phone. Definitely handy. To save power, the Hint uses a proximity detector to tell if it's actually in your ear, and switch to standby mode whenever you take it out. But when it's in your ear, it's constantly listening.
At least, it is if you're using a Moto X.
You don't have to have a Moto X in order to use the Moto Hint. The Hint uses a standard Bluetooth protocol for audio which means it will pair and work with any smartphone that supports it (yes, even iPhones). It will work just like a regular Bluetooth earpiece. You'll be able to use it for all your calls and it will still be discreet and good-looking, and maybe that's all you really want anywayâ€"a smaller, more attractive earpiece. That said, you'll be missing some of the banner features like being able to interact with your phone via Moto Voice and the Hint constantly listening for your command.
What's it listening for? Glad you asked. You may remember that the Moto X smartphone also has an always-listening feature where you can program a wake-up phrase of your choice to instantly unlock the phone and allow you to immediately issue a voice command. Originally mine was, "Miiister Anderson…" a la Hugo Weaving, but I've since changed it to, "Hi there Jenny." I'm not totally sure why. Regardless, assuming you're using the Hint with a Moto X, it uses the same wake-up phrase, and then you're free to control your phone no matter whether it's in your pocket, on your car dashboard, or wherever else you might have stuffed the damn thing (ahem).
When it works, it works really well and is generally very convenient. For example, just yesterday I lost track of time and was scrambling to pack up my suitcase and meet some friends before heading to the airport. We hadn't picked a restaurant yet. I was able to rush all around the apartment like a chicken with its head cut off, while still receiving text messages and calls and coordinating with my friends. Or two days ago, when I was walking around a new city, I was getting turn-by-turn walking directions piped straight to my ear while looking around and enjoying the scenery.
As for how discreet it is, I wore this thing for three solid days (when I wasn't swimming, showering, or charging it)â€"walking down the street, in stores, at restaurants. I was waiting for someone to ask me about itâ€"daring them, even. But nobody seemed to notice. Not once. Maybe they didn't want to ask me about it because they thought I was deaf in one ear and didn't want to offend, but honestly, I think it's so small that it just barely registers. Then again, I was a bit self-conscious about talking to it when surrounded by people. I'd do it walking down the street, but I'd typically wait until any potential cyborg-hunters were a safe distance away.
It comes with a few different sized gel-attachments to make sure it fits snugly into different-sized ears. I found that the pre-installed medium size was the best fit overall, but even so, after a while it did become a bit uncomfortable in my ear. When this happened I would just pull it out of my one ear and pop it into the other, and that gave my ear the break it wanted and solved the comfort issues. It's not ideal, but it isn't too awkward. Getting it to fit in your ear just right is very important, because if it doesn't really get in there it can be pretty hard to hear.
Actually, that leads me to the first strike against it. In my experience, the Hint has very inconsistent volume levels. Some things it says will be relatively loud and easy to hear, and then for other things it just kind of whispers. Seems like a software issue that could be ironed out. More annoying is when you're trying to issue a voice command and it doesn't seem to be able to hear your voice over its own sounds. It was particularly problematic when I was playing music: I was shouting my key phrase over and over, but it just didn't register. This same thing happens with the Moto X, even playing relatively quiet audiobooks with Audible, so I'm thinking it may be a software issue.
And even at max, the Hint really doesn't pump out as much volume as a traditional Bluetooth headset. I really struggled to hear what it was saying over the sounds of light traffic or even a cranked-up A/C in my car. Pushing it further into your ear helps, but watch out: When you tap the touch-sensitive panel on the back it activates Moto Voice just as if you'd uttered the wake-up command. Or deactivates it just as you were trying to hear whether the Hint had properly interpreted you. Or ends your call, which is a special kind of annoying.
On the positive side, you can start a call on your phone, then simply pop the Hint into your ear and the call will seamlessly transfer to the earbud. Take it out in the middle of a call, and yep, your call is right back on your phone. Pretty slick, but doesn't happen quiiite as fast as you'd want, so you'll miss a few seconds of what the other person is saying while waiting for it to switch over.
There are some other places where improvements need to be made on the software side. For instance, Google is making a push to make Hangouts the default messaging app in Android, but Moto Voice doesn't really integrate with Hangouts yet. That means that if you've already switched over to Hangouts you're left out of a lot of the text messaging goodness, which is one of the banner features. It will beep when you get a new text, but it won't read it to you or say who it's from. You have to say your wake-up phrase and then, "What's new?" and then sometimes it will read it. Annoying.
Also, when sending a text (or an email), you dictate the message, and then it will ask, "Do you want to send this?" but it doesn't read your message back to you. So you have to pull out your phone and make sure it heard you correctly before you confirm, which pretty much defeats the purpose. In general, don't expect too much: Moto Voice (and Google Now/Search for that matter) still has trouble with natural language. You really have to memorize commands in order to get it to do what you want. It's still ahead of Siri in this department but it's way behind Windows' Cortana. We hope Google will up its game very, very soon.
Like
The size is really incredible. The Hint is tiny, discreet, and even when you do notice it, it's a pretty slick little gadget. The charging case is really well-engineered and it looks good, too.
Being able to do a lot with your phone without even having to pull it out is a pretty big deal and there are times when it's genuinely extremely convenient.
No Like
Unpredictable volume levels in the earpiece. It struggles to hear you when there's much ambient noise, and it can't hear you at all when you're listening to music or an audiobook. But don't even bother listening to music with it, because the audio quality isn't great anyhow. Callers generally understood me pretty well, but I struggled to hear them if there was any ambient noise.
Having to take it out of your ear to charge it every three hours or so is kind of annoying, though I appreciated the break.
It needs work understanding natural language.
Because it's basically invisible it makes you feel like a crazy person when you're walking down the street shouting, "Hi there Jenny. HI there Jenny! HI THERE JENNY!!!"
Should You Buy It?
Maybe, but there are some big ifs. If you have a new Moto X, then it's pretty cool how it can leverage Moto Voice. If you're the sort of person who uses (or wants to use) a Bluetooth headset anyway, then the tiny form factor of the Hint could definitely be very appealing. If your job/lifestyle/fetishes could really benefit from being able to interact with your phone without touching it (I don't know, maybe you're a pastry chef and you're constantly covered in flour), then, yeah, maybe. But remember, it costs $150, which is pretty steep for a Bluetooth headset.
For most of us, the Hint is a cool little luxury item. Could it be the first step toward a product that we'll come to think of as a necessity? Actually, I think there's a pretty decent chance of that. It has a lot of forward-thinking ideas, but the software just isn't quite there yet. It feels like a beta. If you're looking to fall in love with a Scarlett Johansson-voiced artificial intelligence â€" or even a Jarvis-like robotic butler â€" you'll need to wait quite a few more years.
http://gizmodo.com/moto-hint-review-the-first-bluetooth-headset-i-wasnt-1645744079
Bluetooth earpieces have always stuck out. I mean they've literally stuck out of your ear. Perhaps they're not as much of a fashion faux pas as Google Glass, but there's definitely a stigma about them. To combat the cyborg look, some wearable manufacturers are building smartwatches, but Motorola also has a backup plan: a tiny, handsome earbud that can act like a personal assistant.
What Is It?
It's an itsy bitsy teenie weenie Bluetooth headsetâ€"basically the entire thing fits inside your ear. It pairs more or less seamlessly with Motorola's already very good voice-control software on the new Moto X, allowing you to do stuff with your phone while it's still in your pocket/purse/backpack/bathroom floor. Did you see the movie Her? Remember the earpieces they wore to interact with their digital assistants? This is basically the beta version of that. But with a less robust (and less sexy) operating system.
Who's It For?
It's for people who have secretly wanted the utility of a hands-free Bluetooth headset but couldn't bear the stigma of wearing one in public. I mean, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all, but come on, those things make you look like an asshole. Realtalk. While it'll work with any Bluetooth-capable phone (which is basically every phone) it's especially designed to work with Motorola's latest and greatest.
Design
From an engineering point of view, it's really damn impressive. It packs in a speaker, a touch-sensitive panel, dual noise-canceling microphones, a battery, and an IR proximity detector into something that's the size of a thimble and weighs only 6 grams (or 0.2 ounces). You can even trick out the Hint with backplates made of different materials, like canvas, wood, and leather, so you can match it to your Moto X though Moto Maker.
Motorola couldn't cram a very large battery in there, though: Indeed, there's just a 46 mAh cell inside the Hint's diminutive chassis. To put that in perspective, that is exactly 1/50th (yes,fiftieth) of the size of the battery in the Moto X. So, to help you get through the day, Motorola also built a rather clever carrying case that doubles as a portable charging station.
Drop your Hint into the little docking port inside the case, plug in a standard micro-USB cable, and you'll actually be charging two batteries at once: the 46mAh cell inside the Hint, and a second 150mAh battery in the case that holds an additional 2.5 charges worth of electricity. Simply pop the Hint out of your ear when it's running low, and into the little slide-out cubby on the Charging Case once again. When you close the case, an LED light at the top begins to pulse so that you know it's working.
The case, too, can be customized to match your earpiece and phone (though I'm not sure if there's a wood variant). It's easy on the eyes, definitely pocket-sized, and convenient.
Using It
You pair the Hint with your Moto X pretty much like you'd pair anything else. It's a simple process and thankfully it worked on the first try (which isn't always the case with Bluetooth audio devices). Once paired, you can choose to set the Hint as a "trusted device" which means that when the Hint is connected to your phone you can bypass your lockscreen. In other words, if you have the Hint in your ear (not in your pocket), you'll be able to skip straight to your homescreen as soon as you turn on your phone. Definitely handy. To save power, the Hint uses a proximity detector to tell if it's actually in your ear, and switch to standby mode whenever you take it out. But when it's in your ear, it's constantly listening.
At least, it is if you're using a Moto X.
You don't have to have a Moto X in order to use the Moto Hint. The Hint uses a standard Bluetooth protocol for audio which means it will pair and work with any smartphone that supports it (yes, even iPhones). It will work just like a regular Bluetooth earpiece. You'll be able to use it for all your calls and it will still be discreet and good-looking, and maybe that's all you really want anywayâ€"a smaller, more attractive earpiece. That said, you'll be missing some of the banner features like being able to interact with your phone via Moto Voice and the Hint constantly listening for your command.
What's it listening for? Glad you asked. You may remember that the Moto X smartphone also has an always-listening feature where you can program a wake-up phrase of your choice to instantly unlock the phone and allow you to immediately issue a voice command. Originally mine was, "Miiister Anderson…" a la Hugo Weaving, but I've since changed it to, "Hi there Jenny." I'm not totally sure why. Regardless, assuming you're using the Hint with a Moto X, it uses the same wake-up phrase, and then you're free to control your phone no matter whether it's in your pocket, on your car dashboard, or wherever else you might have stuffed the damn thing (ahem).
When it works, it works really well and is generally very convenient. For example, just yesterday I lost track of time and was scrambling to pack up my suitcase and meet some friends before heading to the airport. We hadn't picked a restaurant yet. I was able to rush all around the apartment like a chicken with its head cut off, while still receiving text messages and calls and coordinating with my friends. Or two days ago, when I was walking around a new city, I was getting turn-by-turn walking directions piped straight to my ear while looking around and enjoying the scenery.
As for how discreet it is, I wore this thing for three solid days (when I wasn't swimming, showering, or charging it)â€"walking down the street, in stores, at restaurants. I was waiting for someone to ask me about itâ€"daring them, even. But nobody seemed to notice. Not once. Maybe they didn't want to ask me about it because they thought I was deaf in one ear and didn't want to offend, but honestly, I think it's so small that it just barely registers. Then again, I was a bit self-conscious about talking to it when surrounded by people. I'd do it walking down the street, but I'd typically wait until any potential cyborg-hunters were a safe distance away.
It comes with a few different sized gel-attachments to make sure it fits snugly into different-sized ears. I found that the pre-installed medium size was the best fit overall, but even so, after a while it did become a bit uncomfortable in my ear. When this happened I would just pull it out of my one ear and pop it into the other, and that gave my ear the break it wanted and solved the comfort issues. It's not ideal, but it isn't too awkward. Getting it to fit in your ear just right is very important, because if it doesn't really get in there it can be pretty hard to hear.
Actually, that leads me to the first strike against it. In my experience, the Hint has very inconsistent volume levels. Some things it says will be relatively loud and easy to hear, and then for other things it just kind of whispers. Seems like a software issue that could be ironed out. More annoying is when you're trying to issue a voice command and it doesn't seem to be able to hear your voice over its own sounds. It was particularly problematic when I was playing music: I was shouting my key phrase over and over, but it just didn't register. This same thing happens with the Moto X, even playing relatively quiet audiobooks with Audible, so I'm thinking it may be a software issue.
And even at max, the Hint really doesn't pump out as much volume as a traditional Bluetooth headset. I really struggled to hear what it was saying over the sounds of light traffic or even a cranked-up A/C in my car. Pushing it further into your ear helps, but watch out: When you tap the touch-sensitive panel on the back it activates Moto Voice just as if you'd uttered the wake-up command. Or deactivates it just as you were trying to hear whether the Hint had properly interpreted you. Or ends your call, which is a special kind of annoying.
On the positive side, you can start a call on your phone, then simply pop the Hint into your ear and the call will seamlessly transfer to the earbud. Take it out in the middle of a call, and yep, your call is right back on your phone. Pretty slick, but doesn't happen quiiite as fast as you'd want, so you'll miss a few seconds of what the other person is saying while waiting for it to switch over.
There are some other places where improvements need to be made on the software side. For instance, Google is making a push to make Hangouts the default messaging app in Android, but Moto Voice doesn't really integrate with Hangouts yet. That means that if you've already switched over to Hangouts you're left out of a lot of the text messaging goodness, which is one of the banner features. It will beep when you get a new text, but it won't read it to you or say who it's from. You have to say your wake-up phrase and then, "What's new?" and then sometimes it will read it. Annoying.
Also, when sending a text (or an email), you dictate the message, and then it will ask, "Do you want to send this?" but it doesn't read your message back to you. So you have to pull out your phone and make sure it heard you correctly before you confirm, which pretty much defeats the purpose. In general, don't expect too much: Moto Voice (and Google Now/Search for that matter) still has trouble with natural language. You really have to memorize commands in order to get it to do what you want. It's still ahead of Siri in this department but it's way behind Windows' Cortana. We hope Google will up its game very, very soon.
Like
The size is really incredible. The Hint is tiny, discreet, and even when you do notice it, it's a pretty slick little gadget. The charging case is really well-engineered and it looks good, too.
Being able to do a lot with your phone without even having to pull it out is a pretty big deal and there are times when it's genuinely extremely convenient.
No Like
Unpredictable volume levels in the earpiece. It struggles to hear you when there's much ambient noise, and it can't hear you at all when you're listening to music or an audiobook. But don't even bother listening to music with it, because the audio quality isn't great anyhow. Callers generally understood me pretty well, but I struggled to hear them if there was any ambient noise.
Having to take it out of your ear to charge it every three hours or so is kind of annoying, though I appreciated the break.
It needs work understanding natural language.
Because it's basically invisible it makes you feel like a crazy person when you're walking down the street shouting, "Hi there Jenny. HI there Jenny! HI THERE JENNY!!!"
Should You Buy It?
Maybe, but there are some big ifs. If you have a new Moto X, then it's pretty cool how it can leverage Moto Voice. If you're the sort of person who uses (or wants to use) a Bluetooth headset anyway, then the tiny form factor of the Hint could definitely be very appealing. If your job/lifestyle/fetishes could really benefit from being able to interact with your phone without touching it (I don't know, maybe you're a pastry chef and you're constantly covered in flour), then, yeah, maybe. But remember, it costs $150, which is pretty steep for a Bluetooth headset.
For most of us, the Hint is a cool little luxury item. Could it be the first step toward a product that we'll come to think of as a necessity? Actually, I think there's a pretty decent chance of that. It has a lot of forward-thinking ideas, but the software just isn't quite there yet. It feels like a beta. If you're looking to fall in love with a Scarlett Johansson-voiced artificial intelligence â€" or even a Jarvis-like robotic butler â€" you'll need to wait quite a few more years.
http://gizmodo.com/moto-hint-review-the-first-bluetooth-headset-i-wasnt-1645744079
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