Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC

Posted on May 19, 2012 by admin

Bluetooth

For those of you not familiar with the term, Bluetooth refers to a wireless protocol (or set of rules) designed for short range electronic applications (usually less than 30 feet in distance). although the technology has been around for several years, Bluetooth support for PC users has been limited due to hardware manufacturers focusing on the more traditional 802.11 wireless network protocols (wifi). In reality, Bluetooth and wifi achieve different purposes and each has its pros and cons.

Cellular Telephone Bluetooth Headsets

The cellular telephone community has long embraced Bluetooth technology, developing and refining numerous wireless devices. one of the more popular Bluetooth applications for cellular telephones has been cordless headsets which enable users to leave their telephone in their bag or pocket while still being able to make and receive calls. Bluetooth headsets are generally very lightweight, worn over one ear and achieve talk times from 1-4 hours before needing a recharge.

Bluetooth PC Headset?

So if cellular telephone users have warmly embraced Bluetooth headsets, why not the PC community? At the time of writing, this author knows of no PC hardware manufacturer who has designed a Bluetooth Headset primarily for use with a PC. However, there is nothing to prevent a PC user from using a cellular phone Bluetooth Headset with their PC. Keep in mind though, these headsets were originally envisioned for cellular phone use and may need a bit of ‘tweaking’ before they’ll perform as well as ‘corded’ headsets on your computer.

USB Bluetooth Adapter

Unless you own a relatively expensive notebook PC, odds are that your computer doesn’t natively support the Bluetooth protocol. if this is the case, you’ll need an ‘Adapter’ or ‘Dongle’ in order to make your computer ‘Bluetooth enabled’. Bluetooth adapters are generally very small (a few inches long) and insert into a vacant USB port on your computer. when purchasing an adapter it’s critical that you buy one that supports the ‘headset protocol’. The headset protocol is merely a set of rules which enables your Bluetooth adapter to communicate with and make use of Bluetooth headsets in its vicinity. if your adapter does not support the headset protocol, no amount of ‘tweaking’ will get your headset working with your PC. Adapters generally run between $20 – $80 USD and can be purchased at most PC retailers.

Buying a Bluetooth Headset

Bluetooth headsets for cellular phones are generally very expensive when compared with conventional ‘corded’ PC headsets. Depending on where you buy your headset, you could spend anywhere from $20 to $200+ USD. if you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive headset that’ll simply enable you to make wireless VoIP calls using your PC, I recommend looking on Ebay. although prices vary considerably on Ebay between merchants for similar products, overall they are considerably less expensive than purchasing the same headset from a telephone store. a word of caution about Ebay though; ensure that you read the fine print associated with shipping costs. Some Ebay merchants advertise Bluetooth Headsets for $5 USD however the real cost quickly rises to $35+ when you account for their often exorbitant shipping charges.

‘Pairing’ the Headset with your PC

Once your computer is ‘Bluetooth enabled’ and you’ve obtained a Bluetooth headset, you’ll need to ‘pair’ the headset with your computer in order to use it for VoIP applications. this is usually just a matter of setting your headset in ‘discovery mode’ and allowing your PC to ‘search’ or ‘discover’ Bluetooth devices. The steps needed to enable discovery mode on your headset and adapter will vary between devices and should be clearly explained in the documentation accompanying your devices.

Adjusting your Audio Settings

Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may need to make adjustments to your audio settings after the headset is ‘paired’ with your PC. In the Windows operating system, this will involve accessing ‘Audio Properties’ through the ‘Control Panel’ and setting the audio and voice devices to your newly paired Bluetooth headset. Again, adjusting these settings should be covered in the documentation accompanying both your headset and Bluetooth adapter.

Once you’re up and running, you’ll wonder why you didn’t adopt this wireless headset solution sooner. The freedom to wander away from your computer whilst maintaining voice over Internet conversations is something you’ll come to appreciate and love.

Using a Bluetooth Headset with your PC

Posted in Bluetooth Accessories | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Are You Ready For The Next Galaxy?

Posted on May 19, 2012 by admin

Today’s mobile news roundup features more speculation about the Galaxy S3 expected to launch today, Apple and Samsung asked to lower patent dispute, Ericsson gaining traction in South Korea, a cool Mother’s Day surprise from Sprint and more.

Samsung Galaxy SIII today

Today’s the day that Samsung will be unveiling their next Galaxy device, dubbed as the Galaxy SIII.  Ever since Samsung announced their event at London’s Earl’s Court, speculation’s been on the rise as to what the South Korean company will be unveiling today.

The speculation range from a new Galaxy S smartphone, a new Galaxy Tab, or a Galaxy Phablet.  Samsung fans are abuzz on Twitter and Facebook, expressing their excitement over the next Galaxy device.  Someone even correlated today’s date to the name of the device: May 3 = 5 3 = S3, get it?

Right now, we still have to wait a few more hours before we get to see what Samsung has to offer.  The Samsung Unpacked event is set to start at 7PM BST.  Tune in at Samsung’s official site for TheNextGalaxy for live coverage of the event.

Apple-Samsung given ultimatum to settle patent dispute

Apple and Samsung  were given a deadline, coming up on Monday, by Judge Lucy Koh of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to reduce the number of patent claims they have against each other to make it more manageable for a jury.

A joint statement from Apple and Samsung stated that they both agreed to drop some claims, but the lack of cooperation from the two parties prevented further streamlining.  Though the lack of cooperation, the Samsung-Apple case is now down to 16 patents, six trademarks, five “trade dress” claims, and an antitrust case, with 37 products accused of violations.  Both parties will have 25 hours to present their cases to a jury.

Still, the number of claims was considered high by Judge Koh and it will be quite impossible for both parties to present their cases in just 25 hours each to a jury, which could have trouble understanding the underlying technology and patents in such a short period of time.  Apple’s lawyer Harold McElhinny of Morrison & Foerster wanted to know the number of cases they can present in court that the judge deemed feasible, but Judge Koh won’t budge.

“I think that’s cruel and unusual punishment to a jury, so I’m not willing to do it,” Judge Koh said. “If you’re going to trial in July, this is not going to be acceptable.” If the companies don’t present a more workable set of claims, the trial date could be pushed back to 2013.

Ericsson solidifies partnership with SK Telecom

SK Telecom, South Korea’s leading operator with more than 26 million mobile subscribers, reached 2.4 million LTE subscribers by the end of April 2012.  To accommodate the strong demand for LTE, they have selected Ericsson to extend their LTE offering and become one of their main partners.

“As a result of this expansion, SK Telecom will be able to offer its users broader network coverage and an enhanced mobile-broadband experience, ensuring continued loyalty among its customers and continued market leadership,” said Martin Wiktorin, President and CEO of LG-Ericsson.  ”LG-Ericsson will provide the LTE network including LTE RAN and Evolved Packet Core as well as support services including engineering, design, deployment and support services. The LTE radio access network will make use of Ericsson’s Operation Support System for Radio & Core (OSS-RC) and RBS 6000 base stations.”

Mother’s Day surprise from Sprint

On May 13, the whole world will be celebrating Mother’s day – a special day when kids surprise their moms with little trinkets or special gestures like breakfast in bed or a peaceful day at the spa.  But if you want to keep in touch with your mom, Sprint has the perfect gift.  You can choose from a variety of phones or treat your mom to tons of apps available on Sprint’s unlimited data plan.

“Sprint’s diverse device portfolio offers something to fit every mom’s lifestyle — from the tech-savvy to the eco-friendly mom, there is a device and apps to match her personality and keep her busy lifestyle organized,” said David Owens, vice president-Product Development, Sprint. “with our affordable rate plans, moms don’t have to worry about data plan overages. They can make the most of their time checking emails, scheduling appointments and browsing the Web, all at a price that makes sense for their family.”

Nokia’s tablet plan

Nokia chairman Jorma Ollila said that the company is very interested in launching a tablet based on Microsoft’s Windows 8 OS, as they are very intrigued by the Metro user interface.  Though he repeatedly stated that they aren’t working on a tablet right now, he kept reiterating that tablets are important.

“Tablets are an important one, so that is being looked into, and there will be different hybrids, different form,” Ollila stated.

“We are very interested in the Metro user interface and Metro is clearly the big bet for Microsoft… But again, no specific announcements … but [it is] something we are interested in.”

In other mobile news

Target Corp. is phasing out Amazon’s e-reader Kindles in their more than 1,700 stores and website.  The move is said to be the effect of Target’s decision to put mini-Apple shops in 25 of their stores this year.

And if you’re looking for a projector accessory for one of the devices purchased at the rumored mini-Apple stores, Pop Video may just be the device you’re looking for.  It features a 30-pin dock connector for your iPhone and throws a 960×540 image, supporting up to two hours of video play.  It has its own rechargeable battery so it won’t drain your iPhone’s juice, and it’s compatible with the iPhone 4/4S, 3rd/4th generation iPod Touch.  Available for $99.

Are You Ready For The Next Galaxy?

Posted in cases & Pouches For Siemens | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Home Phone Service Discount for Low Income Families

Posted on May 18, 2012 by admin

Most people are aware of government assistance programs like Food Stamps or Medicaid but did you know that there is an assistance program for your phone service? Lifeline is part of a program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) that provides a subsidy in the form of a discount on your phone service. Lifeline will save you at least $10 per month but typically reduces your phone bill by over $13.50. In addition to the monthly savings, there is also a benefit called Link-up that will pay half of your activation fees, up to $30.

With sustained U.S. unemployment rates above 9% for over a year now, it’s not surprising that the number of Americans receiving food stamps is over 40 million and is expected to keep rising. Medicaid recipients total over 50 million. If you’re one of these people, you are qualified to receive the Lifeline discount on your phone service.

Food Stamps and Medicaid aren’t the only programs that qualify you for Lifeline assistance. Some states follow federal guidelines while others have their own rules. the Federal guidelines require that your total household income does not exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or that you’re enrolled in at least one of these programs:

* Medicaid
* Food Stamps
* Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
* Federal Public Housing assistance (Section 8 housing)
* Low-Income Home Energy assistance Program (LIHEAP)
* Temporary assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
* the National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program

Now that you know you qualify, how do you get it? It’s easier than you might think. You don’t have to go to a special government office and meet with a caseworker. You don’t have to change phone service providers if you currently have service. If you currently have home phone service, call your phone company and ask to be put on the Lifeline program. They’ll typically ask you to fill out and sign a simple form which you’ll need to fax or send to them. the form typically asks for your name and address, and which of the qualifying programs you’re enrolled in. your signature is stating that you are telling the truth. Some states also require some form of proof of the qualifying program like your award letter.

If you don’t have working home phone service, check your yellow pages for a local phone company and ask them about their Lifeline home phone service. All of your major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and Quest offer it as do most of the Competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs). Don’t worry about your credit history. If you’re eligible for Lifeline, you aren’t required to pay a deposit if you’re willing to let the provider block any toll calls from your phone. You’ll still be able to make long distance calls using a calling card or some other prepaid service.

The Lifeline discount is applicable to just one phone line per household. And, the Link-up subsidy is a one-time benefit. so, it’s not a good idea to keep changing providers since you’ll only get the $30 discount once. You may get away with receiving Link-up more than once by going to a different carrier but it’s not legal for you to do so and the form that you sign to get started is your statement that you’ve never received Link-up before.

The Lifeline benefit can be applied to cellular service instead of home phone. There are a few cellular service providers that offer a free government cell phone which is actually the Lifeline program. It typically gives you between 60 and 200 minutes of service per month and a free handset which is your Link-up benefit. but, you can’t get the Lifeline benefit for your cell phone if you’re receiving it on your home phone, and vice-versa.

So if you’re one of the over 50 million Americans receiving government assistance, call your phone service provider now and ask them about Lifeline home phone service.

Home Phone Service Discount for Low Income Families

Posted in Home Phones | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment