Mobile Fun Blog » USB

Android Mascot: Now in convenient hands-free soundbox form!

William Judd — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:05:38 +0000

I was happy to see this morning that I had a visitor on my desk. His name is Android (Andy for short), and he’s got a pretty sweet gig as the mascot for Google’s mobile OS.

A Great Little Sound Box

The little guy isn’t just for show either; you can connect with him over Bluetooth using your phone or PC, and then he’ll happily belt out whatever tune you play. If you’d like to change tracks, you can just twist his head. If you want him to play or pause, just push down on his head. It’s a bit cruel, so you might want to recharge him over USB when you’re done, just to put things right.

The speaker is of great quality for its size, and at 2W loud enough for my co-workers to glare at me a bit. You can even give him a platform for his considerable aural talents with the included desk stand, which is useful for bringing the microphone a bit closer and enhancing the sound quality.

You’re Not Just Talking To Yourself

His talents aren’t limited to music, either. You can also use him to relay your calls, with his built-in microphone. The sound quality is surprisingly good, with calls coming through loud and clear. You can also use the speaker to perform voice dialling and voice commands. Altogether, it’s a cute and convenient way to handle your calls hands-free.

Want one of your own?

If you’d like a little more Android in your life, you should order an Android mascot sound box of your very own, exclusively from Mobile Fun. You can even take a look at a video below, which shows off its features in a little more detail.

Social Media Giveaway

We’re giving away five of these Android buddy speaker robots to our social media followers.

To enter, just retweet us, Google +1 us, or like us on Facebook!

If we get a good response I’ll try to give away some more.

Great Gift Ideas for Mothers Day

Natalie — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:24:33 +0000

That’s right, it’s Mothers Day this Sunday! I’m sure you hadn’t forgotten, but just in case, here are some gift ideas that you can use to spoil that very special lady in your life…

My top pick this year is this Kindle Cover with Light, which both protects and illuminates the Reader at the same time. It’s a great gift for bookworm mums, and is perfect for reading in dim light or whilst in bed without disturbing the other person.

M-Edge Executive Ladger with E-Luminator Light for Amazon Kindle

For something a little less costly, how about the USB Aroma Fragrance Oil Burner? Candles for Mother’s Day feels a bit cliché and overdone, but this gives the idea a modern spin – just put in some fragrance oil, plug the lead into the USB port and there’ll soon be relaxing and revitalising fragrances wafting their way through the home, office or car.

USB Aroma Fragrance Oil Burner

I also think this Hi-Rez Digital Photo Frame Key Chain is a nice little trinket, allowing favourite photos and memories to be transported and shared with ease. It can be filled with holiday snaps, photos of the family or anything else your mum fancies (yes, including pictures of Johnny Depp!)

Hi-Rez Digital Photo Frame Key Chain

If your mum’s the tech-savvy tablet type, there are some absolutely gorgeous iPad and iPad 2 covers available on the market – and there’s just no need to stick with a boring old black case when there’s so much variety to be found!

I really like this Tuff Luv Multi-View Case for iPad in Marrakesh Red, which draws the eye immediately with its sumptuously exotic design. It’s hand-crafted from high-grade textiles and artificial leather, and doubles as an iPad stand for viewing movies or pictures.

Tuff Luv Multi View Case for iPad - Marrakesh Red

Another nice one – the Jivo Executive Buckle Case for iPad, which also works just as well as an iPad 2 cover. I’ve always had a thing for satchels, and this one has a nicely rustic feel – as though you’ve just stepped out of Cider with Rosie, albeit with an expensive slab of tech at your side! It’s hand-crafted from top layer Brazilian buffalo hide and has a neat chunky buckle to keep the tablet tucked away safely.

Jivo Executive Buckle Case for iPad & iPad 2

Last of all, here are a few likely-looking iPhone 4 covers: the Foofpod Sleeve for iPhone/iPod, iLuv Nature Soft Case for iPhone 4 and Casemate iPhone 4 Ivy Case

Transfer music to your phone using iTunes

Andy Simpson — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:16:33 +0000

iTunes is one of the easiest ways to download and organise your music if you use an iPod or iPhone – but what if you use iTunes to organise and play your music and don’t have an iPod or iPhone?

I’m sure that most of us don’t know that you can sync pretty much any phone with iTunes. Generally speaking, you’ll get a software disc in with your phone that will have a program on for copying your music to your phone, but this can sometimes be clumsy, lead to duplicate songs on your computer, or require your songs to be changed to a different format, but there are ways around this.

I recently came across 2 free programs, (one for Windows, one for Mac OS X) that will let you sync just about any phone with iTunes.

iTunes Agent for Windows users:

This is a simple and easy program to use. It doesn’t matter what phone you have, as long as your PC can recognise it as a storage device once you’ve plugged it into a USB port.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed the program, you just need to tell it:

How to organise the music on your phone:
- iTunes saves it in the format: Artist / Album Name / Song.mp3
- Artist Folder saves in the format: Artist-Album / Song.mp3
- Flat saves in the format: Artist – Song.mp3
Where the music should be saved to on your phone
Which playlists you want to synchronise with your phone

That’s about all there is to it. It really couldn’t be easier. Further instructions on how to use it can be found on the iTunes Agent support website.

iTuneMyWalkman for Mac OS X users:

Again, a very simple and easy to use application, that will install scripts that will automatically sync your music when your phone is connected, without the need to launch a separate application.

Once installed, you’ll need to change some of the preferences to tell it where to save the music to on your phone, whether to autosync or not and what type of files you want to synchronise. (Movies, Podcasts, MP3 etc..)

You can use a combination of playlists and smart playlists, and iTuneMyWalkman will transfer over as much music as your phone will hold, or up to a threshold that you choose.

As with the Windows version, this really couldn’t be any easier, and this will work with all phones that can be connected via USB.

If you have a Nokia N-Series device, you may also want to check out Nokia Multimedia Transfer for Mac. This software is currently in Beta, but will also allow you to sync your photo’s with iPhoto, as well as sync your music and playlists over Bluetooth and USB.

One thing to bear in mind with both of these applications, is that they will delete any music off your phone the first time that they sync. So if you have purchased or downloaded an music files on your phone that you don’t have on your PC, you’ll need to back these up or send them to your PC before you start.

Which iPod have I got?

Andy Simpson — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:00:37 +0000

Since Apple launched their original iPod back in October 2001, the range has grown and evolved. Although iPod’s look fairly similar, each one is individual, and has its own range of accessories. Here you can determine which iPod you have, and find out what accessories are available for it.

What does the “G” mean?
When Apple launched the early iPod’s, they weren’t given names like they are today. The original iPod was replaced by a newer model also called iPod. As the newer model had several advanced features over its predecessor, it was dubbed the new generation of iPod, this over time change to 2nd Generation, which in turn got shortened to 2G.

The number preceding the “G” just determines where that particular model sits in the range of iPods. Even now with the Nano iPod, we are seeing 2nd and 3rd Generation models. The original style of iPod is now called the iPod Classic, and no doubt as time goes on, more generations will follow. The only exception to this is the iPhone 3G, where the 3G refers to the technology within the phone, and not the generation of iPhone.

So which iPod have I got?
The list below shows the dates that the different generations of iPod were released, along with the available storage capacity.

iPod Shuffle 3G
Available from March 2009 and available only in 4GB models holding upto 1000 songs. The iPod Shuffle 3G is even smaller than the second generation model, and has no buttons to press to control your music. Instead the iPod Shuffle 3G has a new remote headset that controls volume and play back and a new voice menu system that talks you through your menu’s

iPod Nano 4G
Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPod Nano returns to its earlier, slimmer design, but with a 2" widescreen display. Slimmer than previous versions, the iPod Nano 4G has an inbuilt motion sensor which allows you to change track just by shaking it. The iPod Nano 4G is available in 9 new vibrant colours.

iPod Touch 2G
Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. The the black beveled edges and back cover on the original iPod Touch gets replaced with stainless steel. Physical volume keys and a speaker are introduced into the slimmer design. Support for Nike+ is added with software version 2.1, along with "Genius" playlists.

iPhone 3G
Available from July 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone 3G is essentially the same as the original iPhone, but with improved battery life and 3G connectivity. Some minor cosmetic changes and the introduction of a white 16GB model. iPhone 3G shipped with software version 2.0 which added the App store and support for Microsoft Exchange.

iPhone
Available from November 2007 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone is a revolutionary Phone, iPod and Internet Device. The iPhone combines all the features of the iPod Touch with a mobile phone.

iPod Classic
Available from September 2007 and available in 80GB and 160GB models. Re-named the iPod Classic, the iPod Video sees an increase in capacity. In September 2008 The iPod Classic 80GB sees an increase in capacity to 120GB and the 160GB model is discontinued. The iPod Classic continues in Silver and Black

iPod Nano 3G
Available from September 2007 and available in 4GB and 8GB models. The iPod Nano now lets you enjoy TV shows, music videos, video podcasts and more.

iPod Touch
Available from September 2007 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. iPod moves to a whole new level with the introduction of the iPod Touch. The click wheel is replaced with a wide screen, touch sensitive display. Wi-Fi is introduced to the iPod range to give internet and email access.

iPod Shuffle 2G
Available from September 2006 and available in 512MB, 1GB & 2GB models. The second-generation Shuffle comes in only one capacity in a clip-on case that’s roughly half the size of its predecessor. In September 2008 the iPod Shuffle recieves a minor make over, with the introduction of 5 new colours.

iPod Nano 2G
Available from September 2006 and available in 2GB, 4GB & 8GB models. The second-generation Nano come in a variety of scratch-resistant colours.

iPod Video 5G
Available from October 2005 and available in 30GB & 60GB models. The fifth-generation iPod Video plays video on a 2.5-inch, 320-by-240, 260,000 colour TFT display.

iPod Nano 1G
Available from September 2005 and available in 1GB, 2GB & 4GB models. Available in glossy black or white, the Nano features a colour display and a Click Wheel.

iPod Colour
Available from June 2005 and available in 20GB & 60GB models. The iPod and iPod photo lines are merged into the iPod Colour, ending the availability of monochrome-screen music players.

iPod Mini 2G
Available from February 2005 and available in 4GB, 6GB models. The iPod Mini gets an increase in storage to 4GB and 6GB.

iPod Shuffle
Available from January 2005. Apple gets into the flash-based music player business, introducing the iPod Shuffle. About the size of a stick of gum, the shuffle comes in 512MB and 1GB capacities.

iPod Photo
Available from October 2004 and available in 20GB, 40GB or 60GB models. The iPod Photo plays music as well as displays photos on a 220-by-176-pixel resolution screen.

iPod 4G
Available from July 2004 and available in 20GB & 40GB models. A fourth generation iPod incorporating the Click Wheel interface that was introduced six months earlier with the iPod mini.

iPod Mini 1G
Available from: January 2004. Half-an-inch thin and about the size of a business card, the iPod Mini comes in gold, blue, pink, and green anodised aluminium with 4GB of storage.

iPod 3G Available from April 2003 and available in 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 40GB models. The third generation iPod interface adds a solid-state scroll wheel with four buttons rewind, menu, play/pause, and fast-forward on top. Replacing the FireWire port is a thin connector that let the device hook up to a Mac or PC with either FireWire or USB 2.0.

iPod 2G
Available from July 2002 and available in either 10GB or 20GB models. Instead of a scroll wheel, the second generation iPod featured a touch wheel and a door for protecting the iPod’s FireWire port.

iPod 1G
Available from October 2001. The first generation iPod was a simple 5GB hard-drive-based music player.

Parrot Introduce New Range of Bluetooth Car Kits

Andy Simpson — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:05:58 +0000

Parrot have just announced a fantastic new range of in-car handsfree kits. The MKi range is a unique Bluetooth hands-free car kit that can be fitted to most vehicles. It combines the latest communication technologies with a full set of services dedicated to music and are fully compatible with all iPod’s. There are three versions of the MKi Kit, all based on the same setup. The Parrot MKi kits connect to your car audio system and deliver hi-quality conversations whatever the conditions are. All versions of the MKi offer self-learning voice recognition, contact search and text-to speech and come with a multi-functional remote that you can use to answer calls, adjust the volume and control your music. Parrot are also due to launch a new, optional MultiCAN accessory that will allow you to use steering-mounted controls to handle calls where applicable.

The Parrot MKi9000 features an external double microphone and new software which eliminates environmental and in-car noises with full-duplex and zero-echo crystal clear conversations. It includes an independent RF remote control which enables you to take complete control at the touch of a button. The MKi system is supplied with a music cable which enables you to connect your music player via USB or using a 3.5mm cable. The MKi9000 also supports streaming music over Bluetooth from any A2DP enabled device.
Order the Parrot MKi9000.

The Parrot MKi9100 has the same specifications as the MKi9000, but with the addition of a blue OLED display screen that lets you see the callers name and number when receiving a call. When you connect your music player to the MKi9100 using USB or Bluetooth and the MKi9100 will display the track title and artist on the screen. The Display screen can be removed easily for added security.
Order the Parrot MKi9100.

The Parrot MKi9200 supports all the features on the MKi9000, with the addition of a 2.4 inch colour screen. With the colour screen you can assign photos to contacts, set a background wallpaper, see playlists and album covers. The display screen also has a built in SDHC Memory Card reader, supporting memory cards upto 32GB – completely eliminating the need for a seperate music player. Simply store all the music you want on your memory card, and play it directly from the MKi9200.
Order the Parrot MKi9200.

If you’re looking at getting a car kit, don’t forget to check out our guide on Car Kit accessories.

PowerBlok Charging Adapters

Andy Simpson — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:11:47 +0000

Whether you are a phone user or a gadget lover, one of the most annoying things about getting a new device is having to replace all of your chargers. For my current phone I’ve got a car charger, a spare mains charger at work and a USB charging cable that I carry around in my laptop bag. But what if I carried my iPod and PSP with me, or if my Bluetooth Headset takes a different charging connector to my phone – thats another charger I’d need to carry around with me! Thankfully PowerBloks make it easier to charge multiple devices with just one charger.

PowerBlok Charging Adapters

PowerBloks are simple adapters that convert any standard Mini USB cable into a USB charging cable, and can also be used to convert Mini USB Mains and Car chargers to work with your device. This is great news, as it completely removes the need to have a seperate charger for each device you own. I’m pretty sure that you will already have a spare Mini USB cable lying around at home that you can use to charge your phone, MP3 Player or games console – they even work on the new iPhone 3G. If you want to use this cable in the car or at work, just connect your cable to a USB Mains Adapter or USB Car Charger Adapter and you’ve got a fully functional charger that you can update as often as you like for a fraction of the cost!

One Charger for your TomTom, Bluetooth Headset, Mobile Phone and iPod

When you’re in the car you can now use the same charger on your TomTom, your phone, your iPod and your Bluetooth Headset, just change the PowerBlok adapter to switch between devices.

PowerBloks are available now for Classic Nokia, Nokia 2mm, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, Sony PSP, iPod and iPhone, with other manufacturers due shortly. We’re looking at putting together some bundle packs on the tips – which ones do you think we should do? What other devices should we offer adapters for? Feel free to add your suggestions below!

A Guide to Nokia Chargers

Andy Simpson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:37:43 +0000

Everybody knows that a Nokia Charger is a general household item and can be found lying around in most homes. Great if you’re often out and about visiting friends or family and running out of power, but as the phones have become more advanced, Nokia have changed and improved their charging connections.

Classic Nokia Charger

Classic Nokia Charger
This is the original Nokia Charger connector, the one that everyone will have lying around at home. No longer used on any of their current handsets, this is a 3.5mm connection used on handsets from the original Nokia 5110, right through to the Nokia 6230i.

2mm Nokia Charger

2mm Nokia Charger
This is the current Nokia Charger, used on most of their handsets. With phones getting smaller in size, Nokia reduced the size of the charging pin down to 2mm. If you have the classic Nokia mains or car charger, you can use the Nokia CA-44 Charging Adapter to reduce the size of the charging tip from 3.5mm to 2mm.

Micro USB Nokia Charger

Micro USB Nokia Charger
Starting to appear on the higher end Nokia phones, the Micro USB Charger uses the same port as some handsfree kits and data cables (not at the same time!) These ports provide a faster transfer rate, which is why they can normally be found on the latest Multimedia handsets

Alternative Chargers

Charge Anywhere
Historically you could only ever get chargers to use at home or in the car. Now you can charge your phone just about anywhere. You can now use a USB Charging Cable connected to a spare port on your PC or Laptop, an Emergency Charger that uses a standard AA Battery, a wind-up charger or even Solar power.

How to install your Bluetooth Dongle

Andy Simpson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:23:46 +0000

Installing a Bluetooth Dongle to a PC Running Windows XP SP2:

Windows XP Service Pack 2 has generic Bluetooth drivers built into the operating system. While these drivers will provide you with basic Bluetooth functionality, you will only get the most out of your Dongle by installing the drivers that are supplied with it.

Installing generic Windows drivers:

Before beginning installation we would recommend that you visit the Microsoft Windows Update web site, to make sure your PC is up to date with the latest driver and security updates. Bluetooth drivers are built into Windows XP Service Pack 2 so an installation CD is not necessarily required.
To begin installation, insert the Bluetooth Dongle to a free USB port on your computer.

After a few seconds, you should see a yellow notification bubble by the clock. Windows will automatically begin to search for the necessary drivers and after a few minutes, the hardware will be installed and ready for use.

If Windows doesn’t have the necessary drivers, the add new hardware wizard will prompt you to insert the disc.

If this happens;

Place the disk into the CD drive.
Click next.
Follow the on screen prompts to install the drivers.
Restart the computer.

Your new Bluetooth Dongle is ready for use.

Installing specific drivers using supplied disc:
To install the drivers that are supplied with your new Dongle, follow these steps.

It is very important that you do not plug the Dongle into your computer until prompted to do so.

Insert the CD into your CD drive.
Disc should run automatically.
Follow the on screen prompts.
Insert the Dongle when prompted.

A series of yellow notification bubbles will appear by the clock as the drivers are installed. When installation is complete you will get a notification to say that the hardware has been successfully installed and is ready for use.

Installing Specific Drivers using downloaded drivers:
If you don’t have the software disc anymore or it has been damaged, you can download the drivers from the internet. The drivers needed vary from device to device. Download Bluetooth Dongle drivers. Once you have downloaded the file. Double click the Icon to begin the setup process. Follow the on screen prompts, and only insert the Dongle when prompted to do so. A series of yellow notification bubbles will appear by the clock as the drivers are installed. When installation is complete you will get a notification to say that the hardware has been successfully installed and is ready for use.

Bluetrek SurfaceSound

Andy Simpson — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:14:06 +0000

Bluetrek SurfaceSound is an ultra slim loudspeaker system for your mobile phone. The SurfaceSound Duo and the SurfaceSound Compact are portable and designed to be used either in the car, at home or at work.


SurfaceSound Duo	SurfaceSound Compact

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Duo:
The SurfaceSound Duo is a unique device that combines the ease of a loudspeaker, with the freedom of a Bluetooth Headset. The Duo allows you to use your Bluetrek Bluetooth headset while you’re out and about. When you get home or in the car, simply take the headset off your ear and dock it onto the SurfaceSound Duo. When docked all call audio is routed through the flat panel loudspeaker. When you reach your destination, you simply undock the headset and the call is transferred back to the headset. You’re then free to wander around with no interruption to your call. Battery life is exceptional, giving up to 24 days stand-by time and up to 22 hours talk time.

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact:
The SurfaceSound is an ultra slim loudspeaker that can be used in the car, at work or at home. Its the same basic design as the SurfaceSound Duo, but without the ability to dock your Bluetooth Headset. Battery life is again excellent, with stand-by times of up to 22 days and up to 15 hours of talk time. The SurfaceSound Compact supports voice dialling (handset dependant) as well as last number redial, call return and call waiting.

Both the SurfaceSound Compact and SurfaceSound Duo include USB charging cable and car adapter.

Compatible Headsets:

Top Ten Accessories for your Nintendo Wii

Andy Simpson — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:43:09 +0000

Got the latest must have games console? Then you’ll need the latest must have accessories to go with it!

Here are Mobile Fun’s top ten accessories for your Nintendo Wii:

	Nintendo Wii Component Cable A must for anyone with a High Definition TV. Experience ultra-realistic images to the fullest on your HDTV. Immerse yourself in a world of digital entertainment with superior quality sound and graphics enhanced by a premium quality component connection.
	Dual Charging Station for Wii Remotes Fed up with constantly replacing the batteries in your Wii Remotes? This Dual Charging station connects to a spare USB port on the back of your Wii and will charge your Wii Remotes when not in use.
	Official Nintendo Wii Remote Controller To really get into the spirit of the Wii you need to be able to play multi player games. Adding an additional controller will open up a whole new level of fun. Connect up to 4 Wii remotes to your Wii console.
	Official Nintendo Wii Nunchuck The Nunchuck adds more control and interaction to your Wii gaming. Make the most of your Wii by adding a nunchuck to each of your Wii Remotes.
	Sandisk 2GB SD Memory Card Increase the storage capacity on your Wii to 2GB and you will never need to worry about running out of space for your saved game data. Transfer photos to the memory card and enjoy watching them back as a slide show on your TV.
	Silicon Case Nintendo Controller Make sure your Wii Remote and Nunchuck don’t slip out of your hands with the Silicon Cases. The non-slip design means your fingers won’t slip off the controls at the wrong moment!
	Nintendo 13-in-1 Sports Pack Add more realism to playing Wii sports with this accessory pack! These clip on accessories turn your standard Wii remote into a Tennis Racket, Golf Club, Steering wheel, Baseball bat and more!
	Nintendo Wii Carry Bag Don’t want to damage your console when you take it round to your friends house for a party? The Nintendo Wii Carry Bag is designed to hold your Wii safely and securely and has space for games and extra controllers.
	Nintendo Wii Remote Extension Cable Never get tangled up during a game again! This extension cable gives you more freedom of movement while using your Nunchuck connected to your Wii Remote.
	Wireless Sensor Bar Don’t want wires trailing from your TV? Want to be able to position your Wii a bit further away from your TV than the cables will let you? This wireless sensor bar can be positioned anywhere, and can increase the distance you can play from. No installation is needed, just a few batteries!