Wireless is name of the game.  No one wants to be tied down.  So, from wireless phones, to wireless speakers, to wireless internet to bluetooth devices, its all about being cable free.  Even my Mom told me that she needs to get one of  ’those small headsets without the wires’ for her cell phone.  If the technology has made it to my Mom, then it is mainstream.  Today, we will examine a much talked about bluetooth headset, the Jawbone Prime.  So, I am back once again for another hard-hitting, fact finding interview.  My guest today is none other than my other half, Iris.  I am looking forward to finding out the scoop on the Jawbone Prime.

Heather:  Hello, Iris.  Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me.

Iris:  That was formal.  Plus, I was unaware that I had a choice, honey.

Heather:  I am trying to be professional here, so no special treatment.  Also, people need to know all about the new Jawbone.

Iris:  I know.  I’m just giving you a hard time.

Heather (sigh):  Just for reference, you have owned and used both of the first two Jawbone headsets, correct?

Iris:  Yes, I’ve used them both.  The second one was definitely an improvement on the first version, that was why I was so interested to see the Jawbone Prime, or Jawbone 3.

Jawbone Prime packaging

Heather:  What was your first impression of the Jawbone Prime?  What did you think of the presentation?

Iris:  The Jawbone Prime was presented very nicely.  In its sleek, slim clear plastic packaging, the Jawbone  gave the illusion of floating in the case. It was very pleasing to the eyes.  They did a wonderful job in the presentation.

Heather:  First impressions are very important.  What did you think of the design of the headset?  How does it compare to the other Jawbones?

Iris:  Overall the look is very similar to the Jawbone 2.  The Jawbone Prime is a hair smaller than the Jawbone 2.  Also, the diamond pattern is not as prominent and obvious.  It’s definitely a more subtle and sleek look. 

Jawbone Prime

Heather:  How comfortable was the fit?  One of my biggest issues is that the in-ear headsets can really rub and irritate your ear.

Iris:  There are a few options for fitting the headset to your ear.  Aliph offers you  3 different size ear pieces and you also have the option to use the over the ear attachment.  The fit was great in the beginning, very snug.  However, after a few days the earpiece was loose in the ear, allowing it to move around quite a bit.  The earpiece was also loose on the Jawbone itself, and it could actually spin around on the headset.

 

Heather:  Did the Jawbone Prime actually fall out of your ear?

Iris:  No, but it was not very secure.

Jawbone Prime Color Choices

Heather:  When you are talking about a bluetooth headset for cell phones, sound and call quality is key.  It doesn’t matter how well the headset fits, if no one can hear.  So, Iris, how well could you hear?  How well could the person you were talking to hear you?

Iris:   When the earpiece stayed in my ear properly, I could hear perfectly well.  The same goes for the sound quality for the person on the other end of the line.  

 

Heather:  Jawbone is known for their noise suppression technology.  Was outside noise an issue during calls?

Iris:  As long as the the white button on the inside of the Jawbone was pressed in and sitting securely against my cheek, the noise assassin was excellent.  I had all four windows of the car all the way down while driving, and the person on the other end of the line heard zero wind noise.

Jawbone Prime - front & back

Heather:  That’s excellent.  Did you have any issues pairing the Jawbone with your phone?

Iris:  No.  Pairing was easy.

Heather:  Given your prior knowledge of older Jawbones, how does the Jawbone Prime compare with its predecessors?

Iris:  The Prime is a teeny bit smaller in both length and width. Overall, it didn’t seem too different to me than the Jawbone II that I currently own.  I wouldn’t say that the noise assassin worked any better, because the earpiece didn’t always stay firmly in my ear.  Therefore, the headset was not always pressed firmly to my cheek.  The new Jawbone was supposed to have addressed that and I am not so sure that it did.

Heather: Iris, do you have any final thoughts on the Jawbone Prime?

Iris:  It’s a Jawbone, so to me it’s still one of the best out there.  However, I wish that they would make something that would fit snugly in someone’s ear. Especially someone who is smaller in stature than the regular Joe.  That accurate fit is very important in order to make sure the noise assassin works correctly.

Heather:  Iris, I would like to thank you for taking the time to talk with me.  I’d also like to thank Aliph for lending us at JAMM a Jawbone Prime.

Iris:  You’re a fabulous interviewer, and its always a pleasure to talk with you.  Now can we finish- I’m hungry!

SPB Software has released an updated to their brain training and brain marking game, SPB Brain Evolution 2, today.  The update includes support for two new game types:  Geometry and Pairs, a new scoring system, the ability to upload your scores to Twitter and of course, a more finger friendly touch friendly interface.

You can download a fully functional trial to check out what all the buzz is about SPB Brain Evolution 2 here.  The full version can be registered for $19.95 and registered users of SPB Brain Evolution 1 can upgrade to version 2 for only $9.97 here.

For the full press release of SPB Brain Evolution 2, please see below:

The World’s Bestselling Windows Mobile Game of 2008 Gets a Major Update

September 15th, 2009 – SPB Software, a leading mobile software developer, announces that the Windows Mobile Classic and Professional (touchscreen) version of its famous developmental game SPB Brain Evolution has received a major update and now reached version 2.0.

SPB Brain Evolution is available since January 2007 and by now has achieved the world’s best selling Windows Mobile game status (year 2008). The game allows hundreds of thousands of users worldwide to improve their mental awareness and maintain their newly achieved brain fitness.

The game currently contains twelve exercises which, put together, help users to keep their mind in a proper shape. These exercises are Sudoku, Numbers, Arithmetics, Quadronica, Guess Who, Memorica, Encyclopedia, Minesweeper, Matches, Balltracker, Geometry and Pairs, the latter two being completely new. They help user to exercise such basic mind activities as logic, arithmetic and memory. While the training mode prepares you for the battle the marking mode allows you to register your progress. The game also allows tracking the progress in your personal brain evolution which immediately becomes available in the form of a diagram or a score.

*** New Features: ***

* Two additional exercises mentioned above, Geometry and Pairs;
* A new scoring and progress tracking system;
* Sharing user’s achievements online on SPB server;
* Posting achievements to Twitter;
* The new, finger-friendly interface that perfectly matches all the latest smartphones with bigger and more responsive touchscreens;
* Native support for 800×480 and 400×240 screen resolutions.

*** Pricing and Availability ***

SPB Brain Evolution 2.0 is available for Windows Mobile touchscreen (works on WM 2003 or higher touchscreens) from September 15th and on, in the following languages: English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, French, Danish, Portuguese, Czech, Polish, Dutch, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Japanese and Korean. A free trial version working for 15 days with some restrictions can be downloaded, or the full version can be purchased for $19.95 from www.spbsoftware.com.

*** Further Information and Downloads ***

SPB Brain Evolution for Windows Mobile touchscreens
http://www.spbsoftware.com/pocketpc-software/brainevolution

SPB Brain Evolution screenshots
http://www.spbsoftware.com/pocketpc-software/brainevolution/screenshots

SPB Brain Evolution evaluation copy downloading page
http://www.spbsoftware.com/pocketpc-software/brainevolution/download

*** About SPB Software (www.spbsoftware.com) ***

SPB is a leading brand in mobile software, standing for a unique line of popular consumer products and partnerships with the world’s most innovative handset makers and wireless carriers. SPB’s software solutions deliver richer smartphone experiences and enable subscribers to do more with their mobile data connections. SPB Software is the maker of the world’s single number one bestselling mobile application – SPB Mobile Shell. For more information, please visit www.spbsoftware.com.

Follow SPB Software on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/spb_software

Connect with SPB Software on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPB-Software/77703564770?ref=ts

CallBlock Basic 2 for Windows Mobile Professional has recently been updated in the JAMM Store.  CallBlock Basic provides an interesting solution to a common cell phone problem.  It allows users to select whose calls and SMS’ come through, and whose don’t.  Simple, right?  Thinking about it, this is actually an exciting role for an application to play.  CallBlock Basic essentially sits in the background of your phone’s memory, acting as a butler or bouncer, screening who is and who is not worthy of your time.  Numbers can be configured to go straight to voice mail, to be ignored or to be allowed to pass through, ringing the phone as normal.  You can even assign rules based on individual contacts or wildcards, as well as time contexts.

You can download a trial version of CallBlock Basic 2 here.  You can also register the full version for $12.95.

While visiting the JAMM Store, please be sure to check out some of the other exciting new and updated titles.  See the links below to jump to the product pages.

New Software

• Airscanner Security Combo v3.5
• Sudopix v1.00.008
• Yamb mobile v1.0
• Activision Anthology v01.00.008
• GEO-H1N1 v1.0
• Math Games v1.0
• GirlPro WM Professional v1.0.1
• VAMP halloween crisis v.2.1 v2.1

Updated Software

• Joggah v1.0.2
• Shopping List v5.01
• Elecont Weather Forecast with Barometer and Solar Alert – infinite subscription v1.0.954
• Urban Horizon – 1 Month Subscription – US and Canada v2.2.1
• Shopping List Deluxe v5.01
• Loan Analyzer v3.01

It has become clear to me that I hoard mobile technology.  I love cases, cables, memory cards.  I love cell phones.  I “collect” them.  That’s what I tell myself, anyways…  This hoarding has caused me to amass a collection of items that I am certain will never again be used by me.  Thus, the long process of deciding what must go and what gets to stay… who was a good enough friend, a confidant, a companion that was there when my wife was stuck in the dressing room, was there when the doctor was running behind, was there when no one else would possibly be up?  It has become clear that my gadgets are more to me than mobile technology.  They take on the role of a friend, a constant friend that is always strapped to your hip, sitting firm in it’s custom made case, just waiting for you to interact with it.  I know that as I start this process of parting with some of my no longer used mobile tech, I will be better off in the long run.  It’s hard though…

How about you?  Do your phones and gadgets take on a role of a friend in your life?  … a companion that is always there?  Let us know in the comments section below!

I am a huge fan of Sound ID headsets, and I have been ever since their initial offering, the SM100.  I think they have exceptional sound quality, and are attractive and comfortable enough that you almost do not mind the hunk of plastic dangling off your ear. 

Today, Sound ID announced the fourth entry in their growing line of Bluetooth headsets, the SoundID 400.  This one features all of the same great features which have set SoundID apart in the past, such as Personal Sound and Environmental Mode.  It also features a new feature, the Companion Link Remote Microphone.  This is a separate microphone which connects to the headset wirelessly, so you can include another person or audio source on the call.  A pretty cool idea, and we will put it to the test when I review this one soon.  Keep reading for the full press release.

Providing mobile consumers with a new way to enjoy hands-free communications, Sound ID today announced the latest product in its line-up – the Sound ID 400 Personal Sound System.

The Sound ID 400 continues the company’s winning combination of best-in-class audio and scientifically engineered all-day wearing comfort.  However, the 400 stands apart from the rest of the Bluetooth headsets on the market today, offering three unique features:

1) PersonalSound™, which consists of three listening modes tuned to the most common hearing preferences to further enhance speech clarity without raising the volume. This feature is only found on Sound ID products – no other Bluetooth headsets offer this capability.

2) The Sound ID 400 is the only headset to deliver Environmental Mode™, a feature that enables users to hear equally out of both ears in-between calls. When the Environmental Mode is activated, the hearing ability is enhanced and soft sounds can be heard while wearing the headset – allowing clear conversations “On” and “Off” the phone.

3) Additionally, the headset is the only one of its kind to be compatible with the optional Sound ID CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone – creating a Personal Sound System. The CompanionLink is a small clip-on device, a mere two-inches in size, that syncs with the Sound ID 400 and can be worn by a conversation partner or placed near a sound source to pick up audio at its origin for a richer sound experience. This device can greatly enhance the clarity of speech in many communication situations, such as: (1) a distant talker, e.g. a lecturer; (2) a very noisy environment, e.g. a restaurant; or, (3) a talker whose speech is received as faint due to his or her physical location with respect to the listener, e.g. a passenger sitting in the back of the car.

“The Sound ID 400 showcases the innovative audio capabilities that our headsets are known for and kicks it up a notch with Environmental Mode and compatibility with the CompanionLink Remote Microphone,” said Michael Jones, President and CEO of Sound ID. “Together, the Sound ID 400 and CompanionLink create a new Personal Sound System that elevates the traditional Bluetooth experience by improving speech intelligibility and aiding in clear conversations – whether on or off the phone.”

The Sound ID 400 also offers NoiseNavigation™, which uses multiple microphones and special DSP algorithms to remove background noise and elevate speech. The goal is to improve speech understanding in noisy situations. Finally, Sound ID 400 can connect with two devices simultaneously – enabling users to answer calls from two phones from the convenience of one headset. It is designed with a Black Velvet soft-touch finish.

Summary of Key Features

· PersonalSound™, in addition to offering the volume control, the user can select from 3 custom listening modes that are tuned to enhance speech clarity and boosting listening power.

· Environmental Mode™ can be activated to create a “hear-through” feature that enables users to hear equally out of both ears, even when wearing the headset, transforming ordinary hearing into extraordinary hearing.

· NoiseNavigation™ removes background and wind noise while boosting speech for clear conversations.

· Multi-Point Technology enables users to securely connect with two Bluetooth-enabled phones, such as a work and a personal phone. Then, the Sound ID 400 can answer or originate calls on either phone.

· Automatic Volume Control reduces the need for users to manually switch volume settings, as the headset seamlessly adjusts to changing environments and variable noise situations.

· CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone is an optional accessory, which can be worn by a conversation partner or placed near a sound source, to pick up audio near its source for a richer listening experience.

Sound ID 400 Bluetooth Headset Specifications

· Lightweight:  8 grams (0.28 ounces)

· Dimensions: 53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)

· Powerful Battery Life:  Up to 7 hours talk time, 200 hours (8 days) standby

· Latest Bluetooth Technology:  Bluetooth version 2.1+ EDR and eSCO improves the transmission sound quality and is compatible with earlier versions of Bluetooth

· Convenience:  Easy and secure simple pairing; comes with a Universal A/C wall charger, 100-240v

Sound ID CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone Specifications

· Pairing on the Fly:  Automatically pairs with the Sound ID 400 headset

· Lightweight:  8 grams (0.28 ounces)

· Dimensions:  53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)

· Powerful Battery Life:  Up to 10 hours talk time

· Bluetooth Radio:  Wide band with a range of up to 30 feet line-of-sight

Pricing and Availability

The Sound ID 400 will be available in Q4 for $129.99 MSR. It comes with a Universal AC charger (100-240 VAC), USB charging cable, three sizes of RealComfort EarLoops and an Ear Hook for an alternative over-the-ear wearing option. The Sound ID CompanionLink Remote Microphone will also be available Q4 for $79.99 MSR.