Skip to main content

Bluetooth

See All Stories

Chrome OS can show your Bluetooth device’s battery level, but there’s a catch

Chrome OS

Our accessories are increasingly powered by Bluetooth, especially our smartphones, and even devices like the Google Pixel Slate are not offering a headphone jack. Catching up with the likes of Android and iOS, Chrome OS can now show you how much battery life your Bluetooth accessories have left, but there’s a major caveat.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Google brought Fuchsia demo to official Bluetooth testing event, UnPlugFest

Fuchsia Bluetooth SIG

Our avid readers know that Google is working on a third operating system, Fuchsia, that has the potential to eventually replace both Android and Chrome OS, being designed for laptops, phones, and even smart home appliances. One thing all of these gadgets have in common is Bluetooth capability. It seems Google is already testing the new OS’s Bluetooth capabilities by quietly bringing devices running Fuchsia to an official Bluetooth testing event.


Expand
Expanding
Close

‘BlueBorne’ Bluetooth vulnerability addressed by Android’s September security patch

Yesterday, security firm Armis Labs disclosed a Bluetooth exploit dubbed “BlueBorne.” This insidious vulnerability puts billions of Android devices, among many others, with Bluetooth enabled at risk for take over. Fortunately, Google has issued a fix as part of the September security patch, but it will undoubtedly take a while for OEMs to push their updates.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Google may be finally adding Bluetooth battery indicators in an upcoming Android version

Sometimes it’s the little things that are the most frustrating, and you can say that about Android quite a lot, unfortunately. One of those issues which users have complained about for years is the lack of a Bluetooth battery indicator in the OS, but it seems that Google is finally delivering on that feature in a future version of the OS.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Google has fixed the Bluetooth shutdown issue on the Pixel, Pixel XL w/ ‘server-side changes’

Site default logo image

For the past month, some Pixel and Pixel XL owners have reported that Bluetooth on their device randomly shuts down. The issue seemingly began in February after that month’s security patch and has persisted through this month’s update. However, according to Google, the issue has now been remedied server-side.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Many Google Pixel owners are experiencing random Bluetooth disconnects, issues with calls over Bluetooth

Site default logo image

google_pixelxl_02

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL are both fantastic devices, but they aren’t without flaws. Since launch, we’ve seen several issues pop up on the devices, including the speaker and problems with the camera. Google has been able to fix some of those via software updates, but now another issue is popping up ─ random Bluetooth disconnects.


Expand
Expanding
Close

Bluetooth 5 will feature 2x speed and 4x range, official announcement next week

Site default logo image

androidwear_2_1

Late last year we got an early look at improvements coming to the next version of Bluetooth, and now the Bluetooth Special Interest Group has revealed the name of the upcoming version plus more specifics about the new standard. Bluetooth 5 will be the successor to Bluetooth 4.2, which was released at the end of 2014, suggesting a notable release this year. The new standard will be announced next week, and this is what we know so far.


Expand
Expanding
Close

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Huawei Watch + band $300, Lumsing Bluetooth Adapter $17, more

9to5toys-header

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

huawei-leather-mesh-band-deal

Huawei Watch Stainless Steel with Leather Strap + extra Mesh Band: $300 shipped ($449 value)

lumsing-wireless-bluetooth-audio-stereo-receiver-adapter

Smartphone Accessories: Lumsing Wireless Bluetooth Audio Stereo Receiver Adapter $17 Prime shipped, more

motorola-cable-modem-lineup

Save $120+/yr. by owning your cable modem: refurb Motorola DOCSIS 3.0 options from $30 shipped

macbook-pro-retina-mf840lla

Apple’s latest 256GB Retina MacBook Pro: $1,200 (Reg. $1,499) – $99 less than list price of 128GB model

Apple 12-inch MacBook w/ Retina display 1.2GHz/8GB/512GB: from $1,250 w/ .edu

jbl-reflect-aware-earphones-black-01

JBL’s new Reflect Aware C headphones are powered by USB Type-C

MORE NEW GEAR FROM TODAY:

ben-jerry-free-cone-day

It’s free cone day at Ben & Jerry’s! Here’s how you can grab a dip on the house

MORE DEALS STILL ALIVE:

philips-hue

Philips Hue discounted bundles: 4-pack A19 white & color bulbs (2nd gen) $199 shipped (Reg. $240), more

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

lytro-cinema

You probably won’t own Lytro’s new 755MP Cinema Camera but you’ll enjoy its benefits

Unboxing the awesome, pricey C-3PO and Stormtrooper Bluetooth speakers [Video]

c3po-speaker-wp

Towards the end of last year, a company called AC Worldwide launched a promising Kickstarter project. Essentially, these were fully licensed, to scale Star Wars Bluetooth speakers in the shape of C-3Po and Stormtrooper heads. Not long after the speaker project launched, an investor came in and offered the company all the money they needed to get the speakers to market. Now they’re here, and I just had to try them out…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Amazon launches more affordable Echo Dot and Amazon Tap Bluetooth speaker

feature-skills

We heard a couple of months ago that Amazon was working on a smaller, more portable version of its Echo voice assistant speaker, and now it’s here. Actually, Amazon has announced today two new Alexa-enabled devices, the Echo Dot (which is the aforementioned smaller version of the larger Echo), and the Amazon Tap, which is essentially an Alexa-enabled portable speaker…


Expand
Expanding
Close

Review: Aukey Sport Bluetooth headphone, $25 you won’t regret spending

aukey-bluetooth-sport

Aukey is a Chinese company more commonly known for producing charging accessories like in-car chargers and multi-port USB stations. But, it also builds headphones. I’ve been testing the wireless Bluetooth earphones while out running for a few months now. For $25, it’s really hard to argue against the Aukey Sport Bluetooth Headphone


Expand
Expanding
Close

9to5Toys Lunch Break: LG G4 (unlocked) $380, JBL Charge 2 Bluetooth speaker $80, more

9to5toys-header

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

lg-g4-press-render-710

LG G4 brand new smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $380 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

jbl-charge-2-portable-bluetooth-speaker1

JBL Charge 2 Bluetooth speaker, 9to5mac’s ‘2014 Bluetooth speaker of the year’: $80 shipped, (or 3 for $70/ea)

ninebot-mini-segway

This mini Segway hopes to take-off with its affordable price tag and compact design

lumsing-power-bank-amazon1

USB Roundup: Lumsing 6700mAh Power bank $12, 2-Pack of RAVPower 3-ft MFi Lightning cables $8, more

kindle-paperwhite_car

Save $20 on select Kindle e-Readers, deals start at just $59 with free shipping

More new gear from today:

motorola-sb6121-6141-cable-modems

Ditch the cable modem rental fees w/ these refurb deals: Motorola SB6121 $45 shipped (Orig. $100), more

More deals still alive:

shakira-google-play

Free MP3 Downloads: Greatest Hits from TLC, Muddy Waters, more plus Shakira Deluxe Edition

New products & more:

lego-batmobile-by-nathan-sawaya_1

It took about 500,000 LEGO bricks to put this life-size Batmobile together

9to5Toys Lunch Break: LG Watch Urbane (first-gen) $225, UE ROLL Bluetooth Speaker $90, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

urbane

First-gen LG Watch Urbane smartwatch: $225 shipped (Reg. $280)

UE-Roll

UE ROLL 360 Bluetooth Speaker (all colors): $90 shipped (Reg. $100)

nexus-6-midnight-blue

Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 32GB: $300 shipped (Orig. $650) | eBay

nexus-5x-nexus-6p

Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Nexus 5X & 6P pre-orders now live on the Google Store

More new gear from today:

fitbike-excersize-desk

Daily Deals: FitDesk v2.0 Exercise Bike w/ Massage Bar $205, SanDisk Ultra 32GB Micro USB/USB 3.0 Flash Drive $11, more

More deals still alive:

super-meat-boy

Free PS Plus Games for October: Super Meat Boy, Broken Age, Kickbeat, more

Free Xbox Live Gold Games for October: Valiant Hearts, The Walking Dead, more

pla4231kit-powerline-sale-03

Networking: ZyXEL AV500 Powerline $25 shipped (Reg. $50+), travel routers, more

New products & more

tivo-bolt-dvr

TiVo makes the DVR sexy with 4K content, AirPlay and one-click commercial skipping

Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard review: Ultra-thin, versatile keyboard for your Android tablet or smartphone

microsoft-foldable-keyboard-android

The Android tablet accessory market may not be as full of keyboards as the iPad market is, but even when you find one, chances are it’s terrible. The Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard wants to be the one to change that trend. It’s small enough to carry around in your pocket when folded, and works with Android, Windows and iOS devices. What’s more, you can have it paired to two devices at once and switch between them with the press of a button. It’s safe to say that this is one of the most versatile and portable Bluetooth keyboards on the market. This review was written entirely on it.


Expand
Expanding
Close

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Beats Studio Wireless Headphones $229, Garmin nuvi GPS $149, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

beats-by-dre-studio-wireless

Beats Studio Wireless Headphones in titanium color: $229.99 shipped (Orig: $380) 

garmin-nuvi-2699lmt-hd-6-gps-with-lifetime-maps-hd-traffic-sale-01

Refurbished Garmin nuvi 2699LMT HD 6” GPS with Lifetime Maps & HD Traffic: $149.99 shipped with promo code POI (Orig: $270) 

UP by Jawbone. (PRNewsFoto/Jawbone)

Jawbone UP Fitness Tracker (4 color choices): $25 shipped (Orig: $50)

MORE DEALS FROM TODAY:

motorola-sb6121-sb6141-deal

Refurbished ARRIS SURFboard SB6121 DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem: $39.99 shipped (Orig: $99.99) 

Games/Apps Vertical PS4 stand + dual controller charger $20, Borderlands 2 Complete $30, more

ps4-charger-vertical-stand-sale-01

In today’s best game/app deals, over at Amazon you can grab the hybrid SmaAcc Vertical PS4 Stand w/ Cooling Fans + Dual Charger Station for $19.99 shipped using code JCPO6UZU during checkout. That’s $5 under the current best price and the lowest we can find. The official PS4 vertical stand from Sony will run you $20 Prime shipped on its own without he extra goodies.

It’s your last chance to hit the Mac Game Store Back-to-School sale offering up to 80% off a massive selection of Mac titles. One standout of the many, is Borderlands 2 Complete Edition for $29.99, which includes the GOTY edition of the game and the plethora of DLC that released for it.

DEALS STILL ALIVE:

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

pokken-tournament-wii-u

Move over Super Smash Bros., the Pokémon tournament fighter is coming to Wii U in the Spring

slick-go-pro-mount

SLICK’s motorized mount takes the bumps out of your GoPro videos

beyerdynamic-street-custom-headphones-new-01

Beyerdynamic takes its pro-audio pedigree to the streets with these new custom headphones

K1_banner

9to5Toys Lunch Break: Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones $79, 2TB portable hard drive $69, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

TODAY’S CAN’T MISS DEALS:

bose-soundsport-in-ear-headphones-sale-01

 

Bose SoundSport In-Ear Headphones: $79.95 shipped with promo code EMCAWKX23 (Orig: $149.95) 

sony-srx3

Sony (SRS-X3) Portable Bluetooth NFC Speaker: $71.99 shipped with promo code EXTRA (Orig: $149.99) 

xbox-one-madden-nfl-16-bundle-sale-01

Xbox One bundle + $50 Xbox gift card + Assassins Creed Unity: $399 shipped (Orig: $460+)

MORE DEALS FROM TODAY:

wdbu6y0020bbk-nesn-sale-01

WD Elements 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive: $69.99 shipped (Orig: $110) 

Kitchen/Home Oral-B 1000 electric toothbrush $29 (Orig. $60), Deep Sweep 5000 $113 (Orig. $133+), more

oral-b-pro-1000-electric-rechargeable-power-toothbrush-sale-01

Amazon has the Oral-B PRO 1000 Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush Powered by Braun for $29 with free shipping for Prime members (free trial) or on orders over $35. Be sure to clip the $5 coupon on the listing page. That’s about 35% under the original listing, $5+ under the average selling price.

You’ll also still find the Oral-B Deep Sweep 5000 w/ Bluetooth Electric Toothbrush for $113 shipped with the $20 on-page coupon (Reg. $133+) and up to $30 off Oral-B toothbrushes, brush head re-fills and more.

DEALS STILL ALIVE:

NEW PRODUCTS & MORE:

tile-bluetooth-tracker

 

Never lose your keys again with the new-and-improved Tile Bluetooth tracker

yoda-interactive-toy-pre-order

Train to be a Jedi with this oversized Yoda toy you will

aftershockz-trekz

The new AfterShokz headphones bring bone conduction audio to Apple Watch

K1_banner

iHome’s Kineta K1 + Kineta K2 fuse awesome battery packs and chargers with slick Bluetooth speakers, get the exclusive deal

Site default logo image

kineta-10

iHome has spent years building a reputation for thoughtfully designed, value-packed speakers and headphones. It was one of the first companies to recognize the value of accessories tailor-made to digital music players, and has been selling Android-compatible audio gear for years. Moreover, whenever iHome innovates, it always comes up with something cool.

Kineta K1 ($150) and Kineta K2 ($100) are iHome’s latest innovations: Bluetooth speakers with beautiful built-in battery charging docks and detachable USB battery packs. K2 is a nightstand- or desktop-friendly alarm clock radio with a large screen, stereo speakers, and speakerphone support. K1 is a completely portable stereo speaker with 13 hours of play time and a speakerphone. Each comes with iHome’s new K-CELL, a tube-shaped 2,600mAh battery that locks in place until you’re ready to go, then easily hides in your pocket or bag to refuel your phone, tablet, or watch anywhere.

Both Kinetas efficiently address two simple facts: Android devices sound better through speakers and need extra power on-the-go. Read on for details on how they each combine two useful accessories into a single great package; you’ll also find a special discount inside!…


Expand
Expanding
Close