Sprint’s Peel case brings wireless 3G data to Apple iPod Touch

The PEEL portable 3G 802.11 b/g WiFi hotspot passed through the FCC today. The device bears Sprint branding, and it’s designed to work on the company’s CDMA/EVDO network. But it doesn’t offer support for 4G.

Interestingly, the PEEL is designed to attach to the back of an iPod Touch. All you need to do is connect to the PEEL’s WiFi signal with your iPod Touch, and you will have anywhere access to the Internet. That means you can even place calls with your iPod Touch when logged on to the net via WiFi. The PEEL supports up to 5 devices simultaneously.

The PEEL is manufactured by ZTE and has the model number U3200. Any info on pricing or a release date has not yet been released, but today’s FCC filing suggests that the device should be available soon.

Bluetooth 4 spec reduces energy consumption by 90%

Bluetooth has permitted a next-gen spec that will allow future wireless devices to operate for years on just a minute, button-sized battery.

According to Bluetooth SIG director Michael Foley, devices based on the new 4 spec are likely to devour nearly 90 percent less energy than current electronic items.

Bluetooth 4 spec reduces energy consumption by 90%"[This] will enable a host of new uses for wireless products in everything from sports and fitness to health-care and home entertainment," Foley explained in a blog post.

Some of the new devices envisioned by Foley include:Advanced fitness monitors - Capable of recording activity levels, heart rate, weight.



• Health sensors - Collect vital information such as pulse, temperature and blood glucose levels. Automatically sends the information to a mobile phone or PC, allowing doctors and other healthcare providers to monitor patients remotely.
• 
Watches - Designed to control wireless headsets, mobile phones and other portable devices.

The first Bluetooth low energy devices are slated to be released this fall, with a virtual "flood" likely in 2011.

Amazon introduces new version of e-reader 'Kindle DX'

Amazon.com has launched latest generation Kindle DX with free 3G wireless, a version of the 9.7-inch wireless reading device with the convenience of wireless content delivery in over 100 countries, with a lower price tag of $379.

According to Amazon, the new Kindle DX features a new graphite enclosure and an all new, high contrast electronic ink display with 50% better contrast for the clearest text and sharpest images; 9.7-inch diagonal e-ink screen; and graphic-rich books, magazines, PDFs, newspapers and blogs.

Additionally, the new device with Whispersync technology automatically saves and synchronizes customer book libraries and last page read across all these devices; helps download new content wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; and has a battery life up to 2 weeks with wireless turned off.

The company said that the new device also comprises of social networks; built-In PDF Reader; and auto-rotating screen. It stores up to 3,500 books; and comes with the text-to-speech feature; Kindle DX can read magazines, blogs, newspapers and books out loud.

Steve Kessel, senior vice president of Amazon Kindle, said: "There's no turning back once you read on our beautiful new Kindle DX screen. With 50% better contrast and darker fonts, you'll find it easier than ever to read wherever you happen to be, whether it's outside in bright sunlight or under the low light of your living room."