bluetooth

Yesterday Apple released the OS X 10.7.4 update, which addressed a number of problems and security issues in OS X, including the logging of some users' passwords in plain text and the long-standing log-out option for reopening windows always being enabled. Along with this update, however, came a security update to Bluetooth that has caused some people's Bluetooth configurations to not work properly.

The Bluetooth service in OS X 10.7 through 10.7.3 had a bug that meant a local user could potentially hack the Bluetooth daemon process and execute arbitrary code with system privileges, … Read more

You know the old saying: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

For example, yesterday I received a PR pitch from Jabra, which is offering a $15 Amazon MP3 credit when you buy the Jabra Clipper Bluetooth stereo headset -- in your choice of four colors -- for $59.99.

Here's the funny part: there's a fifth color, black, that sells for $39.99 -- right there on the same Amazon product page. I'm no math whiz, but that plus $15 works out to less than $59.99.

This got me to thinking … Read more

NEW ORLEANS--As you may already know, I'm a big sucker for Bluetooth gadgets. That's why when I spied the Monter ClarityHD Micro from a far at CTIA 2012 I couldn't resist checking them out. Squarely targeted at the same audience who think the Jawbone Jambox is groovy, this wireless speaker is small, super-portable, yet built to belt out loud tunes. … Read more

Once upon a time, I thought Bluetooth was a useless technology that would never catch on.

Turns out it's awesome for one thing: sending audio from your smartphone to a speaker. For instance, my car has a Bluetooth-capable stereo, and I revel in being able to beam podcasts, playlists, and Pandora from my iPhone -- no wires required.

I'm also a huge fan of Bluetooth speakers, which let you bring music just about anywhere -- the den, the bathroom, the garage, the patio -- without a bunch of extra gear.

All you need is your smartphone, tablet, laptop, … Read more

MacFixIt Answers is a feature in which we answer questions e-mailed in by our readers.

This week people wrote in with questions managing a persistent warning in Web browsers about local storage when browsing YouTube, what to do about an encrypted hard drive for which you do not have the recovery key or password, managing a bluetooth mouse that keeps losing its connection, and a reader suggestion for a file quarantining bug in OS X Lion. We welcome alternative approaches and views from readers, so if you have any suggestions or alternative approaches to these problems, then post them in … Read more

(Updated April 26, 2012, with two new keyboard cases.)

The one differentiating feature separating the iPad from portable computers such as Netbooks for many people, other than the operating system, is a keyboard. Yes, the iPad has its own onscreen virtual keyboard, but some will be tempted to explore alternatives to get "serious" writing done.

Keyboards for iPads have drawbacks: they add bulk to your bag, and the Bluetooth connection will add some drain to an iPad's battery life. You'll also have to consider whether you prefer a standalone keyboard, or a case that has a keyboard built in. Some cases have compressed keyboards, and others manage to fit a full-size one. You'll also have to learn to live without a trackpad.

For your comparison-shopping help, here are the keyboard cases I've reviewed. … Read more

When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, small is hot. We have Jawbone and all the marketing it put behind its Jambox partially to thank for that. With its rechargeable battery and impressive sound for its size, the Jambox showed how you could take a tiny portable speaker and pair it with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to create a mini wireless stereo system just about anywhere you were.

But some folks don't want to drop $150 to $175 on a portable speaker, which is why I've put together this list of less expensive alternatives. We'll be reviewing more inexpensive portable Bluetooth speakers as the year goes along and we'll continue to update this list as we listen to new products and earlier models we might have missed.… Read more

Bluetooth speakers are finally becoming more abundant, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or tablet. No docking stations, no auxilary cables. Ahh, freedom.

Ready-to-go Bluetooth speakers are convenient, but what if you already own speakers that you know and love? With Logitech's adapter, you can add Bluetooth streaming to just about any speaker for just $40.

A plug-and-play solution, the Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter acts as a bridge between your existing speakers and your Bluetooth-capable phone, tablet, or computer. Here's how it works:

As with any wireless streaming solution, there will be audio compression. Meaning, … Read more

One of the more interesting things that Suke Jawanda, chief marketing officer of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), ever saw enabled with Bluetooth was a toothbrush. It measures how long you brush and the number of strokes you make.

"It's all these telematics from your toothbrush that are tracked and sent to an app," he said. "And it's like...what can't be connected?"

For Jawanda and everyday consumers, it seems like everything these days features the Bluetooth logo on its box. In fact, in 2011, 50 Bluetooth-enabled products are shipped out every … Read more