As someone who spends a lot of time playing with connected home and personal devices this is fabulous news. I had started gathering research for a post about how as an Android user I feel like many of the popular connected devices are leaving me out in the cold with lame apps, while iOS users get sparkly interfaces and more functionality. The Hue app, the WeMo app, the BlueBulb app and the FitBit are all examples of this iOS first and foremost (and sometimes only) mindset. Or when it comes to specific devices such as the Wahoo Blue heart rate monitor my colleague Kevin Tofel wrote about last year, the Android support only extends to a few devices.

But one reason for the focus on iOS for many devices, especially those containing Bluetooth, is that native support and easy integration between the radio and the app wasn’t there. But with this announcement, which means developers will find it easier to build Android-based apps for connecting to Bluetooth devices, all that changes.

Then app developers building software for Bluetooth enabled gadgets no longer have an excuse. Although, as seems to be the case with Hue and WeMo which both work with Wi-Fi, perhaps they just think iOS users are more likely to buy their gear, so they’ve skimped on Android resources for the time being. Hue lightbulbs are also exclusively sold in Apple stores, which may also contribute to the meh nature of its Android app.

Bluetooth is serious about the internet of things.

While the Android news is great for the growing number of people toting those devices, it’s just one element in The Bluetooth Special Interest Group’s plans to make the radio technology ubiquitous for the internet of things. Bluetooth is already making huge strides in personal area networking compared with other standards I covered as far back as Jan. 2011. Bluetooth radios are set to be in 2.5 billion new devices this year, according to Mark Powell, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG, who I met with on Wednesday. That’s one fourth of the 10 billion Bluetooth radios that have shipped in the lifetime of the technology, according to ABI Research provided by the Bluetooth SIG.

Clearly Bluetooth is popular, and the acceptance by Google of the overarching Smart Ready application development framework will enhance the experience for more consumers, but Powell also detailed plans to create a secure end-to-end network layer for Bluetooth. That technology could ensure that communications between certain devices stay private, an important consideration for medical or personal data.

He also said that in addition to the profiles for data that the SIG had developed for formatting data (for example, it has a running profile that tracks the data associated with steps so an app developer doesn’t have to figure that out), it’s beefing up its service discovery layer. This will become more important as we get more connected devices and want them to talk to each other without human intervention. For example, if you have four connected Bluetooth lightbulbs in a room, you might want to turn them on all at once instead of individually programming them.

This is a concept I explored with Mike Kuniavsky, a principal in the Innovation Services Group at PARC, in a podcast in March. Powell also noted that in addition to the low energy specification the SIG released it’s working on extending the range of Bluetooth in some flavors beyond 100 meters. That means it can be used in the home, and not just as a personal area network, but for devices communicating between rooms. Combine that with the end-to-end security and suddenly my Z-wave door locks look like the wrong choice.

However, I won’t sweat that just yet. Even as Bluetooth beefs up for the internet of things, it won’t become the sole radio technology connecting my gizmos and gadgets to the web any more than Wi-Fi is my sole means of accessing the internet. However, Bluetooth has really grown up and moved well beyond its early days as a connection technology for wireless headsets and computer peripherals. Even if I’m not bullish on the future of the Bluetooth mouse, I’m bullish on Bluetooth.

This story was updated on May 16 to reflect that Bluetooth is extending the service range beyond 100 meters.

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A new software update for the Big Jambox will soon be available on the MyTalk Jambox site that not only provides more stable streaming from an iOS device but also adds another two hours of playback.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect after the update, per an email I received from the Jawbone folks:

• Better Audio Experience: New AAC support for iOS 6.1 delivers improved audio streaming with fewer dropouts and interruptions at greater distances.
• Longer Battery Life: Gain two additional hours of battery life (that’s 17 total hours of playback!) when streaming from your iOS 6.1 device. It’s also less taxing on your connected device, meaning you’ll have more battery life on your paired iOS device too.
• Synced Volume Control: Now you can control the volume from your BIG JAMBOX or from your mobile device, without having to adjust the volume on both (requires AVRCP 1.4).
• New Silent Mode: Stream music on BIG JAMBOX without the interruption of voice prompts and tones. Just hold down the ‘Talk’ & ‘Minus’ buttons while powering BIG JAMBOX on to disable all sounds aside from your tunes and calls – BIG JAMBOX will stay in Silent Mode until disabled by holding down the ‘Talk’ & ‘Plus’ buttons while powering on.
• Performance Improvements: This update also improves the LED response on BIG JAMBOX and brings connectivity for PS Vita for killer mobile gaming audio.

I’m looking forward to the extra battery life, though all of the new features are welcome. Currently, the Big Jambox is advertised  to provide 15 hours of run-time on one charge, which is plenty, but more is always better as I don’t typically charge the wireless speaker on a regular basis.

Even though I have access to all of the same music — thanks to cloud storage — on my Android devices as well as my iPhone 5 and iPad mini, I’ll probably start streaming more from the iOS devices after updating my speaker.

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Instead, Wahoo bills it as an “iPhone powered bike computer,” which is a very accurate description: the small device acts as a second screen and interface for iOS cycling apps.

That means the RFLKT by itself is simply a display with a Bluetooth radio inside. But when paired with an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 and a GPS application used to track cycling activities, you won’t need to pull out your phone to see speed, cadence, distance and other data on your rides. Here’s how Wahoo describes it:

“The RFLKT wirelessly receives all App data and ride info from the iPhone 4S and/or iPhone 5 via Bluetooth Smart. Equipped with control buttons, cyclists can operate their favorite iPhone cycling App, toggle between screens, start/stop intervals and even control iPhone functionality such as music playback all from the RFLKT, while the iPhone remains safely in a jersey pocket or bike mounted compartment. RFLKT’s sleek profile and lowly 2 ounce weight, make it virtually unnoticeable when mounted, while the coin cell operated battery has a life of over one year and requires no charging. “

You could always mount your iPhone to your bike’s handlebars to accomplish the same thing, but I like what the RFLKT offers because I don’t want my iPhone out in the elements when weather is iffy.

With this weather- and shock-proof wireless solution, the iPhone can be bagged — a plastic sandwich bag is perfect for this — and placed in a protective pocket. And there’s no functionality loss because the Bluetooth connection between the RFLKT and the phone is two-way, meaning you can still manage lap times and such in your app. Take a look:

Wahoo Fitness is selling the RFLKT online for $129.99 and is the device is open so that it could be used with practically any cycling app — Wahoo has its own, of course. That’s great, but it will depend on third-party developers to add RFLKT support for their app so if you use different exercise tracking software title now, you may have to wait a bit and hope that your favorite app supports this new gadget.

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It’s a speakerphone for the car

The Coda One comes with a clip so you can attach it to the visor in your car. When paired to your phone, it works like any other hands-free car solution. Being an electric hybrid, my car is pretty quiet on the road. Even so, some callers said they could easily tell I was on a speakerphone.

These are folks I’ve spoken with before over Bluetooth using the integrated wireless system in my car, which they felt offered better sound quality. Still, they’ve heard worse solutions as well. Incoming calls are announced through the Coda One and a simple button press answers calls or switches to a second call. The visor clip has a magnetic attachment because …

It’s a standalone speaker for calls and music

Remove the Coda One from the magnetic clip and you have a very portable external speaker. Sure you can still take calls with it without the clip, but it doubles as a music player. Sound isn’t what I’d call high-end; I use a Jambox at home to stream music in a room and the sound is much louder and richer.

But the Coda One output is passable for a small wireless speaker. Put another way: It offers the best sound of any hands free in-car Bluetooth speaker I’ve used. I like how it actually stands up on its own thanks to two small rubber feet, giving it a mini boombox profile. (Wikipedia’s boombox entry is here for those under 25 years of age — ah, the 1980s.)

It’s a wireless handset too. What?!?

The Coda One’s third use is my favorite. When on a call, pressing the Multi-Function Button on the device takes it out of speakerphone mode. At this point, you hold the Coda One up like a mini handset with a speaker near your ear and a microphone near your mouth. In this configuration the device is small enough that you don’t look silly talking on the phone. Heck, it’s about the length of my good old Motorola StarTAC when it was open and in use.

Why would I be excited about this? I’ve been early to the trend of phones getting bigger at the same time tablets have shrunk in size. I’ve even used a 7-inch tablet as a primary phone with VoIP for months at a time. Instead of looking the fool with a tablet alongside my head, the Coda One becomes a perfectly sized handset for larger devices.

Final thoughts

Overall, I like concept of the Coda One although I wish the sound quality in speakerphone mode were a tad better. It doesn’t have its own voice command capabilities, but can be used with one on your smartphone: Siri and Vlingo are specifically mentioned and I used it with the voice controls built into BlackBerry 10. Coda One supports multi-pairing – up to eight devices — and battery reportedly lasts for 20 hours of talk time or 40 days of standby. Supported Bluetooth 3.0 profiles include HFP, HSP, PBAP and A2DP.

The Coda One is expected to launch with a $99 price tag. Are there better hands-free speakerphones? Yes. Are there better wireless speakers? Yes.

But few can do everything the Coda One does in various places and if small tablets do become large voice-capable devices, I could easily see myself buying one of these versatile Bluetooth devices. Then I won’t look like this when having a conversation on a tablet.

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Two weeks of power without an outlet

First up was a fuel-cell from Liliputian Systems that provides two weeks of mobile device power. The Nectar, which will be sold exclusively at Brookstone, costs $299, so it isn’t cheap. After 14 days of juice, a small tubular fuel cell is removed and replaced with a new one.

Each refill costs $9.95, so again, this isn’t a device that will save you money over an electric outlet. The benefit, however, is that you won’t need an outlet for your smartphone because each fuel cell provides 55000 mWh of power. According to the company, the “secret power sauce” is a combination of high-energy butane fuel and high-efficiency solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

Getting the health bug

I expect a large number of health gadgets at this year’s CES and already found one in the Fitbug. The tracking system uses an accelerometer to track movement and Bluetooth to send data to the supporting app. The $50 wearable Fitbug Orb is modular, however, so it can be worn in different settings with ease; say in a watchband or on a clip.

The Orb also doubles as a sleep monitor. The company also showed off a companion body scale and blood pressure sleeve, both of which use Bluetooth 4.0 to sync data to a Fitbug account.

You don’t know Jak!

Sharing media from a smartphone isn’t as difficult as it used to be, but it’s still not as seamless as it should be. Bcoda thinks it has a better answer in the Jak multipurpose dongle. The device looks like a small USB flash drive and inside is a small Wi-Fi radio and some custom software. Using a companion mobile app — Android only for now — you can stream music or video from your phone to any media device that has a USB port. Think car stereos, television sets, home stereo systems or a computer.

Bcoda had an unrelated, yet interesting second product as well. We’ve all seen Bluetooth hands-free solutions for cars. I haven’t seen any that actually double as a Bluetooth handset, however. Bcoda’s version connects to a car visor with a removable clip so you can you take it with you. It’s a standard Bluetooth handsfree unit at that point… but with a twist. Press a button on the side and the unit acts like a transitional handset, ensuring some privacy in the conversation.

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As a result, they really cater towards different iPad mini users. Take a look a my comparison to see what I mean:

While both of the Zagg keyboard cases provide some protection for an iPad mini, there’s no closure mechanism on either. I’m not a fan of that as the case could easily open if dropped. I do like the wireless keyboards, however.

The 7-inch model is a bit too cramped for my tastes, but of course the 9-inch version is bigger and heavier. It’s a question of sacrifice: Do you mind extra bulk and weight for a wider keyboard or would you rather use a minimalistic keyboard and case? That depends on your preferences, of course. Either way, Zagg has you covered.

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The keyboard seems well made and pairs easily with my iPad mini. I especially like the top row of iPad-specific keys for the Home  button, screen brightness, volume control and search. Key travel is quite good and I’m able to type easily on the Brydge+, even though the keys are bit more cramped than Apple’s own Bluetooth keyboard.

An aluminum Brydge without speakers costs $170 right now, while the speakers add $40. You could also go with a polycarbonite Brydge without speakers for $150. Battery life is expected to last for months, although I obviously haven’t tested that claim. I suspect that heavy use of the wireless speakers will drastically cut that time down to days.

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Casio’s GB6900AA watch, spotted by Engadget, wirelessly connects to Apple’s iPhone 4S and 5 smartphones, which both support the Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy standard.  Once paired and connected, it receives alerts for incoming calls and emails. The watch can also sync the time with an iPhone and alert the wearer if they move beyond the wireless range of their iPhone, in case the handset is left behind. Double-tapping the watch face dismisses an alert.

In the product’s press release, Casio says the watch battery lasts for two years, assuming 12 hours of wireless connectivity per day. That’s a big plus as some of the early smart watches require recharging every few days or weeks. Some of that battery savings could be coming from limited functionality, however: The GB6900AA simply notifies the user of incoming calls or emails; it doesn’t provide caller ID or message details.

For many consumers, this will be the first time they see a connected watch. Geeks like me have a seen a number of them on Kickstarter, tested some out in the past or actually one one: I still wear the MotoACTV I bought this year. Talk about smart watches to the average consumer, however, and they’d likely say they never heard of them. Casio’s adoption of such technologies, combined with its brand recognition, should raise awareness more than any independent smart watch maker could.

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The two new standards are approved for sensors that will measure elements such as running cadence, stride length, total distance, or cycling speed, distance and pedal cadence to Bluetooth-enabled devices like smartphones, sports watches and cycling computers. Presumably this will boost accuracy in fitness monitoring devices. For example, some devices have a hard time adjusting their calories or effort metrics for running because they don’t take into account a longer or shorter running stride when compared to walking.

Unfortunately, until the emergence of Bluetooth Low Energy makers of the Fitbit (see disclosure) and even the Nike Run profile had to resort to proprietary connection that had a lower energy profile. The net result is those devices require specialized dongles to connect to a computer as opposed to just automatically interfacing with the Bluetooth chip already on board. Hopefully as Bluetooth Low Energy goes mainstream, and the SIG adds more accurate sensor profiles to the Bluetooth ecosystem, those who still have proprietary standards will be more inclined to switch. After all, having your fitness devices on a common standard is a win for consumers.

Disclosure: Fitbit is backed by True Ventures, a venture capital firm that is an investor in the parent company of this blog, Giga Omni Media. Om Malik, founder of Giga Omni Media, is also a venture partner at True.

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