Tekkeon myTalker (MacWorld)

Tekkeon today at MacWorld unveils Tekkeon myTalker, the first Bluetooth gateway that lets users use their own music headphones to make and receive mobile phone calls while listening to an iPod or MP3 player.

Tekkeon myTalker connects between an iPod or MP3 player and the music headphones, and pairs with any Bluetooth mobile phone, just like a Bluetooth headset. Calls are heard directly through the music headphones and the user speaks through a microphone built into Tekkeon myTalker, which clips to a shirt or collar.

Buttons on Tekkeon myTalker enable users to increase, decrease, or mute the call volume, or use advanced calling features like last number redial, voice dialing, conference, and call waiting. Headset status and low-battery notification are provided through visual and audible indicators.

Tekkeon myTalker provides a seamless path to simplify the convergence of two key mobile products,

says Jerry Yang, president of Tekkeon.

With Tekkeon myTalker, digital music lovers get the convenience of a Bluetooth headset, without giving up their own music headphones.

A rechargeable lithium polymer battery built into Tekkeon myTalker provides up to five hours of talk time and 120 hours of standby time. Tekkeon myTalker can be charged via a USB port or USB power adapter using the included USB charging cable.

Tekkeon myTalker weighs just 1.2 oz (33g), and is small in size (1.1″w x 1.9″ l x 0.5″ d). Tekkeon myTalker is compatible with all iPods and any MP3 player equipped with a standard audio jack, and pairs with any Bluetooth v1.1 or v1.2 mobile phone. This new device supports both headset and handsfree profile of Bluetooth v1.2 with a range of up to 30 feet (10 meters).

The MSRP for Tekkeon myTalker (ET7000) is $74.95, which includes a one-year limited warranty. The package includes Tekkeon myTalker, a USB charging cable, and a user guide. Tekkeon myTalker will be available in February 2006 at Tekkeon retailers.