iPup

Is your pup feeling left out of the smartphone and tablet revolution? Looked over due to their lack of ability to use a touchscreen (or pockets to keep their iPhone in)? No worries- San Francisco based Whistle is here to bring your dog into the post PC era (courtesy TUAW).

According to an interview with Ben Jacobs, CEO of Whistle, the organization sought to fill the lack of information that canine owners could provide their vet. While I dote on Emma (my Old English Bulldog- shown here at age three weeks) when it comes time to visit the vet I do admit there’s naught I could relay but any abnormal behavior I’d observed, and with my work schedule there’s plenty of the time during the day that I can’t monitor her. Whistle allows you to monitor your pet’s activities via a small device attached to their collar- varying degrees of active or resting. The data is collected over time to provide insight into a dog’s activities; changes or trends could signify an issue before it is readily obvious.

My initial impression is that this is an accessory for the helicopter parent masquerading as a pet owner (and I admit, I dote on my pup slavishly) but Whistle does have merit. The source report from TUAW states that it will collect information from all devices to create a baseline for different breeds and ages, as well as connecting via bluetooth and wifi to ensure connectivity whether at home or out and about. It’s not an impulse-driven development, either; Whistle is being created with input from some well-known veterinary clinics, academic organizations, and an advisory board comprised of a range of veterinary specialists.

The accessory is slated for release later this summer; keep your eye on TUAW (I highly recommend their  RSS feed) for the first hands-on review.

Related articles

• Whistle launches as a waterproof and iPhone-compatible Fitbit for dogs (mobilesyrup.com)
• A Fitbit for Fido: Whistle Will Help Track Your Dog’s Activity (allthingsd.com)
• New doggie fitness band may change veterinary industry (venturebeat.com)
• Thursday Trends: Treating Pups Like Royalty (bionicdogblog.wordpress.com)

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An iKey?

This in from the good folks at Engadget: yet another use for the electronic Swiss Army knife known as the iPhone. I’ve seen some unexpected uses for the iPhone, from digital wallet via apps like Lemon Wallet (currently in testing, review pending) to finding the cheapest nearby gas via apps like Gasbuddy (one I’ve used recently to good effect, resulting in a savings of almost 10 cents per gallon thanks to a store by my workplace I wasn’t even aware of), to control and datamining of my home’s Nest thermostat (not inexpensive, but easily the best product in its category).

Now you can even use your iPhone as a means of egress, thanks to the Kevo from Kwikset. This clever product utilizes the Bluetooth signal of your iPhone 4s or later (or a special key fob for the smartphone-less) to enable you to lock or unlock your door via a simple touch. Need to grant access to someone else? Not a problem; just send an eKey to them so that their iPhone can allow them to unlock the Kevo as well. The free companion iOS app allows you to manage your keys (and key fobs) remotely, eliminating the need for the cliche traditional key hidden under the doormat or false rock.

The Kevo is battery powered, using 4 AA batteries that will have an estimated one year life before needing replacement (Kwikset ensures that the Kevo provides ample early warning of low battery power). In the worst case scenario of complete power failure happen the Kevo can still be operated as a traditional deadbolt lock with a physical key.

This intriguing device isn’t available yet, but you can sign up for product news and release date info at their site.

Related articles

• Kwikset Kevo – iPhone Connected Deadbolt (ultraportabletech.com)
• Kwikset Kevo Lock Uses Your iPhone as a Key (iClarified.com)
• Unlock your door with a smartphone (originalarchive.co.uk)

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A little swag

I’ve been fortunate enough to have owned or tested a lot of different devices. I’ve been exclusively Apple for some time, after coming to the realization that the benefits of homogeny far outweigh the benefits of piecing together my arsenal of tools, toys, and oddities. While I get a lot of use out of my collection of electronics, one thing has been a constant- to get the most out of your stuff, you need some swag. There are numerous categories, but regardless of what you have there’s always a little something extra to help make it better.

Take the iPhone for instance: one of the most popular devices Apple has ever made; powerful, versatile, and durable. Yet those with even momentarily clumsy fingers know the outcome of dropping an unprotected iPhone 4 or 4S- shattered Gorilla Glass on either the front or back of the handset. Even the aluminum-encased iPhone 5 can take a beating from unintended drops. Accidents like these (and the universal desire to personalize possessions) is one of the reasons I’ve recommended to just about every iPhone owner that they should find the iPhone case that suits their needs best. Whether it’s maximum protection, extra utility, or personalization there’s a case out there to suit your needs.

As for the iPad, not only would I recommend a case (although it’s not as risky using a la carte in my opinion), I would also point out the galaxy of other iPad accessories available. Whether it’s the larger screen size or the different form (tablet versus communication device) I used my iPad for many tasks that could have been done with my iPhone, but not as well. Bluetooth keyboards, speaker docks, mounts, styluses, the list goes on and on.

Then there’s the flagship of Apple’s portable lineup, the MacBook. While not as sliver thin or light as the iPad, all but the now discontinued 17 inch MacBook Pro are excellent full computers for those on the go. The Air lineup excel in this role, especially the diminutive 11 inch model (although I’ve been more than pleased with the portability of my 13 inch Retina model). Just as with Apple’s other mobility-minded devices, you may want to consider a case, sleeve, or bag for your MacBook. I’ve seen many owners sporting the Speck Candy Shell on their laptop- while the unibody aluminum construction is very strong, it’s not immune to scratches and considering the typically long life of the MacBook, it doesn’t hurt to protect the resale value for when you’re ready to upgrade. I’ve written recently about my Brenthaven ProStyle Plus; the combination of protection, extra portability, and storage made it the perfect choice for what I use my MacBook for. Just as with iPhone cases, there’s a plethora of options out there to suit your specific needs.

If you’re going to invest in a quality device like an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook, logic dictates that you’d want to both protect and enhance that investment. Best of all, the popularity of these devices has drawn innovators and manufacturers from every corner of the globe just waiting to provide a solution to any problem you can think of (and often some that you may not have). Whatever your need, be it mobile, tablet, or laptop, give friend of the blog GearZap (and sibling to MobileFun) a look. I think you’ll be glad you did.

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Getting a Grip

I’ve been fortunate enough to get my hands on a wide array of iOS accessories over the years I’ve been blogging. One category that I hadn’t seen much of was automotive-based solutions for the iPhone. I hadn’t had factory Bluetooth in a vehicle until I picked up the iPhone 4, but now the lack of it would be a dealbreaker when shopping for wheels. Tight integration with my handset was one of the factors that made me choose my current car: a 2013 Hyundai Genesis GT. I’ve been able to forgo my trusty iPod classic thanks to the Genesis’ ability to stream audio via Bluetooth from my iPhone (and this prompted me for the first time to upgrade from the 16 gig model as well).

Since my phone was now playing a larger role while commuting or pleasure driving, I needed a suitable place to store it. Keeping it a pocket was extremely problematic as I still needed to reach dig for it should I need to interact with it (remember kids, Siri is your friend when driving. Texting behind the wheel is bad news). I made do with a Belkin TuneDok I had left over from my iPod-listening days. While not designed for the iPhone it fit well enough if the phone had a case, but it was a poor solution overall. It took up one of the two cup holders (strategically placed behind the shift knob, making the position even less than optimal should I want to switch from automatic transmission to manual for more aggressive driving) and the position made it necessary to divert my gaze from the road at times, even though I rely on Siri for most interaction.

While there are many car-based iPhone stands and mounts, I was fortunate to come into contact with what could be one of the first manufacturer to enter the market- PanaVise. Amazingly they’ve been in the game as long as there have been cellular phones- all the way from 1990 when they released the PortaGrip for the ancient brick-style analog portable phones. The company began in 1954 as a tool and die manufacturer, spurred by the patenting of founder Otto Colbert’s split ball mount to allow the rotation and positioning of dies during the manufacturing process. The patent bred further innovation that created their business of mounts for multiple products and uses. Their long line of phone mounts has evolved over the years to the current model, the PortaGRIP 15504.

The PortaGRIP 15504 is a jack of all trades- while advertised as an iPhone mount, the adjustable dock will accommodate most current smartphones (even the huge phablet Samsung Galaxy Note II). The mount offers several points of articulation, permitting it to be configured for a wide range of positions and placements- perfect for my situation as my car has a steeply sloped windscreen and textured dash that would not permit me to affix a mount in the places typically shown by manufacturers or other reviewers. After some reflection I chose the upper right corner of the windscreen, with the articulation points adjusted to position the majority of the mechanism in line with the window’s border column. My iPhone was now kept in an easily accessible spot that didn’t require me to divert my gaze should I need to reach for it, and didn’t block any view of the road. The mount is held surprisingly firmly in place by a suction cup in the base, but can be disengaged for stowing or placing the mount in another vehicle.

The PortaGRIP 15504 holds your phone securely via adjustable rubberized grips below and on eitherside of the device. All surfaces that touch your phone sport the same rubberized coating to protect your device from scuffs or scratches (should you be one of those brave souls that choose not to have a case).  A button on the left side activates the quick release mechanism for easy removal when you reach your destination. Having the PortaGRIP has been a boon; its made storing and interacting with my iPhone both practical and safer, and the prominent placement ensures I won’t forget my device when I sleepily arrive at work in the morning. Better still, even after a week of testing the PortaGRIP 15504 has held as firm as the first day of use- something I can’t say about other car mounts I’ve tested.

The PortaGRIP 15504 isn’t a work of art, my admiration for it comes from its utilitarian functionality. Regardless of what handset you prefer or where you decide is the optimal placement, it can serve you and your smartphone perfectly, and do so reliably thanks to its lifetime warranty. My only issue during testing was that my placement spot didn’t allow for recharging of my iPhone, but should I place it close enough to the power port in the center console the PortaGRIP would readily allow this as well whether you had the slim Lightning cable or the traditional 30 pin connector.

Like all good ideas the PortaGRIP comes in many flavors. The universal phone bracket can be had with numerous mount bases, from several versions of the suction cup with various arm lengths and points of articulation to pedestal mounts, air conditioning vent clips, to a twelve inch floor fixed flexible shaft. For those that like the form of the PortaGRIP but don’t care for my mount positioning they have a model specifically for sloped windscreens. They even offer vehicle-specific in-dash models that do not impinge instruments, vents, or airbag deployment. Need a mount for a different device? No worries, Panavise has you covered there as well- regardless of the device or where you need to place it. The PanaVise 15504 is available online through Smartphone Experts (online or toll free 888-599-8998), or directly from PanaVise customer service: cs@panavise.com or toll free at 800-759-7535.

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The benefits of perseverance

Not too long ago I had attempted (with a surprising lack of success) to test one of the latest shining stars of the iTunes App Store, Winston. The concept behind the app is a fantastic one: choose the news and social media sources you’re interested in, and Winston reads your updates to you in a refined-sounding synthetic British voice. The enticement of eyes-free information was a strong one; while my morning and evening drive isn’t as long as it once was I still have some downtime that I’d like to fill with something a bit more topical than my favorite podcasts.

Thankfully my perseverance with Winston has been rewarded. I was able to circumvent the issue I was having with the app’s installation routine by limiting the number of default categories chosen. Rather than five I limited my selection to two (headlines and technology), apparently allowing the app to complete its preliminary setup.

Now (like the Death Star) fully operational, Winston has demonstrated that it is well deserving of the praise it has garnered. The app gathers new information quickly over LTE or wifi, and offers a tiled photo image of categories for you to choose from (as well as the logos of Facebook and Twitter). By default Winston only dictates a summary of news stories with an accompanying background musical score. The voice simulation falls short of what I’ve heard via Siri and other apps; the speech can be somewhat clipped at times and mispronounces names (even considering the British accent). That admitted, it does a fluid job of reading your selections for you, and can easily be configured to cover entire articles instead of summaries. Should you prefer complete stories (as I do) but not wish to hear the entire article Winston is on, just swipe the screen to change to the next article. Additional sources of information can be added after the initial setup, so limiting your sources doesn’t impact the long term usefulness of Winston.

The app had a surprisingly broad range of sources to choose from, and adding new feeds was very easy. After my initial issues the app has been rock stable and very easy to use. Coupled with my car’s Bluetooth streaming it’s been enjoyable to have my own Winston-dictated customized news and updates radio station every morning. If you’re a news addict or a social media junkie, if you’d like to stay informed without having to commit your entire attention to  your device Winston offers the perfect way to sate your appetites. Best of all, Winston is completely free via the iTunes App Store.

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When good ideas go awry

The real world has yet again put a damper on my ability to write, but I have attempted to keep up with new apps and accessories for the Apple ecosystem. One in particular that piqued my interest was the outbreak of rave reviews for a new Siri-like news app dubbed Winston. The app acts as a nonvisual portal to your news and social media, reading articles and posts to you via a synthetic voice sporting a British accent. While the concept sounded intriguing, the demo video was even moreso:

I was immediately sold. My aforementioned limited time impacts my ability to keep up with current news and trends, and this app coupled with my car’s ability to stream from my synched iPhone over Bluetooth seemed like a perfect commute-friendly way to do so. As with any of the other dozens of apps I’ve picked up from iTunes the download and installation was quick and hassle-free.

When first activated Winston goes through a personalization routine, asking for permission to access location services and querying you on the types of information you’re interested in, from headlines to sports. After identifying the prerequisite categories, it then attempts to download final information to act as your new eyes-free portal to information. Or it would, if the app could perform the task it claims to be attempting.

On my first attempt the app hung up in its final download phase for about a half an hour, forever at about 90% complete. The app states that for fastest downloading your iPhone should be connected to a wifi network, which mine was. Hoping that perhaps my wifi was the issue, I disconnected and used my device’s LTE connection (often just as fast as my home cable ISP) but the change had the same result. Thinking there was some sort of glitch in the app, I exited and force quit it from the background app switcher to insure that I could start fresh. When relaunched the app went through the same preliminary stages, only to hang up on the same final page with a fraction of the claimed necessary download complete.

Rather than just give up I took the iOS nuclear option of deleting the app, rebooting my iPhone, and reinstalling Winston. Sadly, nothing changed; I remained stuck on the final download screen as before. On a lark I let my iPhone run it in the background for two days, checking periodically to see if the app ever finished its Sisyphean task but if there was an progress it wasn’t perceptible on the download status bar.

While I’d love to add Winston to my must-have app list, I can’t review much less endorse an app that simply won’t run. The user reviews on its iTunes App Store page range between two poles- those that have used and love the app, and those like me that randomly can’t get it to even start.

ADDENDUM: After one last attempt I finally got Winston working. Apparently the issue was selecting too many of the Interests options during installation. After only selecting Headlines the app was up and running after a short installation download. A full review is forthcoming.

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Time for a Jawbone Jambox!

Just a quick notice from my friends at MobileFun UK – for those of you like me that are fascinated by the Jawbone Jambox (easily one of the best Bluetooth speaker sets on the market) the time is nigh. For a short time MobileFun is offering a 40£ discount (that’s about $60) on the Big Jambox (in three different colors) when you use the code JAWDROP.

The Jambox is a great accessory for whatever device you have- it provides fantastic sound (thanks to LiveAudio technology) from phones, tablets, or any other source be it Bluetooth (including Airplay) or wired (via a standard audio line in jack), acts as a convenient speakerphone, and is updatable and configurable via Jawbone’s MyTALK support.

While the Jambox isn’t cheap, it is easily one of the best choices you can make to augment the audio experience for your mobile device or laptop. The code is only good for 48 hours, so don’t wait!

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The future of driving audio

My fascination for all things tech and clever extend beyond gadgets- I’m one of those unfortunates that upgrades their car every 2-3 years. The fascination comes from the same root as my love of electronics: the desire to understand the facets that make it enjoyable (be it screen resolution and processor power or 0-60 times and MPGs), the fun in following blogs and news sources to broaden your horizons, the indulgence in the joy of something innately “cool”, and the fun that new toys always bring.

The enjoyment of driving a car is closely tied to its ability to mesh with other things I love, especially music. Driving without accompanying audio is almost unthinkable to me, be it music, audiobooks (especially good for long drives), or podcasts. With each successive vehicle I’ve sought to improve not only the ride but the ability to enjoy all the aspects of that ride, from the first time I installed an after-market auto reverse cassette deck in my beater Volkswagen Rabbit to the iPod integration of my Mini Coopers.

The upgrade to the iPhone 5 gave me an opportunity to both consolidate my devices and tinker with new (to me, at least) tech. Mini Cooper uses the same sort of factory stereo input for Apple devices as many other car manufacturers- a 32 pin connector that splits into USB and standard stereo jack plugs. The setup provides the ability to control your device from the stereo (and steering wheel controls if you have them) and the display of some metadata of the tracks on your device. While it works, the user experience isn’t exactly seamless. The Cooper’s controls allowed sorting by Artist, Album, Genre, and Playlist, but that’s it. Selection was limited to scrolling with a knob on the stereo; ok if you have just enough music to fill a Shuffle, but when you start to fill up an iPod Classic the task of finding a specific artist or album becomes a Sisyphean task. Having my entire library was nice, but realistically I was limited to either playing the entire library on random or choosing one of the smart playlists I had made (mostly limited to podcasts, as the stereo unit had no category to sort them).

Using my then iPhone 4 wasn’t a viable option as the cable connection interfered with the phone’s ability to interface via Bluetooth for calls. Using a much cheaper USB thumbdrive was considered, but it would have made synching podcasts much more difficult and wouldn’t have overcome the hurdles created by a large library. Thankfully, my choice of successor to the Mini had an answer.

I shopped around quite a bit before choosing a Hyundai Genesis Coupe. The GT model had everything I was looking for in a car- power to spare, top notch interior, stylish looks, and best of all just about every electronic feature I could want. While XM is great (especially access to NFL games), there are times when you want to hear a favorite album or podcast. The Infinity stereo in the Genesis has the same sort of cable input as my Mini had- 32 pin connector that split into USB and stereo jack controllable by the head unit and steering wheel controls. It has some additional features, like voice control and a 5″ color LCD screen capable of showing far more track metadata, but it’s still close to the same setup. Thankfully, it’s capable of something that only a few cars are so far- Bluetooth audio streaming.

The ability to stream from my iPhone’s music and podcast library (or play the audio from any streaming source) is an absolute boon. When coupled with Siri you needn’t do much but choose the phone as an input, then tell it what you’d like to hear. Launch Pandora, pick a playlist or album, or whatever your heart desires. I’ve seen some new models being touted by manufacturers that have streaming audio built into the stereo, from Pandora to Spotify. The concept is an intriguing one, but I already have the capacity to enjoy those sources and would rather not pay a premium for additional ways to access them (or potentially another data plan).

Using your iPhone instead of an iPod for audio has a couple advantages- rather than upgrade my aging iPod Classic (to the tune of about $250) I just chose a higher-capacity iPhone (adding $100 to the contract-subsidized price). While I don’t carry my entire music library with me, I carry the vast majority of tracks I’d like to hear more than once. In addition, I don’t have to bring an additional device to my office to sync new content- podcasts and music sync wirelessly now. If there’s something I’d like but don’t have locally, solutions abound: for podcasts there’s both Apple’s Podcast App and Stitcher, for music there are too many sources to cover (streaming and purchasing). For those that want access to their entire library but don’t have the capacity there are a couple easy solutions- iTunes Match or Google Music.

One caveat- the Genesis’ Infinity system isn’t completely compatible with Siri and it doesn’t take advantages of Apple’s new eyes-free iPhone mode (although it’s been announced for future models). Currently I have to access Siri via my iPhone’s home button, but it’s an easy task that doesn’t divert my gaze from the road thanks to a cup holder mount that keeps my iPhone in easy reach. While the car has audio control built in, it can’t interface with Siri or access the library on the iPhone, it only interacts with devices connected by the now-outdated 32 pin cable. I haven’t tried to use it with a Lightning adaptor, but to be honest the Bluetooth streaming it affords doesn’t give me much incentive to try.

For those of you still using physical media like CDs for your audio, take a look at some of the digital options available to you. Many new cars are offering these features as they add a good deal of value without costing the manufacturer much to include. More access to the media you enjoy is always good, and having an additional use for your iPhone makes it that much more valuable.

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A Brydge over the holidays

After a long busy holiday season we’re back! Healthcare is one of the few careers that can actually be busier during the holidays, hence the lack of posts.

Like all technophiles new gadgets and accessories were on the top of my Christmas want list, and I wasn’t disappointed. The crown jewel of my accessory desires arrived just after Christmas- my new Brydge iPad keyboard. I’ve written before about this Kickstarter-funded gem, but hadn’t had a chance to jump on the bandwagon before the campaign had ended. Thankfully the manufacturers opened up for preorders in time for the holidays.
The concept behind the Brydge is enticing: an aluminum-bodied Bluetooth keyboard for your iPad that holds your tablet securely via a hinge, providing the same instant sleep functionality as Apple’s Smart Cover. The Plus model even provides speakers built into the keyboard’s chassis, touting improved volume and sound quality over the iPad’s integrated mono speaker.
I’ve been using a Zagg Folio keyboard case for about a year now and have been satisfied overall. The case provides adequate protection and access to all ports, and while they keyboard isn’t full sized it was comfortable to type on and provides a far better experience when typing extensively than he iPad’s on screen keyboard. The shortcomings were what inspired me to want to upgrade to the Brydge: a chassis that wasn’t plastic (making the keyboard somewhat flexible when typing), and a way of securely holding my iPad. The Zagg Folio propped the iPad in a slot backed by the case. This worked well provided that you placed the case on a stable surface and didn’t move it; picking up the iPad or moving it the wrong way would slip the iPad out of the mounting groove and cause the whole setup to collapse like a house of cards.
After unboxing two things stood out about the Brydge: it’s comparative sturdiness and mass. It feels remarkably better constructed than any other keyboard I’ve sampled (the manufacturer touts it as the only one with a completely aluminum frame). The tradeoff for this soundness is added mass, as the Brydge also feels heavier than any of its competitors. The combination of the iPad and Brydge not only look like a MacBook Air, it’s similar in weight too. While it’s still relatively light and easy to carry, I wouldn’t want to hold it in one hand while trying to type with the other as you can when typing via the iPad’s screen keyboard.
The Brydge cradles your iPad securely via two hinge points that have been redesigned from the original Kickstarter model in order to be forward compatible with newer models of iPads. The hinges still work on the same principle; the clips hold your iPad via a combination of elastic grip and friction courtesy of silicone inserts inside the hinge clips. The unit comes with two sets, one for the iPad 2 and a second for the two latest versions. As new models of iPad are introduced Brydge will offer additional custom shims to accommodate them, allowing the sturdily-made Brydge to be a long term solution for your tablet.
The speakers in the model I ordered didn’t impress me; they perform as billed by offering better volume than the iPad’s integrated speaker, but as most small laptop-style speakers the sound quality isn’t the best. The speakers add about $30 to the price of the Brydge, while I don’t regret getting the speaker-equipped Plus model those that want premium sound would be better served with a specifically designed accessory like a Jawbone Jambox.
The user experience so far has been very positive; the keyboard (like all iPad-specific keyboards) is a bit small, but I am accustomed to the size and have been able to touch type as effectively on it as my iMac’s keyboard. The keyboard sports iPad-specific function keys for common tasks, like screen brightness, copy/paste, and control of audio apps. The only complaint I have so far concerns the right shift key (the one I tend to use most often)- it’s been reduced in size to accommodate the arrow/directional keys, making it hard to press. I’ve accidentally hit the up arrow key several times while typing this post, but I assume that I’ll grow accustomed to this quirk quickly.
Another minor concern is the lack of case to protect the iPad’s back casing. When using the Zagg folio my iPad was covered from every angle; the Brydge protects the screen of the iPad when closed but lacks any protection for the aluminum shell when closed. The construction of the hinges prevents the use of just about any but the slimmest of cases; the best option would likely be a skin or Zagg’s Invisible Sheild, but neither provide much impact from drops. To address this concern I chose a padded messenger bag style sleeve; the ability to carry a sync cable and other small items made the choice an easy one.
In closing, the Brydge is every bit as useful as the Kickstarter campaign’s video made it out to be. It is very soundly made, comfortable to type on, holds my iPad securely enough to make it feel like a defacto laptop, and provides a sturdy and well balanced base to allow typing in just about any setting, from desktop to lap (as I’m currently using it). While far from the least expensive keyboard, the Brydge definitely matches the aesthetic and spirit of Apple’s design, and looks perfectly at home paired with the iPad.
Addendum: While the original Brydge was a choice of either the keyboard ($180) or the Plus model sporting speakers ($220), the manufacturers have expanded their lineup to include a version encased in a polycarbonate shell. The polycarbonate version also has the speakers but is a much more affordable $150. The organization had all three models on sale for the holidays; as of the day after Christmas the sale prices were still posted on their webpage; if you act quickly you may still be able to take advantage of the discounts.

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Cycling in style with the FreeWheelin

I stumbled across an innovative answer to using your iPhone when biking via an earlier post courtesy of TUAW (The Unofficial Apple Weblog). The FreeWheelin Bluetooth accessory seemed to be a promising way to enjoy the audio capabilities of your iPhone or bluetooth-capable iPod without sacrificing your ability to hear ambient sounds around you, unlike most sound-isolating earbuds. While the idea sounded promising (and far safer than listening to audio with earbuds), I’m skeptical of new products without being able to review them firsthand, and thankfully the makers of the SoundRyder FreeWheelin have made that a reality.

The concept behind the FreeWheelin is a simple one: rather than block all sound via earbuds or earphones, the makers opt to place the audio gear on your helmet, mounted via a velcro-like (but considerably more secure) strips that adhere to the non-styrofoam surfaces. The accessory is divided into three sections; two for each speaker, and a third between them as the Bluetooth module and battery. The three sections are connected by a coiled, sturdy-feeling insulated cable. While the body of the three sections are housed in plastic, it does have a solid (but thankfully light) feel to it. The overall build quality of the FreeWheelin was better than I had expected, considering the recent introduction of the product.

After ensuring the battery was charged via the included USB cable, I installed the FreeWheelin on my biking helmet. The process took minutes; the device clung firmly in place when pressed to the anchoring strips. It took me almost as long to decide where to mount the unit as the process itself; the instructions state that the mounting strips should not be placed directly on styrofoam, but my favorite (and admittedly inexpensive) helmet’s sides and back are mostly unvarnished styrofoam. As you can see in the photos, the center module had to be placed on the top of the back of my helmet. The pairing process was equally as straightforward, and I was on my way.

Operation of the FreeWheelin was as easy as its installation. Holding the single power/pairing button turns on the device; once paired your phone should connect automatically thereafter when the device is powered up. I didn’t notice a change in the weight or distribution of my helmet; it sat as comfortably as ever.

Now for the golden question- audio quality. The sound volume was likely impacted by my placement of the speakers; they were situated higher than the demonstration photos I’ve seen thanks to the construction of my helmet. The overall quality of the sound was adequate, but not overwhelming; in particular I would have liked more bass response on some tracks (low end sound is notoriously difficult to reproduce in small speakers). Once I had the sound levels set properly (thanks to controls on both the device and my iPhone) I was satisfied with the volume, although in particularly noisy settings I feel they would have been at least partly overwhelmed. On a better quality helmet I suspect both the volume and quality would have been markedly better, but bear in mind the device isn’t intended for high fidelity. [NOTE: SoundRyder pointed out to me after writing this review that the sound quality can be noticeably enhanced by using the iPhone's equalizer settings, a feature that I don't regularly use. I can now attest that it can make a marked difference. If you still have issues, they suggest checking the volume of your tracks in iTunes. Right click on any song (or a selection of songs) and go to options. You should see a volume slide; this can be the source of underwhelming volume when your sound levels are hit and miss.] The device was engineered to allow outside sound to be heard, unlike high quality headsets made to enhance the experience of your music; this alone would prevent your music from being concert hall pure.

The unexpected bonus of the FreeWheelin is that it’s not just wireless headphones, it’s a fully functional two way Bluetooth headset. I was able to make calls and text messages via Siri with good sound quality on the receiving end; the other party noted only minimal wind noise. The addition of Siri makes the Freewheelin far more useful; not having to interact with the touchscreen is even more valuable when cycling than driving.

The makers of the FreeWheelin thoughtfully included a mounting rack for using the device in other settings than cycling. The clip mount neatly affixes to a car visor or similarly thin target, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the FreeWheelin in just about any environment. 

Overall the FreeWheelin gets a thumbs up for overall usefulness. The only negatives I could find were the overall volume and quality of sound, but my test helmet was a worst case selection. It definitely earns my endorsement for its uniqueness; I have yet to see any other competing product on the market that offers anything even similar. While not a perfect product (and those are very rare), it provides distinct advantage to those that would like to enjoy and interact with their iOS device while on the go. The FreeWheelin is available now via the SoundRyder website for $149.95.

ADDENDUM: The FreeWheelin is more widely available than first reported- it’s being carried by The Helmet Man and the makers have a distribution deal with J&B Importers who share their impressive product with independent bike stores and chains. The organization has embarked on an aggressive campaign to get the FreeWheelin into a store near you.

As for future products, SoundRyder has disclosed that they have a version of the FreeWheelin in development for motorcycle helmets/full faced helmets; further improving the usability of my favorite iOS device. This is yet another unaddressed niche- while Bluetooth connections have become almost standard in many car makes, the lack of two wheeled options are as sparse for motorcycles as they are for bikes.

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