Jitterbug Intros New Phone

GreatCall is introducing a new Samsung Jitterbug phone, appropriately tagged the J phone, along with a store that sells services.

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The KC780 claims its “world’s thinnest” title with a depth of just 13.9 millimeters, significantly slimmer than the Samsung Innov8, which measures 17.2mm in the same dimension. Besides the impressive form factor, LG has also added a number of other features normally associated with standalone digital cameras, including a Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens, smile detection, camera speeds up to ISO 1600, and DVD-quality video recording.

With LG’s Smart Bluetooth technology, the camera can even be used as a sort of wireless webcam when connected to a computer, untethering video chatters as long as they remain within Bluetooth range of the computer.

Belkin has announced two new versions of its TuneBase line of iPod/iPhone automobile mounts. Like older TuneBase models, each new model plugs into your car's accessory-power (aka, "cigarette lighter") jack, charging your iPod or iPhone while holding it in a more-visible position; you can position the cradle vertically or horizontally. But the new models also provide hands-free phone functionality.

The US$70 TuneBase Direct with Hands-Free sends audio to your car's stereo via a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) stereo minijack; a minijack-to-minijack cable is included. The $90 TuneBase FM with Hands-Free includes an FM transmitter to send your player's audio to your car stereo via FM radio frequencies; Belkin's ClearScan feature automatically scans the FM dial to find the best frequency.

When using either TuneBase with an iPhone, if a phone call comes in, pressing the TuneBase's Call button pauses playback and routes the call's audio through your car's speakers; the iPhone's microphone continues to function, just as if you were using the phone's speakerphone mode.

The TuneBase Direct will be available in the US in "early June"; the TuneBase FM will be available in mid-July.