iVoice has just announced the Diamond-X Bluetooth headset, which is purportedly the first Bluetooth headset with the capability to report name of the caller from a phonebook.

The device has a shiny metallic sheen, comes with three different size ear gels, and offers features such as noise-cancellation and automatic volume control. It has a promised talk time of 5.5 hours and a standby time of 8.3 days. It will be available later this month for about $100.

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The Callpod Dragon Bluetooth headset already has the ability to create a walkie-talkie hands-free connection with any other Callpod headset, but now it can connect with any headset.

All you have to do is download the 2PLEX software upgrade for your Dragon, install it, and you can hook up with any other Bluetooth headset to have a two-way conversation, or sync up so both of you can have a Skype call (via PC) with someone else. The software is $40, but if you have another Bluetooth headset already and don't want to buy another Callpod Dragon ($100) it's a decent alternative for BT walkie-talkie. [Dragon]

Tuesday October 28, 2008 -CityNews.ca Staff 

Your cell phone.
Your iPod.
Your BlackBerry.
Your Laptop.

Welcome to the new world on Ontario roads, where what you don't do won't hurt you. As we first told you exclusively last Friday on CityNews.ca, Queen's Park has introduced a bill that would ban the use of distracting devices while you're on the road - and that includes the ubiquitous cell phone.

The move comes after groups like the Insurance Bureau of Canada blamed inattention on the streets for a growing majority of needless accidents. The idea has been kicking around for years and at first Premier Dalton McGuinty was adamantly against a ban.

But he did a three point turn on the issue earlier this year, instructing Transport Minister Jim Bradley to not only look at stopping the use of driving and dialing but also all the other handheld items that can take your eyes off what's ahead of you.

The results of his handiwork, called 'Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel,' were on display Tuesday when the bill was officially introduced in the Legislature. It won't become law until it passes third reading but with the Liberals holding a majority, that's a virtual fait accompli.

How will your driving habits change once the new law is in effect? Check the list below (Also see the Q&A here.)

What would not be allowed while driving, unless the vehicle is pulled off the roadway or lawfully parked

• Hand-held wireless communications devices such as cell phones, smartphones
• Hand-held electronic entertainment devices such as iPods, or other portable MP3 players, or portable games
• Texting and emailing
• Viewing display screens on devices not required for driving such as a laptop or DVD player

What would be allowed while driving

• Hands-free wireless communications devices with an earpiece or Bluetooth device
• 911 calls
• Pressing the button of a hand-held device to activate hands-free mode for incoming or outbound calls
• GPS units mounted on dashboards
• Collision avoidance systems
• Use by emergency services personnel such as police, fire and ambulance
• Logistical transportation tracking devices used for commercial vehicles

Updated: Tue Oct. 28 2008 7:55:47 PM

CTV.ca News Staff

The Ontario government tabled legislation that will ban text messaging and emailing while driving and force motorists to use hands-free, voice-activated equipment when making calls on their cellphones.

"We know these new technologies have created some tremendous conveniences," Transportation Minister told reporters on Tuesday. "But we know something else. Deep down, we all know it is dangerous to use them while driving."

Here's what is banned:

• cellphones, even at a stop light
• dialing
• BlackBerrys
• texting
• hand-held GPS

The OPP said it will start enforcing the new rules as soon as the government passes the legislation. If caught by police, drivers will face fines of at least $500 and demerit points.

TORONTO, Ont. -- Ontario has introduced new legislation that would ban the use of handheld devices such as cell phones and GPS systems while driving.

Anyone caught violating the law would be subject to fines of up to $500, the province announced yesterday. Hands-free devices, and dash-mounted GPS systems would be okay under the law. According to Transport Canada, driver distraction is a factor in 20% of all collisions and drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland already ban the use of handheld devices while driving.

"We know these new technologies have created some tremendous conveniences, but we know something else: deep down, we all know it is dangerous to use them while driving," said Transportation Minister Jim Bradley.

The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) immediately asked for clarification on the new law, to ensure it does not include push-to-talk and satellite technologies commonly used by truckers. The association is calling on the province to clarify the regulations through provisions that will be made following the bill's passage.

"We applaud today's move by the Minister to ban the use of handheld cell phones and other distractions while driving," said OTA president David Bradley. "No one knows better than truck drivers the dangers posed by the ever increasing use of these devices while driving. We see it every day as distracted drivers drive erratically on the highways we share with them."

However, he added "At the same time, we are pleased that the Minister and the government have indicated their understanding that for commercial vehicles there are legitimate and necessary communications issues related to the operation of their vehicles and we look forward to addressing these with the government in a safe and responsible manner as the regulations are developed."