High-tech shades are handy when skies are Bluetooth

With the latest Bluetooth technology, users can block out the sun's harmful rays and listen to their favorite artist at the same time.

Sunglasses with built-in earbuds, and many other new possibilities for this short-range wireless technology, were showcased yesterday by members of the Bluetooth SIG trade association.

Sunnyvale Calif.-based Ten Technology showed off its iPod adapter, which sits under the iPod and allows a remote control to fully access the music player's functions.

The adapter can be paired with new Bluetooth "stereo eyewear" called the O ROKR, designed jointly by Motorola and sunglass-maker Oakley.

Other new products include a wireless stethoscope by Texas-based Tiba Medical, and a wireless oximeter that measures the level of oxygen in the blood designed by Minnesota-based Nonin Medical Devices, also partnering with Motorola. The device allows chronically ill patients to send vital health readings to their cellphone or computer, and ultimately to their physicians.

Products demonstrated that are still in the prototype phase included the new Bluetooth Ultra-Wideband device that can beam a movie to a high-definition television.

Lisa Chiu: 206-464-3347 or lchiu@seattletimes.com