I-O Data releases wiREVO Bluetooth headphones

Everyone is looking for a good pair of Bluetooth headphones these days, but the problem with most models -- including the recently-unveiled FreePulses from Logitech -- is the big plastic neckband that makes it impossible to ball them up and stuff in a pocket. Enter I-O Data and its two new pairs of wiREVO 3-in-1 wireless headsets, both of which eschew the plastic for a much more pliable wire, and which -- we're hesitant to admit -- seem to look a lot hotter than our iPhono minis from Bluetake. The WRH-S30B (and WRH-S30W, in white -- pictured above) promise 24-bit stereo sound from the over-the-ear cans, and feature an in-line mic plus control buttons to support the Bluetooth headset and AVRCP profiles. With the WRH-H20B (and, you guessed it, WRH-H20W in white), you're getting regular earbud-style headphones attached to a Bluetooth pendant with length-adjustable cable, all of which you're supposed to wear around your neck. Both models should be available at major retailers sometime this month, with the S30s going for $99 and the H20s priced at $109; if your DAP lacks Bluetooth, though, you needn't worry: you can pick up either pair of headphones bundled with an iPod adapter for $169 or a generic dongle for $149.

[Motoi @ Oct 9th 2006 10:26PM]

Wow those are nice.

[Big Sam @ Oct 9th 2006 11:24PM]

Very nice. I like the over-the-ear ones.

[ASM @ Oct 10th 2006 12:03AM]

Does it bother anyone else that the only pics on the site for the product are a couple press shots. PLUS there aren't any detailed shots just the random pic or two scattered through out the site. The only pics that may come close to a detailed shot don;t even show the whole product. This seems really interesting, something I may purchase, but there is no way I'd buy something like this blind without more detailed full shots.

[Scott Russell @ Oct 10th 2006 8:44AM]

I agree. And there's no mention of the product's specs either. What's the bluetooth class? Is it Bluetooth version 1 or 2? EDR?

[Daniel Hanson @ Oct 10th 2006 12:20PM]

The press release has more info. They mention that it has Bluetooth 2.0, but no mention of EDR. http://www.iodata.com/usa/news/releases.php?ts=20&tsc=21&newsID=42

[Daniel Hanson @ Oct 10th 2006 12:33PM]

Me like the black ones:
http://www.iodata.com/usa/products/products.php?cat=WRV&sc=WRO&pId=WRH-S30B&ts=2&tsc=&glr=1&img=WRH-S30B_zoom.jpg

[Daniel Hanson @ Oct 10th 2006 11:50PM]

I contacted i-o data about availability (where i'll be able to get them). I didn't get anything definite, but the person who replied to my e-mail seemed to think that the headphones would be up for sale on i-o data's website over the weekend. I obviously really want these bad boys.

[Dano @ Oct 16th 2006 7:16PM]

Beware...the device has not been submitted for qualification with Bluetooth.

http://qualweb.bluetooth.org/Template2.cfm?LinkQualified=QualifiedProducts&SortCat=QualifiedDate

[Daniel Hanson @ Oct 16th 2006 11:53PM]

it also hasn't even been released yet.

[Kirk @ Jun 18th 2007 5:13PM]

I have the WRH-20W pendant device. I test cellphones for a living, and have found that it works with a wide variety of phones. The music player controller has no problem with the Sony Walkman player on the Sony Ericsson phones, and also works great with the various Moto RAZR models and Windows Media Player in WinMobile 5 & 6 Smartphones.

I really like this device. It is particularly cool when you are driving. You can listen to tunes or get verbal directions from your GPS nav app, and still catch calls without fumbling for your phone. The sound quality is good, but not as outstanding as a pair of Bose earbuds.

Unfortunately, you may not be able to find it. I looked all over, and the only place I could find it was Fry's Electronics up here in the Pacific Northwest area. They stopped carrying it months ago, and I have not seen it since.