JayBird reveals JB-100 Bluetooth stereo headset, iPod adapter

Granted, you've got some options out there when scouting a new set of Bluetooth earbuds, but you won't find us kvetching over a little competition in the totally unsaturated market. JayBird is stepping up to the plate with its stylish JB-100, which boasts a built-in microphone for handling handsfree calls, noise / echo suppression technology and 6.5-hours of talk time (5.5-hours when listening to jams). Additionally, the unit is said to be water resistant, and you'll even get a handy charging dock and mesh carrying case should you choose to pick one up. For those clamoring for iPod / DAP support, you can snag one of two adapters (shown after the jump) -- a Made for iPod version that plays nice with dock connector inputs and a vanilla iteration that plugs directly into any 3.5-millimeter audio jack. So, what's all this kit going to cost? Try $129.99 for the headset and $49.99 apiece for the BT adapters, all of which are available right now.

[Via CNET]

[pimpc142k @ Dec 18th 2007 10:25AM]

My question is according to JayBirds website it works with the ipod touch giving it bluetooth. Will we finally be able to use a microphone with it now since the finding of audio in being supported?

[jasonlake @ Dec 18th 2007 11:49AM]

What are the chances I could use this on an iPhone and have it automatically switch from audio to phone and back again?

[Reese @ Dec 18th 2007 12:16PM]

Almost perfect for what I have been looking for (plain buds fall out of me ear and annoy the hell out of me).

...the only issue I have, is it doesn't appear to have next track and play/pause buttons like the Moto S9 does. When shuffling 4-8gb of music, I think the next track button is necessary. Someone please tell me I am wrong about these buttons!

[Reese @ Dec 18th 2007 12:25PM]

Well damnit...

from CNet:

"To keep the bulk to a minimum, JayBird elected to not offer playback controls on the headset. Instead, you get a Call/Power button and volume up/down controls on the right ear piece."

[Jeremy Hudgin @ Dec 18th 2007 4:05PM]

Reese,
I ordered a pair of these headphones and they came in yesterday. I have to say that I have been completely impressed with the design and features. I was concerned about it lacking AVRCP and I sent an email to the founder. He replied that that it was in the software and they were working on a firmware upgrade to use the existing buttons.

Overall, it is a great headset that will not come off once it is on your head. It is great for those who work out a lot. I would love to answer any other questions one might have.

[Reese @ Dec 19th 2007 6:57AM]

The main problem I had (past tense cuz my drunken roommate snapped them) with my moto s9 was that i cant wear it with a beanie now that its cold... any chance you can give me a "beanie fit test?"

[awilson @ Dec 26th 2007 5:29PM]

I am planning on ordering one of these. However, I'm wondering if anyone knows where I may find an armband to fit, using the bluetooth adapter. I have an ipod classic.

[miguel @ Dec 18th 2007 4:41PM]

could it work on other mp3 players by any chance?

[Elaine @ Dec 18th 2007 6:32PM]

Yup.
It says in the article,
"For those clamoring for iPod / DAP support, you can snag one of two adapters... plugs directly into any 3.5-millimeter audio jack."
It just plugs into the headphone jack of your MP3 player.

[Miguel @ Dec 18th 2007 7:05PM]

thats cool, thanks, hope it isnt all bulky and ill be able to carry it around =]

[Merijn @ Dec 19th 2007 2:02PM]

I'm very interested in this headset, but can't find much reviews on the internet yet. I've already tried a lot of headsets, but few of them are comfortable. I've have always been very satisfied about the Jabra BT2020. The Jaybird JB-100 seems to have a similar design. It's too bad I can't test the Jaybird headset anywhere in The Netherlands (as far as I know). So I have some questions:

- I've read that wearing the headset for the first time is hard, but after that, is it really comfortable? The Jaybird website says it's designed for sporting, but does it really not fall of your ear?
- The volume is already an issue, even according to the Jaybirds website, but is it really too low? Some say a good fit will solve all volume problems, but is this really true?
- First time I read about the charger and the connectors on the headset I already thought of all problems it could have. Can I expect any problems with charging the headset? After one year for example, the charger has somewhat deformed a little bit or connector-springs have less strenght, I could expect problems with charging. I've seen this with similar charging systems in the past (well known example is a certain Logitech desk charger for your computer mouse).
- My last doubt is about the company producing the headset. I've read it's their first product launch (great product to launch with), so what about delivery times? I can imagine this headset sells better than expected, so they could run out of stock very soon. I also can't find other companies selling this headset allready. Does anybody have more information on this?

I'm also not convinced about the product, because only a couple of reviews have been posted on the internet yet. They could have written all reviews themselves and that would mean the product isn't so great after all (I really hope and expect this to be not true). More photos of people wearing the Jaybird headset and other companies selling this headset would be more convincing to me.

Anyone with answers to my questions please respond or contact me. Thanks!!!

[Judd @ Dec 21st 2007 1:50AM]

From JayBird:

Merijn,

Thanks for your comments and questions, it's great to see so much interest in the JayBird products. JayBird offers a 30 day return policy leaving very little to be skeptical about. To answer your questions, please see below. Hope to see you as a JayBird-er soon! :) Cheers!

Judd Armstrong
Founder & Chairman

________________________

Reviews: With the JayBird products launched in November 2007, reviewers had their first glimpse at the Jaybird line 60 days ago. You may be aware that not all reviews are released immediately. Click here for an up to date list of product reviews: http://jaybirdgear.com/reviews. We only use legitmate, independent reviewers. In fact, we are constantly seeking new reviewers so if you have a favorite in The Netherlands you would like to recommend we would be happy to send him/her a sample.

Retail Distribution: We have launched the product on our own website and will be announced retail and distribution partners in North America, Europe (including the Netherlands), Africa, and South America in the near future. Stay tuned.

Comfortable: See the links to reviewers feedback on the Jaybird review page for independent third party opinion. Slashgear's senior editor wore them all day and loved them. http://jaybirdgear.com/reviews

Does it stay on?: The tutorial on the support page shows me trying to shake the headset off as hard as I can but it does not come off no matter how hard I shake my head. A customer has posted a review on the Engadget site saying the same. See the review page for more confirmation. I even have a shake-off challenge. email me if you're able to shake it off. I've yet to find someone who can.

Volume: The headset is being hailed as "what I've been looking for" from a great number of customers and the sound quality is equal and better than other Bluetooth stereo headphones. For those with petite ears, we are investigating a solution to get better sound isolation for them.

Charger: We have tested the charger extensively and found it to work well after extended periods of use. for piece of mind though, additional chargers can be purchased at JayBird online for $14.99 and all product is covered by the 1 year limited warranty.

Delivery times: JayBird is designed in the U.S. and manufactured in Asia by a major publicly listed company with extensive production capacity, quality control capability and expertise in portable audio devices.

Best Regards
Judd Armstrong
Founder

[Merijn @ Dec 19th 2007 2:09PM]

One other thing: during a phone conversation the microphone volume is said to be very low. Other people would have problems hearing/understanding you. Does anybody have experience in this?

[Judd @ Dec 21st 2007 1:52AM]

Some users report the volume to be low. I personally love it and no-one can tell I'm using a headset. see also the CentroSite.com review saying the same thing.

[lee @ Dec 30th 2007 9:54PM]

Anyone know if this will work with an xbox 360? I have emailed them but haven't got a reply yet.

[NICELOGO.COM @ Mar 6th 2008 11:42AM]

...plays anything with a 3.5-millimeter audio jack!