Sony unveils five new audio accessories: headphones, speakers and remote
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 18th 2008 10:00AM
posted Nov 18th 2008 10:00AM
SONY LAUNCHES BLUETOOTH SPORTS HEADPHONES, SLEEK TRAVEL SPEAKERS AND
OTHER ACCESSORIES
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 18, 2008 - Just in time for the holidays, Sony today
is unveiling five new audio accessories that offer versatility,
personalization and freedom from wires. With Bluetooth(R) technology,
compact styles and sleek designs, these accessories are fashionable
and functional.
For travelers, new noise canceling headphones (model MDR-NC7) offer an
upgraded version of Sony's most popular model, and the travel speakers
(model SRS-M50) let you take your music wherever you go.
For the color conscious, a new universal remote control (model
RM-VL610) comes with three swappable back plates in bright or neutral
colors, which will help you personalize your décor down to the last
detail. Meanwhile, the new EX Style earbuds (model MDR-EX36V) are a
custom upgrade in style and sound to any digital music player.
For the fitness fanatic, the new Stereo Bluetooth(R) sports headphones
(model DR-BT160AS), available now, get the wires out of the way so you
can focus on beating your best time.
Peace and Quiet
Travelers, commuters, and anyone who wants to reduce outside ambient
noise without breaking the bank will appreciate Sony's MDR-NC7 noise
canceling headphones. With high audio quality, noise cancellation,
comfort, and a stylish design - these headphones have it all. The new
model is an updated version of the industry leading noise canceling
headphones by Sony (model MDR-NC6), offering improved style and noise
reduction. With improved noise canceling technology, these headphones
reduce approximately 87.4 percent of ambient noise.
The two-way style has ear-cups that swivel flat and a foldable
headband for compact and easy storage. Batteries are located in the
housing (as opposed to the headband) for convenience. The 30mm
driver, closed type design provides dynamic sound. The new MDR-NC7
model includes a carrying pouch and in-flight adapter.
It is available now in both black and white versions for about $50.
Take It with You
Looking for beautifully designed, great-sounding travel speakers?
Sony is introducing the SRS-M50 speakers, which are perfect for anyone
with a digital music player. As a great alternative to using
headphones, these new speakers allow you to share your music. They
are small, lightweight and even clip together for easy portability.
The compact design is perfect for traveling. You can use these
speakers to play music in hotel rooms or on vacation with family and
friends. Even with their small size, the SRS-M50 speakers provide
powerful audio in a sleek design with a built-in battery compartment
for enjoying music any time, any place. Powerful sound reproduction
of the full-range speaker system comes from the bass reflex and
magnetically-shielded 39mm driver unit.
The speakers are available now in black, pink and white versions for about $50.
Looking Good
Sony's universal remote controls (model RM-VL610) bring
personalization to a new level. The bright-colored back plates for
these "home décor friendly" remotes include Crimson Red, Chantilly
Pink and Sky Blue; the neutral plates include Pearl, Champagne and
Kilimanjaro Brown. The remote is designed to be face down when not in
use so you can show off the beautiful finish.
These remotes are not only eye-catching, but also combine up to eight
controllers into one. The multi-function, learning remote handles up
to eight AV compatible components -- TV set, DVD player, satellite
receiver, cable box, VCR, CD player, tape recorder and amplifiers.
With easy operation of on-screen menus for most DVDs and VCRs, as well
as a learning function for programming from other remotes, the
RM-VL610 unit is extremely easy to use. It features a one-touch
system control with 12 macro functions and a comfortable ergonomic
design.
Priced around $30, it is available in retail outlets now.
Out of My Way
The long-awaited wireless addition to the Sony sports headphones
series is finally here. The wireless, behind-the-neck DR-BT160AS
Bluetooth Active Style Headphones are perfect for people who work out,
walk, run or do anything active while listening to music.
Lose the flapping wires during a workout and be able to answer the
phone at the same time. These headphones feature a subtle, built-in
microphone for hands-free conversation via mobile phone, rechargeable
Li-ion batteries and A2DP Bluetooth Stereo protocol for high-quality
music streaming from compatible devices, plus remote control
functionality.
The ultra secure fit features an adjustable earpiece shaft and is made
specifically with sports in mind. The DR-BT160AS headphones are
water-resistant and designed to distribute the weight behind the ears,
rather than on the back, for a more comfortable feel. They are
available now for approximately $130.
Color Is Personal
Sony's MDR-EX36V EX Style Earbuds feature colorful metallic accents
and an attractive design.
Offering in-line volume control and new hybrid silicone earbuds in
three sizes for better comfort and fit, users of digital music players
can upgrade their earbuds with this great alternative. They provide
high audio quality along with deep bass sound.
Available now in silver, red, blue and pink, the earbuds are priced at
about $30.
but can they run crysis?
Crysis can run over it.
Can be modded for neko-mimi mode?
Those SCREAM Geek!
Sad, even Sony's universal remote doesn't seem to include Bluetooth for the PS3.
Especially sad because the PS3 bluetooth remote rocks the house, and I wish all my remotes were bluetooth now.
/agreed
Bluetooth or UHF... I feel like a caveman every time I have to POINT a remote at a device.
Also, I don't like those behind-the-ear headphones. They always interfere with wearing glasses. The best headphones Sony ever made (of the non over-ear variety) were the old CD Walkman design (MDR-W...).
Weird...I saw these last week in Sony's Winter shopping guide. I remember seeing the stereo BT, noise cancelling headphones and the travel speakers.
Those look hot.
It's cold. the EX earbud probably cost Sony $5 to manufacture.
Sony is all about brand name.
are we looking at the same thing? these look awful
motorola s9 FTW, for those of us who don't want to look stupid and want to keep $110 in our pockets
What isn't?
Sony sucks.
They'll put a rootkit in your ear.
I bought the headphones from the same line up. But it really doesn't have any bass, i'm really dissapointed... But hey, they look awesome while wearing :D
WHY are bluetooth headphones STILL being priced at $180, etc...?
Bluetooth can't possibly be that expensive to implement...
this looks like sony's new method of birth control... you'll never get laid wearing these ugly things.
You're supposed to take them off before you hop in the sack. *rimshot*
But seriously, I don't get BT headphones. Is it for people who think their music is too devoid of scratches, clicks, and pops? Their current headphones are too light and don't require charging often enough?
I thought at first the headphones pictured were all five of those things in one.
Hehe... Same here... Further read took away the awesomeness
can anyone say Chobits...