Aliph Jawbone Icon Bluetooth headset launched in six lush flavors (Update: video!)

Turns out that leak we saw of the Jawbone Icon was for real after all, but it was only one of the six designs straight out of Aliph's oven: (clockwise from top left) The Thinker, The Rogue, The Hero, The Ace, The Catch and -- our favorite -- The Bombshell. While these are the smallest and lightest Jawbones ever, Aliph has managed to cram in an allegedly improved NoiseAssassin and simultaneous dual-phone linkage, along with an onboard 'AudioApp' which vocally broadcasts battery level and caller ID. If you prefer a visual indication, the Icon also does a battery gauge on the iPhone -- a first on a non-Apple Bluetooth headset -- and apparently "Apple's aware of this" so a firmware update shouldn't kill this Palm Pre-style. We're digging the MyTALK website -- currently in beta -- where you can pick and install other AudioApps and DialApps (for the multifunction button; e.g. voice dialing, free directory assistance and voice-to-SMS) onto the Icon, and both will be free except for some DialApps which require subscription. Oh, and there are seven earbud sizes plus an earloop to keep everyone happy too. When you're done with picking, hit the Verizon stores for the initial launch today and pony up $99.99. Press release and video walkthrough of the MyTALK website after the break.
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Aliph™ Introduces Jawbone ICON™,
The World's First Truly Intelligent Bluetooth® Headset

"New Icon for Personal Expression" Is Now Accessible to Everyone

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 18, 2010 – Aliph -- maker of the market-leading Jawbone® Bluetooth headset and inventor of NoiseAssassin®, the world's first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology -- today unveiled its most sophisticated product yet, Jawbone ICON. Jawbone ICON offers unprecedented ease of use and audio quality as well as an industry-first software platform called MyTALK™ that lets users personalize and update their Jawbones via the web. Jawbone ICON will be available for $99.99 beginning January 18 in six unique design personas.

"In building the next generation of wearable computing, we focused maniacally on creating the world's best customer experience. We incorporated significant intelligence into the headset and as a result this is the simplest-to-operate Jawbone ever created, with a rich array of design choices to suit any preference or lifestyle. We like to call it a new icon for personal expression," said Hosain Rahman, Aliph's CEO.

Industry-first intelligence makes Jawbone ICON easy, convenient and personal

Jawbone ICON offers built-in intelligence and the ability to personalize with the click of a mouse using the all-new MyTALK platform, currently in private beta at mytalk.jawbone.com.

"Each customer is an individual, with unique tastes and preferences. With this in mind, we invented MyTALK as a place where people could go to get a richer in-ear experience. MyTALK is just a hint of the exciting ways people will be able to breathe life into their Jawbones over time," said Rahman.

"Customers also tell us they don't want to reach for their phone when their hands and eyes need to be elsewhere, like on the steering wheel and on the road. So Jawbone ICON uses its brains to now whisper important information like caller ID and remaining battery life into the user's ear," he added.

New personalization and convenience features include:

• MyTALK AudioApps let users personalize the voice that conveys information into their ear. French, German and Spanish languages are also available.
• MyTALK DialApps let users customize an easy access button linking directly to services of their choice such as free directory assistance, voice-to-SMS and voice dial.
• Simultaneous Multipoint lets users switch seamlessly between two calls on different cell phones.
• On/Off slide switch and one-button control delivers radical simplicity.
• Visual battery meter displays remaining battery life at top of iPhone screen.

Six stunning designs and personas deliver rich set of consumer choices

Jawbone ICON is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, and comes in six designs with lush textures and finishes rarely seen in consumer electronics.

"Design and self-expression have been at the core of every generation Jawbone to date, and now we launch an unprecedented suite of choices to match that personal style that makes you who you are," said Yves Behar, Chief Creative Officer of Aliph. "The materials, textures, colors and surfaces of the Jawbone ICON line produce rich and distinct watch-like or jewelry-like results. The six breakthrough Jawbone ICON designs need to be touched and seen in person to be fully appreciated."

"Each Jawbone ICON is infused with a unique and exciting look. Like characters in a film, each captures a different fun-to-wear persona," he added.

New leaps in sound technology sustain Jawbone's lead in audio quality

Continuing Jawbone's leadership in sound technology, Jawbone ICON provides improved inbound audio quality as well as upgrades to its battlefield-tested NoiseAssassin technology. Audio advancements include:

• NoiseAssassin 2.5 with wind reduction continues to provide the best noise elimination available.
• Innovative speaker design and signal processing improves inbound audio clarity and volume.
• Set-it-and-forget-it audio eliminates the need to adjust volume from one caller to the next.

Jawbone ICON Specifications

Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (varies by phone)
Standby Time: More than 10 days
Range: At least 33 feet (10 meters)
Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in less than 1 hour
Weight: 8 grams
Fit: 7 earbud sizes + 1 premium adjustable earloop
Accessories: AC power adaptor, micro-USB flex cable
Supports Multipoint: Pairs with up to 8 devices, 2 simultaneous connections
Supports Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), 2.0, 1.2, 1.1
Packaging: 100% recyclable

Pricing

The MSRP for Jawbone ICON is $99.99. There is no charge for MyTALK.

Availability

Jawbone ICON is available starting January 18 at Verizon ® stores and on Aliph's website at www.jawbone.com. Distribution of Jawbone ICON will soon thereafter expand to Apple®, AT&T®, Best Buy Mobile® and other cellular carrier and retail stores nationwide. Jawbone ICON will be available internationally beginning in March.

Jawbone MyTALK is currently available at mytalk.jawbone.com as an invitation-only private beta. Jawbone MyTALK is expected to go into public beta soon.

About Aliph

Aliph is committed to creating personal technology products that deliver an unsurpassed user experience. The company's flagship product, the award-winning Jawbone Bluetooth headset, first disrupted the industry in 2006 with its military-grade NoiseAssassin technology and instantly became recognized as the best Bluetooth headset available. In 2010, Jawbone ICON becomes the company's most innovative Jawbone yet; introducing unmatched ease of use, personalization, sound quality and design into the consumer marketplace.

Co-founded by Alexander Asseily and Hosain Rahman, Aliph is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco.

Media Contact:

Remi Adams
Aliph PR
415.230.7670
press@aliph.com

For more information, images and product demo, please visit www.jawbone.com or press.jawbone.com.

Disclaimer: product names, logos, brands, and other trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective trademark owners.