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SMS Audio SYNC by 50 wireless headphones review

Joe Pollicino — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST

Ah, celebrity-endorsed headphones -- whether it's Beats by Dre or Soul by Ludacris, you've always gotta wonder whether their actual sound-reproduction chops will match up with the steep price tags and fashion-focused designs. Oftentimes, shocker of shockers, the answer is a resounding "no." One of the newest entrants into this game is SYNC by 50, stemming from a long collaboration between ~~Sleek Audio~~ SMS Audio and none other than Curtis James Jackson III -- 50 Cent, of course. Unlike the partners' $250 Street offering, these headphones have the unique selling point of offering both wireless and wired operation, a convenience for which you'll pay a staggering $400. Although they don't offer active noise-cancellation like competing models, these headphones are banking on Kleer's tried-and-true wireless audio technology, which touts 16-bit CD-quality resolution. We spent several weeks testing these spendy sound-blasters, so continue on to our full review to learn whether they live up to the hype or could us to a second trip back to the studio for remastering.

Gallery: SMS Audio Sync by 50 wireless headphones review

Continue reading SMS Audio SYNC by 50 wireless headphones review

SMS Audio SYNC by 50 wireless headphones review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio terminates agreement with 50 Cent, puts over-the-ear plans on hold (updated)

Jacob Schulman — Fri, 06 May 2011 14:49:00 EST

You may remember our brief run-in with 50 Cent back at CES, where he announced a partnership with Sleek Audio for Sleek by 50, a pair of "wireless hybrid" headphones with built-in Kleer technology. Today the company revealed that it has terminated its agreement with G-Unit Brands, 50's licensing company, and that it will be "re-evaluating our Wireless Hybrid over-the-ear headphones at a later date." There's no word on why the collboration went awry, and the company only indicates that it has decided to focus on its in-ear offerings instead. Of course, we've got way more than 21 questions about what made the relationship go sour, but hate it or love it, Sleek by 50 is no more. Disheartening PR after the break.

Update: Looks like it was 50 Cent who terminated the deal, after all. According to XXL, our man told the magazine that he has "established a new company that is developing a complete line of audio accessories, including wireless headphones." Well, too bad for Sleek Audio. Thanks Matt!

Continue reading Sleek Audio terminates agreement with 50 Cent, puts over-the-ear plans on hold (updated)

Sleek Audio terminates agreement with 50 Cent, puts over-the-ear plans on hold (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 May 2011 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman AKG K830 BT and K840 KL wireless headsets review

Trent Wolbe — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST

Great wireless headphones are tough to do right. There are so many problems in the way, most notably that there are no wires involved. AKG's K840 KL 2.4GHz and K830 Bluetooth on-ear headphones offer the promise of something a little nicer than the poor reception and sound quality we usually hear from untethered products. Do they do to the "premium" label justice? Read on, righteous spectrum surfer, for our full review of the 'phones.

Continue reading Harman AKG K830 BT and K840 KL wireless headsets review

Harman AKG K830 BT and K840 KL wireless headsets review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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50 Cent Platinum headphones by Sleek Audio hands-on

Jacob Schulman — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST

We spotted Sleek Audio's Platinum headphones when we interviewed 50 Cent yesterday, but we followed up with the company to see what more we could find out about the upcoming cans. We were bummed to learn that the only functioning pair at the show were the ones around 50's neck, but we got a full rundown of the deets from one of Sleek's reps. First off, these are 'Wireless Hybrid' headphones, which means they've got Kleer technology built in for 16-bit lossless, cordless streaming, though you can jack in a wire (with inline microphone) if you run out of juice. Each earpiece has music controls -- one handles play / pause, the other does volume -- and there's a microUSB charging port as well. We still couldn't squeeze out a release date, but we're told that they will probably be somewhere in the $350 to $400 range -- whether that includes the Kleer 3.5mm dongle is still unknown, though we'd hope it's included given that wireless is a standout feature. The company's promised us a pair as soon as they're available so we can get some real ears-on, but for now the carbon fiber eye-candy is all yours to enjoy. Bonus shot of the dongle after the break.

Gallery: Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones hands-on

Continue reading 50 Cent Platinum headphones by Sleek Audio hands-on

50 Cent Platinum headphones by Sleek Audio hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown

Darren Murph — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

It's official. The cans we saw teased earlier in the week have just been made official by Sleek Audio and Curtis Jackson (otherwise known to the world as 50 Cent), with the rapper himself dishing out cash and input to make it happen. We're told that they were designed by 50 and engineered by Sleek, and are the first headphones ever to offer 'Wireless Hybrid' technology with military-grade metals. More specifically, the Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones utilize Kleer lossless wireless technology, with a 60 foot range and a micro-USB rechargeable battery. If you run out of juice, there's a detachable mic cable that can be jacked in for continued listening. The cans themselves house a pair of 50mm dynamic drivers, a customized internal amplifier and a call-out to Dr. Dre. Just kidding. Maybe. We're still waiting on a price and release date, but we'd expect 'em to ship soon for just a touch more than HP's Beats -- you know, given the wireless and all.

Continue reading Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown

Sleek by 50 Cent Platinum headphones announced, invites Beats to a showdown originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration

Darren Murph — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:49:00 EST

What's this? Wouldn't you like to know. Now that Dr. Dre and HP have teamed up to strike gold in the consumer audio space, it looks as if Sleek Audio is doing its darnedest to replicate success. Sleek -- which tickled our ears quite pleasantly with last year's SA1 -- is apparently gearing up to unveil something special here at CES. Mum's the word on what, exactly, but judging by the image above, we're assuming it'll be a pair of high-end wireless (Kleer?) headphones with the backing of 50 Cent. You'll also notice a svelte carbon fiber exterior, which ought to flex just right as the low-lows are passing through its drivers. Head on past the break for the full image, and keep it locked right here as we dig for more.

Update: An eagle-eyed tipster has spotted a gallery's worth of shots on 50's Twitter page, and lo and behold, it looks like he's already scored a pair!

Gallery: 50 Cent showcasing new wireless Sleek Audio headphones

Continue reading Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration

Sleek Audio teases wireless headphones, 50 Cent provides inspiration originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:00:00 EST

We hate wires. We can't count the number of times that our headphones were unceremoniously yanked from our heads (or ear canals) because the wire got snagged while ordering our Brazilian man-servant about. Kleer solved this problem years ago but still haven't broken into the mainstream thanks in no small part to the preponderance of low-cost (and low-quality) Bluetooth headphones. That could change with the visibility provided by a new partnership with Mercedes to replace line-of-site infrared technology the company had been using. The deal will equip 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class models with Kleer's proprietary, low-power, CD-quality digital wireless audio emitted from a pair of video screens on the back of the seats. Occupants wearing the Mercedes-provided Kleer headphones or any compatible pair can then select which audio stream their headphones receive without interfering with Bluetooth or WiFi connected devices. Win, win.

Gallery: Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Continue reading Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones

Kleer teams up with Mercedes Benz to untether in-car headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio's SA7 earphones withstand 14,000 Gs of acceleration, dent your wallet accordingly

Sean Hollister — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST

Do you find yourself whipping about earbuds like boleadoras when you're bored? Here's a pair that can take your abuse. The long-awaited successor to Sleek Audio's famous SA6 'phones -- dubbed the SA7 -- have the same adjustable bass / treble ports and removable cords of their predecessor, but in a case machined from solid aluminum with a carbon fiber shell and titanium screws. Inside, the drivers are cushioned by shock-absorbing silicone that lets them take a 14,000 G beating, which Wikipedia tells us is roughly the same rating as a navigation chip inside an artillery round. The company told Popular Science the SA7's thin aluminum shell lets listeners hear a whole extra octave; if that tempts you, you'll only have to cough up $400 and change (plus an extra $100 for a wireless Kleer kit) for the privilege.

Update: Sleek Audio pinged us to say that the SA6 is still hanging around; the SA7 is simply the new flagship. It'll be shipping at some point in 2010 -- we'll keep you posted.

Sleek Audio's SA7 earphones withstand 14,000 Gs of acceleration, dent your wallet accordingly originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TDK's TH-WR700 cans do wireless over Kleer

Tim Stevens — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:17:00 EST

The majority of the wireless music options we've seen rocking Kleer have, to this point, been of the ear bud variety -- nice, but not if you're more of a can man. For those who like a little more heft, welcome to TDK's TH-WR700 wireless headphones, a $190 set that still looks to be too small if you're going for the completely immersive over-the-ear style, but are said to provide less noise than comparable Bluetooth units and pledge to perform with 32Ω impedance, 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, and 108 dB/mW sensitivity. That price also nabs you the Kleer transmitter adapter, which has a 3.5mm input and just so happens to be fit perfectly on an iPhone. Coincidence? Don't bet on it.

TDK's TH-WR700 cans do wireless over Kleer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80

Darren Murph — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST

Sleek Audio earbuds have always had a certain allure, but for most, the sticker shock alone was enough to turn 'em away. Now, however, the boutique audio shop has punched out its very first set that's tailor made for the budget-minded, and at $79.99, the SA1 offers an awful lot of value (on paper, anyway). Much like the pricier SA6 and CT6 models, the SA1 also ships with Kleer wireless technology, enabling it to go from wired to wireless and back again. It also boasts a modified VQ Tuning system that allows the user to acoustically alter the sound signature of their music, a siam rosewood body, detachable cable and single / dual-flange ear tips. The real kicker? The $79.99 price point, which is darn near unheard of for something with these kind of specs. It's up for pre-order right now in the read link, with initial shipments expected to head out in November.

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wearables, Wireless

Sleek Audio's SA1 earbuds bring Kleer wireless, custom tuning for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Darren Murph — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST

Even those with everything probably wish their high-end earbuds had a bit more personality, and if you're reclined in your Victorian-era sofa in a robe befitting one Chuck Bass nodding in agreement, we'd encourage you to have a gander at Sleek Audio's latest. Essentially, these are the same Kleer-enabled CT6 'buds that the affluent among us have grown to love, but with an obvious twist. Thanks to the inclusion of phosphorescent particles within the shell and top plate, the $374.99 CT6 Aura can actually glow in a variety of colors, giving DJs around the globe one more reason to ditch the cans and go small. Currently, the CT6 Aura can be ordered in green, blue, orange, yellow and white, with pricing set at $25 more than the standard CT6. Gnarly, right?

Gallery: Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Continue reading Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds

Filed under: Portable Audio

Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sleek Audio adds Kleer to custom tuned CT6 earphones

Darren Murph — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST

It's been quite some time since Sleek Audio introduced its first set of custom tuned earphones, but now that folks are growing anxious for a true SA6 followup, it has gone and done the right thing by introducing the CT6. If you'll recall, Sleek decided to add Kleer's wireless technology to its original SA6 buds back in October of last year, and evidently that went over extraordinarily well. To that end, the CT6 packs Kleer's tech right from the factory, and they can even go back to wired mode thanks to the removable swivel cables. Improving upon the prior model, these boast up to 35dB of noise reduction as well as a custom tuning option that tweaks 'em to your preferences before you buy. Just think -- you can take that whole "equalizing" thing into your own hands today for just $350 (sans wireless) or $450 (with Kleer).

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wireless

Sleek Audio adds Kleer to custom tuned CT6 earphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DigiFi and Kleer debut Digital Opera S2, S5 wireless earbuds

Donald Melanson — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:51:00 EST

We haven't heard much from the Kleer / DigiFi combo since they finally brought their first Opera wireless earbuds to the US at the beginning of the year, but they're now back with not one but two new sets of 'phones, including the follow-up Digital Opera S2 and the Made for iPod Digital Opera S5. As you might suspect, both models are mostly identical, and pack the same 32 foot range and ten hours of playtime as before, along with the usual promise of uncompressed, CD quality audio. The S5 model, however, adds an iPod-compatible transmitter and some control buttons right on the headphones themselves, while the S2 opts for a basic 3.5mm-based transmitter to accomodate your non-Apple gadgets. No word on pricing just yet, but both should be available on June 20th.

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wearables

DigiFi and Kleer debut Digital Opera S2, S5 wireless earbuds originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kleer now offering DigiFi Opera wireless earphones in the US

Donald Melanson — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:14:00 EST

Well, it's been a bit of a long time coming, but it looks like the Kleer-based DigiFi Opera wireless earphones are now finally available in the US, and directly from Kleer itself, no less. From the looks of it, these are the exact same phones that folks in Korea have had at their disposal for quite a few months now, with them still promising to provide CD quality sound over a 2.4GHz wireless link, and let up to three other folks listen to a single source. According to the company, you can also expect to get up to ten hours of playtime, with a USB cable provided to handle the charging duties. If that sounds like the wireless fix you've been looking for, you can snag the earphones right now in your choice of black or white for just under $100 by hitting up the link below.

[Via iPodNN]

Filed under: Portable Audio

Kleer now offering DigiFi Opera wireless earphones in the US originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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KLEER wireless attachment comes to Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones

Darren Murph — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:31:00 EST

Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones generated quite a bit of buzz due to those adjustable acoustics, and if you've been wishing on your lucky stars for a wireless interpretation of said headphones, something is clearly going right for you. The outfit has just revealed that a new partnership with KLEER (yes, KLEER) has led to a wireless application for the SA6 and Sleek Customs, which, according to Sleek, is the first wireless technology that could do these drivers justice. The new adornment attaches right to the SA6 earphones to provide "CD quality sound from a wireless platform," and better still, the SA6's detachable cable ensures that you can keep on listening with a tether should your battery die in the midst of cordless jamming. The KLEER accessory should be up for pre-order shortly at $120, while a KLEER / SA6 bundle will sell for $299.99. Full release after the break.

Continue reading KLEER wireless attachment comes to Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wireless

KLEER wireless attachment comes to Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DigiFi's wireless Opera headset supports a 4 person flashmob

Thomas Ricker — Thu, 01 May 2008 06:04:00 EST

We're been fans of Kleer wireless audio technology since we first gave it a listen back at CES in January 2007. Unfortunately, lackluster products have held back its potential over Bluetooth audio. While DigiFi's Opera headset isn't likely to tip the balance, these headphones are interesting nonetheless. The buds ship with a mini-jack dongle and offer 10 hours of playtime and CD-quality sound. Not bad, but they also allow you to tune in up to 3 additional Opera wearing friends. Silent raves will never be the same. Available today in Korea, worldwide eventually for $98.

[Via AVING]

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wearables

DigiFi's wireless Opera headset supports a 4 person flashmob originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 May 2008 06:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Sennheiser's MX W1 wireless earbuds get showcased

Darren Murph — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:47:00 EST

Sennheiser's recently released MX W1 earbuds were hangin' here at CES, and considering that they really are the first true wireless 'buds to utilize Kleer, we figured you may want to take a look. So, do ya? Head on past the break, it's all there.

Continue reading Video: Sennheiser's MX W1 wireless earbuds get showcased

Filed under: Portable Audio

Video: Sennheiser's MX W1 wireless earbuds get showcased originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sennheiser's new MX W1 earbuds get wireless with Kleer

Joshua Topolsky — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:05:00 EST

It's looking like Sennheiser has a trick or two up its sleeve planned for CES this year -- the audio company is about to drop what appears to be the first commercially available pair of standalone wireless earbuds. The MX W1, as the buds are lovingly known, utilize Kleer technology to transmit audio from their dongle (base station?) to your ears. The same technique was used to poorer effect in RCA's S2501 JetStream DAP / earbud combo, which (virtually) lassoed the buds to the less-than-thrilling player. Sennheiser, on the other hand, provides the MX W1's free of a player and ready to be plugged into your unit of choice -- a huge boon for the marketability of this particular product. It should be noted that these appear to be output only, so those looking for a mobile phone solution will have to look elsewhere. Still, for audio enthusiasts fed up with wires, this is likely music to their ears... er, literally.

[Via PC Magazine]

Update: Looks like we've got a price, and it's $600. Zing. Thanks Arief.

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wearables

Sennheiser's new MX W1 earbuds get wireless with Kleer originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget HDMI and DisplayPort -- Kleer and USB now vying for that HDTV link

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:56:00 EST

Ugh, is DRM coming to shackle USB too? You betcha. The USB Implementer's Forum is planning to rollout a variant of tethered USB in 2008 to carry compressed high-def video between TVs and mobile devices. It appears unrelated to USB 3.0 and targets both laptops and personal media players -- however you might choose to define that. A spokesman for the organization said that developers "could layer HDMI's HDCP encryption on top." So it's not definite. But with the studios fighting hard to "protect" their content, well, it's a given that some form of DRM will be there. The new USB linkage is meant to complement HDMI which primarily carries uncompressed video between living room A/V equipment... and an increasing number of media-centric laptops. Thing is, DisplayPort, expected to make a big showing at CES in January, already comes with a slathering of HDCP and is the purported VESA standard for moving HDTV from your laptop to a digital television. To confuse matters more, Kleer Corp is also working on a mid-2008 wireless and wired technology for carrying SD video based on its existing wireless audio technology. Proof that the best part about having standards is that there are so many to choose from.

Filed under: Industry, Ports

Forget HDMI and DisplayPort -- Kleer and USB now vying for that HDTV link originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forget HDMI and DisplayPort -- Kleer and USB now vying for that HDTV link

Thomas Ricker — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:56:00 EST

Filed under: HDTV, Laptops, Portable Video

Forget HDMI and DisplayPort -- Kleer and USB now vying for that HDTV link originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA's S2501 Jet Stream gets reviewed

Darren Murph — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:40:00 EST

Although we already had a chance to briefly try out RCA's Jet Stream DAP / wireless earbud setup at CES, the folks over at PCMag were able to get ahold of a finalized product and put it through paces of their own. Interestingly, they found a lot less to love when using 'em for more than a few moments on a crowded show floor, and while they did admit that gym rats could possibly fall in love, the average joe / jane probably won't. On the upside, the DAP proved durable and the wireless headphones exhibited strong reception, but reviewers found that they didn't fit well enough to really show off their talents. Additionally, the menu navigation was deemed "terrible," and they weren't exactly keen on plopping down over $130 for just 1GB of storage. 'Course, we're sure those who spend the bulk of their listening time on the track (listening to just a few CDs on repeat) could find room to argue, but for the rest of us, it was suggested that we wait for "a better implementation of Kleer's wireless technology to come along" before buying in.

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wireless

RCA's S2501 Jet Stream gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RCA Jet Stream, Kleer wireless headphones hit the FCC

Donald Melanson — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:44:00 EST

We got a chance to check out RCA's Jet Stream MP3 player and accompanying Kleer wireless headphones way back at CES in January, but it looks like they've both now finally landed in the FCC's hands, which means we should be seeing an actual launch before too long. The player itself is a pretty basic deal, with a tiny OLED screen, 1GB of storage, an FM tuner, and a promised 12 hours of battery life -- not to mention a less than eye-catching design. The real interest is in the headphones (check 'em out after the break), which use Kleer's proprietary technology instead of Bluetooth to wirelessly shoot tunes over a distance of 5 to 6 feet. As we found out for ourselves at CES, the quality turned out to be surprisingly good, with no interference even in a place flooded with RF signals. What's more, assuming nothing has changed in the past few months, you can expect to pay just $129 for the combo. Still no official word on a release date though.

Read - RCA Jet Stream FCC filing
Read - Kleer headphones FCC filing

Continue reading RCA Jet Stream, Kleer wireless headphones hit the FCC

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wireless

RCA Jet Stream, Kleer wireless headphones hit the FCC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brainic shows off VW-500 player with Kleer Audio headphones

Paul Miller — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:21:00 EST

RCA wasn't the only manufacturer this week to adopt that Kleer Audio OEM headphones design, it looks like Brainic is getting in on the fun with its VW-500 player. The hand clipped player isn't anything new, with its whole "Beat Sonic Vibration Function" gig for simulating a "subwoofer" in your hand, but the wireless headphones were those exact same little battery-conserving numbers that RCA was bragging about with its new Jet Stream player. If you're digging the player and the odd sensations it provides, you might be interested to know it comes in 1GB and 2GB flavors, manages codecs aplenty -- including photos and video on its teensy 0.95-inch screen -- and will be released at some random time for some random price and in some random place. Be prepared. Oh, and make sure you peep the gallery below.

Brainic shows off VW-500 player with Kleer Audio headphones

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video, Wireless

Brainic shows off VW-500 player with Kleer Audio headphones originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kleer wireless audio claims 10x battery life advantage over Bluetooth

Conrad Quilty-Harper — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:00:00 EST

The days of Bluetooth-based audio headsets that run out of juice halfway through a tune (or for that matter, the Engadget Podcast) could soon be over if a company called Kleer is successful. A few days ago the company announced its Kleer Audio -- see what they did there? -- range of RF wireless modules that send CD-quality audio over the air using so little power as to give a claimed ten times battery advantage over comparable Bluetooth solutions. Currently the technology is only available to interested consumer electronics OEMs, meaning that it could be a while until we see the technology in any sort of physical product, and bringing with it the prospect of having to adopt another wireless standard at some point in the future. Hopefully you'll forgive us for even thinking of mentioning this, but for anyone who fancies a quick lapse into the land of outlandish iPod / iPhone rumors, then might we suggest you take a quick peek at the location of Kleer's headquarters -- ring a bell? Yeah, we already said we were sorry!

Filed under: Portable Audio, Wireless

Kleer wireless audio claims 10x battery life advantage over Bluetooth originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 10 Dec 2006 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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