earpiece
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Callpod's Dragon Bluetooth earpiece sports 100-meter range
If you're cool with a circular gizmo flanking one of your ears, Callpod's Bluetooth earpiece is probably right down your alley. Aside from rocking a dual-microphone design, noise cancellation technology and multi-device pairing support, this headset promises to stay connected even if you stray 100-meters (give or take) from your mobile / computer. Additionally, you can count on 8-hours of talk time (300-hours in standby) to handle those all-night sobfests, and it's even firmware upgradable should the future hold some extras not yet available. If you're all ready to sign up, hit the read link and throw down your $119.95 -- Callpod says they'll be shipping soon.[Via Uber-Review]
Nokia intros the BH-101 Bluetooth earpiece
Nokia -- always known to break a phone-lover off some snazzy new junk -- currently wants to get up in your headspace with its new Bluetooth earpiece, the BH-101. What can the BH-101 do for you, you ask? Well for starters, it'll deliver eight hours of talktime, 180 hours of sweet, silent standby, Bluetooth 2.0 (with EDR, Handsfree v.1.5, and Headset v.1.1), plus it will go easy on the wallet with a €30 / $40 price tag. Ready to give the appearance that you're talking to yourself? Do it this "Christmas season" with Nokia's help.
Benchmark Helmets intros Bluetooth headsets for bikers
We've certainly seen our fair share of nicely-equipped motorcycle helmets, but Benchmark Helmets is looking to spruce up your everyday noggin protector rather than forcing you to buy a whole new one. Marketed towards "scooter and motorcycle enthusiasts," the Camos lineup includes two new headsets that utilize Bluetooth 2.0 and support A2DP / handsfree profiles. Additionally, both tout waterproof housings and connectors, directional microphones with noise canceling technology, stereo speakers, and 10-hours of talk time (150-hours in standby). The BHS-500 is set to land for $149, while the $199 BHS-600 ups the ante by allowing users to pair up another BHS-600 for a "complete wireless intercom system."[Thanks, Spencer]
Examear: helping students make the best of exam day
Sure, quite a few intrepid students have tried to slip on an earpiece of some sort to gain an unfair advantage come test time, but those DIY attempts oftentimes lack the top-notch qualities found in professional, in-ear cheating liaisons. Enter Examear, which aims to "help students succeed" by offering up a trio of wireless earphones that enable test takers to hear recorded content on a nearby DAP or the voice of an abettor. Each of the models fit sneakily within your ear and sport varying levels of battery life / features, and while you can snag the low-ender for a mere $185, the Bluetooth-equipped platinum edition looks to be the best bet for the avid cheater at $300. 'Course, we certainly wouldn't recommend nor condone actually using these things for subverting an exam, but presenters who often forget their lines and those who long to be an undercover spy could certainly find a good bit of utility here, too.[Via MetaFilter]
Jabra's BT8040 Bluetooth headset syncs to multiple devices
Hot on the heels of BlueAnt's Z9 comes a new one from Jabra, and while this Bluetooth earpiece doesn't strike us as revolutionary in the design department, it does add a bit of flexibility not often found on similar alternatives. Beyond the obligatory voice dialing, handsfree profile support, A2DP compatibility, USB connectivity, DSP noise reduction, and automatic volume adjustment, the BT8040 sports Multi-point technology that enables it to sync to two devices simultaneously. Yes, this does mean that you can pretend to be listening to your kvetching sibling whilst actually taking in your favorite jam from your BT-enabled audio source. No word just yet on price nor availability, but we can imagine multitaskers everywhere lining up for this one.
BlueAnt launches voice isolating Z9 Bluetooth headset
It sure took long enough, but at long last BlueAnt is finally releasing its Z9 Bluetooth headset. The final version weighs in at 0.35-ounces, measures 1.5-inches in length, boasts a glossy, translucent finish, and most importantly, touts a two-level approach to noise cancellation. The firm's patented Voice Isolation technology "separates the voice signal from all background noise" in order to nix surrounding wind and ambient chatter from conversations, and can be utilized in Standard or Max modes depending on how raucous things are around you. Notably, the headset also sports dual microphones, supports on-the-fly device switching, lasts through 5.5-hours of yapping, and even offers upgradeable firmware via USB. So, for those who have managed to hold off till now, the Z9 can finally wrap itself around your ear for $99.95.
Jabra's Cara Gold JX10 Bluetooth headset
The gilded touch hasn't evaded the mobile realm entirely, but it has been a tick since we've seen anything (well, anything worthwhile) come through that was Midas-approved. Bucking that trend is none other than Jabra, who is apparently readying a Cara Gold JX10 headset designed by Jacob Jensen. Reportedly, the device will be limited in production, will weigh less than ten grams, and will tout DSP technology to reduce background noise whilst chatting. Additionally, it should last through about six hours of talking before needing a recharge, and while we aren't much on wearing a BT earpiece around in public anyway, we'd be extra cautious with a $300 iteration. Check out a closeup after the jump.[Via Slashphone]
Sound ID's SM100 Bluetooth headset tunes you into nature
We've got Bluetooth headsets that cancel noise, amplify voices, and make you look good not entirely cockamamie, but Sound ID's latest iteration actually gives you one less reason to ever take it off. The minuscule earpiece sports compatibility with handsfree Bluetooth profiles, around eight hours of talk time and 72 hours of standby, auditory and visual low battery warnings, dual omni-directional silicon microphones, and a trio of modes to fit your situation. It also touts a NoiseNavigation feature that magnifies and cancels appropriate sounds automatically, and just in case you get tired of only hearing face-to-face conversations out of one ear, the "Environmental Mode" actually brings in ambient noise in order to make you forget about the critter hanging off your eyeglass holder. Notably, the $129.99 SM100 even features a One2One mode that enables "Bluetooth communication between two modules" without the use of a cellphone, which should definitely appease the anti-social social crowd.[Via Slashphone]
Sony's high-end DR-BT50 Bluetooth cans love your cellphone
Just in case Sony's compact DR-BT21G headset didn't exactly float your boat, or you just like having the best of the best when given the option, the high-end DR-BT50s should fit the bill. Rather than taking the wraparound approach, these cans feature the typical over the head styling, an adjustable headband, 17-hour battery life (200 in standby), and a sleek black / silver motif. As with its little brother, you can answer and end calls with the press of button, and while not conversing via its handsfree profile, you can tune in to your mobile's music as it supports A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP. As expected, you'll find all the playback controls right on the earcup, and those interested can snag this Bluetooth headset / headphone hybrid for $230 when it lands in April.[Via AkiharabaNews]
Sony's Bluetooth DR-BT21G wraparound headset does A2DP, AVRCP
While Sony's DR-BT21G was given limited facetime during CES, the wraparound stereo Bluetooth 2.0 headset is getting all official on us, and will now join the long list of other A2DP-friendly devices that Sony's known for kicking out. Sporting a behind-the-neck, foldable design, the 63-gram headphones come in black or white motifs, support A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, and HSP protocols, and boast a built-in microphone and control button in the earcup to pull double duty as a handsfree communicator. Aside from the receive / end call button, users can expect to control audio playback functions from the side of their dome, and considering the respectable 11-hour battery life, finding an AC outlet shouldn't become too much of an issue. No concrete information in regard to price or availability just yet, but we're hearing to expect these in April for around the $130 mark.[Via Akiharaba News]
Jawbone Bluetooth headset now on sale
The elusive Jawbone Bluetooth headset has been on just about every headset owner's radar since this month last year, but after time took its course and the well-spec'd (and mighty stylish) earpiece got official, we knew it wouldn't be long before these suckas hit the market. Sure enough, the dashing headset is now available for the world to indulge in, and you'll even get to make the painstaking decision between red, black, or silver motifs. So if you've been holding out on every other headset that tempted your wallet in order to grab this very piece of noise-cancelling kit, all that's required now is $119.99 and little patience.[Thanks, Mike C.]
Nokia unveils trio of Bluetooth headsets
It looks like Nokia's got a bit more on the brain than just getting you where you're supposed to be, as its trio of Bluetooth headsets offer up handsfree talking from just about every price point. Holding down the low-end is the BH-100, which weighs in at 11-grams, offers 6.5-hours of talk time, 150 hours on standby, and allows users to customize the device by attaching a "colorful earloop." Next up is the BH-120, which purportedly rocks an uber-compact design "to fit in any ear," comes with three different earbud sizes, sports a black color scheme, and offers 5.5 hours of talk time or 150 hours in standby. The unit also touts answer / end, on / off, and volume / redial keys to go along with the red and green LED indicators. The BH-301 seems to be aimed at the mix 'n match type, as it comes with a variety of "stylish covers to fit the mood," boasts voice dialing capabilities, and also offers a longer battery life than the other two at seven hours talking / 200 hours in standby. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing nor availability, but these colorful headsets should be hitting shelves before too long.
foneGEAR unveils Mini Blu II Bluetooth headset / MK20 handsfree kit
If you're interested in one of the bazillion new handsets getting some showtime here in Vegas, you just might be scouting out a new headset as well. foneGEAR is busting on the scene by releasing a Mini Blu II headset and MK20 in-car handsfree kit, both of which are Bluetooth enabled. The Mini Blu II weighs just nine grams, supports Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, and offers up a reported four hours of talk time and 75 hours while in standby. For talking it up in your whip, the MK20 features a car charger / AC adaptor, built-in speaker and microphone, LCD display, phone book, "hotline" button to call your boss, SO, or any other programmed number, and offers eight hours of talk time and 200 hours in standby. Although pricing wasn't available for either, both Bluetooth gizmos will hit stores in the first quarter of this year.[Via Slashphone]
Aliph's Bluetooth Jawbone headset sports military-grade noise cancellation
We've seen our fair share of Bluetooth headsets (with and without DSP), and we hold a soft spot in our heart for the hardcore, rugged devices out there that can withstand next to anything, but Aliph's Jawbone earpiece blends the best of both worlds into one fashionable piece of kit. While the firm already has a wired version on the market, this Bluetooth-enabled set rocks a silver or red color scheme, dual microphones, lightweight design, and a noise cancelling sensor that is literally military-grade. Crafted after conducting research for DARPA, the goal was "to create a mobile phone headset capable of erasing background noise," even in less-than-amicable (or safe) situations. Although there's no pricing or availability information just yet, the unit has already made its way on the Award Honorees list for CES 2007, and if you want to see this bad boy in action, be sure to continue on after the jump for a YouTube demonstration.[Via BlueTomorrow]
BlueAnt intros Z9 Bluetooth headset
You've got a smorgasbord of options when it comes to adding a dash of public humiliation to your ear, but BlueAnt's Z9 Bluetooth headset sports a feature set that has the ability to make fashion become second priority. While it doesn't look much different than similar alternatives, the Z9 packs dual microphones (in case you talk out of both sides of your mouth), DSP, echo / noise cancelling, automatic gain adjustment, a built-in clip for times when not looking so technologically inclined would be in your best interest, and on-the-fly switching between devices. Moreover, it supports USB firmware upgrades and boasts a seven hour talk time (180 hours in standby). Although BlueAnt isn't disclosing its pricetag just yet, we do know that it'll be on display at next year's CES, so keep an eye out for some hands-on action when January rolls around.[Via SlashPhone]
Sanyo developing earphone LSI chip that doubles as a microphone
We've got phones so tiny we can barely dial our intended contacts, Bluetooth headsets that allow calls to be placed by just lifting a hand, and now Sanyo Semiconductor is giving the couch dweller in us all another glimpse of jubilation with its latest chip. Although typical BT earpieces combine a speaker and microphone for an all-in-one conversation solution, even the tiniest of units aren't exactly discrete, and if your surroundings happen to drown out your voice, your only solution is to escape the racket or yell louder. Sanyo is hoping to ease the frustrations of current handsfree applications by creating an LSI chip that can be worn in one's ear and yet still transmit outgoing audio. The device operates by picking up the faint diaphragm movements that occur whenever you utter even a whisper, and magnifies the vibrations into spoken words that your recipient can comprehend. While the eardrum emits voice signals "at a strength of about one-30th that of the voice itself," the circuity can reportedly transform comments made under your breath into phrases heard loud and clear. The company isn't handing out release details nor giving any indications on how much these will cost, but it looks like we'll all be one step closer to double-agent status should these ever hit store shelves.
Confirmed: Nintendo DS headset
Confirmed by the big N, this external microphone/earpiece (we'll just call it a headset) will be releasing to the Japanese gaming public come September 14th for roughly $10 American. Rumor has it that the headset is going to be utilized by the upcoming cash cow Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, which will allow for full voice chat. Personally, we'd like for it to release a bit earlier, say right around the time Starfox Command comes out. Now there's a game that could benefit from the use of a headset![Via Go Nintendo][Note: That is not an actual shot of what the final product will look like. If you have access to such top-secret pictures, please send them to us.][Double Note: That is, in fact, NOT my father, despite popular belief. He just plays him on the internet.]
