bluetooth headphones
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Wi-Gear NOT acquired by Apple
The reports yesterday from 9to5 Mac that Apple had acquired wireless headphone maker Wi-Gear have turned out to be false. Barron's did some checking and emailed Wi-Gear CEO Mark Pundsack who replied: "The rumor is false. Wi-Gear and its IP are still available for sale." There has been a lot of speculation about upcoming acquisitions by Apple after Steve Jobs said Apple's $51 billion cash on hand allowed the company to make major acquisitions if it seemed fit, so when the rumor went live, it quickly spread to major news sites and tech blogs, including ours. Barrons' Eric Savitz said the Wi-Gear story resulted from 9to5 Mac's discovery on LinkedIn that a former Wi-Gear engineer was now employed with Apple. Wi-Gear's website notes that the company "has ceased operations and is no longer in business."
Jaybird's SB2 Sportsband Bluetooth headset ain't afraid of no rainbow
Not wasting any time on trumping the original, are we Jaybird? Just a scant five months and change after introducing the eye-pleasing SB1 Sportsband Bluetooth headphones, along comes the SB2 for those who just like to live life on the vivacious side. In fact, the SB2 isn't all that different than the SB1 in terms of features, but if you're scouting a set with a little lot more flair, you'll find these available in nine fresh colors: Limonade Green, Sonic Blue, Orange Crush, Runner's Red, Toffee Apple Red, Midnight Black, Polar Blue, PowderPuff Pink and -- drum roll, please -- Snow White. You should know, however, that these also ship with apt-X onboard, which is said to "clean up" your jams while adding depth, bass and treble, and if your BT device has apt-X (or if you use an apt-X enabling BT adapter), these guys can kick it up a notch further with "CD quality output." Best of all, these are still priced at $99, making the toughest decision of all which hue to pick.
Jaybird's SB1 Sportsband Bluetooth headphones finally find their aesthetic calling
With product names like "Endorphin Rush," "Freedom," and "The Tiger Eyes" for its headphones, it's always been clear that Jaybird strives for a little bit more when it comes to the image associated with its listening devices. So naturally the imaginatively named "SB1 Sportsband" set of Bluetooth headphones would bring one of the classiest designs we've seen for that purpose, and certainly Jaybird's most stunning contribution to the market. The headphones boast about eight hours of stereo music use, feature moisture-protected music controls, and can even handle the odd call or two. They're shipping now for $89. [Thanks, Matt A.]
Ask Engadget: Best solution for Bluetooth stereo audio?
Look out! You've just stumbled upon this week's episode of Ask Engadget, and we've got a real brain burner on our hands this evening. Before you dig in, though, feel free to blast your own question in to ask at engadget dawt com. I recently got a new music-oriented phone (Nokia 5800 XpressMusic) with Bluetooth stereo audio (A2DP) and am trying to get some opinions on what might be the best solution out there for me. It seems to me like I have 3 options as far as general solution types: self contained Bluetooth headphones, such as the Motorola S9; Bluetooth receivers with headphone jacks, such as the SonyEricsson HBH-DS220; or transmitter / receiver pairs. My specific needs are that it supports remote control (AVRCP), has good sound, is under $100, and if the unit can bind to multiple devices that would be great. The ultimate item would somehow work with my phone as well as my PSP, but that's probably a pipe dream. Thanks! So, wireless audio partakers -- what say you? Got any great tips? Got any horror stories? Either way, spill it below.
Sony unveils five new audio accessories: headphones, speakers and remote
Rather than just introducing these five items individually, Sony reckoned the world at large may pay more attention if they were unveiled in one fell swoop. To that end, we're left staring at a new pair of noise canceling headphones (MDR-NC7; $50), travel speakers (SRS-M50; $50), a universal remote (RM-VL610; $30), EX Series earbuds (MDR-EX36V; $30) and stereo Bluetooth headphones (DR-BT160AS; $160). While the first two are pretty self-explanatory, color lovers will appreciate the three swappable back plates for the remote, and the water-resistant BT 'phones pack a built-in microphone, rechargeable Li-ion cells and A2DP support. Everything should be available now if you look hard enough, and the full release with all the gory details is waiting just after the break.%Gallery-37129%
Sony sports up new Bluetooth headphones
Sony's bringing a little more sporty swoop to its Bluetooth headphone line with the splashproof DR-BT160AS wireless cans. The A2DP headphones have a built-in mic and controls for phone calls and track / volume adjustments, and there'll be a version with a bundled Bluetooth adapter when they go on sale in October -- too bad we don't have a price yet.
Motorola "Jay-Z" Bluetooth headphones hit the FCC, branches on the ugly tree
Hmm, Hov, you may want to check the fine print on whatever deal you've got with Moto, because these Jay-Z-branded MOTOROKR S7-HD Bluetooth headset aren't exactly big pimpin' -- and compared to Dre's big ol' cans, they look downright sad. Of course, the FCC's legendarily nasty product photography isnt helping here, but even A2DP stereo support and the integrated mic can't salvage this mess -- was this really worth unretiring for?[Via Crave]
Tritton intros AX BlueStream Bluetooth stereo headset
Granted, Tritton's latest Bluetooth stereo headset isn't nearly as likely to garner strange looks in public as one of those tried and true BT earpieces, but we suppose we can live without all the negative attention if necessary. The AX BlueStream features a simple, 2.5-inch long clip-on device that enables users to stream tunes to earbuds of their choice via the 3.5-millimeter audio out, handle phone calls via the built-in microphone and check caller ID information on the integrated OLED display. Additionally, the unit boasts USB connectivity and can be used for PC / Mac-based VoIP calling if that's your bag. For those looking to give that ear a rest (and regain some sense of pride in the process), you can pick up Tritton's alternative right now for $79.99.
Industrious DIY'er creates Bluetooth headphones from spare parts
We've witnessed quite a few DIY journeys involving wireless speakers / headphones, but there's no better way to make lemonade from lemons than to take Sarah Lemarié's advice when your favorite Bluetooth 'phones snap in half. Apparently, the DIY'er figured there was still life left in her Logitech headphones even after the headband broke, so she gathered up a cheap pair of comfortable cans along with a set from Sony (for the drivers) and got to work. As you may imagine, she transplanted the speakers from the Sony pair and the Bluetooth module from the now-defunct Logitech set into the large, comfy Tesco cans, and after a bit of tinkering, the music was flowing (sans wires) once more. If you're looking to do something similar, head on down to the read link to hear how it's done.[Via MAKE]
Toshiba's Bluetooth headphones: big on sexy, down on comfort
Who needs ergonomics when you've got looks like these? Sure, your ears might go numb from the pain, and the lack of ear cups might put the hurt on sound quality, but you'll be the hottest A2DP rocker in the room and you know it. Toshiba didn't have a whole lot of info on these things, not even a model number, but hopefully they'll be hitting the market for something reasonable before too terribly long. Check a few more angles after the break.
I-O Data releases wiREVO Bluetooth headphones
Everyone is looking for a good pair of Bluetooth headphones these days, but the problem with most models -- including the recently-unveiled FreePulses from Logitech -- is the big plastic neckband that makes it impossible to ball them up and stuff in a pocket. Enter I-O Data and its two new pairs of wiREVO 3-in-1 wireless headsets, both of which eschew the plastic for a much more pliable wire, and which -- we're hesitant to admit -- seem to look a lot hotter than our iPhono minis from Bluetake. The WRH-S30B (and WRH-S30W, in white -- pictured above) promise 24-bit stereo sound from the over-the-ear cans, and feature an in-line mic plus control buttons to support the Bluetooth headset and AVRCP profiles. With the WRH-H20B (and, you guessed it, WRH-H20W in white), you're getting regular earbud-style headphones attached to a Bluetooth pendant with length-adjustable cable, all of which you're supposed to wear around your neck. Both models should be available at major retailers sometime this month, with the S30s going for $99 and the H20s priced at $109; if your DAP lacks Bluetooth, though, you needn't worry: you can pick up either pair of headphones bundled with an iPod adapter for $169 or a generic dongle for $149.
Dynamode's BT-SHS-W Bluetooth 'phones
Nothing too incredibly exciting here, but Dynamode is getting into the Bluetooth headphone game with the vanilla BT-SHS-W which can work with most music players via a 3.5mm jack. You can also sport these as a hands-free set for your phone, but we're guessing you might look like you're talking to yourself even more than usual. Dynamode packed in some iPod-esque music control buttons, but there's only about 6.5 hours of battery, so you won't be skipping around your playlists for long. The 'phones should go for around £60 (around $110 USD) and should be available later this month.
