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Sound ID 400 Bluetooth headset packs long list of unusual features
Generally speaking, you're trying to keep the jackhammers, trains, horns, and loudmouths that pollute the world's airspace out of your head while you're holding that conference call and walking back to the office from lunch at the same time -- but Sound ID's new 400 model takes a different approach. The upcoming Bluetooth headset has a couple unique features that set it apart from the crowd, the first being its so-called "Environmental Mode" -- shared with other Sound ID models -- which allows for two-ear hearing between phone calls without going to the trouble of taking the set out of your ear (the people around you might fancy you a dork, but they just don't get it, and they never will). The other biggie is compatibility with the company's not-yet-released Companion Link remote mic, which allows a second person to join into the conversation or simply repeats audio back to the 400. Look for the set to hit shelves in the fourth quarter for $129.99, with the Companion Link tagging along for $79.99. [Warning: PDF link]
iPhone OS 3.1 adds new features and functionality
One of the first surprises out of today's Apple event, other than Steve Jobs appearing on stage again (!!!), was the announcement that iPhone OS 3.1 and iPod touch OS 3.1.1 were available. We're still waiting for the download to complete, so this won't be a hands-on review, but we do want you to know what the new features of 3.1 are: Improved syncing for music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and photos iTunes U content organization Redeem iTunes Gift Cards, codes, and certificates in the App Store Display available iTunes account credits in the App Store and iTunes Store Save video from Mail and MMS into Camera Roll Option to Save as new clip when trimming a video on iPhone 3GS Better iPhone 3G Wi-Fi performance when Bluetooth is turned on Remotely lock iPhone with passcode via MobileMe Use Voice COntrol on iPhone 3GS with Bluetooth headsets Paste phone numbers into the keypad Option to use Home button to turn on accessibility features on iPhone 3GS Warn when visiting fraudulent websites in Safari (anti-phishing) Improved Exchange calendar syncing and invitation handling Fixes issue that cause some app icons to display incorrectly There's now also a App Store Genius function, which will recommend Apps based on your purchase history. The Genius of Apple also extends to iTunes, which will now create up to 12 playlists for you based on what's in your library. You can now purchase and download ringtones from your iPhone, and organize apps in iTunes. Apple's security info page will be listing the security content of the OS updates shortly. The new versions include 10 security fixes, including patches for SMS vulnerabilities, Exchange passcode lock workarounds, and Unicode character spoofing flaws. We'll have a hands-on review later!
Bluetooth headset use plummets in the US, humanity celebrates a small victory
Join us as we rejoice together: "Finally!" Look, we can't straight up say that Bluetooth headsets don't have their place in this world, but seriously, we've yet to not be freaked out when walking up to someone who's apparently speaking to the ghost we can't see. In a recent survey conducted by the quizzical minds over at Strategy Analytics, they found that only 26 percent of US-based Bluetooth headset owners use their device each and every day. That figure is down from 43 percent in 2008, proving that style may have just notched a minor victory over utility. Of course, the study also found that daily BT headset use was up slightly in Europe, but hey, it takes awhile for these so-called "trends" to float across the pond.[Image courtesy of eHow, via HotHardware]
Samsung's WEP870 Bluetooth headset comes with earbuds, bundles of joy
Nothing too exhilarating here, but if you're looking for something new to sit atop the peak on your ear, Samsung's got a new trio it'd love for you to consider. The most interesting of the three is undoubtedly the WEP870, which marries a noise-canceling Bluetooth mono headset (with BT music streaming) to a set of earbuds. As with the less thrilling WEP850 and WEP470, this one also features multi-connection technology in order to pair with up to two BT devices at once. The 870 steps things up with an LCD screen to display battery level, call status and BT connection status, while the other two handle calls and little else. All three are available for purchase right now for $89.99 (WEP870), $69.99 (WEP850) and $39.99 (WEP470).[Via HotHardware]
Nokia's world-beating BH-905 Bluetooth cans slip into the photo booth
Nokia's BH-905 made some serious waves when it debuted back in early June, but what else would you expect from a product that calls itself "the best headset ever made?" The Bluetooth-equipped cans, along with its ten microphones, supple ear cups and A2DP / AVCRP support, are expected to launch globally next month for around three hundred bones, and the fine folks over at NokNok have already managed to score a pre-release model. Aside from visibly gushing all over themselves, they also note that the cans are far smaller than the original press shots made them seem, giving cautious travelers reason to breath a sigh of relief. Hit the read link for a luxurious hands-on look.
MoGo Talk intros Bluetooth headset for iPhone, everyone else
At this point, Bluetooth headsets are pretty played, but it's some kind of thrilling to see at least one company keeping things interesting. Newton Peripherals is that very outfit, today introducing a pair of new devices that are definitely unique in a sea of me-too ear pieces. First up is the MoGo Talk for iPhone, which adheres to the back of your handset and keeps the headset nearby at all times -- think LG's Decoy, but a tad less elegant. Next up is the MoGo Talk for VoIP & Skype (our personal favorite), which slides inconspicuously into one's ExpressCard slot in order to a) stay out of harm's way and b) charge when not in use. Too bad Apple decided that these slots were practically unwanted in its newest 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, huh? Both devices can be pre-ordered right now for $99 apiece, with shipments expected to begin next month.[Via HotHardware]Read - MoGo Talk for iPhoneRead - MoGo Talk for VoIP and Skype
Jabra Go 6400 and Pro 9400 with capacitive touchscreen base redefines overkill, want
Here's what you get when a manufacturer tries to justify a $199 price tag on its newest headsets. The Jabra Go 6400 (pictured above) and Pro 9400 look to be standard noise-cancelling Bluetooth and DECT headsets, respectively, with a multifunction button to answer/reject/redial/mute calls and adjust the volume. However, these headsets are paired with an industry first touch-screen base for call management. The 2.4-inch capacitive LCD displays caller ID, call records, and lets users switch between their mobile, desk, and corporate softphones via a spin of the carousel. Fun sure, and exceedingly geeky, but hardly worth the $199 to duplicate functions already built-in to the headsets or accessible via the displays on the devices it connects to. Then again, these are aimed at office professionals (read: corporations) when they launch in September and $199 is nothing when you're spending someone else's money. DECT configuration pictured after the break.[Via SlashGear]
Motorola's Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset packs 'true' bone conduction technology, modicum of style
Motorola isn't shying away from a fight here with its Endeavor HX1 Bluetooth headset -- and if there's anything the Bluetooth headset industry needs, it's some manner of controversy. The company is calling its new HX1 the "only Bluetooth headset to use true bone conduction technology," with a user activated "Stealth Mode" that switches the set from regular mic to an in-ear sensor which picks vibrations right off the bone for talking in particularly noisy environments. Jawbone, on the other hand, picks up vibrations from the outside of the face, but primarily as an "Activity Sensor," though the latest version nabs some audio from those vibrations -- both manufacturers naturally claim a military heritage to their technology. It'll take some actual testing to see who wins out, but it sounds like some good tech from Moto all the same. We do know one thing, however: no amount of in-ear stylings can ever ease your transition into general society. No word on price of a US release date for the HX1, it hits Asia in July.
Nokia's Bluetooth BH-905 is 'the best headset ever made'
Pretty strong words from Nokia calling its new BH-905 headset "the best headset ever made." The claim comes as a result of a partnership with Wolfson Microelectronics to add its 10-microphone "feed-forward" active noise-cancellation technology to the headset -- 8 mics for capturing background noise, 2 for your voice. The headset can connect wirelessly over Bluetooth or via a selection of plugs for your home stereo, MP3 player, or airplane jack. It also features high-performance speakers with stainless steel audio controls on one can, phone controls on the other. They'll hit globally in August for a steep pre-tax price of €285 / $403. Hey, that's not bad for the best ever.[Thanks, Stephen R.]Read -- AnnouncementRead -- Microsite with video
Aliph Jawbone Prime arrives to coddle your ears, raid your wallet
It's been almost a year since Aliph last graced the Bluetooth headset world with its presence, and now it's back with the Jawbone Prime to reclaim the throne. The Jawbone Prime is only a minor update -- on the surface, anyways -- to its predecessor, and in fact the only visible change is a slightly different surface pattern and a minor indentation to denote one of the headset's two invisible buttons. Other than the quite welcome addition of Bluetooth 2.1+ EDR (multipoint connections, easy pairing), almost all the improvements under the hood have to do with the algorithm tweaks of NoiseAssassin 2.0 to improve noise reduction. It's really too bad the original isn't firmware-upgradable (we asked). The Prime will be replacing existing Jawbones at retail for the same old $130 pricetag, and comes in Blah Blah Black, Coffee Talk and Going Platinum, while an "EARCANDY" edition is available in Frankly SCARLET, 'YELLO!, Drop Me A LIME and LILAC You Mean It. Both will be available at retail on May 2nd.
Plantronics Voyager PRO gets purchased, unboxed early
Plantronics isn't planning to share intimate details about its Voyager PRO Bluetooth headset until April 23rd, but evidently its supply chain executives didn't exactly touch base with marketing before sending out stock to Best Buy. Jeff and John both managed to procure the $119.99 Bluetooth headset over the weekend, and we've got the shots to prove it. Based on the teaser site down in the read link, this here headset should be it's most advanced yet, but for a buck twenty, it better answer and respond to our calls without us having to intervene. Update: Plantronics pinged us to say the price point here should be $99. Interesting.[Thanks, Jeff and John]
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.
Nokia shows off song-inspired Bluetooth headset designs
It didn't exactly cause that big a stir when it was first announced, but it looks like Nokia's Music Almighty headset design competition still managed to attract a respectable 6,000 entrants, and Nokia is now showing off the five winners that have been manufactured as fully-functional, one-off headsets. The hook of the contest is that all of the headsets had to be inspired by a song, which expectedly drew a whole range of designs from the stylish Daft Punk "Robot Rock" set above to feat of subtlety that is the R. Kelly "I Believe I Can Fly" headset after the break. Hit up the link below to check out the remaining winners, including not one but two Michael Jackson-inspired sets, and look for the whole lot to make their way to the Nokia Regent Street Flagship store in London next month.[Via Core77]
Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset now discontinued
Would it be too cruel to say we're shocked it lasted this long? Apple's iPhone Bluetooth Headset never was too popular outside of the hardcore Apple faithful, with a litany of respectable (and let's face it, far superior) alternatives available for a fraction of the $99 MSRP. To that end, Cupertino has seen fit to discontinue the peripheral, though prospective customers can apparently still buy 'em until supply runs dry. Here's a tip, though -- wait for the fire sale.[Thanks, Richard]
Apple's Bluetooth headset gets the axe
I'll admit it: I loathe Bluetooth headsets. It's impossible to walk around with one of those things protruding from your head without looking like a total tool. No one's impressed, Lieutenant Uhura.I'd like to think it was that reason that prompted Apple to stop selling the iPhone Bluetooth headsets, but it was probably poor sales. We don't have sales figures, of course, but I've never seen one in the wild.* It's also possible that Apple is up to something else. You'll remember that iPhone OS 3.0 touts support for A2DP Stereo Bluetooth connectivity among its features. The headset which shipped with the 1st generation iPhone had a built-in switch, similar to the one included with the current iPod shuffle. Perhaps a future model will control the iPod and answer calls over Bluetooth? If so, it had better be pretty cool. *Out of fairness, I'll state that I live in a town of 4,000. Not exactly a hive of early adopters.
TriSpecs' Bluetooth sunglasses let you ignore the outside world in style
Since Oakley can't be the only company controlling the fashionable Bluetooth sunglasses market, TriSpecs has unveiled its own technetronic eyewear compatible with Bluetooth-equipped phones and PMPs. The eponymous shades sport two uni-directional mics, one touch dialing, and retractable stereo earbuds that hang at the tip of the temples when not in use. They're expected to hit retail sometime this month for just under $200 and come in black, white, and metallic options. Attractive model companion is, as always, not included.[Via Engadget Germany]
Motorola's EM326g slider and S7-HD Bluetooth headset get pictured
We're really hoping Motorola's aiming for the low-end with the EM326g slider, 'cause if we didn't know any better, we'd assume this thing was the hotness back in 2003 or so. Gripes with simplicity aside, the aforementioned handset -- along with the S7-HD Bluetooth headset -- has been satisfactorily pictured, and we're also informed that the phone packs BT, a 1.3 megapixel camera, 3.5-millimeter headphone jack and a microSD card slot. Beyond that, mum's the word, but hit up the read link if your eyes are begging for more.
Samsung's Capella Bluetooth earpiece invades CES
Samsung swept into CES this year like an alien invasion. Tucked away beneath its awards, massive booth presence, and disrupter blast of products is this sexy Bluetooth earpiece. The Capella (shown tucked inside the receiver) is meant to be worn as a fashion accessory. Hey, that's what they say. And at the risk of being juiced by a Martian, well, we're not going to argue.
BlueAnt Wireless Q1 hands-on
While at Digital Experience show last night we bumped into an unreleased Bluetooth headset at the BlueAnt booth named the Q1. The Q1 features active noise cancellation in both hard and software enabling it to filter out wind noise up to 10mph. Set to launch in mid-March - Q1 in Q1, get it? -- this year for $129, the tiny Q1 features multipoint connectivity, can pair with up to 8 devices, 4 hour talk and 200 hour standby, and a soft and fuzzy feeling-inspiring 2 year warranty. We're sold on the device's finish, but note that the final earpiece's action button won't be what you see above.%Gallery-41113%
S1 Audio debuts litany of earbuds / mobile headphones at CES
S1 Audio has shown up in Las Vegas with a plethora of new items to share, so share we will. Right out of the gate, we've got the neck-friendly NxSET Music 1 and NxSET Music 2 models, which are joined by the similar Mobile 1 and Mobile 2 models add Bluetooth for handsfree calling and the like. Moving on, we've got the SuperBudz 1 and Hypnos 1, both of which take the more traditional in-ear approach and include in-line volume controls and a completely stellar Turbo Boost for instant volume increases. Lastly, S1's wrapping things up with its dual purpose BudBud line, which is comprised of the Solo (a mono communications headset that converts to stereo earbuds), the MP3 (morphs from a single pair of 'buds to two complete pairs via the piggy-back design) and the Mobile, which includes a microphone for yelling at that guy who just yesterday was considered your best friend.
