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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.
iVoice debuts Diamond-X dual mic Bluetooth headset
Sure, it's not as thin as the Bluetrek Metal or as eye-catching as the Swarovski crystal-infused Shimmer Kit, but iVoice's Diamond-X Bluetooth headset is sporting some very nice features, including noise-canceling dual microphones and the ability to report the callers' name from a phonebook. As for the other stats, we've got 5.5 hours of talk time and 200 standby. The Jury's still out on how convincingly it can tell us when our friend Slartibartfast gives us a ring, but for one Benjamin Franklin, you can find out for yourself later this month.
The word is on the street about Altec Lansing's BackBeat Bluetooth headphones
We all yearn for a life lived sans wires, yet many of us still find our media players dangling from the things. Mono Bluetooth headsets are already everywhere, but this could be the year that those of the stereo variety take off, and Altec Lansing's hoping its new BackBeat series will be a contender. They're made in partnership with earpiece-guru Plantronics, so callers will find integrated voice dialing, omnidirectional microphones, 7 hours of talk time, and AudioIQ to boost volume when you're in a noisy situation. For the music listener the sets include tune-channeling, canal-sealing buds, a behind-the-head band, and support for A2DP, AVRCP, HSP v1.1 and HFPv1.5. For those devices that list doesn't cover (we're looking at you, iPhone), the $130 BackBeat 906 includes a small transmitter. Everyone else can opt for the otherwise identical but transmitter-less BackBeat 903, which is $30 cheaper. We look forward to getting our ears on these at CES -- hopefully after they've had a thorough cleaning. [Via iPodNN]
Samsung trots out new Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones
Samsung Mobile's got a fever, and the only cure is more... Bluetooth? Yeah, that's it, Bluetooth. Aside from launching the hilariously named Planet Bluetooth -- an "online guide to Bluetooth technology and Samsung Mobile's Bluetooth accessories" -- the outfit has also rolled out two new BT headsets and a pair of BT speakerphones. The WEP460 headset (pictured) specializes in being ultra-small and utilizing a clear ear hook to make you look even more extraterrestrial; the SBH700 stereo headset obviously caters to music lovers and those with slightly deeper pockets. The HKT450 and HKT400 portable BT speakerphones both do exactly what they say, with neither being particularly noteworthy. The bitter details are fleshed out in the read link below, and so far as we can tell, the whole crew is available now.
bluDANGLE makes wireless earpieces a little less wireless
What's cooler than wearing your Bluetooth headset wherever you go? Wearing it clipped to a lanyard wherever you go, that's what -- especially when that lanyard is made from 8 inches of 25 pound tensile strength magcord (i.e. elastic). That's the power of bluDANGLE, a curiously capitalized name for what is basically just a clip that turns your wireless device into a wired one, swinging in the breeze whenever you're not actually making a call. Normally we celebrate any attempt that encourages people to remove their earpieces when not in use, but we're not entirely sure having the thing dangling from your lapel is any less pretentious (check out the vid below and you tell us). But hey, for just $19.99 with a lifetime warranty who are we to complain? Makes a great stocking stuffer for your family's Bluetooth guy (or gal)!
Bluetooth headsets to feel the pinch this holiday season
Analysts are abuzz with predictions of which sectors / divisions will be hit hardest this holiday season, but this is one forecast we can definitely agree with. A recent report has found that the "least desirable holiday gift" belongs to the polarizing Bluetooth headset. With people suddenly more mindful of their spending, it's looking altogether unlikely that BT headsets will be selling like gangbusters given how unnecessary (and potentially alienating) they truly are. We'd ask if you disagree, but we're almost certainly sure there's no need.[Image courtesy of eHow]
Aliph brings Babbling Blue / Rambling Rosé Jawbones to Best Buy
Not sure what exactly was so wrong with Blah Blah Black, Silver Tongue and Goldy Lips, but for those not really turned on by any of the aforementioned hues, you should probably set your navigator to the nearest Best Buy. Aliph has just introduced two new colors in the Jawbone family -- Babbling Blue and Rambling Rosé (shown after the break) -- which will be offered up exclusively at Best Buy Mobile. Same heralded Bluetooth headset, same $139.99 price tag -- just with two new tints.
Compact-esque LG Reveal and Shimmer Kit primping for Bell launch
The shock! The horror! We're beginning to see signs of an absolutely impossible trend, one that just cannot be coming to fruition. Merely hours after spotting the compact-like Samsung CLEO comes an obvious rival: the LG Reveal. The chic flip phone is said to boast a full QWERTY keypad (for realz?), a black or purple motif, a 2.0-megapixel camera, built-in Bluetooth and a 2.4-inch display. Also of note, the handset will be offered with an exclusive Swarovski Crystal Bluetooth headset as part of the LG Shimmer Kit, and each one of these packages will lead to a $5 donation to Fashion Cares. Mum's the word on pricing / exact availability, but we'd bet dollars to donuts that yet another makeup compact-turned-flip phone appears before too long. Even if it's just in our nightmares.[Via mobilesyrup]
Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth headset now shipping to ears everywhere
This is it, soldiers. The day you've been anticipating has finally arrived. Okay, so maybe that's a build up not deserved by the lowly retail version of the Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth headset, but seriously, we've been waiting ages for this thing to ship. Like, so long that the whole MGS4 aura has already come and gone. Those still firmly planted in Snake's posse can choose to prove their fanhood by snagging this thing now for $59.99; if all goes well, it should be headed your way in a matter of business days. Over and out.[Via LogicBuy]
Nokia getting a little "help" with its headset designs
Nokia has produced a number of stereo headsets in the past, and while they were... fine, they didn't exactly wow us with any sort of innovation, particularly when it came to aesthetics. Perhaps that's why it's asking for a little help with the Music Almighty Headset Competition. Anyone is welcome to take one of the company's vanilla products, like the BH-604 or BH-903, and tart it up using either a simple Flash customizer or downloadable Maya, PDF, and PostScript templates. You'll want the templates to really go crazy, like submitter Mase90 did for the hideous, supposedly Sex Pistols-inspired skull-and-chains-encrusted model above. Voting is open to anyone through the end of the year, with the top 10 being whittled down to 5 by a panel of experts. Winners will get to see their designs turned into reality -- though not actually put up for sale.[Via Nokia Conversations]
