wireless headphones
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Sleek Audio adds phosphorescent glow to wireless CT6 Aura earbuds
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-73140%
Onkyo introduces wireless MHP-UW2 headphones, iPod adapter
Onkyo's latest aren't the most stylish headphones we've ever seen -- far from it, actually -- but those more concerned with audio fidelity and iPod compatibility may be able to overlook the pedestrian design. The wireless MHP-UW2 headphones transmit tunes over the 2.4GHz frequency and come bundled with a handy-dandy iPod adapter that should work with practically any dock-connecting unit out there. We're told it can last around 8 hours before needing a recharge via USB (or AC adapter, should you choose), though it's hard to say when it'll ever ship to any market outside of Japan. Nevertheless, those in and around Tokyo can find the kit next month for ?20,000 ($201).[Via UberGizmo]
KLEER wireless attachment comes to Sleek Audio's SA6 canalphones
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.
Turtle Beach keeps series alive with Ear Force X4 wireless headphones
Be honest, you were terrified that Turtle Beach would leave the awesomely titled Ear Force series sitting in lurk at X3, weren't you? Thankfully, that's not the case at all, as the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones have just been revealed. Designed with Xbox 360 gamers in mind, this headset / headphone combo promises to provide Dolby 5.1 surround sound out of just two earcups (we're still checking on the velvet-lined part), and more importantly, the Chat Boost Dynamic Talkback Expander "automatically adjusts incoming XBOX Live chat levels during loud game moments" to keep you from going deaf when NewbX1337 gets all whiny on you. Can't say we're thrilled by the $199.95 price tag, but these are available now for those who are.[Via IGN]
Sennheiser's new MX W1 earbuds get wireless with Kleer
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.
Euphonia headphones feel at home in bathtubs, rainstorms
We're not exactly sure what makes the Euphonia headset better than all those other waterproof alternatives out there, but if you've found yourself immediately hooked by the photo above, here's the skinny. These wireless cans reportedly shun water like it's their job, though we wouldn't recommend plunging into a pool and expecting them to work unimpeded. Supposedly, they sync up with Bain Ultra's wall-mounted MP3 player, but there's not a whole lot of details beyond that. The Euphonia is set to land on December 1st, and while pricing information has yet to be disclosed, we've got a sneaking suspicion this won't be cheap.[Via ShinyShiny]
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.
Panasonic intros 5.1-channel RP-WF5500 wireless headphones
For those out there who still believe that 5.1-channels of audio can be wrapped around your two ears in a single set of cans, say hello to Panasonic's RP-WF5500. These 'phones feature 40-millimeter drivers, around six hours of playback on a full charge, a range of about 30-meters and weigh in at 0.56-pounds. Additionally, you'll find a pair of optical digital audio inputs, a single analog audio input, one optical audio output and a bass boost function for crankin' up the low-lows. No sign of a price just yet, but word on the street has 'em going on sale in Japan late next month.[Via I4U News]
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]
Philips rolls out SHD9100 wireless headphones
Philips trotted out its SHD9100 wireless headphones back at IFA in August (where we got to check 'em out first hand), but it looks like the company has just now made the cans available to the general public -- in the U.K., at least. According to Pocket-lint, those in the neighborhood should be able to pick them up now for £170, or about $345. Somewhat curiously, Pocket-lint is also reporting that the cans boast a 50-millimeter speaker driver, and not a 40-mm one as we had heard before, as well as a 30 meter range, as opposed to the 40 meters we last heard about. Otherwise, the phones look to be unchanged, with the same promised six hours of listening time and untold levels comfort and sound quality, which we're guessing you'll want to check out for yourself before dropping all those pounds.
Hands-on with the Philips SHD9100 wireless headphones
You can't really do too much hands-on'ing with headphones, since it defies the whole point of the things in the first place, though we've done our best with Philips' new SHD9100 wireless headphones. As you can see, they look just like regular headphones... but without a wire. The full-ear pair also has a handsome charging / transmitting base, which would probably class-up any music fan's domicile. Take a look at the stunning / breathtaking photos and see for yourself.%Gallery-6722%
Philips showcases wireless SHD9100 headphones
As the rush of new Philips paraphernalia continues from IFA, along comes a new set of wireless cans dubbed SHD9100. The digital wireless HiFi headphones boast a sleek, glossy black color scheme, an equally stylish charging base station, and tout "up to six hours non-stop listening" on a single charge. Furthermore, the device sports a lightweight headband, breathable fabric ear cushions, 40-millimeter drivers, an operating range of 40-meters, and "automatic tuning so that they can be installed without requiring any complex manuals or instructions." Regrettably, Philips didn't bother to mention how much this sucka would run, nor how soon we'd be able to pick one up, but feel free to click on for another look or two.
LTB's Q-Bean creates wireless headphone / microphone link
LTB Audio Systems has been doing this wireless headphone gig for quite some time, and while its products don't exactly appear as the most prestigious in the world, all's fair if it gets the job done. The firm's latest contraption, dubbed the Q-Bean, consists of a wired transceiver that plugs into your computer via USB and a wireless key fob-sized device that pumps out tunes to the connected headphones or earbuds sans wires. The system operates on the 2.4GHz band and LTB promises that the stream is completely uncompressed, and if the idea of cordless headphones weren't enough to sell you on it, it also includes a built-in microphone for Windows Live communication or other VoIP duties. Reportedly, users of Windows, OS X, and Linux won't be bothered to install any fancy drivers for this here apparatus to function as advertised, but it still seems a bit lackluster considering the $119.95 asking price.
Monster's iFreePlay cordless headphones for 2G Shuffle
Monster Cable has been known to dabble in the world of iPod accessories before, and while it's easy to give the company notorious for over marketing its flashy cabling knocks on just about anything, the iFreePlay contraption doesn't look half bad. The cordless wraparound headphones don't deviate too far from similar alternatives, but rather than communicating with your DAP via Bluetooth or RF, you can snap your 2G Shuffle right into the left earpiece and run along. The collapsible headphones weigh just 1.6-ounces, and while you do sacrifice some style for utility here, we've most certainly seen worse. So for runners looking to ditch that awful iSoundCap and avoid getting tangled all the while, Monster's iFreePlay apparatus can be picked up now for $49.95. Click through for a few more angles.
Wireless Wii headphones from Turtle Beach
There's really nothing here that's Wii-specific at all, but we'll play along anyways. Turtle Beach just launched its new Ear Force W3 wireless headphones, which include an audio splitter cable for routing audio to the AC-powered wireless transmitter. The headphones run on a single AAA battery, include a few Wii design cues and retail for around $60. That audio splitter is a nice little addition to make home theater integration less of a pain, but otherwise these Turtle Beach headphones are Wii ready only so far as they're trying to cash in on the Wii's success. And who can blame 'em?
LTB Audio's Q-bean wireless everything fob
If you can't quite decide whether to snap up a wireless media remote, spring for some wireless headphones, or purchase a VoIP headset, why not get all three? That's the dubious premise behind LTB Audio's ARIO Q-bean, which consists of a small fob-like wireless doohicky that includes a microphone, headphone port and media controls. The Q-bean communicates with your computer via an included USB dongle, which purports to ship CD-quality sound to the Q-bean at up to 100 feet. Pairing the devices is similar to Bluetooth, but LTB Audio insists their proprietary wireless tech is more robust and smart enough not to get swallowed up in 2.4GHz interference. LTB is also planning a dongle for music players such as the iPod and Zune to work with the Q-bean, and will start selling the series this winter for an as yet undisclosed price.
Siren's Screamer, another new home audio streaming solution
Siren, a gadget company helmed by ex-Rio employees that's flown largely under the radar, is launching two new home media streaming devices (oh yay), both due in early March. The Screamer pushes audio around on the crowded 2.4GHz spectrum at bitrates of up to 1.536Mbps, moving tracks from your Windows PC (sorry, Mac users) to your stereo up to 150 feet away via, controlled by its old school looking wireless remote. If the $130 price tag didn't convince you that it's not exactly a high end solution, the pair of RCA stereo jacks and a single 1/8th-inch stereo connector might better demonstrate that this is really more of a casual use device. Also announced: accompanying Siren Wireless Headphones, which not only pull down audio from your Screamer streamer, but can also talk back to your PC with Skype, thanks to a built-in mic. If sound quality is of concern, they operate between 20Hz - 20kHz, with 32 Ohm impedence, and 110dB sensitivity; the cans should last you up to 5 hours with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and run $99. Click on for more shots.
Creative's new SE2300 Wireless Headphones with A2DP
If you'd like to enjoy your musicks via Bluetooth this holiday season, but are hoping to avoid looking like a total fool while you're at it, Creative has a new set of wireless headphones you might be interested in. The SE2300 cans keep it safe with a tried-but-true over the ear clip-on design and a nifty tether too keep track of the little things all mitten-style -- quite festive indeed. The A2DP headphones boast of an 8 hour rechargeable battery and AVRCP support to control your player wirelessly. Creative includes a Bluetooth dongle with the bundle, but you can sync with other Bluetooth devices just fine. The $99 pricetag seems just about right, but while these should be out in Singapore just about now, we're not positive when they'll be hitting the States.[Via MobileWhack]
Sony set to rock your body with wireless headphones
We've seen headphones (even toothbrushes) that use the human body (bones, specifically) to bypass your ears and send tunes straight into your noggin', but Sony looks to be reversing the processes, using the body to wirelessly transmit sound from an audio source to a pair of regular headphones. According to a recent patent application, the sure-to-be-renamed "human body communication system and communication device" uses an electric field to send audio signals, presumably harmlessly, through your body and up to the headphones, which untangle the signal to produce sound. It doesn't look to be an ideal solution though -- at least at the moment -- with bandwidth limitations apparently preventing anything higher than 48 kbps ATRAC3-plus audio signals from being transmitted. There's also, of course, no indication of when we'll actually see this in the wild, so the detailed artist's rendering above will have to do for now.[Via Unwired View, thanks Staska]
CAU's new DAP allows for wireless listening with a friend
First with that wiDock we saw yesterday, and now with this new wireless DAP from CAU Digital, it seems like no-name manufacturers are showing up Microsoft at its own game, by halfway integrating Zune should-have-beens into their otherwise boring products. This new mini DAP from CAU can share its audio wirelessly via some sort of 2.4GHz ISM wireless tech to two pairs of wireless headphones. Zune DJ mode this is not, but it's better than popping that waxy earbud into the ear of a friend. Once the novelty wears off, you can also play back videos on the device, but we're otherwise in the dark as to this player's capabilities, price and availability.
