Recently in Headphones Category

After releasing so many new mid ranged and entry level phones yesterday, Sony Ericsson went ahead and announced three Bluetooth Headsets too, the HBH-PV-715, 720 and 740.

The HBH-PV-715 is a practical and stylish headset. Here's some highlights:
• Good value for money
• 11 h talk time/ 800h stand by so it is ready to use at any time
• Removable ear hook
• Auto-pairing for easy set-up
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment for clear sound in every environment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a stable and reliable connection
• Available in either black or white

The HBH-PV-720 is elegant and more sophisticated. It offers:
• 11 h talk time and 800 h stand by
• 3 elegant Style-up™ covers with black and silver patterns
• Autopairing
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a clear sound and reliable connection in every environment
• Removable ear hooks
• Black necklace

HBH-PV-740 is more business oriented and it will deliver exactly that:
• 11 h talk time/800 h stand by
• Convenient sliver necklace carrying solution
• Headset desk stand and USB charger
• Status display for battery and connection indication
• Removable ear-hooks
• Autopairing for easy set-up
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a stable and reliable connection

We don't know prices yet but the HBH-PV-720 will all be available in Q3 2008 while the HBH-PV 715 and HBH-PV-740 will be available in Q4 2008.

via SonyEricsson

Sony MDR-AS20J Headphones

Sony Korea has recently rolled out 5 all new headphones in its AS Series. The models known as MDR-AS100W, MDR-AS50G, MDR-AS40G, MDR-AS30G and MDR-AS20J are trendy in look. The latest collection empowers you with mobility. Wear them in style and make your friends envy.

Sony MDR-AS30G Headphones

These are primarily designed for sports and fitness geeks. These active headphones perfectly fit in your ears. This outdoor headphone collection is water resistant. The MDR-AS100W can also be used with MP3 players.

Sony MDR-AS30G Headphones

The MDR-AS50G is behind the Neck Earbud Headphone, while the MDR-AS40EX features Over the Ear Earbud style. The MDR-AS30G around the Neck Headphones comes equipped with stability tip.

Via: Press

After releasing so many new mid ranged and entry level phones yesterday, Sony Ericsson went ahead and announced three Bluetooth Headsets too, the HBH-PV-715, 720 and 740.

The HBH-PV-715 is a practical and stylish headset. Here's some highlights:
• Good value for money
• 11 h talk time/ 800h stand by so it is ready to use at any time
• Removable ear hook
• Auto-pairing for easy set-up
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment for clear sound in every environment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a stable and reliable connection
• Available in either black or white

The HBH-PV-720 is elegant and more sophisticated. It offers:
• 11 h talk time and 800 h stand by
• 3 elegant Style-up™ covers with black and silver patterns
• Autopairing
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a clear sound and reliable connection in every environment
• Removable ear hooks
• Black necklace

HBH-PV-740 is more business oriented and it will deliver exactly that:
• 11 h talk time/800 h stand by
• Convenient sliver necklace carrying solution
• Headset desk stand and USB charger
• Status display for battery and connection indication
• Removable ear-hooks
• Autopairing for easy set-up
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR for a stable and reliable connection

We don't know prices yet but the HBH-PV-720 will all be available in Q3 2008 while the HBH-PV 715 and HBH-PV-740 will be available in Q4 2008.

via SonyEricsson

I had to show you this gadget. Have you ever been in a phone conversation you simply felt you had to record and wasn't able to do it? Or are you just paranoid and tend to record events from your life, like talking to your mother, girlfriend or boss?

If so, for $18 you can have this Olympus TP-7 microphone that goes in your ear. That means that what you hear gets recorded. Say you have a tumultuous conversation from your landline and you wish you recorded it. Nothing easier with the Olympus TP-7 waiting in your ear. Turn it on and it will record everything you hear. As long as it's connected to a recorder of any type.

Does this mean you'll have to wear the microphone at all times as you'll never know when you'll have to use it?

Do you know what MEMS device is? It's a micro electro-mechanical system device like some of the current microphones in use. Well apparently top handset vendors are thinking of exploiting MEMS too. By the first quarter of 2009 new handsets with dual MEMS microphones are to be released. Until then we are led to believe these handsets will enter development later this year just in time to meat the deadlines.

MEMS microphones for phones have been used more and more and they are expected to reach one billion by 2011 or more than 70% of all handset microphones or so do research say. We wouldn't know that yet. We'd like to find out more about those new MEMS dual microphones to be developed.

Related topics:
Sprint Nextel to Launch 5 New Handsets in April?
Ubixon UBHS-PH2 Innovative Bluetooth Headset
Third LG Black Label Series handset from LF Revealed

I have lots of features today and here's what this Brando Bluetooth Headset has to offer:

• Bluetooth V2.0 and EDR
• Chipset: BlueCore 4-audio
• Supported Profiles: Headset and Handsfree profile
• Additional function: Stylus -gotta love this
• Transmitter power: Class 2
• Wireless frequency: 2.4 to 2.480GHz
• Sensitive: <-75dBm
• Transmitter distance: 10m
• Battery: rechargeable Li-polymer
• Talking time: 3 hours
• Standby time: 90 hours
• Headset size: 112x14x11 mm
• Headset weight: 11g.

So what you get for $30 is this Brando Bluetooth headset, an earpiece and an USB charging cable. Enjoy!

DigiFi's Digital Opera is a wireless over-the-ear style ear phone with iPod adapter. Employing Kleer technology, the Digital Opera earphones are heading towards the Korean stores with a price tag of $98. Later these will be sold in Japan and the U.S.

"Kleer's wireless audio semiconductor design enabled us to fulfill our vision to deliver to our customers a low-cost, CD-quality wireless earphone that combines ease of use with over 10 hours of play time," said Park No Young, CEO of DigiFi.

With Kleer's point to multi-point Listen in technology up to four people using Opera ear phones can listen to the same audio at the same time. A good way to share music!!

In addition to the slew of phone announced today (the Nokia 3600 slide Phone and Nokia 6600 Slide Cell Phone), Nokia is also pushing its new Bluetooth headset. The Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-803 features stainless steel details along with a sleek design and the usual ear loop for a comfortable fit.

The Nokia BH-803 featues a touch-sensitive volume control as well as voice dial activation. It was previously slated for pricing between €140-160 excluding taxes and subsidies.

via press

Headphones have gone a long, long way from their first incarnations. One of the recent trends to grip headphone technology is bone conduction. The technology's been seen in many of the headsets which have recently come out. Indeed, it seems to be much better than blasting our eardrums off with music turned to the highest volume.

In Korea, Naon has launched its new 2.2 sonic body-vibration headset called the EX2. The EX2 can deliver both normal sounds (for the outer ear) and body-sonic vibration (for the inner ear). You can even control the bone-conduction sound and vibration so you can find that "sweet spot" in listening music through headset that you've always been looking for. Originally released in Japan where it sold 200,000 units, the EX2 headset costs US$45.

The BlueAnt V1 Voice-Controlled Bluetooth Headset has won an award at the recently concluded CTIA Wireless 2008. Boasting of the "Best Cell Phone Accessory", the headset lets users easily control most functions of their headset through the BlueGenie Voice Interface. You can forget about pushing buttons on the device, except for a single activation button that lets the user control the V1's menu system through a voice interface.

The BlueAnt V1 also incorporates dual microphones and advanced techniques to extract the user's voice signal from ambient sounds for clear speech. The Bluetooth headset also features echo cancellation and wind noise protection. With support for Bluetooth 2.1, the manufacturers claim a battery life of 6 hours talk-time or 200 hours standby.

Priced at US $129.95, it is available from BlueAnt.

For Premium performance Samsung has rolled out newest SBH700 stereo Bluetooth Headset. This headset comes in a foldable design. This one too like Samsung WEP430 headset is employed with noise reduction technology. The dual boom microphones generate a raised hearing experience. This model will ship with another Bluetooth model WEP700 in May. The WEP700 carries all features of the Samsung SBH700. But it also offers auto volume control function. This one comes with ear rubber pieces of different types for comfort wear.

Samsung introduced the ultra-slim and lightweight WEP350 Bluetooth Headset at CTIA Wireless 2008. Bearing a thickness of just 5.9mm, the cell phone headset boasts being one of the world’s slimmest headsets. It offers up to 5 hours of talk time along with up to 100 hours of standby time. Weighing only 7.1 grams, the Samsung WEP350 Bluetooth Headset is accompanied with a Charging Cradle, Travel Adapter, Detachable earhook, and a User Manual. Supporting Bluetooth version 2.0 the headphone is available in a canal-type earpiece available in red, black, or silver finish with chrome trim. It is compatible with SAMSUNG and other non-SAMSUNG Bluetooth enabled phones.

Motorola announced its latest Bluetooth headset, the Motorola H690. Featuring a dual microphone system, the H690 comes with noise reduction and echo cancellation technology. Like other headsets, this one also features TrueComfort ear-bud design.

EasyPair technology lets you quickly connect with more than 200 compatible Bluetooth devices. EasyPair is Motorola's method of simplifying the number of steps required to connect a Bluetooth accessory to a Bluetooth phone.

The H690 comes with multiple ear cushions for a personalized fit. Battery life is indicated through a 3-level indicator light. A Class 2 device, it supports a range of up to 10m (30 feet).

No word on the pricing yet.

Last year we talked about FCC approved Jabra BT2020 Headset. This year Jabra has proved its innovative genius again with the introduction of BT4010 Bluetooth Headset equipped with a centrally aligned iconic Smart Display. This 0.35 oz weighing headset is comfortable to wear. Now there is no need to scroll those tedious menus. Jabra BT4010 lets the users check connection status, battery level, and call status just in one look. Enjoy cost effective handsfree communication with the latest Jabra BT4010 Bluetooth Headset.

Specs:

• 150 hours standby time
• 2 earhook sizes provided for added comfort
• Auto-pairing
• Bluetooth Specification 2.0 + EDR (enhanced data rate)
• e-SCO improves voice transfer from headset to phone
• Micro USB Charger Connection
• Size: L 2" x W 0.67" x D 1.1"
• Up to 6 hours talk time

One can wear the latest headset with or without an earhook. The company offers a choice of two hooks for an increased comfort level. Jabra BT4010 will ship during Spring at an expected price of $59.99.

Plantronics has released its signature line up of designer headsets for both men and women. Known as Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece collection, the latest lavish series is characterized by bold lines. The distinct finishes of the latest headset are an amazing example of craftsmanship.

Mobile accessories have undergone a revolutionary change. The earpiece coalesces the Distinctive VFrame(TM) Design with Award-Winning Audio Technology. From the onset, our vision for the Discovery 925 was to deliver remarkable audio clarity from within a supremely comfortable and distinctive package," said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president, Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics, Inc.

The Bluetooth earpiece was exhibited at the Spring 2008 New York Fashion Week. The latest Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth earpiece in Black Onyx is scheduled to be available during April 2008 at an MSRP $149.99 while the Plantronics Discovery 925 in Alchemy Gold and Cerise Pink will ship in May 2008.

Genius launched its newest model of headphone -- the Genius GHP-05 Live. The main feature of the headphone is its DRD® True 3D sound technology which enhances not only bass but dynamic range for acoustic music. There's also a precise echo phase to create a natural sound. The technology of the headphones could even make the sound appear to move around with a variety of elements. The Genius GHP-05 Live Headphones come with padded ears that swivel, 6.3mm gold plate adapter, and 3.5mm-RCA converter. The new Genius headset is now available for US$59.

Check out the Genius GHP-05 Live Headphones product page.

At the recently-concluded Mobile World Congress, BlueAnt has unveiled its new Z9 Bluetooth Headset. The BlueAnt Z9 headset has its own Voice Isolation technology which can filter the sound of human voice from ambient noise of up to 85dB. The headset has the capability to enhance voice signals which then results to echo cancellation, noise suppression, and reduction of wind noise. The 1.5-inch, .35 ounce BlueAnt headset comes with two ‘Voice Isolation’ modes -- the ‘Voice Isolation Standard’ for everyday environments, and the ‘Voice Isolation Max’ which makes voice isolation in extremely noisy environments possible.

While music is your life and you'd probably go nuts without it, truth is, there are other things you need to listen to in daily life. The Vibe Body Sound headphone provides a solution to that. The BEHIND-the-ear headphone clip transmits sound waves directly to your skull via your skin and ear cartilage. Not recommended for usage while your mom or wife is yapping at you, but perfect for any other occasion. The Vibe Body Sound headphones are available for US$99.99 in ThinkGeek.

Another pic after the jump.

Etymotic Research Inc. will introduce their new product, the etyBLU Dual Mode Bluetooth headset, to the general public in Macworld 2008 in San Francisco. It's called "Dual Mode" for a reason. The earphones are equipped with noise-cancellation technology which means you'll be able to hear anything you're listening to even in a noisy environment. The boom microphone on the other hand, is equipped with noise-canceling technology, allowing the other end of the line during phone calls to hear you better despite the ambient noise. Talk time of the etyBLU headset is 7 hours while standby time is 100 hours. The etyBLU Dual Mode Bluetooth headset is available right now for USD$129 in Etymotic's web site.

When one says Dr. Dre, first thoughts would be rapper and hip-hop. But what do CES and Dr. Dre have in common? The Beats headphones by Monster, of course. The Dr. Dre endorsed headphones promise deep-rich bass to sync with Dre's rhyming. But then again, Dre, you haven't released an album within this decade. Beats would retail at USD$399.95. Overpriced and backed by a 1990's celeb? Unless the headphones have something extremely impressive to offer, market may be limited.

According to Dr. Dre:

"I spend a lot of time in the studio listening to my music through headphones...with Beats, people are finally going to hear it the way they should: the way I do."

The following headsets by Motorola are still unannounced although speculations abound that these might be showcased in next month's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Looking all chic, these headsets would sure be a hit with the fashionistas. First up is the new Motorola H680F which looks simple yet elegant with its minimalist design. It comes with a pouch and a charging case.

This other pic is of the Motorola H12 luxury edition. Specs aren't clear yet although more speculations suggest that the base would be made of either gold or platinum and the face of the headset would be studded by 184 diamonds! No one would be surprised then, that the projected price for this baby is USD$12,000. Would you shell out that much for a headset?

Let's not sacrifice style for functionality. The new Sony Ericsson HBH-PV712 Style Edition Bluetooth headset is specifically designed for the female persuasion so we can all listen to music on the go while remaining in-style. The HBH-PV712 comes with three different Style-up covers. The front covers of the headset are detachable and you can interchange among the three available covers: black with red, silver and purple detail, red with silver detail; and purple plated. It also comes with necklace carrying solution which is silver-plated designed with pearls of silver, red and black in color. If you don’t want to carry them using the necklace, you can always use the pouch of red net and circle motif.

High-end audio-related product manufacturer, Bang & Olufsen, has unveiled their very first stereo headset in this year's CES Convention. Named EarSet 3, the headphones could be used with mobile phones and MP3 players and has a built-in microphone. EarSet 3 is also compatible with the Apple iPhone. Bang & Olufsen promises optimal fit as they had shaped the earbuds to the contours of the human ears.

Technical specifications Designer Anders Hermansen Dimensions 1.37 x 2.32 x 0.55 in Weight (one earphone) 0.3 oz Weight (complete set) 1.09 oz Finish Aluminium and soft-touch rubber Cord 3.28 ft Principle Electro-dynamic speaker In-ear type (intra concha earphone) Frequency range 50-20.000 Hz

EarSet 3 will be released on the end of February 2008 with the suggested retail price of USD$250.

Yet another new product in Zoom's iHiFi line is the headset Model 4380. It's a Bluetooth headset which could be used with any Bluetooth-enabled device such as various MP3 players, mobile phones and computers. If you also use Model 4355 transceiver, you could use this headset with your iPod or iPhone. The headset features a button which you can push to switch between music playback and phone calls if and when connected to a mobile phone. There are also controls in the headset which enables volume control and play/pause/stop the device connected to it. Model 4380 (wonder why they won't give their products proper names) has padded earpieces for maximum comfort and can be folded for storage. It has an estimated retail price of USD$59.

Still another addition to the roster of new Motorola products is the Motorola S605 Bluetooth stereo clip headset. The small clip-on style makes it seem negligible, its size coupled with the fact that it uses earbuds which promise to fit your ears perfectly adds to its appeal. Aside from having Bluetooth connectivity, the headset also has built-in FM radio with 5 programmable stations. The Motorola S605 measures 36mm x 16mm x 10mm and weighs 2 ounces. There is no price for these as of yet, although Motorola proclaims it will be affordable. Release will again be on second quarter of 2008. With the sheer number of new releases on Q2, we had better save up 'til then.