Plantronics just announced its new Discovery 665 Bluetooth headset featuring AudioIQ - the industry’s first DSP technology to automatically optimize audio levels on both sides of every call. After conducting extensive research focused on headset usage in the car and while traveling, Plantronics developed a unique charging and storage system for automobiles that also includes a new visual indicator for incoming calls.

AudioIQ makes wireless conversations effortless and pleasant, regardless of the environment. For incoming calls, AudioIQ automatically adapts to background noise levels - from a quiet taxi to a noisy city street - and intelligently improves the receive quality, clarity and volume level. For outgoing calls, AudioIQ reduces background noise for listeners up to 7-8 decibels, or by approximately 50 percent. It also minimizes interference from artifacts such as speech distortions to maintain exceptionally clear voice intelligibility.

Plantronic Discovery 665 Key Features:

* AudioIQ clarifies incoming speech and reduces outgoing background noise by up to 50%
* Convenient charging and storage system targeted for use in the car
* Visual call indicator and low battery indicator
* Ultra-light, sophisticated design and customizable eartips for complete wearing comfort

The Plantronics Discovery 665 will be available for $149.95 (msrp) at major retailers and http://www.plantronics.com in February 2007.

For the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007. Sony has announced 5 new Bluetooth accessories for audio devices, 2 of which are designed to pair with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phones so users can listen to music and answer calls all in one device.

The DR-BT21G is a behind-the-neck headset. A series of buttons on one side of the headset allow wireless access to controls including play, stop/pause, fast forward and rewind. Another button allows easy answering of phone calls.

Estimated Battery life is 11 hours of talk time and music and up to 100 hours of standby time. It will be available sometime in April of this year and will cost about $100.

The higher end DR-BT50 provides similar functionality but is worn around the ears. On a full charge it lasts a bit longer up to 17 hours for music and talk and 200 hours of standby. It will retail for $230 and will also be available in April.

The Nokia BH-201 Bluetooth Headset was also seen making its debut today and like all Nokia headsets, this one is also about style and simplicity! The Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH201 includes an adjustable soft earpiece wheel or an individual fit or from the supplied three different earbud sizes.

The Nokia BH-201 Bluetooth Headset is available only in Black and has up to five and a half hours of talk time and up to 150 hours on standby. One can control their conversations via the on/off, answer/end and volume keys. Redialing and Rejecting calls is possible too and so is voice dialing activation* or audio transfer with a compatible mobile device. No word on pricing but expect it to hit the shelves by first quarter of 2007.

Nokia may have not released any handset at the CES as of now but the company was in the news for updating their handsfree portfolio. The Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-100 is the latest addition in the Nokia family and Nokia feels its ideal for the first-time Bluetooth user and offers both functionality and affordability.

The Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH100 weighs just around 11 grams and is capable of 6 hours of Talk Time and 150 hours on standby. For that extra touch one can use any of the available colorful in-box earloops. No word on pricing but expect it to hit the shelves by first quarter of 2007.

As if there weren't enough accessories for your iPod, Hearing Components unveiled its vision of the perfect earbud enhancers for your iPod. The Whoomp! earbud enhancers transform your iPod 'buds into a rich audio experience with improved bass response while at the same time giving a comfortable fit in the ears.

Thanks to Comply foam, the enhancers hug the contours of your ear canal, cradling in the bowl of the ear; this helps in reducing ambient noise as well.

Pricing information is not yet available. It's not clear if they work with other earbud headphones as well.

Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones, designed by Bose Corporation, are compact, very light weight and easy fit headphones. They are designed for the ears addicted to listen to the music for prolonged periods. As the name suggests Quiet Comfort and Noise Cancelling are the key features of these headphones. Put them on your ears and feel the difference yourself. Experience the difference proprietary technologies make and enjoy full-spectrum noise reduction that fades background distractions.

Let us see what makes these Headphones unique:

Acoustic Noise Cancelling: Technology employed in Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling headphones electronically identifies and reduces unwanted sound reliably preserving the audio or tranquility you desire.

Compact, on-ear design: QC3 on-ear headphones give you same level of performance as provided by QC2 around-ear headphones.

Custom rechargeable lithium-ion battery: Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones come with approximately 20 hours of dependable run time with convenient rechargeable battery. A small wall-socket charger is also included in the kit.

TriPort acoustic headphone structure: Bose QuietComfort 3 Noise Cancelling Headphones features tiny ports in the earcups to produce a rich audio performance.

Wear QC3 and notice a drastic decrease in engine roar on turning them on. You can use e the detachable cord to connect your MP3, DVD or CD player, or to listen to the in-flight movie. Audio detail and clarity is really unparalleled. It is truly a rewarding listening experience.

The new headphone design makes it easy to fit on-ear headphones. Bose technology compromises compromise the performance of smaller earcups. QC3 headphones can be coupled with most music-enabled mobile phones through the nonobligatory Cell Connect cable. When you have finished listening, the earcups fold flat for compact storage in a slim carrying case.

The Bluetrek ST1 Bluetooth headphones may just get many takers, thanks to its bendable design which is always more practical! A brainchild of the Korean company Bluetrek,the headphones have been designed for daily usage and are available in black / snow white color combo.

The headphone draws its juice from an in-built Li-ion battery which is capable of almost 9 hours of playback and 400 hours of standby time. One also comes across play / pause, track direction, and volume controls on the earpiece itself. No word on pricing or availability but they will be showcased at CES 2007.

The folks over at Anything But iPod were able to get their hands on the sexy looking V-Moda Vibe earphones and lets see how it fared in their eyes. The earphone was liked for its dynamic crisp sound, its comfortable design, its ergonomics and its innovative "industrial design. What they didn't find hot was its incapability to isolate noise in loud environments, its straight 3.5mm plug and its microphonic cables.

The V-Moda earphones are constructed of handmade premium metal and promises high-definition sound thanks to its uniquely constructed body. One also comes across the BLISS technology which reduces noise and enables deep bass. The earphones are compatible with all iPod, MP3, DVD, computer, and CD players
and comes bundled with a V-MODA VIP Card, gold leather pouch, modawrap, six pairs (S,M,L) of clear and two pairs (S) black silicon fitting.

In the end the website writes: "The Vibes are a definite recommendation. I don't know of any other IEM in the $100 category that comes close in sound clarity, crispness, instrument separation and fun, not to mention the build quality. The Vibes outclass the Etymotic ER-6 in most aspects. They might not be exactly as linear as the Etys, but they're so much more fun to listen to, the sound is more engaging. The Vibe's mids and treble are also superior to the Ultimate Ears Super.Fi 5 EB, but of course they do lack the overwhelming bass of the Ultimate Ears (or Sennheiser CX 300). Bassheads might have to look elsewhere, but for people looking for balanced, airy, clear sound with very slightly increased bass, the Vibes are the way to go. If you don't care too much about noise isolation, that is. Isolation really is their weakest point."

Aliph unveiled the Jawbone Bluetooth headset, apparently the first adaptive headset with Noise Shield technology. The sheilding technology ensures that background noises are eliminated when you are on a call.

The new design by Yves Behar gives it a comfortable fit. Jawbone's noise shield technology is a direct application of the DARPA project developed by Aliph. It identifies and isolates your speech, while at the same time subtract unwanted audio.

Weighing in at just 14 grams, Jawbone offers a perforated shield that easily curves to match the outline of your face, while earloops in four different sizes and shapes help in a customized comfort fit.

Priced at US $119.99, the Jawbone Bluetooth headset is now available exclusively from Cingular Wireless for your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone.

The Argard M10 looks like anything but a Bluetooth earpiece! Not sure if thats a good thing or a bad thing, but this little wonder is equavlent to a nickel when it comes to the size and is capable of three hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby time. Weighing around 5 grams, the M10 can be checked out the Argard Website.

Creative recently announced the Creative Wireless Headphones SE2300 which feature a "cool lightweight design, user-friendly controls and advanced Bluetooth technology". Ideal for audiophiles on the go, the headphones frees you from the shackles of those dreaded wires and lets you listen to your fav tunes via Bluetooth. One just need to connect the supplied audio adapter to the music players and enjoy unrivaled audio performance according to Creative.

The SE2300 headphones weigh just around 53 grams and the audio transmitter creates an instant plug-and-play experience for users. The on board Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) lets the Creative Wireless Headphones hook up to any USB Bluetooth dongle, Bluetooth-enabled PC or PDA. The headphones make use of a built in-rechargeable Li-Ion battery which allows up to 8 hours of playback and the battery can be charged using either an AC outlet or USB port.

The Creative Wireless Headphones SE2300 is available this month in major retail outlets in Singapore at a suggested retail price of US$99.99. For more information, please visit: Product Page

In case you haven't finished that last minute shopping, here's a new addition to the list of would-be cool gifts. Creative unveiled the SE2300 Wireless Headphones in a lightweight design, incorporating Bluetooth.

Thanks to a clip-on design, the SE2300 provides for comfortable wearing all day long, whether it's for your MP3 player or other portable device. The advanced audio distribution profile (A2DP) is supported by the headphones, while the audio/video remote control profile (AVRCP) ensures the ability to control your music tracks.

It comes with a built-in Li-ion battery that lasts for as many as 8 hours, with charging options via either an AC outlet or your computer's USB port.

Priced at US $99.99, the Creative Wireless Headphones SE2300 is now available.

Another cool Bluetooth-enabled headset is the Panasonic EB-M70083 which can be hooked up to Bluetooth Enabled Mobile Phones and Music Players. Sporting an extremely cool design, it can also be worn as a neckpiece. The Panasonic EB-M70083 measures 46×23×17.5mm and weighs 25 grams. The M70083 has a talk time of 6 hours and playback time of around 4.5 hours. For now its only available in Japan.

Read

The EarSet 2 by Bang & Olufsen was honored at the CES 2007 for its out of box design which is chic and sexy! The EarSet 2 is a noise cancellation headphone by Bang & Olufsen and consists of a loudspeaker system for high-fidelity standards, air vents and a ‘bass port’ for true voice reproduction. It weighs just 22 grams (0.8 oz) and works with almost all Bluetooth enabled phones.

Read

22Moo releases new Zune accessories including ZuneCC- colourful crystal clear cases, ZuneAVC - budget AV cable and ZuneVG- video glasses which directly connects to the Zune.

ZuneCC -Colourful Crystal Clear Case For Your Zune comes in 5 wicked colours : Red, Green, Black, Purple and Greyand is available for $19 USD.

ZuneAVC - Budget Zune AV Output Cable can help you connect your Zune player device to a TV and home stereo. Ideal for listening to music and showing pictures and video, the A/V Output Cable is simple to set up and use.

Plantronics line of headsets are always stunning to say the least, here's the latest addition to that ever growing list of fantastic headsets, the MHS213, a mobile stereo headset that plugs into your music enabled phone and lets you take control of calls as well as listen to your favorite tunes anytime, anywhere!

The MHS213, like all other MHS models is a stylish and light weight stereo headset that features 'in-ear' design ear piece, which fits into your ears with absolute ease and also reducing the outside noise considerably in the process. With Plantronics tag to it, you can be rest assured about the crisp and crystal clear sound quality. It includes in-line microphone with convenient one-touch call answer/end button for easy access and also lets you shift between mono or stereo sound. The MHS213 is currently retailing at $39.95.

For mote details visit the Plantronics Website. Read

i.Tech's new Bluetooth headset, called the Clip D, has gained the seal of approval from the FCC, paving its entrance to the USA. Compatible with Bluetooth 2.0 specs, it supports any cell phone sporting the HSP (headset) or HFP (hands-free) profiles.

A Class 2 device, it has a maximum range of 10 meters. i.Tech claims a talk-time of almost 6.5 hours, and a standby of up to 150 hours. It is lightweight at 26.3 grams.

The headset features a small LCD display with backlight - but for the most part, you can ignore it. Nothing is known about Clip D's release date or tentative price.

Be fashionable and go wireless at the same time with NTech's ear-ring style NVE 100B Bluetooth earphone. NTech has even managed to fit in a tiny vibrator in there - so you won't even have to insert the earphone into your ear: just wear them as ear-rings.

The 100B is compatible with Bluetooth v2.0 and the supported profiles include HFP (hands-free), HSP (headset), A2DP (advanced audio distribution) and AVRCP (audio/video reception). Being a class 2 device, it works in a 10-meter range.

Wait for this until December, although it's not clear how much it will cost.

(Via aving.net)

Via Akihabara

iLuv over the weekend launched two new headsets with the coveted Bluetooth technology. The iLuv i903 Noise-Canceling Headphones and the iLuv i202 Stereo Ear Clips are both iPod compatible and lets you groove to your music sans any wires and can also be used with with Bluetooth-enabled cell phones.

The iLuv i903 Headphones promises to enhances your listening pleasure via the onboard noise-canceling circuitry and the swivel design. The headset comes equipped with a mini-USB connection to hook it up-to any audio devices and the included audio transmitter with Bluetooth wireless technology helps you connect to your phone. It supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP profiles and comes with an integrated remote control with functions like Play / Pause / Skip / Volume Control. The headset is capable of listening time of 8 hours and talk time of 9 hours. The iLuv i903 is available for $99.95.

If headphones are not your thing, then do take a look at the iLuv i202 Stereo Ear Clips which feature a folding, swivel design and can be clipped on one's ear. This one comes included with a remote control with Play / Pause / Skip / Volume Controls. The iLuv i202 Stereo Ear Clips can also be hooked up with a Bluetooth mobile phone and comes includesd with an audio adapter (dongle) with Bluetooth wireless technology. Its capable of 14 hours of listening time and 13 hours of talk time. The iLuv i202 Stereo Ear Clips is now available for $89.95. For more info visit iLuv

Via iLounge

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to find a picture of the V-moda Vibe Earphones that I could use for this article, but there is one on the link below. Take the time to see them for yourself, and you will see that a picture can say more than 1,000 words.

The V-moda Vibe earpiece is designed with handmade premium metal craftsmanship, and are capable of high-definition sound. In fact, the sculpted sound curve enables vibrant bass, vivid mid-range, and fantastic highs. They come with three sizes of silicone fittings for a comfortable, quick, and secure fit.

The come with a gold leather pouch which provides great storage and portability. V-mode Vibe also comes with a VIP card, which gives you exclusive access to V-MODA modcasts, as well as music and gear.

To be quite honest, I’m not certain what to think about Etymotics ety8 Bluetooth Headphones. I mean, they are more than practical. After all, we live in the wireless age, so why should I listen to the latest tunes on my iPod with burdensome wires?

The problem is these wireless headphones look rather strange. As you can see, the two plastic boxes go into each ear, then connected by what looks like a thick piece of wire. This product works via A2DP and AVRC Bluetooth profiles, and an included iPod adapter. Looks like the volume controls are on at least one of the boxes there.

I’m not certain if you’ll either look like the coolest guy or the nerdiest dork with the Etymotics ety8 Bluetooth Headphones, but I can say that about a lot of mobile electronic products.

Earphones usually come in boring black or white, however the "Music Lifestyle Brand" V-Moda has released a new swanking line of earphones which adds some zing in our banal existence. The Remix M-class earphones will complement the new Nanos and will be lapped up by the girly girls and the metro-sexual men! Available in metallic pink, blue, silver , they promise not to be just a pretty face and guarantee superior audio performance. So if you fancy these babies head over to the official website.

Via Popgadget

The JBL 610 series Bluetooth headphones just got the nod from the cool folks at the FCC, paving its way to the US markets. Carrying a spiffy Made for iPod label, the cool-looking headphones come with a Bluetooth transceiver, a much-needed dual airline adapter and optional 1.75 meter audio cable (you know, when the battery runs out).

Compatible with iPod generations 4G and up, simply connect the Bluetooth transceiver to the Omni connector at the iPod's base. The headphones offer volume as well as playback control.

Weighing in at 212 grams (minus the cord), the JBL 610 series is compatible with Bluetooth A2DP and AVRCP profiles. A battery life of 8-10 hours of continuous play is claimed. No word on pricing or availability yet.