If you’re a nut for accessories like I am, then you’ll love the latest from iLuv. They are the iEP505 earphones and these are definitely slick. The design is sleek and these earphones provide something to the iPod shuffle that has been notably missing–controls!
After speculation that Apple was using the new iPod shuffle 4GB to launch an “authentication chip” which only licensed headphones would offer, Apple themselves and a number of third-party accessory manufacturers have spoken up about the smallest iPod’s hardware. V-moda, Monster Cable and Scosche have all described it as a “control chip”, which uses the microphone channel in the four-channel headphones to send multiple commands: play, pause, volume control and more.
For something so small, the new iPod shuffle 3G is causing a whole lot of commotion. Argument around Apple’s tiniest PMP is centering on the control system, which has been shifted from the body of the shuffle itself to an in-line pod in the headphones. Now there’s talk of an “authentication chip” buried inside the shuffle that will act as “headphone DRM”, with Apple insisting on licensing fees from any third-party manufacturer wanting to make compatible accessories.
As the old saying goes, give them an opportunity to sell accessories and they will come. Apple’s new iPod shuffle 4GB has only been on sale since yesterday, and already Scosche has a trio of compatible headphones with that all-important in-line remote.
Klipsch outed their Image headphones back at CES 2008, and since then the high-end noise-isolation buds have spawned a range spanning $130 to $350. Now there’s a pair of budget options, the Klipsch Image S2 and Image S4 headphones, hitting the 449 and $79 price points but still offering the patent-pending ear-tips.
Radius Products have announced an updated range of their Atomic Bass Earphones, complete with redesigned cables, improved aluminum casings and better fit for wearers with smaller ears. The Radius Atomic Bass range includes standard stereo headphones and the company’s “for iPhone 3G” version which incorporates a microphone and remote control.
All the way back at CES 2009, Vincent and I squirmed in our seats as Sleek Audio shot bright pink gunk into our ears. It was all in the name of high-quality sound, as from those ear-canal molds the company then made us each a pair of their Custom earphones. It’s too early for the full review, but for now here’s some first-impressions and the all-important unboxing video.
Unboxing video after the cut
While Bluetooth headsets have become practically mainstream these days, there’s still a decent amount of users who want both handsfree functionality as well as stereo sound. Sometimes Bluetooth A2DP wireless stereo just doesn’t cut it, and that’s why we’re still seeing new wired headsets developed. iharmonix sent us their Platinum i-Series headphones, with a regular 3.5mm plug ideal for the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry smartphones; SlashGear slapped them in our ears to test them out.
Sony have unleashed a new five-strong range of headphones, designed for listeners who like a little extra boom in their bass. The Sony XB Series – the XB standing for “extra bass” – consists of three over-the-ear style headphones and two in-ear style, with brushed metal accents and exclusive low-frequency drivers.
Not a DR. Dre “beats” fan? How about a nature sounding headphone cut out from a solid wooden cabinet, measured at 50mm in diameter, with ability to boast frequency responses extended beyond human hearing? If you have a deep pocket, you can get one from the Victor of JVC.
SlashGear Japan
