The camera on these glasses is said to be small, likely no bigger than a couple of megapixels strong, and and the HUD part of this equation is not transparent as previously tipped. This iteration of the glasses has a tiny display to the side of one eye and shows what you need to know to navigate your way through an interface. The interface will have head tilting that’ll allow you to scroll and select items, and the tipster has noted that the interface and gestures in this way are very easy to use and adapt to.

These glasses are also said to have voice input and a speaker for voice output, and will have a CPU, RAM, and storage not unlike a smartphone from about a year ago. So we’re talking at or sub 1GHz CPU, not one whole heck of a lot of RAM, and storage of a few gigabytes – 10 or less more than likely. Google is said to be thinking about releasing these glasses in the same way they did the Google Cr-48 Chromebooks last year to a select number of 3rd party users for testing purposes only. Would you like to get in on something like this? We sure would!

ALSO note that earlier today there was mention of a “Solve for X” project coming from Google X, and that one of the original tips for these glasses was also tied to Google X. Coincidence? I think not!

[via 9to5Google]

The experience of trying out the headset is a trip, to say the least. A basic 3D environment was on display, and moving the perspective around was easy enough when tilting my head. But moving around required a standard PlayStation style-controller. Camera in the holes on the headset help to sense the change in motion from the surrounding environment. It’s all very basic at the moment, probably running on some very low-power hardware running within the unit itself. The 3D was surprisingly good for a demo unit, but the basic game on display didn’t really do it justice.

The hardware itself feels very plasticy, and the one-size-doesn’t-really-fit-anybody means that women or smaller men will have it move around on their head a lot. The combination of motion tracking, head-mounted display and 3D is interesting, but in this particular package, feels like an arcade experience: fun for a while but you wouldn’t want to game with it for hours on end. The Sensics 3D SmartGoggles has no set release date, but they’re trying for sometime in 2012.

The Ear Force X42 and Ear Force X32 use dual-band WiFi along with large 50mm drives. The X42 supports surround sound and is priced at $160. The X32 does not and is priced at $100. The Ear Force Z11 for PC gamers features acoustically-angled 50mm drivers and is priced at $40.

Turtle Beach also will be debuting the updated DSS2 Dolby Surround Sound processor that offers six variable speaker configurations and supports stereo headsets. The sound processor costs $80 and can be bundled with a surround sound headset.

The M-series mobile device headsets will include the M5 for $50, the M3 for $40, and the M1 ear buds for $60. Both the M5 and M3 sport 40mm drivers with in-line mics, but the M3 can also fold for easy traveling. The M1 earbuds features 10mm drivers with neodymium magnets, noise-cancelling technology, and in-inline remote.

[via iPodNN]

The company reckons that’s handy for those using the EHS-63 headphones while exercising, so that you can avoid getting run over while out jogging. They also have super-clingy silicone earbuds that promise to stay in your ears even if you’re really pushing hard.

The EHS-70 “Massive Sound” and EHS-71 “Refined Sound” claim to do exactly what the names indicate, with the former having Dynamic Receiver Speakers clad in full aluminum alloy casings and finished in black and silver. They have anti-tangle cords and come with a leather carrying pouch. Finally, for the wired models, the EHS-71 also uses aluminum, but prioritizes noise isolation from the outside world.

As for the Bluetooth models, the Samsung HM1800 has simultaneous MultiPoint pairing to two devices, and has noise reduction too. The HM6000 has a more refined design and isolat dual-microphone noise cancellation from Samsung’s labs; paired with the Samsung FreeSync app for Android it can be used for voice dictation too.

The Samsung EHS-60 and EHS-63 are available now, priced at $19.99,  $49.99 and $39.99 respectively. The EHS-70 and EHS-71 will follow on in February, priced at $79.99, $129.99 and $79.99 respectively.

The MS-100 is a compact stereo speaker powered completely by a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port. It features a minimalist cone design that houses large 54mm speaker drivers that can generate up to 93 dB of sound with less than 3% distortion, providing rich highs and full low tones. It works right out of the box without additional software when used with a Windows Vista or Windows 7 machine.

The HS-W1 is a wireless USB headset offers natural comfort through large 70mm leather earpads and provides crisp clear sound through 40mm tuned drivers with a built-in equalizer. The 2.4 GHz wireless technology transmits CD quality sound from a small USB dongle to the headset. It also allows up to twice the distance compared to Bluetooth wireless technology.

The headset also comes with a noise filtering microphone, on-ear volume controls, and a folding design that fits into a touring case for easy traveling. The build-in rechargeable battery is rated for 8 hours. Pricing and availability for the two new USB audio devices have not been announced yet.

[via TweakTown]

The mouse has a light-up Fnatic team logo and contains the ability to be the most customized mouse on the market. For example the logo and the rest of the lighting on the device has three zones of 16.8 million color illumination options. Light it up in green if you’re using it with a computer with an NVIDIA processor, for example. Inside you’ll also find a 32 bit ARM processor for calculations on the mouse itself, you needing no software drivers to do so, no computer needed! Of course you’ll need a computer to do anything with the mouse, but have a peek at this: sensitivity settings that can be changed in increments of one from 1 to 5,700 CPI and an “overclocked” Double CPI that’ll let you bump it all the way up to a massive 11,400 DCPI. This mouse will cost you a cool $99.99 / €99.99 MSRP.

For the products above and below, find out more about how to purchase at SteelSeries.

The headset contains 50 mm dynamic driver units for fabulously detailed and rich sound, fabulous “mood setting music” as they say, and critical 3D positionable sounds and alerts. The padding around your ears is made to block out all ambient noise and the SNDBlock hybrid ear cushions as they’re called are made of both cloth and leather. WHat we’ve got here is sound isolation from the inner leather layer and comfort for your head with the outer cloth layer. You can dismantle the whole set into four pieces for compact transportation and ease in cleaning if that’s something you do with your headsets, and the whole set will cost you right around $139.99 / €114.99 MSRP.

The Trigger features 40mm diameter neodymium drivers for high quality audio with crystal-clear highs and a deep bass. Its ergonomically designed over-the-ear cushions provide extreme comfort and its flexible performance mic can be adjusted to align with your mouth perfectly. The in-line audio controls lets you separately adjust game volume versus in-game chat volume.

The headset is designed with everything you need to connect to your Xbox 360 and includes all the necessary cables and adapters, including HDMI and VGA to ensure that it will work with either legacy or current-gen consoles. The Trigger stereo headset is priced at $50 and is shipping now.

[via Engadget]

Both headsets feature HD Audio Plus for boosted voice quality and CrystalTalk dual-mic technology for noise cancellation. Motorola also boasts that the Class 1 Bluetooth technology used has an extended connection range of up to 300 feet.

The Elite Silver is the more discrete of the two with a wrap around design and weighs less than half an ounce. It boasts up to 15 hours of talk time when combined with its special storage case that allows the headset to be charged while stowed away. The Elite Flip is a larger headset with much of the same features and TrueComfort technology for three distinct wearing styles, but only has up to 6 hours of talk time.

The headsets will be available through Motorola’s website starting October 24 with the Elite Silver priced at $129.99 and the Elite Flip priced at $99.99.

[via Motorola]

You can’t buy one headset and use it in either ear. The device has the Bose TriPort acoustic structure and Bose Audio Adjustment tech to allow it to adjust sound with the noise level around the user so they don’t have to mess with controls. The headset also has Bose StayHear tips that are made for comfort and stability.

The headset will work with devices supporting A2DP and Bluetooth hands-free profiles. Bose ships the unit with a zippered case, a one foot USB cable for charging, power adapter, and three different ear tip sizes. The Series 2 sells for $149.99 and is available directly through Bose or its retailers.

You can talk to one rider at a time over distances of up to 1,300 feet away with an intercom feature. The device will also allow for handsfree phone calls and users can listen to music. The device apparently has a few drawbacks though. The head unit mounts to the handlebars of the bike and has an OLED screen with lots of contrast for viewing in different conditions, which is good. The system uses voice units that clip to wrist, chest, or helmets.

You have to plug the mic and earphone into the head unit to use them and there are wires between the rider and the head unit. That seems to be a pain and a hassle. I hate wires and I would imagine most riders would be moving around a lot making the wires an issue. What do you think?

[via Wired]

The leaked ads are snazzy in bright magenta with Nokia’s blue graphics getting vandalized by Monster graffiti. Instead of the tame Nokia and its “fabulous” headset, thanks to a partnership with Monster, you’re getting a “fierce” new headset. They definitely convey the vibe that Monster is making good old Nokia more “cool.”

It’s not clear whether the partnership will pan out to be an exclusive deal like HTC’s Beats deal, but more details will likely be unveiled at the upcoming Nokia World event later this month, where the company is expected to launch its much rumored Windows Phone 7.5 Mango handsets. Rumors have suggested three new handsets from the company, including the Nokia Sea Ray, Sabre, and the Ace.

[via PocketNow]

The Marque M155 uses Bluetooth 3.0 and can pair and maintain connections with two or more devices through its Multipoint technology. It has A2DP standard stereo sound that makes it great for more than just answering calls. It promises great sound quality for listening to music, GPS directions, or even your email. With voice recognition technology, answering calls is as simple as saying “answer.”

The headset works with Vocalyst Voice and Text Services and comes with a one-year subscription of the service, which lets you send email, text messages, post to Facebook and Twitter, or even check the weather, all hands-free. You activate the voice service by pressing a button on the headset and then speaking simple commands.

Apps to help familiarize you with the Marque M155 can be found for both the iPhone and Android. Talk time for the headset is rated for up to 5 hours, while standby time is rated for up to 9 days and it takes 2 hours to charge until full via micro USB.

The Plantronics Marque M155 comes in Jet Black and Arctic White, priced at $59.99. It is available for pre-orders starting today on Amazon and will be available at Verizon, T-Mobile, Best Buy, and other retailers around mid to late October.

The Logitech Wireless Headset connects to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch via Bluetooth and features laser-tuned drivers to produce rich stereo sound while minimizing distortion. The attached microphone features noise-canceling technology so that your voice comes across clear for either voice calls or FaceTime video chats. The rechargeable battery is rated for up to 6 hours.

The Logitech Wireless Boombox also connects to your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch via Bluetooth. It features two 3-inch laser-tuned neodymium drivers along with two half-inch neodymium tweeters and four 2-inch passive radiators for a rich mid-range, crisp high notes, and a deep bass. It also offers a 3.5mm jack for connecting to other media players and its rechargeable battery is rated for up to 6 hours.

The Logitech Wireless Headset and the Logitech Wireless Boombox are both available now and are priced at $69.99 and $179.99, respectively. For more information, you can visit Logitech’s product pages.

The Beats Wireless headphone uses Bluetooth and can be used for both listening to music or answering phone calls. The right ear muff has all the music and call controls, including for volume control, play, pause, forward, back, and call answering. The headphone also features a rechargeable battery.

This sounds like it will work perfectly with upcoming handsets from HTC, which has recently secured an exclusive deal with Beats Audio after a $300 million investment. This exclusivity is for smartphones only, but will certainly give HTC an edge in the competitive Android market by adding that extra “cool” factor and tapping into the popular music scene.

[via Wireless Goodness]

The Jabra SPORT and Jabra SPORT-Corded differ only in that one is completely cordless with Bluetooth while the other comes with cords for those who are accustomed to having them. They both feature A2DP technology, powerful bass, wind-shielded microphone, and category-first built-in FM radio along with easy-to-use controls.

They also come with a free download of Endomondo Sports Tracker that helps keep track and motivate runners with quick updates on speed, distance, and lap time using smartphone GPS tracking. The Jabra SPORT Bluetooth headset is priced at $99, while the Jabra SPORT-Corded stereo headset is priced at $69. Both will be available at Apple, Sprint, and T-Mobile stores. They will also be available on Amazon in September.

The art isn’t only for the ladies either; the black one with the white flames/tribal motif might interest some of the guys. The copper colored one with the braid looks meant for the ladies. i.Tech also offers the thing in brushed silver and black or white with silver as well. No matter the design, they all get the same hardware inside.

The 610 has up to five hours of talk time, 130 hours of standby, and takes only three hours of a full charge and 15 minutes for 1.5 hours of talk. The device uses Bluetooth 3.0 + EDR Class 2. It uses a single multi function button for handling calls and measures 52mm L x 17mm W x 5.5mm T. The headset will sell for about $50 and is in Asia right now with no word on US availability.

[via iTech]

Controls include dedicated volume and microphone mute buttons, while the headphones’ status – including battery and volume – are shown on-screen. It’s worth noting that the virtual surround system will only work on PS3 games, not in Blu-ray movies, which is a shame.

No word on battery life at this stage. The official PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset will go on sale this September, priced at $99.99.

Winner of the Red Dot award for outstanding product design, the GHS-1, not only looks cool but fits comfortably for long hours of gaming. The headset is light weight and features passive noise reduction to seal out most ambient sound. It also features a cardioid or directional boom microphone that delivers your voice signal clearly without background noise.

The GHS-1 also features the patented AKG 3D-Axis2 folding mechanism that allows it to be folded away flat for easy portability. The headset comes in three designs and is available now at Harman for $79.95.

Press Release:

HARMAN Debuts AKG® GHS-1 Headset Offering Realistic, Dynamic Sound for Ultimate Gaming Experience

STAMFORD, Conn. – HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE:HAR), today announced the launch of the new AKG® GHS-1 portable gaming headset. Grenade explosions and rumbling jet engines will seem as if they are in your very own room when you have the brand-new portable gaming headset on your ears. Winner of the coveted Red Dot award for outstanding product design, the new GHS-1 headset brings PC gaming to a whole new level of realism, excitement, portability and comfort.

“When you’re in an all-immersive entertainment experience such as gaming, we understand how important high-quality, realistic sound plays in the overall experience,” said David Slump, president, HARMAN Consumer Division. “The new GHS-1 headset is designed specifically for the gamer and features our innovative audio engineering built into a distinctive, long-lasting and intuitive design for the ideal gaming experience.”

Lightweight and designed for long-wearing comfort, the headset features a boom microphone that filters out background noise. Passive noise reduction effectively seals out most ambient sounds, providing for an undisturbed overall listening and gaming experience. The headset also features a cardioid (directional) boom microphone that filters out background noises, delivering a clear voice signal for every user.

The in-line microphone is also intelligently designed so that the volume can be conveniently adjusted right on the cable, which reduces the need for players to interact with the game console or other source throughout the game.

Availability

The AKG GHS-1 portable headset is available now in three color combinations: black and orange; white and green; and camouflage and blue for $79.95. For more information, please visit: www.harmanaudio.com/AKG-GHS1.

Product Features

· Lightweight, comfortable – allows for hours of continuous uses and reduces ear fatigue
· Cardioid (directional) boom microphone brings clear voice signal and filters out most background noises

· In-line volume control and microphone and on/off switch brings convenience by reducing the need to interact with the game console or other source
· 3D-Axis2 folding headband features easy portability by folding to compact size
· Passive noise reduction offers undistracted listening by effectively sealing out most ambient sounds

About HARMAN

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 20 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 11,800 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported sales of $3.5 billion for the 12 months ended December 31, 2010. The company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

The headset was very durable and had an adequate amount of weight to it, without being too heavy, of course. The audio was crystal clear, and even on the showroom floor we could hear the other end of the conversation. Features include the ability to read out text messages if your device is supported, caller name announcement, and wind suppression up to 22mph with Wind Armour Technology.

The headsets are not only for calling. They will allow you to listen to audio from music, podcasts and mobile GPS turn-by-turn directions proving them to be an ultra-versitile headset. Available now, the Q2 retails for around $69.99.

In the box there’s the headset itself – a lightweight 12g unit – together with three different sizes of “StayHear” ear buds, a soft carry case, USB charging cable and a USB AC adapter. There’s no ear-hook; instead, the ear buds have a truncated hook section which presses against the curves of the ear and holds the headset in place. It’s more discrete, certainly, and comfortable to wear with glasses, but it does mean the Bose is only suitable for the right ear.

Setup is as straightforward as any recent Bluetooth headset, and the Bose supports Multipoint so you can have connections with two devices simultaneously; useful if you want to pair your phone but also have a VoIP conversation on your computer. Interestingly, what you don’t get is any sort of complex active noise reduction; instead there’s a mixture of “adaptive audio adjustment” to tweak earpiece volume according to ambient noise, and a “noise rejecting microphone” that relies on the housing design rather than electronics to cut down on hiss.

We’ll be putting that system though its paces and checking to see whether it can live up to polished DSP tech from rivals like Aliph and Plantronics in time for the full SlashGear review. Until then, enjoy the unboxing video!

The headphones can be used with the Xbox Live or Playstation Network if they are purchased with the Astro MixAmp. Without the amp the headphones won’t work on game consoles. The earphones have a frequency response of 20 – 20,000Hz and promise clear sound.

The in-line control is on a medallion with pause/play, mute, volume, and call answer/hang-up functionality. A carry case is also included that is soft and fits in a pocket. The earphones can be pre-ordered now in black, white, or silver for $79.95.

For instance, you can dictate text messages and emails, get custom traffic reports and post to Facebook, depending on the app and which smartphone OS you’re using. It’s functionality we’ve seen other manufacturers build into their own software, but at least Jabra is giving users the choice.

What hasn’t changed with the STONE2 is the pricing, and it’s still a hefty $129.99. It’ll land in AT&T stores from November 21.

Press Release:

JABRA UNVEILS BLUETOOTH HEADSET THAT ‘TALKS’ TO USERS, OFFERS COMPLETE CONTROL WITH VOICE COMMANDS

Jabra STONE2 Delivers True Wireless Freedom,
Brings a New Level of Style & Usability to Bluetooth Headsets

Nashua, NH – November 10, 2010 – Imagine sending a text message or updating your Facebook page by just using your voice? Or being able to answer and screen calls with a simple voice command? Jabra, a world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced a ground-breaking new Voice System with the Jabra STONE2. Recently named an International CES Best of Innovations 2011 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree, the Jabra STONE2 received the top score in the Wireless Handsets Accessories category for its engineering and innovative design. The Jabra STONE2 will be available for $129.99 at AT&T* retail stores nationwide beginning November 21, 2010.

“The Jabra STONE has been a very successful product for us – both from a retail perspective through working with AT&T – as well as a consumer awareness perspective,” said Jonas Forsberg, General Manager North America, mobile division, GN Netcom, Inc. “We set out to create something so different and unique in look and design that it would appeal to all types of users. The STONE2 takes it one step further with an innovative Voice System, multimedia capabilities and optimization with a wide variety of voice enabled applications.”

The next generation of the hugely successful Jabra STONE, the STONE2 allows for truly hands-free communication while building on the success of its predecessor and featuring the same revolutionary design. The Jabra STONE2 is the first Bluetooth® headset that allows users to take calls further and easier. Innovative new features allow for easy, hands-free communication including an all-new:

- Voice Control
o Make calls using the sound of your voice (For example, “Call Dad”)
o Answer an incoming call by simply saying “Answer”
o Reject a call by saying “Ignore”

- Voice Guidance
o Hear the name of an incoming caller through the headset (For example: “Mom Cell” or “David’s Work”), exactly how you have the caller programmed into your phone. If the caller’s number isn’t saved to your phone, the headset will read out the phone number.
o A “Connected” audio alert means the STONE2 is paired with your mobile device
o The STONE2 signals a “Low Battery” audio alert when it needs to be charged. Battery levels also appear on the iPhone® to avoid guessing when the headset battery is running low
o The STONE2 talks users through an easy set-up process of pairing the headset to a mobile or smart phone (including the iPhone)

- Voice Enabled Applications
o Utilizing the Jabra World of Apps, consumers can easily and quickly find applications that fit their lifestyle and make the most of their headset experience. With third-party hands-free apps that have been hand-selected and rigorously tested to work with the Jabra STONE2 and other Jabra products, the Portal includes a robust suite of voice-enabled apps allowing users to:
§ Send text messages or emails using their voice
§ Read email messages
§ Update status on social networking sites including Facebook
§ Notify users of missed calls
§ Listen to customized music stations
§ Find a business
§ Get local traffic reports and updates

o The Jabra STONE2 iPhone app provides consumers with not only a product introduction and overview but four “solution videos.” The videos highlight everyday situations where headsets and apps can improve your lifestyle, providing real-life examples so users can chose what is best for them.

- Multimedia & More
o Play music, watch videos, listen to podcasts and get directions from GPS applications with new multimedia streaming capabilities

“The Jabra STONE2 takes everything our customers found appealing about the original STONE – design, style, portability – and adds voice communication enhancements that truly allow a user to be hands-free,” said Michael Cowan, AT&T director of accessories, AT&T Mobility & Consumer Markets. “We are pleased to work with Jabra to expand and innovate our accessories portfolio.”

With a shape like no other headset on the market, the Jabra STONE2 elegantly wraps behind the ear eliminating the standard on-face microphone and combining both style and functionality. With a new and improved fit, the STONE2 includes a choice of four “comfort-tested” and ergo-designed ear gels to provide a personalized fit for different ear shapes and sizes. In addition, the wireless portable charger functions as a compact carrying case that fits into the palm of your hand – simply plug your headset into the charger and power-up whenever and wherever you want.

The Jabra STONE2 will be available at AT&T retail stores and Att.com for a suggested retail price of $129 beginning November 21, 2010.

For more information on Jabra’s line of mobile products, visit www.jabra.com/buy or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jabra_us. For an enhanced experience with Jabra products try one of the featured applications on Jabra.com/apps.

The spec list looks the same as the current headset, so it appears this is primarily an aesthetic update rather than a functional one.  No word on when the refreshed earpiece will go on sale, but we’re guessing it’s sooner rather than later if promotional materials are already out in the wild.

Who’s Jerry Harvey?

The name Jerry Harvey might not be familiar to most, but the company he founded in 1995, Ultimate Ears, has carved a niche for itself with legendary reputation. Acquired by Logitech in 2008, Ultimate Ears began with Harvey’s quest to make the perfect earphones for Van Halen, replacing the traditional stage monitors with handpicked components (including a speaker intended for pacemakers) slotted inside a custom-molded shell. The IEMs were a hit; orders from pro musicians rolled in, and the company grew from there.

(photo credit: the-jude)

Along the way, the range expanded to cover non-custom earphones all the way up to the high-end IEMs Ultimate Ears was famous for. The consumer range runs in parallel with UE’s musician line, classed by the amount of external noise reduction on offer. Meanwhile, Harvey himself stepped back from the business, eventually dropping off the consumer product radar altogether a few years back, and focusing on setting up a new company, JHAudio, that until 2009 concentrated on IEMs for pilots.

Turns out you can’t keep Harvey’s interest in earphones down, and soon JHAudio was pushing out a range of IEMs targeted, not at pilots, but at the reasonably well-heeled audiophile. There are no non-custom models in JHAudio’s line, and as such they kick off at $399 with the JH5 Pro. At the other end of the scale, meanwhile, are the JHAudio JH16 Pro IEMs, $1,149 of custom earphone and the subject of this review.

If it seems strange to lead into a review with the back-story, consider the heritage. Dropping over a grand on anything requires some faith, especially when you can’t try it out beforehand, and so Harvey’s track record in the audio industry counts for a lot.

Getting molded

As with any custom earphones, your journey starts with some mild discomfort. Having ear impressions taken is never pleasant, but it’s a reasonably quick process (involving fast-setting gunk being injected into your ear canal, to get a cast of its exact contours). That goes off to JHAudio to form the basis of a pair of unique IEM shells, and we were particularly impressed with the turnaround time – around five days (including a weekend) between the company receiving our impressions and the JH16 Pro IEMs being out for delivery.

JH16’s Essence, Form and Fit

They arrived in a waterproof Otterbox case, complete with a personalized nameplate, together with a soft carrying pouch and a wax-removal tool (basically a stick with a wire loop on the end). JHAudio offer a choice of 53 different shell color options (in both translucent and solid finishes) together with optional custom artwork if you send them a high-resolution image; you can see the SlashGear roundel on each side of our review set. The headphone cables – available in either clear (so you can see the silver wire inside) or black – are detachable, and JHAudio sell 18-, 48- and 64-inch replacements.

We’ve no issues with the fit, either: slot the extended canal tube into the ear, roll the earpiece back and then pushing the top edge under the helix locks it into place. It’s a comfortable, tight fit, and required no adjustment. The noise reduction – a quoted -26dB – was instantly noticeable and significant; they certainly knock out more environmental sound than Sleek Audio’s CT6 customs (which admittedly are less than half the price of the JH16 Pros). It’s a very isolating experience, and means you can turn down the volume of whatever source you’re using and still pick out all the details; that’s better for your ears and better for the battery on your PMP.

JH16’s Gut and Glorious Listening Experience

A slick casing is pointless without the components inside to back it up, mind, and the JH16 Pro IEMs certainly deliver on paper. The 16 refer to the total number of drivers: dual high, dual mid and double dual bass, amounting to eight per shell. The company quotes a frequency response range of 10Hz to 20kHz, along with 18 Ohms impedance. Rather than a single bore there are three individual tubes running to the high, mid and bass drivers, intended to reduce any phasing between the different frequencies. Finally there’s an integrated 3-way crossover.

The old adage “garbage in, garbage out” is particularly true here: if you try to make do with the 128kbps MP3s you downloaded from Napster five years ago, you’ll be sorely disappointed. We fed the JH16Pros with lossless audio files instead, though it’s worth noting that you’ll get an even better result if you use a proper headphone amp in-between your PMP and the IEMs.

Even without such an amp, the quality is immense. Where Sleek Audio take your own custom sound balance preferences and hard-code that into the CT6′s, the JH16 Pro IEMs are more even in their profile. It’s transparencies that lend itself to every musical style; the bass, mids and treble are all separated out across the soundstage and clearly differentiated, relying on the original recording for their levels rather than artificial EQing.

Bass bypasses the blurred, overwhelming thump of less capable earphones and instead is kept delineated and precise. In jazz and country that means each slap, rasp and kick is crisp and clear, but the IEMs are equally at home with the fast-moving baselines of dance and rap. The heavily quantized beats of electronic music, meanwhile, are robust and rapid, but the JH16 Pros never feel like they’re tripping up or suffering from the pace. If you’re a bass addict you might be tempted to reach for the equalizer to tweak up the lower frequencies, but holding off reveals a more textured, layered soundscape.

Mid frequencies can often be the dull filling in the sandwich, with earphone manufacturers relying on a heavy bottom end and sparkling trebles to bracket an underwhelming middle section. Happily JHAudio shows no such laziness, particularly noticeable during vocal recordings. Here, there’s a definite precision, with little of the gumming that cheaper earphones can produce when the mids blend with the high and low ends. In return, the 3-way crossover shifts some of the low-mid percussion into the higher end of the bass driver, leading to a generally warmer sound with a little more reverb.

Over-tuning the treble end of a set of headphones is an easy short-term way to make them seem lively and bright, but it’s tiring over extended periods. The JH16 Pros take the preferable approach of a more natural top end, full of shimmer but enough control to avoid sibilance or hiss. Strings arch and echo beautifully, while the glitchy, squelchy stabs of electronic music crackle with tightly controlled venom. Brass, meanwhile, is bright and sharp without being shrill.

Each section is pure and open in its own fashion, but together there’s an immersive quality akin to sitting among the musicians rather than in front of them. Music has more energy, the minute details of high-resolution recordings offering previously unheard detail: the subtler baselines, the breath of vocalists. Live recordings are even more enlightening, the movement of musicians and their collective energy coming through in the immediacy of the JH16 Pros’ reproduction.

It’s tough to do audio justice when all you have are words; harder still when, as with the JH16 Pro, the custom nature means you can’t pass them round to get a group opinion. You might expect the level of transparency on offer to leave recordings feeling cold, lacking in some energy, and yet there’s just enough color for them to avoid feeling sterile – tuned for scientific track balancing rather than musical enjoyment – like pure studio monitors.

Best of all is that their tonality evolves and matures over time, as the IEMs go through their burn-in process. With that, we’ve found, our enjoyment of various musical styles has developed, and the elements that we pick out and remember grow more complex.

JHAudio JH16 Unboxing and hands-on

Conclusion

Are they perfect? Not quite; the harder plastic hoops that shield the headphone cable as it exits each earphone can be tricky to place if you’re wearing glasses or sunglasses; moreover their scraping on those glasses is transmitted directly into your ear. The clear cable is also prone to discoloration from the body’s natural oils – something JHAudio do warn can happen in their FAQ – turning green in the process. No audible impact, of course, but aesthetically less than pleasing.

Still, they’re minor issues in a set of IEMs that are otherwise hard to critique, certainly in pure audio terms. The biggest hurdles are price and, ironically, audience. The former is obvious: $1,149 is a huge amount to spend on a set of earphones, more than most would consider laying down on a PMP or even a home speaker system. The latter is trickier, as it’s about the quality of the audio files you want to listen to. If your digital music collection is a hash of different bitrates and hefty compression, you’ll want to revisit – and re-rip – the originals in order to make the IEMs worthwhile. Take that time, and justify that expense, and it’s hard to imagine the JHAudio JH16 Pro IEMs any but totally amazing. [JHAudio homepage]

Final-final thought, I’ve retired my long time Sleek Audio customs. May you RIP.

To be fair, that’s what a lot of other Bluetooth headset manufacturers have been doing over the past couple of years, but Bose reckons their system is even better at it; “unrivaled in the vast marketplace of Bluetooth mobile headsets,” in fact.  The magic is in the proprietary microphone housing, which apparently makes it easier for the headset to differentiate between speech and everything else.

Soft silicone ear-buds, a sliding power switch and straightforward buttons – together with LEDs that face inwards so your ear doesn’t look like a Christmas tree – round out the package.  As you’d expect given the Bose name, the price is neither shy nor retiring; the headset will land in late November, priced at $149.95.

[via Engadget]

As for the Motorola CommandOne, that too has MotoSpeak support together with CrystalTalk noise reduction.  You can also instruct it to accept or reject calls verbally.  Thanks to MultiPoint you can have two phones connected simultaneously, and a quick-charge feature supposedly offers 2.5hrs talktime from a mere 15 minutes of rejuicing.

FInally, the Motorola Finiti has similar specs to the CommandOne, but throws in stealth-mode which translates throat vibrations into speech.  That way, Motorola claims, you can maintain a conversation in up to 40mph winds.

Full specs of all three new models in the press releases below.  They’ll all go on sale sometime this quarter; no sign of official pricing as yet.

Press Release:

Motorola Roadster™: Clearest Calls from Your Car

Stay in touch on the road with Roadster™, the latest Bluetooth®1 in-car speakerphone from Motorola’s Elite Series. Roadster’s dual-microphone noise cancellation technology makes sure you can be heard over road noise and blocks out background noise better than any other speakerphone currently on the market. Equipped with MotoSpeak™, Roadster reads aloud text messages and allows you to dictate your text response, so you can stay in touch while on the road.

Industry-leading Call Clarity
Roadster keeps your conversations clear and eliminates background noise with dual-microphone technology for superior noise cancellation. You can even listen to your calls over your car speakers by using the FM transmitter. The loud, 2-watt speaker works to combat cabin noise and wind, so you can focus more on the road and less on what’s going on around you.

The Smartest Way to Stay in Touch
MotoSpeak features bring you the latest text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with Roadster, ensuring that you keep your eyes off your phone and on the road.

Intuitive and User-Friendly
Roadster automatically turns on when you get in the car and off when you leave, ensuring you are always hands-free. You can even answer or ignore incoming calls with a single word and use the dedicated voice-dial button to keep focused on the road. The smartly-placed buttons provide easy access to the most-used functions, and audible voice prompts give you updates on Roadster’s battery life and more. Perfect for long drives or on-the-road business calls, Roadster has up to 20 hours of talk time2, so you’ll never have to worry about cutting calls short.

Advanced Features
Stream music via A2DP on Roadster’s powerful speaker, or over your car’s speakers using the FM transmitter. Advanced Multipoint lets you pair Roadster with two devices, so you can take calls from your business and personal phones at the same time. Staying productive on the go has never been easier.

Motorola Roadster™
Talk Time2 Up to 20 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 3 weeks
Bluetooth® 1 Version v2.1
Weight 90g
Dimensions 90x70x14 mm
Range Up to 10m
Features
• MotoSpeak™ Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• Best-in-class dual microphone noise cancellation
• Auto On/Off
• Advanced Multipoint technology
• FM transmitter

Motorola Roadster™ Bluetooth®1 headset will be available in the US in Q4 2010.

Press Release:

Motorola CommandOne™: Ultimate Hands-Free Experience

Keep your hands free and your calls clear with CommandOne™, the latest Bluetooth®1 headset from Motorola’s Elite Series. With an enhanced version of MotoSpeak™, CommandOne provides the ultimate hands-free experience to answer your calls and text messages directly from the headset, keeping your hands available for the rest of your busy life.

Stay Connected the Smart Way
MotoSpeak features bring you the latest text-to-speech and speech-to-text technology. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with CommandOne, making life hands-free without hassles.

Hands-Free Simplified
Simplify your hands-free experience with voice controls by replying “answer” or “ignore” to incoming calls. CommandOne keeps you updated with audible voice prompts that tell you when you’re connected, which phone is ringing, and current battery level. Never let your headset slow you down. With Rapid Charge you can get up to 2.5 hours of talk time with just 15 minutes of charging and a battery meter also appears on select phones, so you can easily track you current power level.

Crystal-Clear Conversations
With CrystalTalk™ technology, you know your calls will be clear. This innovative technology uses dual-microphone noise cancellation that wipes out the sound in the background. Amazing audio quality can be heard on both sides of the conversation.

Work, Play and Everything In Between
With an A2DP profile for streaming audio on CommandOne, you can listen to navigation, your favorite music, videos, and games right through your headset. Also, receive calls and connect to two phones at once, so you can multitask between business and pleasure. Advanced MultiPoint lets you place one call on hold while accepting one on another phone, so you can switch from work to play and back again, all while staying connected to CommandOne.

Motorola CommandOne™
Talk Time2 Up to 5 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 7 days
Bluetooth® 1 Version Version 2.1 with EDR
Weight 12 g
Dimensions 54×18.5×11 mm
Features
• MotoSpeak Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• CrystalTalk™ dual microphone noise and echo cancellation technology
• A2DP streaming audio
• Voice Controls
• TrueComfort™ design
• Advanced Voice Prompts
• Advanced MultiPoint Technology
• Rapid Charge for 2.5 hours of talk time in 15 minutes
• EasyPair™ technology

Motorola CommandOne Bluetooth1® headset will be available in the U.S. in Q4 2010

Press Release:

Motorola Finiti™: Hear and Be Heard, Anywhere

Designed with extreme conditions in mind, Motorola’s latest Bluetooth®1 headset – Motorola Finiti™, is latest edition to our Elite Series. Finiti’s three microphone solution lets you carry on a conversation wherever your adventures take you. With an MotoSpeak™, Finiti allows you to listen to a text message and dictate a response, leaving your hands free to tackle whatever life throws at you.

The Stealth Mode
Using a combination of three microphones, Finiti brings you the best-in-class noise and wind cancellation, so you can have clear calls and be heard in any environment. Crystaltalk™ dual microphone technology dramatically cancels everyday background noise and provides amazing audio on both sides of the call. For an extra boost in extreme conditions users can activate the stealth mode, which converts your vocal vibrations into speech. Using true bone conduction technology3, the stealth mode microphone relays your voice while eliminating the most extreme noise and wind (up to 40 miles per hour), offering a premium headset experience.

A Smarter Way to Text
Finiti helps you stay connected while staying hands-free, even when texting, with enhanced Motospeak. Hear your text messages immediately and then dictate your reply. MotoSpeak even announces who is calling from your contact list. Simply download the free MotoSpeak application to your Android-powered 2.2 device and sync with Finiti, so whether driving or multitasking at home, Finiti allows you to stay in touch while staying productive.

Command with Your Voice
Never let phone calls trip up your daily routine. With Finiti, answering or ignoring a call takes a single word, either say “answer” or “ignore” when you receive an incoming call. It’s simple to manage your calls hands-free with voice activations, the caller’s name is also read aloud for all contacts in your phonebooks, so you know who is calling without lifting a finger.

Quickly Sync
The intuitive features on Motorola Finiti help you get connected quickly. It uses audible voice prompts that tell you when you’re connected, which phone is ringing, when stealth mode is activated and your current battery level. And you never have to wait to chat – with Rapid Charge you get up to 2.5 hours of talk time with just 15 minutes of charging. A battery meter also appears on select phones, so you can easily track you power level.

Motorola Finiti™
Talk Time2 Up to 5 hours
Standby Time2 Up to 6 days
Bluetooth® 1 Version Version 2.1 with EDR
Weight 12 g
Dimensions 54×18.5×11 mm
Features
• Three microphone technology with the stealth mode and CrystalTalk™ noise cancellation
• MotoSpeak™ Speech-to-text and Text-to-speech technology
• A2DP streaming audio
• Advanced Voice Prompts
• Advanced MultiPoint Technology
• Voice Controls
• Batter Meter
• Rapid Charge for 2.5 hours of talk time in 15 minutes
• EasyPair™ technology

Motorola Finiti Bluetooth®1 headset will be available in the U.S. in Q4 2010.

The specifications are just as Samsung explained to us: the stylus has a capacitive nib, for writing and drawing on the Galaxy Tab’s capacitive touchscreen, but also includes a Bluetooth module.  That supports MultiPoint – so it can be paired with both the Galaxy Tab and a second Bluetooth device, such as your regular cellphone – and allows you to answer or reject calls remotely.

Play’s description makes no mention of it, but Samsung told us – and the tiny grill you can see near the top in the image above – that the Bluetooth Stylus would also work as a hands-free kit, held to your ear as you would an old-fashioned phone handset.

[via Engadget]

The device has a range of 10 meters from the connected device and has 5.5 hours of talk time per charge. The standby time is 10.5 days per charge. To connect to your computer for VoIP the device uses a Jabra Link 320 Bluetooth USB adapter.

The device ships with the USB adapter headset, three Ultimate-fit ear gels, small and large ear hooks, a USB charger, and a car charger. The price for the Jabra Go 660 is $110 and it is available now.

There’s also independent voice and game volume level controls and a microphone mute button, and Logitech reckons the 2.4GHz wireless link is good for up to 10m range.  Battery life is up to 10hrs solid use, it recharges via USB (and can be used simultaneously) and the microphone gets noise-cancellation and an LED indicator at the end of the boom so you know when it’s muted.  It’s available for preorder now, priced at $149.99.

That means the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the latest iPod Touch, each of which have Voice Control, though the rest of the controls will work with most recent models.  That includes the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPod Shuffle (3rd and 4th generation), iPod nano (4th and 5th generation), iPod Touch (2nd generation), iPod classic (120 GB/160 GB), and 2009 models of Macbook, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro.

More details on each in the press release below; pricing kicks off at $79.95 for the HD 218i Closed, and climbs all the way up to $449.95 for the IE 8i in-ear reference headphones.

Press Release:

Made for iPhone: Sennheiser presents headset versions of six popular portable headphones

The Sennheiser HD 238i Open mini headphones with in-line microphone. (click on image for hi-res)

Old Lyme, Conn. – September 27, 2010 – Listen to music and have conversations using six new Sennheiser headsets specially designed for the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and other Apple products*. All six versions—the MM 70i, IE 8i, PX 100-IIi, PX 200-IIi, HD 218i and HD 238i—are based on Sennheiser’s successful “Portable Entertainment” series. The microphone and smart remote control unit are integrated into the cable and allow the Apple product to be controlled at the push of a button or by voice commands.

“The new headsets complement the design and user-friendliness of the iPhone—including the new iPhone 4—and other supported Apple products with top-quality Sennheiser sound and intuitive control functions,” explained Eric Palonen, senior product specialist for consumer electronics at Sennheiser’s US headquarters. The headsets automatically pause the music when a phone call is taken, allowing the iPhone user to switch easily and quickly between music and calls without the risk of missing any incoming calls or favorite tracks.

Compact control unit, high functionality
A wide range of functions can be controlled with a single button. Depending on how often and how long the button is pressed, music tracks and videos can be played, paused or skipped to the next/previous song. The same button can also be used to receive and end phone calls and to activate the voice control function. This Apple function makes it possible to use voice commands to retrieve songs or phone numbers on the latest iPod Touch version and the iPhone 4 and 3GS. The volume can be conveniently controlled using the plus and minus button.

The Sennheiser IE 8i High-end ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone.

Sound precision for professionals: IE 8i
The IE 8i headset features extremely lifelike sound reproduction and also allows individual bass adjustment to suit different listening needs and tastes. The precision and clarity of its sound will delight even the most demanding music lovers. Various adapters are included to ensure a comfortable, snug fit just inside the ear canal.

Sound with style: MM 70i
The eye-catching MM 70i ear-canal earphones are perfectly designed for mobile use, combining clear stereo sound and rich bass. The headset comes with six ear adapters made of silicone to provide an ideal fit for every user, and to effectively seal out ambient noise.

Pocket size: PX 100-IIi and PX 200-IIi
The PX 100-IIi and PX 200-IIi models show that big sound doesn’t need much space. After use, the two particularly lightweight on-the-ear headsets can simply be folded up

The Sennheiser PX 100-IIi open, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone. (click on image for hi-res)
into a pocket-sized package. The PX 100-IIi, with its open-back design, offers lifelike sound reproduction and powerful bass. The PX 200-IIi is particularly suited for use in somewhat noisier environments. Its closed design effectively blocks out exter-nal noise, allowing you to listen to music in peace—without being disturbed and without disturbing others.

Sleek design, rich sound: HD 218i and HD 238i
The HD 218i and HD 238i on-the-ear headsets feature an attractive, sleek design. Sennheiser’s proven acoustic systems ensure that both models offer powerful sound. The HD 238i is more balanced, while the HD 218i features stronger low-end response for bass lovers.

The remote control function on all six models is compatible with iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPad, iPod Shuffle (3rd and 4th generation), iPod nano (4th and 5th generation), iPod Touch (2nd generation), iPod classic (120 GB/160 GB), and 2009 models of Macbook, Macbook Pro and Mac Pro. Voice Control is supported by iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and the latest iPod Touch. The new product range is available world-wide through Sennheiser’s dealer network and at Apple Online and in Apple Stores.

Product overview (click links to view hi-res images):

IE 8i High-end ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $599.95 Street price: $449.95

MM 70i Balanced ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $129.95 Street price: $99.95

PX 100-IIi Open, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $119.95 Street price: $89.95

PX 200-IIi Closed, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $139.95 Street price: $109.95

HD 218i Closed, mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $99.95 MAP: $79.95

HD 238i Open mini headphones with in-line microphone
MSRP: $169.95 MAP: $129.95

Meanwhile the Oasis is rated for up to six hours of talktime or a full week of standby, and Motorola has shifted around the hardware controls to apparently make them easier to locate while you’re wearing the headset.  The short microphone boom swivels and there are three differently sized ear gels in the box.

The Motorola Oasis will land on October 3rd 2010, priced at $79.99 and initially as an AT&T exclusive.

That 4GB is good for up to five hours of footage (stored in MP4 format at 800kbps) though the battery is only sufficient for four hours video use; it’ll last for up to 10hrs if you only need it as a headset.  Interestingly, while you can manually start and end recording using the Android app as a viewfinder and editing station – and then transfer those clips via USB to your computer – the Looxcie is actually constantly buffering the last thirty seconds of footage.

Press the Instant Clip button on the headset itself, and the most recent video is sent wirelessly to your Android phone (running the Looxcie app) so you can save and/or upload it.  If you hold down the button, the clip is automatically uploaded with no other user intervention (handy if you’re driving).  The Looxcie app will initially only be for Android 2.x devices, but it seems they’re planning at least an iOS version too.

It’s all very geeky, but since plenty of people are already past the embarrassment point of wearing a regular Bluetooth headset, perhaps they won’t mind an all-seeing eye as well.  The Looxcie is listed – though not currently available to buy – at Amazon for $199.99.

[via GottaBeMobile]

Nokia’s mobile TV device is a TV receiver add on that is called the Nokia Mobile TV Headset, DVB-H. The adapter will turn the mobile phone into a portable TV allowing the user to watch compatible TV shows and sports programs.

The headset has a built in section that has controls for media playback and the TV receiver is built-in. It works for making and receiving calls and works with the Mobile TV app that is available for compatible handsets on the Ovi Store. The Nokia Mobile TV Headset will work with the Nokia N8 and other Sumbian^3 devices. The adapter will launch in Q4 2010 and sell for €40. Nokia warns that DVB-H coverage isn’t available in all areas.

The new wireless headset is designed for VoIP calls and you can use it to listen to music or other audio from your computer as well. The headset is wireless as the name states and has an adjustable headband for a comfortable fit.

The headset also has a built-in EQ for optimizing sound. The wireless range of the headset is 40-feet. It uses a behind the ear style, which means it won’t mess up your hair too much. The mic boom is flexible and can be moved out of the way when not needed. You can pre-order the H760 now for $99.99.

The G930 headset and G700 mouse are both wireless, the former having 7.1-channel surround sound and three programmable shortcut keys, and the latter having a full 13 buttons with macro support.  There’s also a dual-mode scroll wheel – which can both precisely step through options and whip through long webpages – and an optional plug-in USB cable for when your battery is running low.

As for the G510 keyboard, that has an LCD display, user-selectable custom backlighting, 18 programmable keys with macro support and can recognize five simultaneous keypresses.  It also has an integrated USB audio interface, so you can plug in a regular 3.5mm headset if the G930 hasn’t taken your fancy.  The Logitech G700 mouse is on sale now, priced at $99.99, while the G930 headset and G510 will arrive soon priced at $159.99 and $119.99 respectively.

While the original AX 180 has been one of the company’s most popular headsets, they apparently felt like it was time to cut the cord. And, according to Tritton, it looks like they managed to figure out a way to get the same audio quality into the wireless version that they have in the wired. Which is good news for audio enthusiasts out there that expect the best out of their headsets.

The headset itself is a USB device, so that makes it easy to plug it into your PS3, Xbox 360, or PC. Oh, and now that Macs have Steam, those too. It features as compact receiver, making it easier than ever to plug your headset into whatever gaming rig you have. It also features Tritton’s “Portable Control Unit,” which gives the owner the ability to control the volume of the game, as well as the mic’s volume individually, and on the fly. And, if you’re into that kind of thing, you can flip a switch so that you can hear yourself, too. The wireless version of the Tritton AX 180 gaming headset will be available this fall, and it’ll retail for around $149.99. So, save a few bucks, will you?

[via GearLog]

The new headset has been designed to work on game consoles, mobile devices, and the PC. The on-ear design has padded ear cups and the headset comes with three cables for connecting to different devices.

The headset is also compatible with the MixAmp to enable Dolby 5.1 surround sound on the headset when used with a game console. The amp is also needed to allow voice chat on the PS3 and Xbox. The tags on the speakers are interchangeable and the headset ships with a carry case. The Peace Walker A30 headset sells for $149.99 and comes in silver, black, and white colors.

The design of the Voyager PRO UC won’t come as a surprise if you’re familiar with other models from Plantronics’ range. It’s not the slickest of Bluetooth headset designs, with a size-able battery section that hangs over the back of your ear, and a reasonably long boom microphone arm, but it’s well made and the plastics and rubber feel of high quality.

Since the ear-loop is responsible for keeping the Voyager PRO UC in place, the earpiece itself doesn’t need to be buried in your ear canal. That minimizes longer-term discomfort and also allows for some background noise to still be heard. If you’re planning on wearing the Plantronics throughout your work day, it’s useful being able to hear what’s going on around you when you’re not on a call. In the box there are two sizes of soft gel ear tips and two sizes of foam ear tips, and we had no trouble finding one to suit; a medium-sized ear tip is preinstalled on the Voyager PRO UC itself.

Setup is, as with most Bluetooth headsets of late, straightforward. The Voyager PRO UC has volume controls on the top of the earpiece, a call control button on the outer fascia, a power button on the lower back edge and a microUSB charging port on the bottom. There’s also a reasonably discrete status LED just above the power button. Pairing with a cellphone requires holding down that button until the LED blinks red and blue, and then tapping in 0000 on your phone; from then on, you can answer and end calls with the headset control button, double tap it to redial the last number, or press and hold to trigger voice dialing.

Of course, what sets the Voyager PRO UC aside somewhat is the bundled USB Bluetooth dongle, which comes pre-paired to the headset. That’s simply a case of plugging it into a spare USB port and waiting for the LED to go red; since it uses Class 2 Bluetooth it offers 33 ft range. Plantronics say the headset is compatible with a considerable number of softphones and VoIP clients, including industry standards like Cisco and Avaya; happily it’ll also play nicely with apps like Skype, allowing you to answer and end calls with the control button. Since the Voyager PRO UC can remain not only paired but connected to both the dongle and your cellphone at once, you can also flip between calls.

Although we had no trouble getting the headset to work out of the box, Plantronics also supply the Windows-only PerSono Suite app which gives on-screen battery feedback, integrates with Skype to show notification evens, and handles system sounds more intelligently. As well as the Voyager PRO UC, Plantronics also offer an “Optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007″ version which, as the unwieldy name suggests, is specially tailored to Microsoft’s comms platform.

Of course, all this would be pointless if sound quality was below par, and thankfully the Voyager PRO UC is another Plantronics headset with decent audio performance. Like other models there are two microphones each with wind screens, paired up with DSP to cut out background noise. It manages to walk that fine balance between clarity and sounding artificially processed. As for battery life, Plantronics reckon you’ll see up to five days of standby or six hours of talktime from a single charge, and with a day of periodic use with both Skype and our cellphone the battery indicator was still showing 75-percent. Unless you’re literally talking throughout a full work day, the Voyager PRO UC should suffice; meanwhile a recharge generally took 1-2 hours.

The biggest hurdle with the Plantronics Voyager PRO UC is the pricing. With an MRSP of $199.95 it may be small change to the office manager, but for a home user looking to balance VoIP and cellphone calls it’s a considerable step up from impressive models both from Plantronics’ own range and from rivals like Aliph and Jabra. You’re paying in no small part for the convenience of the pre-paired USB dongle; of course, if your laptop already has Bluetooth built-in, you needn’t bother with the dongle at all. The Voyager PRO UC’s MultiPoint abilities are good, its battery life excellent and its audio quality brilliant, but we’d opt for cheaper models like the basic Voyager PRO – at half the price – which still deliver the strong performance.

The most obvious cut back from Plantronics’ more expensive headsets is in the styling. The Explorer 395 isn’t an ugly device, certainly, but neither does it stand out from the rank and file of similarly priced generic headsets out there. Build quality feels high, but the clear plastic ear hook – which rotates and swivels to suit wearing on the right or left ear – lacks the poseability of high-end models. You’re also stuck with the standard ear-bud size, and we found it wasn’t sufficient to hold the Explorer 395 in the ear without the hook in place as well. That might prove frustrating if you’re a glasses-wearer.

Physical controls include a dedicated power button, volume, and a multi-function key that answers/ends calls and – if your phone supports it – triggers voice dialling. The DSP, meanwhile, includes acoustic echo cancellation, and it works reasonably well. It’s not quite as magical at cutting through wind and background sounds as the company’s more expensive models, but it did a good job of reducing road noise while driving and that’s likely the scenario most would-be buyers are considering. Unfortunately you can only pair with one device at a time, but both the hands-free (HFP) and headset (HSP) profiles are supported and we were able to connect to our notebook and use it as a Skype headset for VoIP calls.

Plantronics reckon the Explorer 395′s battery is good for up to 5hrs talktime or a week’s standby. Recharging is via the standard microUSB port on the rear end of the headset, and we’re glad Plantronics didn’t opt for a proprietary connector. You don’t get the slick battery/case with status display of the Discovery 975 (Buy at myiphone store), but then it’s less than half the price, too. We haven’t had enough time to put their 395 fully through its paces, but it certainly lasted through a full day with a mixture of a few voice calls and standby.

If you regularly make hands-free calls, or both cell and VoIP calls, you should probably look to higher models in Plantronics’ range (or elsewhere); they support multi-point pairing with more than one device simultaneously, and we’ve found their DSP is more refined. Still, if you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive way to go hands-free, the Explorer 395 offers above-average audio processing and the warranty comfort of a brand name. It’s on sale now through Plantronics online store and in Best Buy stores.

Video demo after the cut

Because you’re wearing the speakers you’re always in the sweet-spot for the best surround effect, and there are closable flaps on each earphone to let you switch between open and closed cups.  In the box there’s a removable microphone boom together with a 5.1 channel headphone amp.

End result, Psyko say, is a system which better delivers precise surround sound effects to where you want them to go, adding up to a more immersive, accurate gaming experience.  That’s a good thing, as for $299.99 it’s about the same price as a regular entry-level big box surround sound system.

Press Release:

Psyko Audio Labs Announces the Immediate Availability of Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset System to USA and Canada

Revolutionary PsykoWave 5.1 surround sound technology delivers a new layer of gaming immersion with precise 3D sound, instant positional awareness, and improved reaction times and kill ratios

Psyko ushers in the Dawn of Audio as a Weapon

Calgary, Alberta – April 22, 2010 – Psyko Audio Labs Inc., a leading innovator in PC Gaming headphone technology, is ecstatic to unleash the dawn of audio as a weapon through the immediate availability of the highly anticipated Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset System to USA and Canada. Psyko’s patented PsykoWave Technology empowers PC Gamers with an unfair advantage over the competition through precise 3D sound that drastically heightens awareness of your gaming surroundings. Players can instantly identify and locate every gun shot, footstep, and explosion allowing for faster reaction times, higher player performance, and the most immersive gaming experience to date.
“Psyko 5.1 completely rethinks conventional headphone design and puts PC gamers directly in the sweet spot of a 5.1 room” remarks James Hildebrandt, CEO of Psyko Audio Labs. “You get natural surround sound with no latency, no simulation, and no hassles. This technology will completely shift the current landscape of gaming audio and usher in a new era of fully immersive gaming where audio is now a deadly weapon.“
The Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset System is now available for $299.99 in the USA and Canada at major online stores such as Tigerdirect, Newegg, CompSource, and more, as well as in retail shops such as Frys Electronics. For additional information and a brief video demonstration, go to http://www.psykoaudio.com/

PsykoWave Technology – Psyko headphones deliver true 5.1 sound from 5 speakers strategically placed in the headband. The sound is channeled and flows to each ear in a natural way which allows everyone to enjoy true 5.1 sound.
o The headphone bridge houses 5 audio speakers (front left, center, front right, rear left and rear right) with a subwoofer in each ear cup for a total of 7 speakers.
o Sounds from each speaker carry throughout the Wave guides to pass over the front and back of both ears, giving users natural, not simulated, surround sound. For a demonstrational video on how this works, click HERE.
o Precise Simplicity – Another significant advantage to gamers is the simplicity and accuracy of speaker setup. Rather than the normal compromises in speaker positioning typical to 5.1 room systems, the speakers are in exactly the right spot automatically. You literally just put them on and you are in the optimal “sweet spot” of the 5.1 surround sound experience. Gamers often hear directional sound more accurately wearing the Psyko 5.1 headphones than they do with their 5.1 room system.
o Optimal Comfort– Psyko 5.1 gives the user control to either block outside sounds, or open the ear cup to vent their ears for cooling and to hear conversation in the room during game play. The headset is fully adjustable and provides maximum cushioning using fabric rather than faux leather or vinyl which gets slippery and itchy with sweat. Marathon gaming sessions have never been so comfortable.
o Psykowave Custom Sound Control – The Psyko 5.1 PC headphone amplifier allows control of the volume and bass levels as well as being the first headphone system to have lights that provide a visual indication of the direction of every sound. These amplifier lights provide a simple way to see if your computer is in stereo mode or using the full 5.1 surround sound mode.
o Removable Microphone – Psyko 5.1 comes with a removable microphone.

Psyko Audio Labs Inc. is a private, Calgary-based consumer electronics company, started in 2007 to revolutionize gaming headphones. Their main product, the Psyko 5.1 PC Gaming Headset with its patent pending PsykoWave technology, helps gamers instantly and accurately hear where everything is around them. Psyko 5.1’s natural abilities to create true surround sound provide a significant advantage over the alternative, where all sounds must be pre-processed to simulate directionality. www.psykoaudio.com