You wait for a new high-end Bluetooth headset and along come two at the same time. If Aliph’s Jawbone PRIME is the jewelry-like fashion model, the Plantronics Voyager PRO is the suited business version. We’ve already seen the Jawbone PRIME live up to its tech-packed spec-sheet; Plantronics promise just as much noise-processing magic from the Voyager PRO. I’ve been testing it out on the busy streets of Rome.
Plantronics has a new website up that features hi-res photos of portions of a new Bluetooth headset, as well as the process in manufacturing the headset and ear pieces. We don’t have any more information yet, but from the looks of it, there’s something stylish coming out of Plantronics and soon. They add a new picture every few days, so keep checking back to see what they’re up to.
I had the pleasure of getting my hands on a Sound ID 200 Bluetooth headset while at CTIA. I’ve been using it for the last few days and, frankly, I’m quite impressed with the device. It is fast becoming one of my favorite Bluetooth headsets. My experience with the Sound ID 200 has been very positive overall, and I feel Sound ID has a solid headset that exceeds expectations in both comfort and design.
Sound ID announced two new Bluetooth headsets, the Sound ID 200 and Sound ID 300, and we grabbed some ears-on time with them at MobileFocus. The company’s claim to fame is that its founder is an otologist at Stanford University, and Sound ID claim that gives them the edge in audio quality. As for tech, each has NoiseNavigation technology, Sound ID’s proprietary noise cancellation system.
Jabra’s HALO Stereo Headset and SP200 Speakerphone only crossed the wire yesterday, but Vincent was on-hand to try them out at MobileFocus during CTIA. The HALO represents a more grown-up headset, answering users’ cries for a more discrete Bluetooth experience: the status LEDs are hidden on the inside of the headband, and the controls are zero-profile touch sensitive.
Video demo after the cut
BlueAnt’s forthcoming product is the Q1 Bluetooth headset. This sleek headset features some amazing noise reduction technology and voice isolation. The most innovative feature of the BlueAnt Q1 is the voice control feature. The user can talk to the headset and tell it what needs to be done. For instance, if the user would like a tutorial of using the Q1, the user says “show me” and the Q1 will walk the user through the features. To pair the device, the user simply says “pair me.” The Q1 will even tell you your phone and headset battery life with the command “check battery” There are numerous other commands as well.
Jabra have announced two new Bluetooth devices, the HALO Stereo Headset and the SP200 Speakerphone. The former uses A2DP Bluetooth together with Zirene Power Bass for audio enhancement, and has a folding headband for portability. Meanwhile the SP200 has a single control button, volume wheel and a dedicated on/off switch for straightforward use.
Vuzix have announced [pdf link] an augmented-reality (AR) add-on kit for their Vuzix VR920 video headset, developed in collaboration with AR specialists metaio. The system will initially be demonstrated with a 3D animated book, that has computer-generated characters, but Vuzix believe it has potential applications in gaming, education and travel.
These days, the Carl Zeiss name tends to be more associated with Nokia cellphone camera lenses than anything else, but the famed optics company has a few other irons in the consumer electronics fire. Latest is the Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus video headset which, when it launches in May, will be the first video eyewear to bear the “Works with iPhone” logo.
A Nokia-sponsored Bluetooth headset design competition has prompted some interesting entries, ranging from the Daft Punk inspired to devices modeled on Michael Jackson and R Kelly. Entrants were asked to create a stereo Bluetooth headset with a design prompted by their favorite piece of music; around 8,000 entries were received in just three months.
More finalists shown after the cut
SlashGear Japan
