AIRDRIVES interactive headset for iPhone

AIRDRIVES have announced an addition to their range of so-called interactive stereo earphones, introducing a model specifically catering for the iPhone (as well as BlackBerry’s Pearl and Curve). The set adds a microphone and “one-touch music-to-phone capability” to the company’s existing earphones, the InAir Technology of which places the speaker buds outside, just forward of the ear canal rather than inside as normal. This, apparently, allows you to both listen to clear music but also hear environmental sounds (such as the honking bus about to run you over).

The earphones have a 20-20,000Hz frequency range, 95dB at source and 80dB SPL at inner-ear sensitivity, and 16 Ohm impedance. All AirDrives earphones exceed the House Ear Institute and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) standards for all-day listening based on sound pressure levels detected at the inner ear.

They’re apparently available now for $99.99.

[via Phonemag]

Motorola H12 Bluetooth Headset

Design

Motorola is making some impressive moves in the Bluetooth headset market. Recently we saw the pricey but well-designed S9 Bluetooth headphones, and the H12 hands-free headset definitely continues in the same vein, with chic design and a heavy price tag.

The H12 is impressively small and uncommonly sexy for a Bluetooth headset. At only 42mm in length the H12 barely extended past our ear lobes when worn and is an extremely light 12g.

Bundled with the H12 are two charging docks; a tiny magnetised stand and a cute enclosed pod.

Motorola promise the H12 will fit comfortably based on their "extensive ergonomic measurement study of the human ear". This sounds like tedious work, but we have to agree that the H12 earbud did have a comfortable fit, although, not any more comfortable than other earbud headphones.

Performance

We had no major complaints about the H12 unit we tested. The unit paired easily with numerous non-Motorola handsets, and the call quality was good with the paired handsets, within a range of approximately two or three metres.

Motorola have been spruiking the "CrystalTalk" ambient noise cancelling technology built-in to the latest of their Bluetooth headphone releases. We made several calls outside in busy city street traffic and found we could hear our conversations clearly, and were told we could be heard clearly as well.

Battery life was also good. Motorola estimate 5.5 hours of talk time. We clocked up about an hour of talk time over a week without recharging.

Overall

With the H12 performing well and looking great, our only gripe is the price. With a local RRP of AU$159.95 the H12 is a mobile phone accessory that costs more than some mobile phones. If price is no obstacle, the H12 is one of the best Bluetooth hands-free devices we've seen lately.

Source: Cnet

Sony Ericsson DS220 review

Sony Ericsson are busy producing various music accessories for mobile phones such as headsets and portable speakers that can pair with a cell phone through a Bluetooth connection. The Sony Ericsson HBH-DS220 is one of these new Bluetooth headsets that can pair with almost any cell phone providing it supports Bluetooth. The Sony Ericsson DS220 Bluetooth headset can be adjusted to every ear by means of the included extra earplugs. The price tag that comes with this headset is not one of the cheapest, 75 Euros and if it's worth its money will show from the following Sony Ericsson DS220 headset review.

Sony Ericsson DS220 Bluetooth Headset
We tested the red and black version of the Sony Ericsson DS220. The headset is also available in an entirely black version and a brown one. The Bluetooth headset DS220 of Sony Ericsson has a cylindrical shape with a clip on the end to attach the headset to your clothes. Its trendy and playful design make this the perfect designer headset for the younger consumer.

Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Headset
Three buttons are available to operate the Bluetooth headset and besides that a small LCD screen offers information about the battery status among other things. The topside has a connection for plugging in the included 3.5mm earplugs. A battery charger, not included, can be connected to the bottom of the headset. The trendy Bluetooth headset Sony Ericsson HBH-DS220 has a neat and compact design and comes with earplugs offering stereo sound. Continue to read the full Sony Ericsson headset review.

Source: LetsGoMobile.org

Apple Bluetooth Headset Reviewed!

If you’re thinking of picking up that recently released Apple Bluetooth Headset to give your iPhone some company while it charges, you might want to do your research to see if the wireless headset is right for you - because, at $129, it ain’t cheap. The guys over at iLounge have posted a review of the Apple Bluetooth Headset, and it’s everything we expected from the iPhone accessory.

The Bluetooth headset doesn’t score any “wow” points on the audio quality or battery life, but it’s definitely “average.” It seems that the biggest thing the Apple Bluetooth Headset has going for it is it’s integration with the iPhone and the included dual-charging iPhone/Headset dock. Seriously though, having a visual indicator of the headset’s battery charge-level right on the iPhone’s display is so cool it hurts. But, is that worth $129? We think not.

Still, we’re sure there are plenty of people out there willing to shell out the dough for the super-slick Apple-made headset. So, check out the iLounge review, it might just help you pull the trigger, or fight the temptation - either way, it’s a good thing.

[Via: iLounge]