Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Wireless

Not sure what exactly was so wrong with Blah Blah Black, Silver Tongue and Goldy Lips, but for those not really turned on by any of the aforementioned hues, you should probably set your navigator to the nearest Best Buy. Aliph has just introduced two new colors in the Jawbone family — Babbling Blue and Rambling Rosé (shown after the break) — which will be offered up exclusively at Best Buy Mobile. Same heralded Bluetooth headset, same $139.99 price tag — just with two new tints.

Continue reading Aliph brings Babbling Blue / Rambling Rosé Jawbones to Best Buy

Aliph brings Babbling Blue / Rambling Rosé Jawbones to Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

This is it, soldiers. The day you’ve been anticipating has finally arrived. Okay, so maybe that’s a build up not deserved by the lowly Metal Gear Solid 4 Bluetooth headset, but seriously, we’ve been waiting ages for this thing to ship. Like, so long that the whole MGS4 aura has already come and gone. Those still firmly planted in Snake’s posse can choose to prove their fanhood by snagging this thing now for $39.98; if all goes well, it should be headed your way in a matter of business days. Over and out.

[Via LogicBuy]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio, Wearables

Nokia has produced a number of stereo headsets in the past, and while they were… fine, they didn’t exactly wow us with any sort of innovation, particularly when it came to aesthetics. Perhaps that’s why it’s asking for a little help with the Music Almighty Headset Competition. Anyone is welcome to take one of the company’s vanilla products, like the BH-604 or BH-903, and tart it up using either a simple Flash customizer or downloadable Maya, PDF, and PostScript templates. You’ll want the templates to really go crazy, like submitter Mase90 did for the hideous, supposedly Sex Pistols-inspired skull-and-chains-encrusted model above. Voting is open to anyone through the end of the year, with the top 10 being whittled down to 5 by a panel of experts. Winners will get to see their designs turned into reality — though not actually put up for sale.

[Via Nokia Conversations]

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Filed under: Ask Engadget, Cellphones, Peripherals, Portable Audio

So you’ve got an awesome set of earbuds, but you’re looking for a pair just as astounding with an in-line microphone for chatting it up. Thanks to the growing popularity of such a request, there are a few options on the market. Question is, which is supreme?

“I have this new music phone (it’s a flush-jacked iPhone 3G) and I’m thinking about getting a new set of phones. I’ve used some high quality headphones before, but I’m currently using Apple’s included headset because of the mic / remote. I’ve been looking at the Shure MPA kits, but what do you readers recommended?”

Thanks for the inquiry, dandaman. Let’s hear what you’ve got, readers! Afterwards, feel free to send in a puzzler of your own to ask at engadget dawt com.

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

We know, we know — you already know most everything there is to know about Sony’s SOCOM PS3 Bluetooth headset, but up until now, the most important tidbit has remained a mystery. The device will be launching this fall as part of the SOCOM: Confrontation bundle for $59.99, or if you just loathe the whole SOCOM series, you can pick it up all by its lonesome for $49.99. Tough call, huh?

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Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio

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Filed under: Gaming, Portable Audio, Wireless

digg_url = ‘http://digg.com/gadgets/Sony_s_SOCOM_PS3_Bluetooth_headset_get_official’; Sony Computer Entertainment Japan just got official with its PlayStation-branded SOCOM Bluetooth headset (model CEJH-15002) we’ve seen bouncing around since June. Set for a ¥5,000 (about $46 tax inclusive) release on October 30th in Japan along side SOCOM:CONFRONTATION, the Bluetooth 2.1+EDR headset with noise cancellation will automatically pair with your PS3, making it ready for games supporting on-line chat like SOCOM and Resistance 2 coming November 13th. The bundled USB cradle will charge the headset for up to 8-hours of voice. As a bonus, when used with the PS3 you’ll be treated to on-screen indicators showing your connection status, battery charge and speaker levels and microphone mute status all at the push of a button. And for those of you wondering, yes, it should pair just fine with your cellphone since it supports both the HSP and HFP Bluetooth profiles.

[Via I4U]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Portable Audio

Hmm, Hov, you may want to check the fine print on whatever deal you’ve got with Moto, because these Jay-Z-branded MOTOROKR S7-HD Bluetooth headset aren’t exactly big pimpin’ — and compared to Dre’s big ol’ cans, they look downright sad. Of course, the FCC’s legendarily nasty product photography isnt helping here, but even A2DP stereo support and the integrated mic can’t salvage this mess — was this really worth unretiring for?

[Via Crave]

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Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Peripherals

Announced at the turn of the year, Joby’s 13-gram Zivio Boom Bluetooth 2.1+EDR headset with 10-hours of talk time (300 hours standby) is now shipping. The obvious feature here is that extending boom, which grows from a base of 53.5-mm to a delicate 137-mm. That little trick puts the mic directly in front of your hot, steaming chat box which supposedly results in better audio pickup (no yelling!) to the benefit of those on the receiving side of the call (and around you). $130, that’s how much.

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Filed under: GPS, Wearables

In no way are we insinuating that farming is ever “easy,” but a new headset designed for cows could make cattle herding a much less stressful experience. The Ear-A-Round headsets are the product of a project involving the USDA and MIT, and essentially, the GPS-infused devices would transmit stereo sounds directly in a bovine’s ears in order to guide and direct his / her movements. Strange though the head-worn gizmos may look, the built-in solar panel should keep it juiced up and ready to dictate on command, giving farmers the ability to track and herd from the comfort of their computer desks. The overriding goal here is to “improve animal distribution on the landscape,” though we can think of quite a few other positives to having such a robust virtual fencing system.

[Via Core77]

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Remember that PlayStation-branded SOCOM Bluetooth headset we told you about a while ago? Not surprisingly, it’s for real, and we spotted it in Sony’s booth alongside SOCOM Confrontation here at E3. It looks to be a relatively nice unit, a bit bigger than your standard Bluetooth headset intended for phones, and the USB charger it comes with is clearly intended to hang out with your PS3. Sony points out that the headset sports a giant mute button for your in-game arguments with significant others, and battery time is promised to be “exceptional.” They wouldn’t tell us exactly how exceptional, but we’ll believe them for now. Finally, they did confirm that you’ll be able to pair this with your cellphone in case you want to show off your SOCOM love while away from your living room.

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals, Portable Audio

Be honest, you were terrified that Turtle Beach would leave the awesomely titled Ear Force series sitting in lurk at X3, weren’t you? Thankfully, that’s not the case at all, as the Ear Force X4 wireless headphones have just been revealed. Designed with Xbox 360 gamers in mind, this headset / headphone combo promises to provide Dolby 5.1 surround sound out of just two earcups (we’re still checking on the velvet-lined part), and more importantly, the Chat Boost Dynamic Talkback Expander “automatically adjusts incoming XBOX Live chat levels during loud game moments” to keep you from going deaf when NewbX1337 gets all whiny on you. Can’t say we’re thrilled by the $199.95 price tag, but these are available now for those who are.

[Via IGN]

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Filed under: Gaming

Now that you’ve already picked up one of those Metal Gear Solid 4 headsets, what on Earth are you to do with another? We’re hearing that the Blu-ray retail version of SOCOM Confrontation will indeed include a Bluetooth headset, and as you can clearly see above, it’s a PlayStation-branded one at that. You’ll also find a much needed mute button for keeping everyone else out of your whooping coughs, and a bundled USB cradle will keep it charged up when the battle subsides. As for pricing, that tidbit remains a mystery, but you can count on picking one up sans the game should you be so inclined. Head on down to the read link for a gallery of shots.

[Via Joystiq]

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Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals, Wearables

Sony Ericsson’s finishing off the onslaught today from Singapore with a trio of colorful Bluetooth headsets, perfect for anyone who doesn’t mind talking straight ahead and receiving all sorts of weird glances from other patrons in the local mall. The HBH-PV715, HBH-PV720 and HBH-PV740 arrive in a variety of colors / patterns, boast at least 10-hours of talk time (and 700-hours in standby), and DSP / automatic volume adjustment. The units are aimed at value-driven, fashion-conscience and business-oriented consumers in order of mention, and while specifics (you know, like price) aren’t stated, the trifecta will show up in “select markets” in Q4.

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Filed under: Cellphones, Peripherals

Every so often, we hear of yet another headset manufacturer claiming that their latest piece is in fact the smallest / lightest / most incredulous the world has ever seen. With the introduction of ModeLabs’ Bluetrek Metal, you can rest assured that everything is still running par for the course. This Bluetooth headset checks in at just 4-millimeters thick and 5.5-grams, and we’re told that the internal battery should last through 5-hours of yappin’ or a week in sleep mode. Interestingly, we haven’t a clue if this one’s headed Stateside, but those in Europe can pop one in their ear canal soon for €39 ($61) / €49 ($76) depending on hue.

[Via MobileBurn]

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Filed under: Peripherals

Don’t call it Jawbone 2, Aliph’s Jawbone sequel is the company’s new flagship product, with the old Bluetooth headset being put out to pasture to make way for the new hotness. The new Jawbone is 50% smaller than the original, and includes “NoiseAssassin” technology, a followup on the noise canceling tech of the original. There’s a faster processor on board to handle heavier signal processing duties for canceling out ambient noises better and faster, along with that Voice Activity Sensor which lets the Jawbone know when you’re talking so the rest of the time can be noise free. A new fast charge battery can suck up 80% of its capacity in 30 minutes, but the overall battery life is lower than the original, with 4 hours of talk time and 8 days of standby. The whole unit weighs in at 10 grams, and is available now for $130 at AT&T retail stores and online at Jawbone’s site. Initially it’s being offered in black only, but silver and rose gold (pictured after the break) versions are coming soon.

Continue reading New Jawbone headset from Aliph now official

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Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

If you’ve got a PSP-2000 and a hankering for some VoIP on the run, Sony has finally brought its Skype-friendly PSP headset to US retail. Unfortunately, it won’t work with those original fatty PSPs, and at $30 you’ve gotta ask yourself how much you’ll really be using it for — the original price was set at $20. That said, it’s undoubtedly the easiest way to get up and running with Skype and in-game voice chat on the PSP, since it used to require two separate accessories to pull it off. Oh, and if you’re Skype curious, be sure to check out the how-to guide over at PSP Fanboy.

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Filed under: Portable Audio, Wearables, Wireless

Chances are, that JB-100 you picked up ’round Christmastime last year isn’t even broken in yet, but JayBird’s already launching the aforesaid device’s proper successor. The just-introduced JB-200 features complete AVRCP music / call controls, an improved fit (25-percent narrower ear-tip), better sound isolation, higher-grade silicon tips, boosted bass performance and a 1-inch longer behind-the-neck cord. For those rolling without an A2DP-capable handset / handheld, the company still offers up its Bluetooth Adapter for iPod or the Bluetooth adapter for MP3, the latter of which functions with practically any DAP or PMP. You’ll also get around 5.5-hours of music listening time, 6.5-hours of talk time and 110-hours in standby mode. The JB-200 should be shipping out as we speak for $129.99, but folks needing one of the previously mentioned adapters will be coughing up an extra $30.

[Thanks, Donald]

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Filed under: Gaming, Wireless

First the console, now a Bluetooth headset — what’s next, Metal Gear Solid 4-branded bed linens? All kidding aside, the MGS4 headset that had been making the rounds of late is apparently very real. Slated to arrive on June 12th alongside the highly-anticipated title itself, the $59.99 unit will offer up 8-hours of talk time (160-hours in standby) and will function just fine with any other PS3 games that support online voice communication. Yeah, you can also pair this with your cellphone and use it in public, but we can’t say we’d recommend all that.

[Via PS3Fanboy]

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Filed under: Peripherals, Wireless

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