The Sony Ericsson MW600 is a new Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headset with a built-in FM radio tuner. Features of the MW600 includes:

• Built-in microphone, call answer key, 3.5mm jack to swap headphones
• Compatible with all Sony Ericsson mobile phones and Bluetooth enabled handsets from other
• Connect to two wireless devices simultaneously
• Mirrored OLED display
• 10 meter Bluetooth range
• Bluetooth A2DP profile support
• 3.5 mm plug
• 2 hour charging time with 170 mAh battery
• 8.5 hour battery life for streaming

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Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson MW600 Hi-Fi Bluetooth Wireless Headset

Wish Bluetooth headsets didn’t look like they came out of a Star Trek episode? That’s exactly the challenge that Maverick Lifestyle gave to the design firm Speck Design; design them a Bluetooth headset that wasn’t so Star Trek like but more like a piece of jewelry that was comfortable and effortless to use in a car. The end result? The Maverick Nica – the only compact open-air headset currently available on the market.

Features of the Nica include:

• Pure round shape which “enhances the way you look instead of intruding onto your face”
• Open-air acoustics which means there’s no ear insert. A soft inner pad gently rests against your ear for maximum comfort
• Spring loaded ear clip keeps the headset securely attached to your ear
• Comes with a desk dock and car dock which the headset attaches to magnetically. Simply place the Nica on the charging dock and the magnetic system pulls the headset into position
• Noise canceling technology
• 13mm speaker
• Receive calls while the headset is charging
• Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
• Sliding power switch
• 4 hour talk time and 150 hour standby time
• Charge in 1 hour
• Weighs 0.5 oz
• 30 feet operating range
• Bluetooth 1.2 compatible

The Nica headset and dock bundles are available now at select Apple stores and on the Apple website. The nica is available for $119 while the desk dock sells for $19 dollars and the car dock for $39 dollars.

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Technorati Tags: Maverick Lifestyle, Nica Bluetooth Headset, Speck Design

I know we haven’t been covering reviews from other websites recently – that’s something I hope to change over the next few months or so as we expand our staff even further. To help change things up, here’s a review of the EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker by the folks at Audioholics. These speakers have apparently taken folks on the Internet by storm thanks in no small part to the incredible introductory pricing of $400 dollars a pair (the MSRP is $730 dollars a pair). However, what do the folks at Audioholics think? Here’s an excerpt from the conclusion:

“There is a part of me that is angry at EMP. Angry that they’ve opened my eyes to the true costs of speakers. Sure, the E5Ti Impression series speakers aren’t perfect but for $400, they are so far beyond what I expected that I actually have to change the bar. When you hear them, I’m betting you’ll be doing the same.”

Hm.. might have to check out these floorstanding beauties!

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Technorati Tags: EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker, Audioholics Review

This funky looking headset is the latest Jabra Bluetooth headset to come from the folks at GN Netcom. Known as the Jabra STONE, the headset employs a unique design which wraps behind the ear and eliminates the near-standard on-ear microphone. The Jabra STONE will be available exclusively at AT&T retail stores starting on November 9th for a price of $129.99.

The STONE also comes with a unique touch-controlled volume pad on the outside of the headset. All you’ll need to do is simply slide your finger up or down to control the volume. The STONE comes with a portable charger which also acts as a compact carrying case that fits into the palm of your hand. Features of the Jabra STONE include:

• Noise Blackout Extreme noise cancelling technology which uses dual microphones to capture sound while filtering background noise only
• Supports Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR & eSCO
• Up to 8 hours talk time and 12 days standby time
• Jabra StatusDisplay makes it easy to check battery level and Bluetooth connectivity
• Connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time with Multiuse capabilities
• Touch volume control, answer/end button, voice dialing, and streams music from A2DP enabled handsets
• Weighs only 0.25 oz
• micro USB and AC chargers

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Technorati Tags: Jabra STONE Bluetooth headset

Step aside Dr. Dre, there’s a new “beat” in town (OK.. I couldn’t help myself there) and that is beat is.. Lady Gaga. She joins Dr. Dre’s “Beats by Dr. Dre” headphone family with her very own lineup of headphones called “Heartbeats by Lady Gaga”.

According to Lady Gag, “In the deepest hour of the night, I confess to myself three things; I would die if I was forbidden to write, forbidden to love, or forbidden to fashion. Heartbeats embody the trinity of my human being, with one additional vow: that SOUND matters. Wear heartbeats, love each other, and celebrate the art and lifestyle of music.”

Features of “Heartbeats by Lady Gaga” include:

• High performance headphone that doubles as a high-tech fashion accessory
• Multi-facted glossy surface and high tech build materials with a jewel inspired earpiece cosmetic
• Available in three separate cosmetic styles, including a metallicized body with a rose red jewel-shaped earpiece, metallicized body with an all chrome jewel-shaped earpiece and a black-on-black body and jewel-shaped earpiece design
• ControlTalk – advanced on-cable feature that provides users with full control of their “listening experience” when using an Apple device such as the iPhone 3GS, iPod shuffle, and other new iPods
• Monster ControlTalk headphone cable comes with integrated high-grade microphone and answer button

The ControlTalk remote and microphone is supported by iPod nano (4th and 5th gen), iPod classic (120GB), iPod touch (2nd gen), and iPhone 3GS and newer, but not all, Blackberry models. Remote is supported by iPod shuffle (3rd gen). Audio is supported by all iPods.

“Heartbeats by Lady Gaga” is available in several versions including:

• Basic Model without ControlTalk – available in three colors, metallicized body with rose red earpiece, metallicized body with all chrome earpieces and black-on-black body and earpiece design. MSRP of $119.95 and currently available for pre-order at BestBuy.com and in BestBuy stores on October 18th
• Basic Model wih ControlTalk – available in black-on-black body and earpiece design only. MSRP of $149.95 and available in late October 2009
• Heartbeats by Lady Gaga Haute Couture Ultra High Definition Headphones with ControlTalk – available in metallicized body with rose red jewel-shaped crystal earpiece design. MSRP of $179.95 and available this holiday season

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Technorati Tags: Monster Audio, Heartbeats by Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga

Elgato EyeTV users will be happy to hear that the company has released an EyeTV app for the Apple iPhone/iPod touch allowing users to watch live TV or recorded TV directly on their devices as well as browse the detailed program guide. Other features include:

• The ability to connect to any Mac running the latest EyeTV version (3.2)
• Automatically finds Macs on a network via Bonjour
• Remote access Macs running EyeTV using a free locator utility called “My EyeTV” also being introduced as part of EyeTV 3.2
• Support for Apple’s new HTTP streaming technology introduced with iPhone OS 3.0. Relies on Apple’s specs for adaptive streaming using H.264 video and AAC audio codecs. Also uses iPhone’s hardware acceleration for playback
• Once connected to a Mac, plays live TV, change channels, watch EyeTV recordings, browse the Program Guide, and start/schedule recordings
• Requires Wi-Fi connection (sorry no 3G support here)

EyeTV is available for a price of $4.99 at the iTunes Store. EyeTV 3.2 is a free update for EyeTV 3 users. Now if someone would only release a Windows Media Center compatible app for the iPhone…

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Technorati Tags: Elgato EyeTV, iPhone Application

Help fund breast cancer research by picking up one of Belkin’s two new iPod touch cases – the DualFit for the Cure and the Grip for the Cure. For each case sold, Belkin will donate $2.50 to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure (with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000).

DualFit for the Cure:

• Adjustable dual-fit system allows for best fit on any arm; maximizes sizing
• Clear screen protector allows for easy navigation
• Key pocket for convenient storage while at the gym or outdoors
• Reflective material for use during nighttime
• Hand-washable
• MSRP of $29.99

Grip for the Cure:

• Textured exterior provides better grip
• Form-fitting construction allows charging while in sleeve and minimizes bulk
• MSRP of $29.99

Both cases will be available in the middle of October and are compatible with iPod touch 2nd generation models.

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Technorati Tags: Belkin, Belkin DualFit for the Cure, Belkin Grip for the Cure, iPod touch cases

Sony Ericsson brings motion-activation to the world of headphones with the introduction of the new MH907 – the world’s first motion-activated headphones that actually sense the user. To listen to music, simply plug in both earphones; to stop listening, just remove one earbud.

Yup.. that’s it.

Better yet – the same techniques apply to answering and ending phone calls.  What makes this all possible is Sony Ericsson’s use of SensMe Control technology which means users don’t have to worry about pressing any buttons at all.

The MH907 measures 164 cm long, weighs 25.32 grams, and is available in two colors – Yellow/White and Titan Chrome.

Head on over to http://www.sonyericsson.com/putyourearsincontrol/ for more information (including a short film) about the MH907.

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Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson MH907 Headphones

I came across this interesting press release from the folks at the Consumer Electronics Association. They came out with a list of audio equipment recommendations ideal for folks with HDTV sets. Here’s the list of recommendations (taken from their press release). Enjoy!

“Sharp HT-SB300 2.1 Sound Bar Audio System with Digital Decoding

The Sharp Sound Bar features 32 watts of total output power and 2.1ch front surround system with main driver plus subwoofer in one unit. MSRP: $299.99

JVC TH-BA1 Sound Bar System

The TH-BA1, a sound bar system that features a low-profile 4.1 channel front surround sound bar and wireless subwoofer, combines sleek design and simple setup with performance that delivers convincing surround sound. MSRP: $399.95

Polk Audio Surround Bar SDA Instant Home Theater

Compact, integrated speakers perfectly matched for flat TVs. Includes an innovative wireless subwoofer and six drivers to provide a broad, accurate sound field. MSRP: $499

Triad Speakers’ OnWall Mini 3.0 LCR Loudspeaker System

Integrates three Mini LCR loudspeakers into one high-performance front channel speaker solution, for on-wall use with 42-inch flat panel video display. MSRP: $1,500

Panasonic SC-BTX70

This slim bookshelf system pumps out awesome virtual 7.1 channel sound. Using only front speakers and a subwoofer, it provides a realistic surround sound. Includes a sliding door that plays Blu-ray discs and iPod music and video. MSRP: $999

Philips HTS5100

Combines the best in Blu-ray technology with surround sound. The HTS 5100B brings cinema quality sound and picture directly to the living room. Includes full HD picture quality and features Deep Color Technology, which eliminates on-screen color banding. MSRP: $549

Yamaha RX-V765 AV Receiver

Delivers HD video and audio performances along with exceptional versatility at a popular price point, enabling music and movie enthusiasts to fully enjoy their Blu-ray players, broadcast HD services and gaming consoles with comprehensive feature sets. MSRP: $649.95”

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Technorati Tags: Consumer Electronics Association, Audio recommendations

Have new iPod models, have new cases of course! That’s certainly the case with XtremeMac as they’ve announced a new line of cases (as well as color palettes) for the new iPod nano and iPod touches announced last week. Here’s a quick rundown of the new case announcements.

Tuffwrap:

• Form-fitting high-grade silicone cases for iPod touch and iPod nano
• Offers full access to all switches and jacks including the new video camera of the iPod nano
• Version for iPod touch comes with a screen shield

Tuffwrap for iPod touch is available in two assortments:

• Tuffwrap with colors including bright blue, pink and classic black
• Tuffwrap Tatu which features laser-etched designs and a viewing stand. Available in bright blue, pink and classic black two tone designs.)

Tuffwrap for iPod nano is available in three assortments:

• Tuffwrap – single translucent case
• Tuffwrap Plus – combination of silicone and hard plastic and includes 2 silicone cases and one hard plastic screen shield overlay. Also comes with carabineer
• Tuffwrap Tatu – available in black and white with a translucent etched pattern and includes a viewing stand

Prices range from $14.99 to $29.99

Microshield:

• Ultra-thin hard plastic case for the iPod nano
• Includes two backs, one with an integrated belt clip and one without a belt clip

Microshield Tatu features clear durable snap-on protection with integrated patterns including Flourish, Hex and Squares. It also comes with a viewing stand to watch movies

Prices range from $19.99 to $24.99

Sportwrap:

• Sport armband design
• Constructed with soft durable Lycra and neoprene
• Supports iPod touch or iPod nano
• Unique mask on the Sportwrap makes it easy to insert and remove the device
• Removable cord wrap and universal size
• Supports iPod touch and iPod nano

Price is $29.99

Tuffshield:

• Protects iPod touch screen against scratches, dust, and dirt
• Available in clear-gloss and anti-glare version
• Static cling adhesion for easy application and removal
• Each Tuffshield comes with three screen protectors and a cleaning cloth for the iPod touch
• Price is $14.99

Technorati Tags: XtremeMac, Tuffwrap, Microshield, Sportswrap, Tuffshield