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

Ultimate Ears by Logitech (that was strange to write – forgot that Logitech acquired Ultimate Ears!) announces the introduction of the new Ultimate Ears 700 noise-isolating earphones. Utilizing a custom tuned dual-armature microdesign, the earphones feature:

• Two custom tuned speakers
• Frequency response from 10Hz to 16.5 kHz
• Custom fit provides passive noise isolation of up to 26 dB
• Three different sized silicone ear-cushions
• Two sets of Comply foam ear-cushions
• Pocket-ready hard case for safe travel
• Weighs just 11.6 grams
• Supports iPod and MP3 players
• 3.5 mm jack

The Ultimate Ears 700 will be available in the U.S. and in Europe this month for a price of $229.99.

[Check it out]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Logitech, Ultimate Ears, Ultimate Ears 700

Shure announces that their new SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones are now available in Blue, Pink, Black, and Red. The SE115 has a modular cable design with features such as:

• 2nd generation dynamic driver with improved bass
• Comfortable sound isolating sleeves that block over 90 percent of ambient noise
• Fit Kit comes with three sizes (small, medium, and large)  of the Flex and Black Foam Sleeves
• Comes with carrying case

The SE115 has an MSRP of $119.99 although you can purchase it for $99.99 at retail stores.

[Check it out]

Read this in Chinese Simplified and in French

Technorati Tags: Shure, SE115 Sound Isolating Earphones

I’ll be honest. I’ve always thought of Altec Lansing products to be functionality solid yet a bit dull when it came to styling. Their 2009 product line however, certainly looks to change all of that. Here’s our review of the latest speaker products to come out from Altec Lansing this year.

First up, we have the Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass speakers. These twin desktop speakers have 4 inch subwoofers built right into the base of each of the units as well as 1.5 inch full range speaker drivers. Other features include built-in controls and an auxiliary input jack. The Expressionist Bass is available now in white or black for $129.95.

Looking for an inexpensive 2.1 channel speaker system for your computer system? Then you’ll be interested in the new BXR1221 (pictured below) which features impressive styling and an even more impressive price of $29.95.

Don’t need the subwoofer? You can go for the BXR1220 which has the two speakers minus the subwoofer for a price of $19.95. The speakers connect to your PC via the USB port.

Here we have another 2.0 speaker system in the form of the Expressionist Classic. The Classic features dual 3 inch full-range speakers, power and volume controls, and an auxiliary input jack. This classy looking speaker system can be yours for $79.95.

Altec Lansing has one other new Expressionist speaker system coming out (not pictured here) called the Expressionist Ultra. The Ultra is a 200 watt 2.1 speaker system with trapezoid shaped speakers and a powerful sub. Expect the system (model MX6021) to be available for a price of $199.95. Ubergizmo has a nice picture up of the Ultra here.

Looking for speakers on the go? Altec Lansing has a new full line of stylish inexpensive earphones called the Muzx Series. 

First up,are the MHP111, MHP116, and MHP126. The MHP116 and MHP126 (pictured left and center below) have crystal designs with SnugFit eartips and will be available for $19.95 each. The MHP111 (pictured right below) feature a CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski jeweled design and has a price of $19.95.

Next up, we have the Muzx 216 (below) noise-isolating earphones which has an MSRP of $29.95.

Finally, we have the natural wood earphones (yes wood) – the Muzx 136. These headphones feature a large acoustic chamber and a SnugFit noise-isolating design. Price for these earphones? $29.95.

Need something with a bit more oomph? Altec Lansing also has a new line of “streetwise earphones” called the BackBeat series. Here’s the product breakdown.

On the high end, there’s the BackBeat Titanium earphones (pictured below) with a price of $79.95. Features include:

• Titanium enhanced micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• soft-sided carry case
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Next up is the BackBeat Plus noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) with a price of $49.95. Features include:

• Neodymium micro-speakers with enhanced bass
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Moving down the list is the BackBeat Classic noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) for $29.95. Features include:

• Quality micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Need some earphones with a built-in microphone? Check out the new BackBeat Plus Mobile and BackBeat Classic Mobile.

The BackBeat Plus Mobile earphones (pictured below) are noise-isolating earphones priced at $59.95 with features such as:

• Enhanced bass
• Balanced highs and mids
• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• Reduces background noise
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Supports iPod, MP3 players, and iPhone

Looking for something a tad bit cheaper? There’s the new BackBeat Classic Mobile for $39.95 which features:

• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Compatible with iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

OK..  so what if you’re looking to cut the cord altogether? Altec Lansing has you covered there too with the BackBeat 906 headphones with built-in microphone for $129.95 (pictured below). These headphones come with a Bluetooth adapter for devices lacking Bluetooth transmitters. Features include:

• Dual-mic AudioIQ technology helps separate voice from background noise
• Hear the outside world with a press of the OpenMic button
• Bass-boost feature

BackBeat 903 lacks the Bluetooth adapter and is priced lower at $99.95.

We have a few more Altec Lansing products to discuss but we’ll save that for the next few posts.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Expressionist Speakers, Computer Speakers, In-ear earphones, earphones, CES 2009

Having trouble with Christmas gifts? Phiaton has several audio products that you might interesting including the MS 400 headphones, the PS 200 earphones, the MS 600 music docking station, and the PS 500 headphones. Here’s what you need to know about each of the products:

MS 400 Headphones:

• Carbon fiber enclosure
• Flexible “fold and go” design
• Studio grade 40 mm Electrodynamic Drivers
• Impedance: 32 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 98 dB
• Max input power: 1,000 mW
• Weight: 6.5 oz / 185 g without cord
• Feature a unique design with hot red accents
• Adjustable headband and ear pads
• MSRP of $249

PS 200 Earphones:

• Sound isolating earphones inspired by a jet airplane’s propeller design
• Soft silicon tips come in 3 sizes
• Dual balanced armature drivers with passive crossover network
• Constructed with aluminum
• Impedance: 39 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 95 dB
• Max input power: 30 mW
• Weight: .176 oz / 5 g without cord
• MSRP of $249

MS 600 Music Docking Station:

• Designed for Apple iPod and other MP3 players
• Bass reflex structure delivers high definition and full bodied bass
• High performance D class digital amplifier
• Speaker is built with double shielded structure which prevents sound leakage
• Comes with easy to use remote control
• Max power: 25 W
• Dimension: 14(W) x 7.5(D) x 5(H) in
• Remote control and AC / DC adapter
• Weight: 4.8 lbs / 2.4 kg without cord
• MSRP of $349

PS 500 Headphones:

• Titanium Driver Technology
• Housing made of genuine leather
• 40 mm Titanium Drivers
• Closed ear type rear enclosure
• Studio grade 50 mm drivers
• Impedance: 32 Ohm
• Sensitivity: 102dB
• Weight: 9.1 oz / 259 g without cord

Technorati Tags: Phiaton MS 400 headphones, PS 200 earphones, MS 600 music docking station, PS 500 headphones

Designed for users who listen to music on their smartphones (such as the iPhone and BlackBerrys), Ultimate Ears has released the new TripleFi 10vi earphones featuring a triple speaker configuration. The TripleFi 10vi comes with an integrated passive-crossover circuit which directs low and mid-range frequencies to a dedicated pair of speakers for “warm bass and smooth mid-range” while high frequency sounds are delivered by the third speaker channel.

The TripleFi 10vi also comes with a multi-function button that allows you to easily answer and end phone calls. Hands-free calling is made possible thanks to the in-line miniature microphone. The earphones also come with an assortment of ear-tips for user comfort.

You can purchase the Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi now for a hefty price of $419.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10vi earphones

Sony rolled out five new accessories this week – a new noise canceling headphones (model MDR-NC7), new travel speakers (model SRS-M50), a new universal remote control (model RM-VL610), new Sony EX style earbuds (model MDR-EX36V), and new Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones (model DR-BT160AS).  Here’s a quick rundown on each of the new products:

Sony MDR-NC7 noise canceling headphones:

• Updated version of MDR-NC6
• Improved style and noise reduction
• Noise reduction reduces approximately 87.4 percent of ambient noise
• ear-cups that swivel flat and a foldable headband for easy storage and travel
• Batteries in the housing
• 30mm driver – closed type design for dynamic sound
• Includes carrying pouch and in-flight adapter
• Available in black and white versions
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony SRS-M50 travel speakers:

• Compact light design
• Built-in battery compartment
• 39mm driver unit
• Available in black, pink, and white
• MSRP of around $50 dollars

Sony RM-VL610 universal remote control:

• Three swappable back plates in bright or neutral colors. Bright colors are Crimson Red, Chantilly Pink and Sky Blue; the neutral plates include Pearl, Champagne and Kilimanjaro Brown
• Handles up to 8 AV compatible components
• On-screen menus for many devices and includes learning function
• One-touch system with 12 macro functions
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony MDR-EX36V EX style headphones:

• Features colorful metallic accents
• in-line volume control
• New hybrid silicone earbuds in three sizes
• Available in silver, red, blue and pink
• MSRP of around $30 dollars

Sony DR-BT160AS Stereo Bluetooth sports headphones:

• Wireless behind-the-neck design
• Built-in microphone for hands-free conversations via mobile phone
• Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• A2DP Bluetooth Stereo support
• Adjustable earpiece shaft
• Water-resistant
• MSRP of around $130 dollars

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, MDR-NC7, SRS-M50, RM-VL610, MDR-EX36V, DR-BT160AS

Monster rolls out new high end in-ear headphones today called the “Turbine In-Ear Speakers”. Designed by “Head Monster”, Noel Lee, the Turbine In-Ear Speakers feature 8mm drivers, sound isolating eartips in multiple sizes, and an advanced metal housing designed to minimize unwanted vibrations for clearer sounds. The ultimate goal? To provide big rich speaker sound in a compact headphone design.

These new in-ear headphones will be rolled out in limited production beginning this month for a price of $149.95 a pair. The Turbine In-Ear Speakers join the recent introduction of the Beats by Dr. Dre headphones which were co-developed by Dr. Dre. Stay tuned for pics. UPDATE: we now have a picture!

Technorati Tags: Monster, Turbine In-Ear Speakers, in-ear headphones

Samsung announced several new Bluetooth headsets and car kits today along with a new website called Planet Bluetooth (http://www.myplanetbluetooth.com/) designed to be an online guide to Bluetooth technology as well as a marketing website for Samsung Bluetooth products of course. The new Bluetooth accessories from Samsung are as follows:

Samsung WEP460 Bluetooth Headset:

• Compact design with detachable clear ear hook
• Mono headset
• Available in black finish
• 8 hour talk time
• 180 hour standby time

Samsung SBH700 Stereo Bluetooth Headset:

• Kernel type earpieces provide noise-blocking seal inside your ear canal
• Connects to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously
• Music fades out when an incoming call comes in. Music returns when call ends
• Foldable behind-the-neck headband
• Bluetooth 2.0
• 8 hour talk time
• 8 hour play time
• 140 hour standby time

Samsung HKT450 Bluetooth Speakerphone:

• Streams music from stereo Bluetooth enabled handsets
• Mutes music when phone call comes in and then returns music when call ends
• Switch from hands-free operation to privacy mode with the touch of a button – converts the device into a handset
• Easy detach visor clip for in-car usage
• Measures 140 x 60.3 x 15 mm and weighs 75.3 grams
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 8 hour talk/play time
• 325 hour standby time
• 3 hour charge time

Samsung HKT400 Bluetooth Speakerphone:

• Plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter jack for power
• Hands-free speakerphone for Bluetooth enabled mobile phones
• Noise reduction and echo cancelation technology
• Bluetooth 1.2 support
• Measures 140.2 x 60.3 x 26.4 mm and weighs 125 grams

Technorati Tags: Samsung, WEP460, SBH700, HKT400, HKT450, Bluetooth Headset, Bluetooth Speakerphone

V-MODA introduces their new Vibe II with Microphone headphone/headset for all Apple iPhone and iPod models. According to the company, the Vibe II features stainless steel alloy headphones which are one of the first consumer electronic pieces to be handcrafted via an environmentally friendly metal manufacturing process. Features of the Vibe II include the following:

• Fabric cable with in-line hands-free microphone, call/music controls, and removable sport earhooks
• Available in Nero black, and Chrome Rouge
• Stainless Steel Alloy earbud designs
• 8mm V-MASQUE dynamic driver
• BLISS (Bass Level Isolating Soft Silicone) technology reduces outside noise for rich bass
• 45 degree flexible plug design

According to V-MODA, “each headphone comes with unique accessories, including four pairs of black and clear medical-grade silicone fittings (XS, S, M, L) to ensure the perfect fit for any size ear. The two pairs of extra-small silicone fittings are new additions to V-MODA’s product line. Also new to the included accessories are lightweight, minimalistic, detachable sport earhooks that feature ACTIVE FLEX, a unique technology that allows the headphones to independently adjust to each ear regardless of the earhook’s position… Customers also receive a VIP card as a unique added bonus that provides access to V-MODA Musique podcast downloads, music, fashion, and event previews.”

The Vibe II with Microphone will available for a price of $128 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: V-MODA, Vibe II with microphone, Apple iPhone, iPod, earphones