Performance Designed Products (PDP) announced today the first ever-licensed online chat headset designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii called the Headbanger Headset. When used with compatible games, the Headbanger allows gamers to send voice messages, converse online, and chat simultaneously in real-time.

Features of the PDP Headbanger Headset include:

• High-quality noise cancelling microphone and earpiece
• Usable on either ear with no need for adjustment
• Matching design with Wii console and accessories
• Mute button and volume control integrated into earpiece
• LED indicators for system live and mute functions
• Adjustable flexible microphone boom

The Headbanger Headset for the Wii will be available across North America and Europe by October 2010 for a suggested price of $24.99. Sorry – no picture as of yet.

Technorati Tags: Performance Designed Products, Headbangers Headset, Nintendo Wii

Turtle Beach plans to introduce their new Ear Force Z2 professional-grade PC/Xbox gaming headset at E3 which takes place next week from June 15th till the 17th. The Z2 features extra-large 50mm speakers with focused directionality, acoustically tuned ear cups, and deep-seated ear cushions. You’ll be able to use the Z2 headset on all sorts of PCs, the Apple iPad, and even the Xbox 360 although you’ll need the optional talkback cable if you want to use the Xbox Live Chat. Other features and specs of the Ear Force Z2 include:

• 50mm speaker drivers with high-density magnets
• Acoustic-tilt speaker panels focus sound towards the front of the ear improving phase-directionality of game and movie sounds
• High-sensitivity microphone with flexible boom. Adjusts to any position or flips out of the way when not in use. Also has in-line volume and mic-mute control.
• 10 foot long cable with Velcro tie wrap to easily adjust the length
• “Quick-connect” jack allows the Z2 to be easily separated from the volume cable which can be left plugged into the PC.
• Comfortable oversized mesh ear cups with twist-style design so headset can conveniently rest on the shoulders between gaming sessions
• Multi-pivot design folds up into a small form factor for storage

The Turtle Beach Ear Force Z2 will be priced at $69.95 and will be available soon at http://www.turtlebeach.com as well as major online retailers.

Technorati Tags: Turtle Beach, Ear Force Z2 headset

A quick heads up to owners of the Jawbone ICON Bluetooth headset. Aliph announces today that the ICON will be getting a free streaming audio upgrade that will allow users to listen to music, podcasts, sports scores, you name it, all while remaining hands-free and discreet.

To get the upgrade, existing Jawbone ICON users simply need to visit the “innovations” section of the MyTALK website at mytalk.jawbone.com and add this feature to their headset at no cost.

According to Hosain Rahman, CEO of Aliph,

“Customers said they wished their Jawbone ICON could both be used for phone calls and for listening to music, eliminating the need for wires. We responded, and now with the MyTALK platform, we are able to satisfy their desire immediately. This is just one example of how Jawbone MyTALK breathes life into Jawbone ICON and lets our users get access to the latest functionality in seconds and with just a few mouse clicks,”

Just a reminder for those of you not familiar with the Jawbone ICON. The specs are as follows:

• 4.5 hour talk time
• 10 day standby time
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion polymer battery
• microUSB interface
• Bluetooth 2.1 compliant
• Supports EDR
• 33 foot range
• Supports multipoint for two audio gateways including PC

The Jawbone ICON has a suggested price of $99 dollars.

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Technorati Tags: Aliph, Jawbone ICON Bluetooth headset

Samsung announced last week a new affordable premium Bluetooth headset called the Modus – model HM3500. The Modus comes with features such as noise-cancellation using dual microphones as well as stereo Bluetooth functionality.

The Modus comes with multipoint technology allowing the device to connect to two Bluetooth devices. The Modus seamlessly switches between two devices (e.g. gently muting streaming music when an incoming phone call is received).

Features include:

• Mono/stereo dual headset
• Removable ear hook
• Multiple sized ergonomic rubber ear buds
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR support
• 2 microphone noise reduction/echo cancellation
• 6 hour talk time and 200 hour standby time
• Auto volume control
• microUSB interface

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Samsung Modus Bluetooth Headset

novero announces the upcoming availability of the Lexington headset – a new Bluetooth headset designed specifically for the “modern man”. The unit features a brushed steel and piano black finish with the following specs:

• Dual-microphone sensor with noise-cancellation
• 20 hours of talk time
• Comes with charging case wrapped in fine Italian Napa leather capable of holding up to 4 additional charges before it needs to be plugged in again

The Lexington also comes with a brushed steel clip, car charger, in-car mount, wall charger with universal wall plug adapters, universal USB cable, and eight interchangeable ear loops.

Expect the novero Lexington this April

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Technorati Tags: novero, novero Lexington Bluetooth headset

The new Bluetrek Crescendo headset is the world’s first Bluetooth headset to support Bing’s 411 voice-activated search technology. In addition, the Crescendo supports voice-activated 511 calls to get local traffic conditions. Other cool features of the headset include:

• Dual microphones with Crystalline Voice Technology for clear conversations
• Always-on Noise Lock for noise-cancellation
• Multipoint technology for simultaneous use with two Bluetooth devices
• Bluetooth 2.0 and 2.1 compatible
• 10 meter range
• 5 hour talk time, 7 day standby time
• Upgradable via USB

The Bluetrek Crescendo has a suggested retail price of $99 dollars.

Technorati Tags: Bluetooth Crescendo Bluetooth Headset

Technocel announces a new inexpensive Bluetooth headset today called the T360. The headset, which will be available starting on January 30th for a price of $39.99, features:

• Bluetooth 2.1
• Black high-gloss finish
• 5 hours of talk time
• 150 hours of standby time
• Comes with ear-gels of multiple sizes for a comfortable fit
• Call waiting, answer, reject, and end functions
• Free technical support line

Technorati Tags: Technocel T360 Bluetooth headset

Sony Ericsson announced two new GreenHeart handsets last week, the Sony Ericsson Hazel and Sony Ericsson Elm, as well as a new GreenHeart headset in the form of the Bluetooth Noise Shield Handsfree VH700.

Never heard of GreenHeart? Well it’s Sony Ericsson’s bid to be a bit greener with their products. GreenHeart products benefit the environment and reduce CO2 emissions through:

• Recycled plastics
• E-manual in phone
• Free from hazardous chemicals
• Low power consumption charger (EP300 GreenHeart)
• Walk Mate eco application
• Green calculator
• Minimized packaging
• Condensed user guide for VH700
• Waterbourne paint for VH700

As for the new handsets, features include a better voice quality experiences with Noise Shield, Clear Voice, and Intelligent Volume Adaptation as well as a new Widget Manager application allowing users to easily switch between different social networks. Other common features of the two handsets include:

• Natural fit – human curvature and ergonomic keypad fits in the palm of a hand
• Backup data over-the-air to Sonyericsson.com
• Easily switch between Facebook, mySpace, and twitter
• 5.0 megapixel autofocus camera
• Essential guide – Google search and Google maps, Wisepilot, and Accuweather
• Media player
• GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 and HSPA 2100/900

Let’s get down to the features and specs on the new devices.

Sony Ericsson Hazel

• 5 megapixel camera with up to 4x digital zoom and auto focus
• Face detection
• Geo tagging of images
• Photo feeds, photo fix, photo flash, smile detection, video light and video recording
• Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)
• Speakerphone
• Video calling
• Conversational messaging, email, Microsoft Exchange, IM, MMS, SMS
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• PictBridge
• Measures 102.5 x 49.5 x 16 mm and weighs 120 grams
• 2.6 inches 240 x 320 resolution display
• microSD card support
• Available in Superior Black and Passionate Rouge starting in Q2 2010

Sony Ericsson Elm

• 5 megapixel camera with up to 4x digital zoom and auto focus
• Face detection
• Geo tagging of images
• Photo feeds, photo fix, photo flash, smile detection, video light and video recording
• Bluetooth stereo (A2DP)
• Speakerphone
• Video calling
• Conversational messaging, email, Microsoft Exchange, IM, MMS, SMS
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• PictBridge
• Measures 110 x 45 x 14 mm and weighs 90 grams
• 2.2 inch 240 x 320 resolution display
• microSD card slot
• Available in Metal Black and Pearly Rose starting in Q1 2010

Sony Ericsson Bluetooth Noise Shield Handsfree VH700

• Talk time of 5 hours
• Standby time of 250 hours
• Measures 45.45mm and weighs 16.74 grams
• Available in Black, Silver/White, red/White and Pink/White
• microUSB
• Answer/End button
• Volume button
• Bluetooth 2.1

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Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson Elm, Sound Ericsson Hazel, GreenHeart

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.

[Check it out]

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