If you’re a hardware manufacturer looking to build a low-cost Bluetooth enabled stereo wireless headset, then you might be interested in CSR’s newly announced BlueTunes ROM product. The company formally launched BlueTunes ROM today which they’re calling the “world’s first ROM-based Bluetooth solution for stereo headsets with an integrated Digital Signal Processor (DSP).”  The product provides users with the ability to easily switch between wireless music playback and voice calls and is ideal for usage in stereo headset and wireless speaker products.

Features of the BlueTunes ROM include the following:

• BlueCore5-Multimedia which provides an integrated stereo codec providing 95dB SNR
• Supports both SBC and MP3 decoding (though MP3 will require license)
• Configurable 5 band EQ
• Low-power consumption for up to 10 hours of music playback from a 180mAh battery
• Integrated FastStream - low latency high quality music and voice codec which reduces latency of the audio link to avoid “lip-sync” issues
• Proprietary Clear Voice Capture (CVC) technology supporting single and dual microphone solutions
• Acoustic Echo Canceller for echo and background noise cancellation
• AuriStream Voice codec for superior voice quality when on call
• Compliant with Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR

The new BlueTunes ROM silicon and development kits are sampling now with shipping to begin in December.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: CSR, BlueTunes ROM platform

Razer announced two new audio products today at the Games Convention - the Razer Megalodon 7.1 channel surround sound gaming headset, and the Razer Moray In-ear Noise Isolating Gaming Earphones. The Razer Megalodon features Razer’s new Maelstrom Audio Engine which Razer claims “has the ability to process audio algorithms up to 800% faster than traditional HRTF virtual surround sound technologies”. Thus the faster the audio processing, the quicker you’ll hear your enemies footsteps right behind you in a game.

The Razer Megalodon 7.1 surround sound gaming headset features the following:

Headphones

• Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Impedance: 40 ohms at 1kHz
• Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): 105 +/- 4dB at 1 kHz
• Max. Input Power: 200 mW
• Magnet Type: Neodymium

Microphone

• Frequency Response: 50 - 16,000 Hz
• Sensitivity (@1kHz, 1V/Pa): -37 dB (user adjustable)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 50 dB
• Pick-up pattern: Unidirectional
• Cable: 3.3 meters

The Megalodon will be available in Q4 for $149.99 in the U.S. and EUR 139.99 in Europe.

Meanwhile, the Razer Moray In-ear Noise Isolating Gaming Earphones are also designed for gamers who need immersive audio in a compact form factor. Features of the Moray include:

• Frequency response: 20 to 11000 Hz
• Sound pressure level: 110 dB
• Impedance: 17 ohms
• Max rated input: 20 mW
• Cable length: 1.3 m
• Connector: 3.5 mm miniplug
• Weight, including cable: 10.7 g

The Moray has an MSRP of $39.99 in the U.S. and EUR 29.99 in Europe.

Technorati Tags: Razer Moray In-ear Noise Isolating Gaming earphones, Razer Megalodon surround headphones

I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw this one. Alpih is running a $20 dollar off promotion for all of you who have been busted breaking the Hands Free Law (which was recently put into law here in California). All you need to do is purchase the new Jawbone handset on the Jawbone website and enter your ticket number (as well as what state you got the ticket in). Eligible states include Washington, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and California. Folks in Washington DC are also eligible for this offer. The new Jawbone has a retail price of $129 - with the discount, you’ll be paying $109 before taxes and shipping.

Oh yeah - please don’t go ahead and TRY and get busted now… you’ll end up paying more overall!

[Check it out via BoyGeniusReport]

Technorati Tags: Aliph, Jawbone, Discount, Hands-free ticket

Nokia announced today the new Wireless Loopset which is compatible with T-coil equipped hearing aids or cochlear implants. The Wireless Loopset is designed to help hearing aid users enjoy better audio quality and handsfree operations of their mobile and/or audio devices.

The Nokia Wireless Loopset features:

• Background noise filtering
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Vibrating alert
• user adjustable sidetone level
• Optimized volume range and frequency response
• Comfortable neckloop
• Single button for call handling

Another cool thing about the device - the design and development was inspired and developed by Nokia employees who are hard of hearing. What better way to design and develop a product than by those who can directly use such a product.

The Nokia Wireless Loopset will be coming out in the first quarter of 2009 for an estimated price of 200 EUR.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia Wireless Loopset

With California’s hands-free law kicking in on July 1st, many here are scrambling to get new headsets for driving usage. Kyocera is looking to help the cause by giving away free headsets tomorrow (June 30th) in San Diego between 11:30am and 1:30pm. According to PhoneScoop.com, folks from Kyocera will be at the Dave and Buster’s parking lot located at 2831 Camino del Rio North in SD.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Kyocera, headsets

Looking for a new Bluetooth headset? Well Sony Ericsson has three new models for you to choose from - the HBH-PV715, HBH-PV720, and HBH-PV740. According to Jacob Stein, head of the Accessories Division at Sony Ericsson, “These three models are the most innovative headsets that Sony Ericsson has ever produced”.  Let’s get down to the specs shall we?

HBH-PV715:

• Available in two colors
• 10 hours of talk time
• 700 hours of standby time
• Removable ear hook
• Auto-pairing for easy setup
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• DSP and automatic volume adjustments
• Available in Q4

HBH-PV720:

• Fashionable design
• Available with three Style up covers
• Removable ear hooks
• Attached to a black metal necklace
• 11 hours talk time
• 800 hours standby time
• Autopairing
• DSP and automatic volume adjustment
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• Available in Q3

HBH-PV740:

• For business oriented users
• Metal design
• Two carrying solutions
• Silver necklace carrying solution
• Headset desk stand
• USB charger
• Display with battery indicator
• Removable ear-hooks
• Auto-pairing for easy setup
• DSP and automatic volume adjustments
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR
• 11 hour talk time
• 800 hour standby time
• Available in Q4

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony Ericsson, HBH-PV715, HBH-PV720, HBH-PV740, Bluetooth headset

Nokia also introduced a new Bluetooth headset design called the BH-212. Features of the BH-212 include the following:

• Compact ergonomic design
• Single button for basic call handling feature
• Talk time of up to 11 hours
• Send/end key, volume up/downj buttons, mute functions
• Soft U-hook, small ribs on the U-hook act like a hinge when the slides of the hook are gently pressed
• green LED for status
• 250 hour standby
• Small and lightweight
• Measures 53 x 20 x 9mm and weighs 13.5 grams
• Supports Bluetooth 2.1

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-212

Motorola introduced two new Bluetooth headsets yesterday called the H620 and the H560. Both headsets feature noise reduction, echo cancellation technology and TrueComfort design. The H620 is a complete in-car solution while the H560 allows users to stay hands-free while on the go.

The Motorola H620 is the first Motorola Bluetooth headset optimized for the car thanks to the device’s noise reduction and echo cancellation technology. The volume automatically adjusts according to the amount of road noise around you. The headset comes with a dashboard headset holder and a rapid in-car charger. It also supports phone voice dialing which allows drivers to stay focused on the most important thing when in the car - driving. Other features include TrueComfort design, EasyPair technology and a discrete three color indicator light for battery levels.

The Motorola H560 also employs noise reduction, echo cancellation technology, and automatic volume control based on ambient noise levels. The headset comes with multiple ear cushions which ensures you’ll get the perfect fit thereby helping to decrease outside noise from getting in. The headset also comes with TrueComfort design, EasyPair technology and a discrete three color battery indicator.

Both headsets are expected in Q3 of this year.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Motorola, H620, H560, Bluetooth Headset

Aliph has announced that the recently announced new Jawbone Bluetooth headset is now available in the UK. Features of the new Jawbone Bluetooth headset include:

• Military grade NoiseAssassin technology eliminates as much as 90 percent of the noise transmitted by other headsets
• 50 percent smaller than the original Jawbone
• Uses premium materials including medical grade plastic
• Measures 508 x 1.27 x 1.27 mm and weighs 10 grams
• Talk time of four hours and standby time of eight days
• Magnetic charging base
• Available in matte black and soon in silver and rose gold

The new Jawbone will have a price of GBP 79.99 and is available at The Carphone Warehouse stores across the UK and online at http://www.carphonewarehouse.com and http://www.jawbone.com.

Technorati Tags: Aliph, Jawbone Bluetooth, UK

I mentioned a few days ago that Aliph had introduced a new version of their popular Jawbone Bluetooth headset. Well, the folks at SlashGear have published a review of the new headset here on their website. What did they think of the unit? Here’s a snippet from the review:

I was asked to share two features I love about the Jawbone 2 from a major competitor of Aliph.  I’ll name you three: comfort, amazing sound quality and excellent materials/workmanship.  Then they asked me to list two things I dislike about the Jawbone 2.  Honestly, it was difficult to find fault, but if I were held at gunpoint I’d say that it’s still slightly thicker most Bluetooth headsets on the market and they use a proprietary charge connector.

I’ve been contemplating getting a new Bluetooth headset and I think the new Jawbone is a very possible candidate.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Alpih Jawbone, SlashGear, Review