Gear Diary » Bluetooth Headsets

Native Union MM 03i Bluetooth iPhone Accessory Review

Dan Cohen — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:00:09 +0000

Point 1: As much as I love my iPhone using it as a phone isn't all that comfortable. As a result, even when I'm not on the go, I will often use a headset, wired or Bluetooth, when using my iPhone for a call. In other words, if I use my iPhone a headset is a must. Point 2: iOS 5 .0 isn't giving me the battery life that I am used to and need. That may change with the next iOS update but for the time being it is an issue with which I need to deal. That means I need to charge my phone more often than ever. In other words, if Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Holiday Gift Guide: For Those Who Use Bluetooth

Dan Cohen — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:30:40 +0000

From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: There are two kinds of people; there are those who hate Bluetooth, and there are those who love Bluetooth. Okay actually, There are those who hate Bluetooth and there are those who put up with Bluetooth. If your loved one uses Bluetooth, then we have a few great gifts ideas ... First up has to be the JawBone JamBox. This little Bluetooth speaker doubles as a speakerphone thanks to its microphone. It may be small, but it packs a punch. And the audio coming from it? It's surprisingly good. Dan and his wife have one, and they love it. Just $169.99 in our Amazon Affiliate Store. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Holiday Gift Guide: For Those Who Need Better Voice Recognition

Dan Cohen — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:24 +0000

From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: Is there someone in your life who would benefit from speaking their text rather than typing it? If so, here are five gifts with which you can't go wrong. The key to accurate voice recognition is wearing the right headphones. Andrea Electronics SuperBeam Phones are just the thing. We'll be reviewing the headphones over the next few days but they are already impressive. As the company explains

SuperBeam headsets deliver Hi-Definition sound for all your social media and multimedia applications. The unique integrated array microphone system is designed for use with Andrea’s patented beam forming and digital noise reduction audio software, providing “Boom freed” convenience. SuperBeam also provides 3D

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Bluetooth Headset Review: Sound iD SIX

Dan Cohen — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:00:24 +0000

A few weeks ago we brought word that Sound iD was coming out with their newest Bluetooth headset the Sound iD SIX. We have reviewed the company's previous headsets, so I was anxious to get my hands on the SIX. Unlike those headsets, they were entirely black, the SIX has an attractive carbon fiber look to it. So it looks nice, but how does it sound? From Sound ID:

The power of EarPrint™ for iPhone®, Blackberry® & Android® smart phones. Patented VoiceMenu technology is Sound ID's answer to Voice Recognition. Unlike voice recognition, Voice Menu is discrete

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Sound ID is Back with the Sound iD SIX, a Siri-Ready Bluetooth Headset

Dan Cohen — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:15:15 +0000

I have had the opportunity to review each generation of Sound iD's Bluetooth headsets. The first was a small but excellent device and with each generation the devices have gotten better and better. Now the company is back with their Sound iD SIX Series headset and it looks great. Here's what the company has to say about it:

Sound ID redefines the Bluetooth experience with the new SIX. Destined to be your go-to headset, the SIX boasts a sleek look and more than one new audio trick, resulting in a true marriage of outstanding sound, true comfort and advanced technology. With innovative features such as VoiceMenu (which enhances traditional voice recognition) the Clear Carbon

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Bluetooth Headset Review: Jabra SUPREME

Dan Cohen — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 22:00:32 +0000

I have been using one specific Bluetooth headset in my car for the past year or so, but I lost it a few weeks back. Okay, I didn't exactly "lose" it but, rather, my wife Elana took it. I was thrilled to have her take the headset because: A. She's my wife, and I like her to have stuff she wants B. She's my wife, and I wanted her to have and use a headset so she would be safer on the road C. I knew I had a headset on the way that would be just as comfortable and sound just as good one she took ;-) It recently Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Bluetooth Headset Review: Jabra Sport Bluetooth Headphones

Dan Cohen — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:00:01 +0000

I'm sitting on an old-fashioned rocking chair on the porch of an inn in Martha's Vineyard with a cup of coffee. The air is a bit brisk but the sun is shining and there is a nice breeze. It is about as close to a perfect fall morning as you are going to get. My iPad has served me well as my Sunday New York Times for the past hour or so and now I am writing this post. And the scene is made close to perfect by a soundtrack provided by Pandora. (I'm listening to a custom station I created using the group Conjure One as the jump off point.). I could be using Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Ooma Updates and Gets Even Better

Dan Cohen — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:15:12 +0000

One of the standout piece of consumer electronics I have discovered over the past few years is the Ooma phone system. The system brings an unusual business model to the business of phone service. Instead of charging a monthly fee Ooma sells the hardware that connects to your high-speed internet service and then lets you have your phone service for free. Sure they sell a number of useful accessories and there are some value-adding services to which you can subscribe (Ooma Premier is one of them and is totally worth the price) but you don't HAVE to do so to get the value out of an Ooma system. Here's our review of the Ooma Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Bluetooth Headphone Review: Sennheiser MM450

Dan Cohen — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:00:48 +0000

As I have been reviewing more and more audio equipment one thing has become clear to me: you get what you pay for in the sound department. True, every now and then a lower-end audio product may surprise you but, as a general rule, the more you pay the more features and audio-quality you are going to find. Sure, this holds true in most areas, but I tend to find it is more apparent in the audio department than in other places. That noted, I never imagine I would lust after a pair of headphones that cost just south of $600. Yes, the Sennheiser MM450 headphones have an MSRP of $589.95. Before we get Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Jabra SPORT and SPORT-CORDED Let You Enjoy Your Music on the Go

Dan Cohen — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:45:51 +0000

Jabra has announced two new headsets that join the company's sport line and let you take you tunes with you when exercising or doing other activities. The headsets look great, especially the wireless one, and they come with a host of great features. As Jabra explains

Featuring a category-first built-in FM radio, A2DP technology, and powerful bass to help energize workout performance, the Jabra SPORT allows for an even wider variety of music options when exercising and easy-to-use controls. The stereo headset also features a wind-shielded microphone and is US Military Standard Rain, Dust and Shock Resistant certified, ensuring that exercisers don’t need to hold back during their workouts on account of

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Review: The Joy Factory Zip USB Touch-n-go Multi-Charging Station with ZipTail Receivers

Dan Cohen — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 22:00:26 +0000

Charging cables and cords… they're everywhere. Literally everywhere. Have an iPhone? You need a 5W wall adapter and a USB cable. An iPad? You need a 10W wall adapter and a USB cable. Using a Samsung Galaxy Tab? You'll need one of their proprietary chargers. Have a Blackberry or Android phone? Most likely you need a microUSB adapter connected to a wall charger. And the list goes on and on. I hate the mess of cords. That's why I've been so interested in the various conductive charging systems that have been coming to market for the past few years. The issue there? Most of the time they still require a special case to Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: Bluetrek SPEAKY Bluetooth Speakerphone: “The most friendly car kit”

Dan Cohen — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:00:08 +0000

I thought I had seen it all until the SPEAKY showed up at my door. SPEAKY looks like a little Kewpie Doll, albeit without hair and not quite as cute but has some interesting hidden features. Yes, SPEAKY is a full-service Bluetooth speakerphone. I took a look at one and we're giving it away so... read on. From BLUETREK:

A cute, interesting speakerphone developed for those who need a good audio quality as well as ease of control. Speaky is the first Bluetooth carkit in market which enable automatic switch on/off functions. Speaky is equipped with the best in class

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Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review: Jabra CLIPPER Headset

Paul Reese — Sat, 14 May 2011 22:00:49 +0000

In the world of Bluetooth (BT) headsets, the choices and options are wide and varied. Quite a contrast from the early days when Motorola was the first and only BT headset that was widely available nearly 9 years ago. In my position, employees often ask for advice about BT headsets and BT ear pieces. When the CLIPPER was announced by Jabra, I placed an order for one to see what I thought of it. I was so pleased with the headset that I continued to use it long after my opinion had been formed. In this review, I will highlight some Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Bluetrek CARBON Headset: Super Strong and Super Light

Dan Cohen — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:15:44 +0000

Bluetooth headsets have been given a bad rap by some. Yes, they can look kind of geeky. And yes, they can make you look like you are being even more anti-social than ever. And yes, some of the bigger ones make you look plain stupid. But Bluetooth headsets ARE convenient, they DO make speaking a big easier by leaving both hands free and they ARE safer if you are speaking in the car. And now, thanks to Bluetrek Bluetooth headsets CAN be a fashion statement. The new Bluetrek CARBON is "equipped with the best in class audio enhancement technology" but that isn't its claim to fame. No, the really interesting thing about the CARBON is Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Ways to Help Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Victims: Jawbone & John Zorn Relief Efforts

Michael Anderson — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:30:44 +0000

Everyone shares the pain and difficulty of the people of Japan dealing with the horrible tragedy, and many of us look for ways to help out in whatever way possible. Judie wrote about some ways to help, I mentioned some here and here and here and here, and more ideas keep pouring in every day! Here are a couple more of the latest! First off, Jawbone - whose Icon bluetooth headset I use every day - is providing $50 for every Red Dot JAMBOX bought between now and April 15th. But you need to purchase it on Jawbone.com for the donation to happen. Here are the details Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: BlueAnt T1 Rugged Bluetooth Headset

Travis Ehrlich — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:00:39 +0000

As our world grows more mobile, the importance of being able to go hands free and pay attention to what we are doing also grows. Not only is texting or emailing and driving dangerous, but we are discovering that driving and using a handset for any use can be disastrous. With this said, the market if flooded with hands free devices from headphones to bluetooth solutions. I have attempted to use some of the bottom tiered products with limited success. When someone calls, I still tend to pick up my phone to see who is calling and I also have a problem with clarity of my voice. Be it wind or other noises, having

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iPhone Headset and Case Review: Mogo Talk XD2 for iPhone 4

Dan Cohen — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:00:59 +0000

Just after CES we reviewed the Mogo Talk XD for iPhone 4. The Mogo Talk HD is an iPhone case plus Bluetooth headset in one. When I had first seen the product released I thought it was a bit silly, but after trying one for myself I was sold. The case is decent enough and the convenience of always having a good, comfortable BlueTooth headset around is fantastic. Well ID8Mobile, the company behind the product, has now released the Mogo Talk HD2 for iPhone 4 and we've got a quick look at one. . What’s in the Box:

MoGo Talk

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Nuance Gives the New Jawbone ERA Headset a Voice

Dan Cohen — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 21:15:40 +0000

Nuance, the leaders in voice-to-text and tech-to-speech technology, have brought their powerful Vocalizer Network connected text-to-speech (TTS) functionality to Jawbone's ERA headset. The new integration brings a unique Caller ID by Name feature via Jawbone’s MyTALK platform by letting users load an address book onto the headset itself. Once this is done, as calls come in, the headset announces the caller’s name in "an incredibly natural sounding voice through a combination of pre-recorded names" As Travis Bogard, Jawbone’s vice president of product management and strategy explains

“The Caller ID by Name feature of the Jawbone ERA takes the hands-free experience to an entirely new level, with callers’ names announced in an amazingly natural sounding voice

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Review- Altec Lansing inMotion Air Speaker System

Dan Cohen — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 22:00:27 +0000

I had the opportunity to spend some time at Altec Lansing's headquarters in Milford Pennsylvania the other day. They were kind enough to let me see the inner workings of the company and to visit some of their sound labs. While I can't go into detail on much of what I actually saw I can tell you that I came away from the visit more than a bit impressed. The company puts so much care, concern and expertise into their products; and it shows. Perhaps the best way to summarize the difference between the company and some of their many competitors came from the mouth of one of their sound engineers who told me that they Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Jabra’s Lineup: an Overview and a Review of the Stone2

Dan Cohen — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 22:00:30 +0000

Football mania is in high gear, and it seems that Jabra's Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones have recently become favorites of three NFL players - Jake Long, Brian Orakpo and Michael Griffin. As a recent press release notes,

Whether they’re rocking out to tunes after practice, kicking back at night with video games, or passing the time watching Hulu or YouTube on the weekends, Jabra’s headsets and speakerphones offer wireless connectivity in-style – and with a 30 foot operating range.

Jabra's catalog is extensive, but there are 5 key products in the current Jabra lineup that stand out. Among them -- the STONE2, the CRUISER, the HALO, the CLIPPER, and the EXTREME. Here is a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

CES Snippet: BlueAnt Moves to the Front of the Line

Dan Cohen — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:15:18 +0000

One of the companies that I had a chance to speak with briefly at CES was BlueAnt. The company has recently released a slew of new products. Among them are some Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones.

There is the S4 Speakerphone...

The new S3 Compact...

The Q2 Smart Bluetooth headest...

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CES Snippets: Mogo Talk XD iPhone 4 Case and BlueTooth Headset in One – Review

Dan Cohen — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:30:05 +0000

Sometimes you have to see a product up close to actually appreciate it. That was the case for me with regard to the MoGo Talk XD. Judie had mentioned this headset and case in on to me a few months ago and I scoffed at it. "After all," I thought, "who needs a case that actually HOLDS the headset in it?" The idea struck me as an example of "just because you CAN do it doesn't mean you SHOULD do it." Then I saw the Mogo Talk Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Plantronics to Introduce their new Voyager Pro UC- Bluetooth Headsets Get Smart and More Useful than Ever

Dan Cohen — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 15:30:42 +0000

Last week Plantronics showed off their new Voyager Pro UC. I have used, reviewed and love the Voyager Pro headset and the upcoming new Voyager Pro UC intelligent headset with sensor technology takes it to the next level. The headset includes new sensors that bring with them some great new features. Among the new features that the headset will introduce thanks to the sensors are... Smart call routing

The Voyager Pro UC knows if it's on your ear and routes the call to the headset or handset as appropriate. As the company explains For example, you leave your headset in your backpack, get a call on your mobile, just pick up the

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Sound ID Announces 3 New aBluetooth Headsets in Their 5 Series Product Line

Dan Cohen — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:34:49 +0000

I reviewed the Sound ID 510 Bluetooth headset this past May before it was released. It was the third Sound ID headset I had tried and, as was the case with the first two, I liked the comfort and sound quality quite a bit. I was also quite taken with... ... the EarPrint iPhone app that worked with it to give more control over the sound quality coming from the headset than ever. I was impressed... very impressed. Well today Sound ID announced three new headsets- the 520, 512 and 500. All feature the same comfortable fit, touch sensitive volume Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Headphone Review: Arctic Sound P311 Stereo Bluetooth

Travis Ehrlich — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:00:52 +0000

The iPhone added stereo Bluetooth capability some time ago, but I have yet to try it. Finding quality with affordable prices is sometimes difficult so I never looked very far. There are times when wireless stereo headphones can come in pretty handy so I was excited to test out the P311 headphones from Arctic Sounds. Most mornings I workout early in the morning long before the rest of the family wakes up. Speakers are not really an option to avoid waking the crew so I always use headphones. Some of the exercises allow me to hold my iPhone in my pocket or hand while others require a careful juggling act of placing the phone

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Arctic Sound Releases The P311 Wireless Bluetooth Stereo Headset

Travis Ehrlich — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:00:15 +0000

One thing I have not been able to try as an iPhone user is wireless headphones. As the technology improves, there are many instances where using Bluetooth stereo headphones can be a great advantage. Arctic Sound entered the audio game recently and have offered some nice earphone solutions. I have reviewed some of the ear bud style here and here. These products proved to have superior audio and build quality at an affordable price. In fact, I used one of them this morning during my workout. The P311 headphones retail for $37.95 and will be available in mid-August. Look for a review here on Gear Diary soon!

Full Company Release:

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Video Review: Moshi Moshi 03 Lets You Go Hands Free In Style

LarryGreenberg — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:00:43 +0000

Back in April I told you about the Native Union Moshi Moshi 01. The sleek and sophisticated handsfree unit allow the users to make and receive mobile calls while experiencing the ease of comfort of a landline base. Native Union is out with the next release in the Moshi Moshi line. The Moshi Moshi 03 draws from the original 01 unit but now adds Bluetooth into the fold. And it's not your regular old Bluetooth stack either. The 03 uses a multipoint chip which allows two Bluetooth devices to be paired to it simultaneously. At home I paired the o3 up with both my iPhone 4 and my iMac. When a Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Jaybird Outs New Colorful Sportsband Bluetooth Headphones w/apt-X Technology and BlueTrax for iPhone

Joel McLaughlin — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:25:57 +0000

Image provided by Jaybird

Jaybird makes some pretty nice gear. In fact, I have come to love my Jaybird Sportsband headset even more that I did when I first reviewed it! When I just got an e-mail regarding the new SB2 Headset from Jaybird, I just had to let everyone know about it.

The SB2 has several new features that will make it even better than the original. First there's apt-X technbology integrated into the SB2 that promises to increase the sound quality of the headset when listening to music. In addition the headset ships with 2 adapters that let you enjoy apt-X sound with your iPhone/iPod/iPad and

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Samsung HM3200 Bluetooth Headset with Active Noise Cancellation and Multi-Point Technology – Review

Dan Cohen — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:00:46 +0000

Driving up to our lake house the other day I was shocked to see just how many drivers were holding their cellphones and chatting away. Years after handsfree laws went into effect a huge number of drivers are still holding phones and talking. Scary. There is really no excuse for this kind of behavior since every phone now has Bluetooth and good sounding headsets are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Among the headsets fitting this description are the soon-to-be released Samsung HM3200. I have been using one for the last few weeks. Let's take a look. What's in the Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Atomic9 Bluetooth Speakerphone Wristband- Dick Tracy Would Love This! – Review

Dan Cohen — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:00:55 +0000

Let's face it, technology has finally gotten to the point where some of the gadgets we lusted after in cartoons and science fiction programs as children are now becoming a reality. I mean, the iPhone does even more than a Star Trek communicator (well everything but communicate intergalactically but I'm sure that is coming). The iPad looks like one of the tablet information devices that were so common in scifi shows 30 years ago. And Dick Tracy's 2-Way Wrist Radio (first introduced on January 13th, 1946 and then upgraded to a 2-Way Wrist TV in 1964) how cool was that?!?!? Well you may not be able to get the 2-Way Wrist TV yet (well actually Continue reading on Gear Diary ...