The Buzz
With the imminent arrival of iPhone OS 3.0 & A2DP support, you will finally be able to use a stereo Bluetooth headset with mic to listen to music, make cellular calls or make Skype calls. You should also be able to control all the music and phone functions from the wireless headset.
With all this in mind, it's time to get ready for OS3.0 and look at some suitable iPhone headsets that can be used for iPhone calls when mobile or paired with your Bluetooth-equipped laptop for iTunes monitoring and Skype calls.
NOTE: On the Mac, A2DP was only introduced in OS X Leopard (v10.5.x) but Softick provides advanced scriptable support via their Audio Gateway Software.
The Technology
Bluetooth bandwidth is split between a voice layer and a data layer. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) uses the data layer of the Bluetooth spec to transmit high quality stereo digital audio. 721Kbps is available in Bluetooth 1.2, though Bluetooth 2.x provides 3MB/s potentially allowing for much better audio quality.
A2DP Advanced Audio Distribution Profile
AVRCP Audio.Video Remote Control Profile
Stereo Bluetooth Headsets:
There are now a great many stereo bluetooth headsets out there in a variety of form factors. All the following are the "behind-the-head", compact type rather than in-ear buds or full head-band type and feature a microphone for phone use with the exception of the Jabra which is an unusual hybrid and the Jaybird which is included for its "wow-factor"!
So here's a brief roundup of some of the most feature-packed and aesthetically-pleasing headset designs I have come across. There are of course others from large, mainstream manufacturers such as LG, Samsung & Sony, but this post specifically focuses on some of the lesser-known innovative brands.
1) BlueAnt x5i ($49.99 @ Buy.com)
� • CD Quality Sound And High Quality Voice
� • Supports A2DP SBC, MP3 For Stereo Audio Streaming
� • Supports Headset / Handsfree Profiles For Handsfree Operation With
Bluetooth Phones
� • Supports AVRCP For Remote Controlling Of PDA From Headset
� • Detachable Microphone
� • Collapsible And Fashionable Neckband
� • Ergonomic And Dynamic Design
� • Compact, Rechargeable, High Density Li-Polymer Battery For Long
Lasting Play
� • Charging Via USB Or Power Supply
2) Cardo S-2 ($41.99 @ Amazon)
Cardo Systems was formed in 2003 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and is a leader in bluetooth innovation, known for their SCALA RIDER Motorcycle systems.
3) Helium Digital HDBT-700 ($59 Direct)
4) iLuv i-222 ($80 @ Amazon)
- • Bluetooth wireless headphones with a range of up to 33 feet
- • Lightweight and comfortable design uses a behind-the-neck instead of a traditional headband
- • Built-in digital signal processor for noise and echo cancellation
- • Works with most Bluetooth audio devices, including cell phones
- • Bluetooth dongle included for adding wireless capability to any audio device with a standard 1/8" (3.5mm) mini jack
- • Integrated remote functions include play, pause, track skip, and volume
- • Rechargeable battery offers 300 hours of standby time, eight hours of continuous listening, or 10 hours of continuous talking
- • Battery can be recharged with the included USB power adapter
5) Jabra BT8010 (Mono/Stereo) ( $59? Cellhut )
6) Jaybird JB-200i ( $159 Direct)
Type: In-Ear Style Noise-isolation: Yes Impedance: 32 Ohm Output 15mW RMS (with level limit) Audio S/N Ratio: TBD Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <5% class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> Protocol: Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP, Handsfree, Headset Speaker sensitivity: 114+-3dB At 1KHz Audio Format: 16-bit Stereo7) Wi-Gear iMuffs MB220 ($149 @ Amazon)
• Protocol - Bluetooth 2.0 with Stereo (A2DP), AVRCP, Handsfree (HFP), Headset (HSP)
• Frequency Band - 2.4 GHz
• Tx Power -Bluetooth Class 2
• Range - 9-40 feet (3-12 meters) Actual range depends on environmental factors
• Audio Format - Sub-Band Codec (SBC) with bit rate of 328 kb/s (High Quality)
• Audio Input - Apple iPod dock connector line out / Built-in unidirectional microphone
• Battery Life - Up to 20 hours of continuous music depending on usage pattern, distance from transmitter and battery age. iMuffs adapter for iPod requires no battery but is dependant on iPod's battery capacity.
• Battery Type - Rechargeable lithium polymer 550mAh (built-in, not user-serviceable)
• Power input - Standard USB voltage input (mini-USB, 5-pin) or provided USB power adapter (110-240V AC)
• Weight - 2.2 oz (headphones) 0.4 oz (adapter)
SHOPPING ( www.headsetking.com)
Finally, where can you go to see the largest selection of headsets and easily compare? How about Headsetking...where you can compare most of those above plus many others from LG, Motorola, Samsung etc!
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