Archive for January 2011
CNET Review: Jabra Halo
January 31, 2011 | 
Author 
Jabra’s Halo is stylish to look at, but just too fiddly to use on a regular basis.
Design
Lots of branded headsets do one thing very well, and that’s sell the brand that makes them rather prominent on the side of your head. Jabra’s Halo isn’t of that breed, as the branding on this headband-style Bluetooth headset is small and inoffensive. The headband folds down on itself, and this serves a dual-purpose. Firstly, and most obviously, it serves to make the headset a lot more portable, especially as a small velcro lipped pouch is supplied with the Halo. Secondly, it’s how you actually turn the Halo on. When it’s clicked out in headband form, it switches on and attempts to pair with nearby compatible mobile phones and Bluetooth devices.
Inside the Halo’s box is also a slim usage guide, a micro USB cable for charging and a micro USB to 3.5mm adapter for connecting the headset up to devices that lack Bluetooth compatibility. Quite why you’d buy an expensive Bluetooth headset for the purposes of not using Bluetooth eludes us slightly, but it’s not as though the cable costs extra.
Features
As few buttons as possible seems to be the mantra of recent Bluetooth devices we’ve tested here at CNET.com.au, and the Halo isn’t bucking the trend here. There’s really only one button, used for call answering duties that sits alongside a touch-sensitive panel. This is used for volume control on all paired devices, as well as play/pause and track skipping duties, but only on Bluetooth devices that support the AVRCP (Audio Video Remote Control Profile) standard. Some phones do, and some don’t. iPhone users, be warned — you’re in the latter category.
Jabra STONE2 packs new voice control system
Jabra has outed its latest Bluetooth headset, an update to the distinctive – some would say plain odd – STONE. The Jabra STONE2 gets an updated, glossy finish but, more usefully, a new voice-control system that allows you to initiate calls, answer them and reject them all with spoken commands. However, throw in Jabra’s selected third-party apps and there’s a whole lot more functionality to play with.
For instance, you can dictate text messages and emails, get custom traffic reports and post to Facebook, depending on the app and which smartphone OS you’re using. It’s functionality we’ve seen other manufacturers build into their own software, but at least Jabra is giving users the choice.
What is a Stereo Headset?
A stereo headset is a headset that is capable of playing stereo sound. A headset will include earphones or headphones that go over or in the ear to deliver sound directly to the wearer. In some cases, the headsets may be multi-use devices as well, such as those designed for cell phones, which may include a microphone for having conversations.
The stereo headset offers one major advantage over mono headsets and that has to deal with sound quality. While a good stereo headset may cost considerably more than a cheaper mono set, the difference is very noticeable. To understand the difference between a stereo headset and other types of headsets, it is first necessary to understand what stereo sound is.
Stereo sound is basically is sound recorded simultaneously on two different channels, which are then fed to a system capable of differentiating those channels. A stereo headset has this capability. The result is to create a more natural, live sound. Once this is accomplished, a number of other effects can also be done to provide a much more interesting audio presentation, including the capability of a limited surround sound effect.
Most headsets in use today are capable of handling stereo sound, so the designation is not as important as it once was when a stereo headset was a rather rare device. Still, it is important for the consumer to understand what they are buying. Stereo devices will usually say so somewhere on the packaging.
Posted in Bluetooth Stereo Headsets, Featured Articles, Headsets | 
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Plantronics Voyager Pro UC Headset
CNET editors’ review
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 01/25/2011
The good: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC has Smart Sensor technology that lets you route calls automatically to the headset or phone, play or pause music automatically, and more. It also features A2DP streaming, multipoint connectivity, and great audio quality to boot.
The bad: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC is not that much different from its predecessors, and it is currently not compatible with Plantronics’ own Vocalyst automated phone service. We also think it’s too expensive.
The bottom line: The Plantronics Voyager Pro UC combines a perennial favorite design with cutting-edge technology that results in a modern yet reliable headset.
A decade after its first Bluetooth headset in 2001, Plantronics still stands out as one of the leaders in an increasingly crowded field. The Voyager line of headsets is especially popular with consumers who prize audio quality and comfort above all else. We were glad to see Plantronics update its lineup with the Voyager Pro Plus last year, which added A2DP streaming, voice alerts, and even better noise reduction.
But the innovation didn’t stop there. Plantronics has introduced yet another improvement on its Voyager Pro line with the Plantronics Voyager Pro UC. Undeniably the company’s most advanced headset … Expand full review
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Finding the Right Wireless Headphone Accessories
Have you recently purchased a cordless headset and are excited about all of the great benefits you’ll be able to take advantage of once you begin using it – that is, until you realize that much of the technology you have in your home is not compatible with your new set? Lucky for you, there are companies that have taken this dilemma into consideration, creating wireless headphone accessories that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of using them. So let’s take some time to look at some of the extras that are available so that you will know what products you need to buy under which conditions.
Adapters are one of the wireless headphone accessories that allow you to listen to audio components wirelessly, even if they were not originally capable of doing so. Below, are two adapters that can make your cordless music-listening dreams come true:
Motorola 89126J Plug & Play Adapter – This adapter is the perfect companion for your PC or laptop as it allows you to use your wireless headset to move around while listening to your favorite songs. You don’t have to install any software to get started. All you need is to pull it out the box, pair it with your headset and get started on great tangle-free listening. And if you want to move on from your computer, you can use it with a stereo set as well.
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