There’s one thing that Playstation 3 gamers have always held over the heads of Xbox 360 owners, and that is headsets. The PS3 supports Bluetooth, so any wireless headset of your choosing will work for both your phone and console. The 360, meanwhile, had only one wireless headset, from Microsoft directly, and it only functioned with the Xbox 360 (or a PC with the wireless receiver). Without building Bluetooth into the console, Microsoft solved the other problem: a multi-function headset.

The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is exactly that, a single headset with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz built into a single device. It’s big and sleek with a glossy finish, and simple with just four buttons and a single switch. Power, connect (with the Xbox controller ring), volume rocker, and the Bluetooth/RF switch. There’s also a tiny sync button behind the earpiece.

This headset is huge. It’s more than twice the size of the Plantronics Marque M155, though the dark design doesn’t make it stand out obnoxiously, remaining large yet elegant. Until fingerprints collect on that glossy surface, that is. The large size poses another problem, one unique to most headsets: the earpiece is made to wear outside the ear. This design choice is good for gaming – after all, in-ear headsets block sound on the side they are worn on – but for standard use has no noise cancellation. Considering that the Wireless Headset w/Bluetooth is designed to work for and outside of gaming, this may prove too much for some consumers.

I tested the headset for both phonecalls and gaming, and there are two highs and lows of the device. First, switching between “game” mode and “work” mode is a simple flick of the switch. What makes it great is the coloring on the switch: when set for Bluetooth, the open section of the switch (see picture below) shows blue. When set for gaming, it shows green. I never had trouble between the two modes because of this. Second, the headset can get very loud thanks to the larger earpiece, and likewise has fairly good battery life. With on and off use I’ve managed a week of use before charging, playing on my Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and for occasional phone calls.

The lows may be the bigger worry. Once again, the size is a limiting factor because the it’s heavy. If you have sensitive ears and generally find Bluetooth headsets uncomfortable, this one will fare worse than most. I found it uncomfortable to wear after 30 minutes of continuous use, but then again I need very light sets. The second, again, is that the earpiece itself sits outside the ear. This makes the headset almost always feel like it’s sliding off even when perfectly stable, and not offering the level of comfort and security found on the traditional Wireless Headset or typical Bluetooth headsets.

The type of user who would be most interested in the Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is someone who owns multiple consoles and plays on both online, or someone who has a workstation that seats both consoles and a computer. The headset is made for the multi-tool user, the kind of person who is connected in multiple ways at once, through as many platforms as it takes. Playing on a PS3, 360, and switching between my iPhone, desktop computer, and a handful of Android phones was a cinch. Not only because most of the devices sit at one place – my workstation – but because the headset never leaves. It charges via MicroUSB like my wireless mouse, and remains on my desk with a small pile of regularly used peripherals. It’s the perfect multi-use gaming headset.

I’d prefer something smaller and lighter, because I personally don’t like heavier headsets, but even then Microsoft’s design is very solid. I recommend it to all but the most sensitive-eared users, and not to anyone who wants to just use it for telephony. The Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is made to be worn while still, seated. Not while walking about. The only thing that’s missing is a charging dock, which I’d gladly keep on a coffee table or my workplace to keep things tidy and organized.

Editor’s Rating:

3.5 out of 5 stars

Very Good

Bottom Line: The Wireless Headset with Bluetooth is an excellent option for multi-console gamers who play in one space. Great for gaming, not good for walking around on the phone with. Bulky, with good battery life.

Pros:

• Good battery life
• Simple RF/BT switch
• Great to use with multiple devices and consoles

With Android finally coming into it’s own (ie, owning the smartphone market), the only thing we haven’t seen much of are accessories. 3rd party manufacturers have been wary regarding Android smartphones because of the wide variation. With the iPhone, they know what to expect. That’s finally changing on a larger scale this year, and Philips is jumping in head first with Android docks.

Like the AS111 I tested earlier, the AS351 is an Android dock that connects to the phone through an MicroUSB connector, which swivels 180 degrees and has two supports to help keep the wide variation of Android smartphones in place. I’ve had the AS351 for an extended period, and it has worked excellently with any Android device. I’ve tested around eight different Android devices with it, including several Samsung Galaxy S II phones, the Galaxy Players, the T-Mobile myTouch and myTouch Q, etc. They all work just fine with this dock.

That’s because today, as I explained with the AS111, Android smartphones don’t currently support audio out through the MicroUSB. All music playback is via Bluetooth, which is far less convenient than the iPhone, but a problem with Android, not the dock. When I met with Philips at CES they assured me that the docks already support audio through USB, so as soon as Google updates Android to support it, Philips will release a firmware update to enable audio via USB.

The AS351 is no clock radio like the AS111, it’s a mini boom box. You may remember the Philips Fidelio DS8550 Speaker Dock I tested last year. The AS351 is its kid cousin. Besides for the size difference (both the physical size and the size of the speakers), the AS351 doesn’t include a single rechargeable battery, instead working on four AA batteries. This helps keep the price down and promote longer battery life per charge, but if you carry around a dock for music without the power cable, you may want to pass on the AS351. It lasted a good 7-10 hours of continuous playback at varying volume levels. Philips rates it for 8 hours, though if you keep the volume low and maintain a short distance between the dock and phone, it’s pretty easy to preserve battery life.

It works with any Bluetooth device, and also has an auxiliary in cable so it can double as computer speakers on the go. I actually brought the AS351 with me to CES because I stayed in a crummy hotel, and the dock impressed not only with long battery life but also it’s ease of use. I used it with and without audio cables, on multiple devices, and as a charging base for two phones (there is a USB port on the back for an additional device to charge).

For a speaker this compact, the sound quality is Excellent. It gets especially loud – loud enough for neighbors two doors down to complain. Audio accuracy is also very good, with only a few low and high notes not hitting their proper pitch and some tinny sounds at much higher volumes and frequencies. As far as my testing showed, the audio quality is superb.

There are two things I wish were different about the AS351. First, it can’t charge devices when the dock isn’t plugged in. This means if your phone is on it’s last leg and you don’t have a power cable, too bad. The power drain on just four AA batteries would be quick, sure, but the option is worth having.

Second is a slight audio fade in and out, which occurs at seemingly random times. If you are streaming music, like through Google Music, sometimes the AS351 will drop into standby mode while the phone buffers the song. This may help conserve battery life, but also has a very noticeable static hiss, followed by that silent void that is quickly obnoxious when listening to music. It breaks the mood, whether the music is acting as white noise or just needs a second to load. We all know how pronounced silence can be, and the AS351 get’s eerily quiet too often.

With the AS351 users can also download the free Fidelio software. Back with the DS8550 I wasn’t too impressed with it, but slight improvements, plus how the software works on Android (as opposed to iOS) do make a few major differences. The biggest is the option to automatically connect to Philips docks immediately after plugging them to the docks. Philips still uses Songbird, which I don’t like because it requires music to be downloaded directly from a computer. Fidelio also now includes a basic equalizer and bass boost, along with the option to set when if and when the software activates. Overall the Fidelio software is far more flexible on Android than on iOS, but it’s also not nearly as clean or as fast.

The other great thing about Fidelio on Android is the use of Alarm clocks. The AS351 may not look like an alarm clock, but with the Fidelio software it can be, and it doesn’t require any extra effort on your part. Just set an alarm through the Fidelio app and don’t shut the program down. The only downside is that the dock must be on (so plugged in, lest we waste the batteries). This means the lights on the four buttons remain on, though they are very dull. The bigger problem will revolve around your phone model, and notifications. As long as any Android device is connected to the dock, all sound will go through the dock. That means emails, calls, texts, and notifications will be amplified. If you’re trying to sleep and a midnight email rolls in, that’s annoying. Some Android handsets have software to set what times notifications play sounds, but most don’t, so it may not be worthwhile to use the AS351 as an alarm clock until Google sorts out it’s power management settings properly.

As far as Android docks go, the Fidelio AS351 is a fine one to own. It’s a great balance of solid audio performance, portability, and price. The AS351′ overall versatility make it an excellent product to own for travelers and home users alike. Whether you need to listen to your tunes in a mangy motel room or the comfort of your bedroom, or even in the car over a broken dash stereo, the AS351 has provided an excellent experience every time. I highly recommend it. It’s a great deal to boot for $130.

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Bottom Line: An excellent Android dock that provides high quality audio, great battery life on replaceable AA’s, and versatility in use.

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Good size; not too small for the bedroom, not too big to take on the road
• Great battery life

Android docks are finally coming into their own in a big way. As someone who has a love/hate relationship with alarm clocks (doesn’t everybody?), a dock that can double as an alarm clock, completely controlled by the phone…that’s the future. The phone is the center of our world, and everything else plays around it. The bedroom clock may be the first serious step in that direction, and the Philips Fidelio AS111 Android Dock is a brilliant  step forward.

The AS111 is a very succinct, simple device. It has a MicroUSB connector for Android smartphones, though will charge any device with a MicroUSB port. It connects to devices via Bluetooth, and only Bluetooth. Android does not currently support audio out through USB, but all Philips Android docks do, so when Android does support it, the AS111 will be ready (after a firmware update to the hardware).

It has a round base with a clock on the front, speakers on the top, and little else. On the back there’s an AUX-in port for wired audio playback. When connected to a device via Bluetooth, the media buttons on the top can control music playback (play, pause, next and previous track). There’s also a button to turn on and off phone charging, which some users will find very attractive for conserving energy. Finally, there’s a night light on the underbelly of the dock. It has a slight orange hue and is very calm and pleasant. The brightness of the clock LED can also be adjusted.

Setup and installation is very easy. The dock works off of the software, so once the Fidelio app is downloaded, just connect the dock to your phone and the rest happens automatically. The clock will set its time based on your phone’s time.

I’ve used the AS111 for over a month and it is an exceptional device. I’m very satisfied with using it day in and day out. The stereo speakers aren’t all that powerful, but as a clock they don’t need to be. If I listen to music in the bedroom, it’s quiet anyways. Even with just 4W of power, I am satisfied with the quality of audio. Obviously bass is lacking, so you psychopaths who listen to Skrillex before clocking out won’t find this dock too appealing. Everyone else will.

All clock features are controlled through the free Fidelio app. As I discussed in the Philips Fidelio DS8550 Speaker Dock review, the software is okay and improving, though on Android compared to iPhone there are some major differences that both improve and can be a bit of a nuisance. Because it isn’t limited by Apple’s restrictions, alarms set will automatically enable when connecting to the dock (by activating the Fidelio app). This sounds great, but unfortunately it does this any time the phone is connected to any charger. If you only charge with this dock, the then’s fine, but if like most Android users you charge either more than once a day or connect to a computer, the Fidelio app starting every time the phone gets power is annoying. This feature can be turned off, but even after I turned it off it kept starting the app when connecting to a power source. Turning it off would also require starting the app every night if you want to use the dock as an alarm clock.

Otherwise the software is good, but messier than the iOS version. It’s slower than it should be and a little clunkier. While writing this review, I found another firmware update, which does speed up the app and clean some of the minor nags I found. It’s better, but still not as good as the iOS version.

The Fidelio AS111 dock on its own is excellent, the best I’ve seen to date. It has a proper balance of size, build quality, looks, and power. The software may need a little work, and perhaps some adjustments from Google, but all in all I highly recommend the AS111.

Editor’s Rating:

4.5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Bottom Line: A great Android dock that replaces typical alarm clocks and clock radios.

Pros:

• Solid audio quality
• Simple, intuitive, and sleek design
• The hardware has everything users can desire from a clock

Casio showed off its new G-Shock GB-6900 smartwatch at this week’s CES show, which will officially be available on March 16. The smartphone-ready watch is embedded with Bluetooth LE (aka Low Energy that’s standard in Bluetooth 4.0), so it easily synchronizes the time with the phone, as well as shows incoming calls, messages and emails on its small display. Looking like any other G-Shock Watch, the new GB-6900 smartwatch can also set new alarms and silence your phone’s ringer without having to take your phone out of your pocket.

Casio claims that users can expect a battery life of about two years with one conventional CR2032 button battery thanks to its Bluetooth LE feature (it consumes a fraction of the energy of other Bluetooth versions). But not a lot of smartphones have this kind of Bluetooth technology yet, which can be a problem since it’s only compatible with the Medias LTE N-04D and Media PP N-01D Android phones from NEC. The phone is said to retail for about $230.

While the battle for smartphone supremacy has pretty much concluded with Android and iOS taking the spoils, their is still a fair bit of competition in the portable Bluetooth speaker department.  Adding to the mix today is Soundfreaq, with the introduction of the Sound Kick.

The 1.6-inch thick speaker appears to be limited to Bluetooth connectivity when it comes to streaming audio, boasting a 7 hour battery life between charges.  For those who have trouble planning their smartphone recharges according to their usage will be glad to know that you can jack in a USB cord into it, and draw juice from its battery.  Like all of Sound Freaq’s previous products, they’ve folded in their proprietary UQ3 spatial enhancement sound processing.  For added portability the Sound Kick folds up for travel, and expands with the hopes of increasing sound quality when your ready to jam out – they say this provides a full, balanced sound.

No word on a price, but you can expect the Sound Kick to roll out this Spring.

SOUNDFREAQ “KICKS” OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A PORTABLE, WIRELESS SPEAKER

Unveiling at CES 2012, Soundfreaq’s Upcoming Products Include
The New Sound Kick, and Sound Step Love and Sound Step Ghost Editions

Los Angeles, January 4, 2012 – Soundfreaq today announces its newest products, which include Sound Kick, a mobile wireless speaker. Unveiling during CES 2012, Sound Kick adds portability and power in a compact package to the company’s line of speakers.

Designed for mobility, Sound Kick’s unique XKICK™ speaker chamber closes compactly for travel and then expands open for full sound whenever users are ready to play audio. This technology innovation delivers acoustically balanced audio in a portable package. With a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, Sound Kick allows for up to seven hours of on-the-go listening. Sound Kick can also charge any USB-chargeable device via its USB power port, even when running on its battery to keep smart phones powered — a helpful feature for traveling.

“We develop all of our products from the ground up to meet user needs we see in the market,” said Matthew Paprocki, co-founder and creative director of Soundfreaq. “Bluetooth is a great technology for portable wireless speakers and we’re seeing the market flooded with many options, but there is a trade-off between size and sound quality. As an audio company, we were able to develop a unique expandable sound chamber for Sound Kick that closes compact for travel and then expands to produce full, balanced sound. Combined with our proprietary UQ3 spatial enhancement, Sound Kick strikes the right balance between size and sound and offers more value than any other portable wireless speaker on the market today.”

At CES, Soundfreaq will also be introducing its highly-praised Sound Step Recharge in white and red editions. The new all-white GHOST edition and all-red LOVE edition feature the same Bluetooth capabilities, functionality and impressive sound as the original in a crisp white or bold red design to accent a home or office environment.

With the addition of Sound Kick, Soundfreaq offers the most complete line of Bluetooth speakers on the market along with the critically acclaimed Sound Platform, Sound Step/Sound Step Recharge, and Sound Stack. All Soundfreaq products allow users to stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth compatible device including iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry.

Sound Step Recharge GHOST and LOVE products will be available the first quarter 2012 online at www.Soundfreaq.com and in select retail stores.

Available this spring, Sound Kick continues Soundfreaq’s commitment to delivering a versatile, wireless audio entertainment experience, including:

• Impressive Portable Performance – Sound Kick measures just 1.6″ thick for travel. When users are ready to listen, Sound Kick expands open to produce full sound with balanced bass, vocal clarity and UQ3™ spatial enhancement

• Always in Charge – Universal USB power port allows users to charge any USB-chargeable gadget including Blackberry, Android and Apple phones from Sound Kick, even when its running on battery power

• App-solute Entertainment – Sound Kick is the perfect portable speaker for enhancing any entertainment experience on the go — delivering crystal clear audio with any app to enjoy for movies, TV shows, videos, games, and Internet radio, including Pandora, YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, TiVo, Spotify and HBO GO

• Everyone Can Connect, Today and Tomorrow – Sound Kick is designed for both today’s and tomorrow’s smart devices using Bluetooth – the portable wireless standard

About Soundfreaq (www.Soundfreaq.com)
Soundfreaq is a global co-op of craftsmen – designers and engineers with deep expertise in consumer electronics and a passion for great sound. By working outside the limitations of a traditional corporate structure, we are able to develop products from the ground up that deliver premium sound for a wireless world.

Long have a myriad of devices existed for motorcycle riders to communicate to one and other with.  For cyclists, though, it’s a bit different of a game, since they’re trying to reduce weight and drag as much as possible.  After all, they’re powered by their own legs, not a hefty, gas guzzling engine.

The HIOD One is a pocket sized device that not only connects you to your phone, but lets you chat with other HIOD One users.  In the box you’ll find a set of headphones, a noise canceling mic that attaches to your helmet’s strap, a voice box and a control unit with an OLED screen.  The control box straps to your handle bars, while the voice unit includes its own arm mount.

The whole get up pairs with your smartphone over Bluetooth, allowing you take calls as well as playback music on your smartphone.  It’s not entirely clear how it works, but you can communicate with up to five other HIOD One users directly, one at a time, provided they’re within a 400 meter of proximity using some sort of proprietary Bluetooth connection.  And if your smartphone boasts voice control, it’s compatible with that as well.

As of today, HIOD has yet to open their web shop.  But if you’re willing, you can enter your email address and they’ll let you know once it’s available for purchase.  We’re seeing an EU oriented charger in their unboxing video, so chances are it will launch there first, but since it is also USB based, it might be a moot issue.

We’re giving away one pair of NuForce BT-860 Stereo Bluetooth Headphones ($79 value) to one lucky GadgetReview reader!

These headphones boast Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, which means you can rock out to your smartphone or any Bluetooth compatible devices without the hassle of wires.  Built into the headphones are a mic for taking calls and a set of controls to administer audio playback; volume and track control.  They should work at up to 30 feet from the source unit and have a battery life of about 8-9 hours (standby time is 240 hours).

We’re giving away one of these to one GadgetReview reader for FREE. To enter just LIKE this post with the below TO THE LEFT, in the SIDEBAR.

Will pick one winner at random from our friends list.  If you’d like to automatically be entered into future contests, just like our Facebook FAN PAGE!

This contest ends 12/14/2011 at 11:59pm PST

Spray painting, urban art and tagging.  Those are all things that simply can’t be accomplished without the inspiration of music.  And if you tossed this all in a shaker, shook it up, we think the cocktail would look pretty much like Ecko UNLTD.SOUND’s Spray Bluetooth speaker.

Yup, housed behind the can’s black metal grill are a pair of 40mm, 3 watt drivers.  To put it in perspective most over the ear headcans use 40mm drives, so don’t expect this things to make your backpack explode with sound.  However, it is powered by a rechargeable and swappable lithium-ion battery, which should provide about 10 hours of playback on a single charge.

To add to the novelty factor, and rightfully so, Ecko has done away with the standard audio controls.  Instead, the spray nozzle serves as a play/pause button, while the can’s dome rotates, allowing to increase volume as well as skip tracks.  But don’t stop there.  There is also a hidden mic, allowing you to take calls while you douse your high school in your favorite shade of fuchsia.

As of now they haven’t made mention of pricing or a launch date, but expect to see it on display at this year’s CES.

Miniature Bluetooth speakers are become rather common place, but none have been some impressive as Jawbone’s Jambox.  While it lacks the gusto of other portable, battery powered speakers, it makes up for that short coming with a pocket sized build and excellent battery life that can last up to a good solid 10 hours.  However, one major draw back is its cost of $200.

Enter Logitech’s Mini Boombox.  It’s offers a comparble feature set at the Jambox but at half the price; $100.  In fact, the feature set is virtually the same, though at this point we can’t tell just how small it is.  Logitech has posted an image of it sliding into a bag’s side pocket, though given its shape we’re a bit skeptical about the depicted slender build.  That said, Logitech has one-upped Jawbone by finishing the top of the box with backlit touch controls – a nice convenience for those that have a penchant to listen to tunes in mood lighting.  Lastly, a built-in mic means that calls can be made and received on the portable Bluetooth speaker.

No word on a launch date, though we’d expect it to arrive this month.  In the mean while you can preorder the Logitech Mini Boombox for $99.99.

Weighing in at under 3 pounds, as soon as you unbox the SuperTooth Disco speaker and see it in its long, sleek velcro carrying case, you almost immediately want to have a barbecue in the park or a backyard party to use it with. In these scenarios, the speaker is ideal, pairing easily to any bluetooth-enabled device to turn the songs you store on your phone into content that can be broadcasted loudly to share with your friends or enjoy while at home. Packaged with a charging cable and a 3.5mm cord to use in a wired environment, SuperTooth prepared for every possible way to use the speaker.

With a 12 watt subwoofer and 2 8 watt speakers, the SuperTooth Disco really does have a powerful sound to it. For personal use, I find it’s more than capable of blasting my music at roughly a quarter of the maximum volume with the bass boost on. Obviously requiring more energy to run with higher volumes, this setting gets me about 15 hours of continuous play, which is certainly more than I’ve ever needed to run in a wireless environment.

Where the battery life gets truly impressive is in the speaker’s standby mode. The Disco goes into standby shortly after sound stops being transmitted through it, and starts back up again a few seconds after sound resumes. In its standby mode, the SuperTooth Disco can stay powered for 1500 hours. Let me do the math for you here: 62 and ½ days. With a full battery, your SuperTooth Disco can sit on standby for two entire months before losing its charge. The device hasn’t been in my possession long enough for me to confirm this exact figure, but I can confirm that I’ve charged it exactly twice since receiving it, once after getting it out of the box and once after testing the continuous play life. Since then I have left it in standby, bringing it out for a few hours every week or so during a get-together, and the speaker just keeps running.

The sound is dominant coming from thisspeaker, as well. There are some minor quirks to it that have made my listening experience less than optimal, however. The subwoofer is located on the back-left of the speaker, meaning that the bass tends to be more dominant on one side than the other, and without the boosted bass, a slight tinny rattle of more treble-focused instruments is easily audible. I was able to fix this problem by putting the speaker in a more acoustic-friendly room with minimal furniture and a tile floor, but these problems keep the speaker from being truly utilitarian.

The speaker looks and works great for the most part however, is easy portable, and can even be gripped in one hand. It’s lightweight, comes with a nice black carrying case with a velcro front for tweaking volume and changing tracks as well as a back velcro flap so that it can be charged or connected to a wired device without having to remove it from its case, as well as a vent for the subwoofer to both draw in and expel air. It pairs very easily to every device I’ve tried to connect it with, including one evening in which I had two people jockeying for the DJ position with their phones. They were able to switch their pairing back and forth quickly without a large lull in the tunes.

The SuperTooth Disco isn’t really a suitable solution for your computer desk or entertainment center, but is just fine to keep you entertained in the kitchen or across the bathroom while you’re in the shower. Out in a public setting like a camping trip or even for an old school-style ghetto blaster experience, the SuperTooth Disco shines head and shoulders against just about any other solution. With one of the most amazing battery lifes I’ve ever encounted and a very powerful blast of audio, the SuperTooth Disco will do wonders as an upgrade from on-board speakers on your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Editor’s Rating

4 out of 5 stars

Great

Bottom Line: The SuperTooth Disco is the most versatile, long-lasting portable audio solution I’ve handled. While there are some flaws in terms of actual audio quality, the output and ease of use wows everybody I’ve shown the product off to. Though it may not be perfect, in the areas the Disco shines, it goes well above and beyond expectations every single time.

Pros:

• Incredible battery life that stays preserved through intelligent sleep mode that activates and deactivates dependent upon whether any sound signal is being sent
• Bass boost is very effective, adding to the already impressive volume capabilities that make the Disco speaker ideal for any kind of large room or outdoor situation
• Easy to transport with Velcro case that allows for wireless or wired use, and track navigating controls featured on the front panel

Cons:

• Treble and higher sounds are tinny when using only the speaker, a problem that alleviates itself in the right acoustic space
• Only one subwoofer on the left side can make the stereo effects feel lopsided from time to time when using the speaker
• With only a one-setting bass boost and no other tuning features, audio enthusiasts may not like the Disco’s sound, and are largely unable to adjust it

The SuperTooth Disco is available from Amazon for $117.18.

Nokia is hardly on the cutting edge of handsets.  Heck, the company has fallen into obscurity and almost shambles, largely because they refused to adopt Android.  An over simplification?  Absolutely.  However, the company is still driving forward with new products despite their shortcomings and their latest, the Nokia Luna Bluetooth headset ain’t looking too shabby.

Much like the Jabra Stone, the Luna includes a a base for charging and storing your headset.  Removing it from the base automatically powers on the Bluetooth and thus saves on battery life when it’s not in use.  On the converse, place it back in the base and the Bluetooth will power down. But that’s not the only connectivity punch this diminutive sized headset has to offer.  Nokia has stuffed it with an RFID chip, allowing you to pair it with a smartphone bearing the same tech simply by physically tapping the two together. Brilliant.

The ear piece itself weighs 5g, while the charging base is 18.3g, so it should be very pocket friendly.  It supports Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and multipoint connections, enabling you to pair it with two devices simultaneously.   In terms of battery life expect 8 hours of talk time and 60 days of standby.

The Nokia Luna, which comes in black, white, fuchsia, green, yellow and blue will arrive sometime probably in the next 30 days and will cost about $95.  No word if we’ll see it State Side, though.

Beats by Dr. Dre have had unrivaled success. The company offers a variety of headphones for listeners of all types. And despite their excessive price tag people continue to scoop them up. However, they’ve long lacked a wireless option, which means that Dre and company have been leaving money on the table, until now.

These are Dr. Dre’s newest headphones, the Beats Wireless. If you haven’t guessed, they connect to any audio device using Bluetooth. Unfortunately, this means that sound quality can only be so good since the throughput on Bluetooth is limited and won’t support HD audio. However, Bluetooth insures that they’ll be compatible with almost any portable audio device and not limited to say the iPhone, that is to say if Dr. Dre had chosen AirPlay instead.

Voice and music playback controls sit on the right ear cup along with a built-in mic for taking calls directly on the wireless headphones. We don’t know battery life, but if we had to guess you can probably assume 10 hours on a single charge. Dre says these headphones are lightweight even though they sport a built-in battery and some wireless tech. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to include a wired option, which might’ve help alleviate some of the pain associated with the $280 price tag, which comes by way of Gizmodo who got an ears on today.

Update: Looks like these will cost $329.95.

No word on an official release date, but expect them in the next 30 days.

4.5 out of 5 stars

Apple’s iPad 2, while great for watching a YouTube video or surfing the net, is far from an ideal device for taking notes or hammering out a long email to grandma. Sure, iOS 5 will offer a split keyboard, which will provide a small amount of alleviation, but it most certainly won’t transform the tablet from a lean back device, as Steve Jobs called it, to a full blown wordprocessing machine. Unless you’ve got Logitech’s Fold Up keyboard case.

The Logitech Fold Up keyboard is an all black, plastic affair. It weighs just shy of a two pounds, but all things considered the added weight is justifiable given the flip out Bluetooth keyboard that seems to magically expand from underneath the iPad as you lift the tablet to a 45 degree angle. It’s quiet brilliant actually and until you try it in person you won’t be able to recognize how smoothly and easily it works. Logitech has made sure to include a set of slots to leave unfettered access to the 30-pin port and speaker.

The keyboard, much to my surprise, is full sized. A friend and I had a word typing competition using a simple online tool. She exclaimed that she could type 90 words per minute. The skeptic in me challenged her and at the time the iPad and Logitech Fold Up keyboard was within arms reach. Now keep in mind her claim was based on a desktop computer. So the battle ensued.  My score: 60 words per minute. I thought I’d do better, but no matter, because there was no way she could eclipse that score on, what, a Bluetooth keyboard. I couldn’t be more wrong. She scored 91 words per minute, proving that this keyboard is comparable if not better than a full fledged stand alone, wired keyboard. In fact the chiclet keys are highly responsive and provide great feedback, something I didn’t expect to see from a device such as this. It’s got the usual keyboard shortcuts as found on the iPad. Just hold the function key and hit the corresponding number key. Nevertheless, it’s a pleasure to type on this keyboard and as a matter of fact I wrote the rough draft of this review on it.

Chiclet keys and full sized keyboard make typing a pleasure – click to enlarge

Pairing the keyboard and keeping it paired couldn’t be easier. Just open the device, hit the connect button, turn on the iPad’s Bluetooth and your set. When the iPad is fiiipped down and the keyboard is stored away and the Bluetooth automatically turns off. Flip up the iPad, unfold the keyboard and the Bluetooth turns back on and automatically connects with the iPad. In the event that it dies or needs charging you simply plug it into the wall using the included mini-USB charger.

While Logitech doesn’t state battery life on their website, their instruction manual claims 500 hours.  That number seems like a bit of a stretch, and as you can imagine I didn’t have the patience to test this.  Nevertheless, even if it’s a fifth of that you should be good for a few months before heading back to the wall socket.  So it’s a moot concern.

What makes the Logitech Fold Up Keyboard so slick, is that it opens simulatanously as the iPad is flipped into an upright position. A small, ever so slightly recessed plastic button keeps it tightly locked away ensuring that the keyboard doesn’t open during transport and fall victim to a bump or ding.  The entire device is crafted from plastic and while it’s well built and sturdy when closed, it’s a tad fragile feeling when open.  So durability could be questionable for those that are hard on their products, but I had no problems in my testing.  And after all it’s an exceptional caveat since the nimble build makes for what would otherwise be a large and heavy device (i.e. a full sized keyboard).

3 LED lights indicate battery, Bluetooth connectivity and caps lock – click to enlarge

In the top right corner of the keyboard, just below the Connect button, are 3 LED lights: the middle one to convey Bluetooth status (blinking is ready to connect while a solid light when you unfold it indicates power), another to indicate when the caps lock is engaged and the last indicating battery life.

Typing on the Logitech Fold Up Keyboard is an absolute pleasure.  Unlike other keyboards of a similar ilk, this one is full sized, allowing you to easily transition from your laptop to the iPad without skipping a beat.  The design raises some questions about durability when unfolded – it’s a a tad flimsy -but since I had no problems I can only offer conjecture and skepticism, which is hardly justifiable.  The screen of the iPad remains exposed, but invest in one of Apple’s smartcovers and you’ve suddenly got the best of both worlds.

Bottom line: The Logitech Fold Up Keyboard is a massively useful tool for any one that want’s to turn their iPad into a productivity tool.  Its fold out keyboard is as enchanting to unfold as it is to type on.  The only caveat is that it doesn’t protect the iPad’s screen, but that can be quickly remedied with one of Apple’s Smartcovers.

You can buy the Logitech Fold Up Keyboard from Amazon for $129.99.

Pros:

• The full sized Bluetooth keyboard is a pleasure to type on
• Fold out design makes it very portable
• Super long battery life should last for months

Cons:

• All plastic build and a wide number of hinges makes the durability questionable, though I had no problems
• Pricey at $129.99

123►

“You snooze, you lose.”  Probably not a statement you hear uttered around the offices of Zeo.

Yesterday, the company announced the ZEO Mobile.  If you haven’t guessed it’s a more portable version of their sleep tracking hardware.  Instead of using a dedicated box, as found in their first product, this one connects to your iOS or Android device via Bluetooth and relays sleep data as you snooze.

This iteration includes an updated Zeo SoftWave headband, which monitors your REM and deep sleep cycle, and slips into a dock for charging while you go about your daily tasks.

The iOS and Android apps are free.  They’ll track your sleep over time providing you with a “sleep score,” as well as feedback regarding your sleep cycles to help you improve your zzzs.  You’ll also have access to their set of online tools, provided you upload your info, that will not only analyze your sleep cycles, but instruct you on how to enhance your sleep.

And because the Zeo is capable of detecting where you are in your sleep cycle, it can emit an alarm at the optimal point, gently nudging you awake.  Hopefully, this results in you waking refreshed and ready to tackle your day.

The Zeo Sleep Manager Mobile will ship 10/26 and cots $99.

5 out of 5 stars

We’ve all seen jokes about people “talking to themselves” while on their bluetooth headsets, but love them or hate them, they’re a virtual necessity these days, especially in places where they’re required by law if you want to use a phone while driving. The NuForce BT-860 bluetooth headphones may not be as sleek or futuristic looking as the industry standard, but they make up for that with an incredibly comfortable on-ear fit, and great performance as far as range, audio quality, and battery life.

Packaged with a USB wall outlet charger, the BT-860s only take a couple of hours to charge, and once at full power, I was able to get about 8 to 10 hours of use out of them using them for talking as well as listening. There are the occasional pops and clicks in the audio, but they’re not so bad as to detract from the sound, and has more to do with the bluetooth range than the actual audio quality. While I wouldn’t recommend them as a main set of headphones for someone dedicated to audio quality or in-depth music listening, they still do their job quite well. The levels are all decent, with good highs and noticeably strong bass.

Getting used to the controls can be a little odd for first-time bluetooth users, but are all handled using the control panel on the left ear piece and the commands, LED indications and audio tones don’t take very long to learn. They also don’t stand out, blending in fairly seamlessly with the overall design concept of the set in a natural, ergonomic way. Whether I used them for listening to music, as an accessory with my phone, or even for voice chat during online gaming on my Playstation 3, the NuForce BT-860 headphones performed admirably every time. The fact that they can be simultaneously configured to an MP3 player or other device at the same time as a phone is a great feature, making sure that you don’t have to worry about missing any phone calls or not hearing alerts while enjoying personal media on a laptop or tablet computer.

One thing that can’t be stressed enough is how comfortable the feel of the BT-860 set is. There were multiple times while wearing these headphones that I simply forgot over long periods of time that they were still there. Considering the band design of just one solid part with rubber over it, how light and flexible the headphones are came as a huge surprise. Stylistically, the look of these may not be for everyone, and they can be somewhat clunky to carry around in a bag, but they do have a sort of retro charm while still being quite functional. The solid rubber design seems sturdy, but considering how stiff the design is, I’m worried that something might break for good if it ever gets accidentally bent beyond a breaking point.

As a set of bluetooth headphones, built-in microphone and all, the NuForce BT-860′s do just about everything better than I expected. If you need something multi-purpose that’s going to work and hold up under stress, or need something to use for hours at a time, I can’t recommend these headphones more. For a reasonable price point, you get almost twice of what you pay for in terms of quality and usability.

Pros:

• Lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy
• Excellent battery life and packaged charger
• Good sound quality

Cons:

• Rigid design limits portability
• No packaged receiver or headphone jack means pairing to every device you want to use them on
• Foam earpads can start to wear down over time and usage

NuForce BT-860 Headphones are available on Amazon for $79.

Jawbone’s Jambox totally caught us off guard.  Before listening to the diminutive device we had already decided that it couldn’t possibly produce awesome sound.  Boy were we wrong.  So that’s why we’re reserving judgement on Bose’s Soundlink Mobile, a Bluetooth, battery powered speaker (it can also be plugged in).

While the design leaves something to be desired – it looks oh so circa 1980s – it does sport four midrange drivers and two dual-opposing woofers that are placed opposite each other to provide full-range bass performance.   It measures 5″ x 9.5″ x 2″, and weighs less than three pounds.

You can pair up to 6 Bluetooth devices with the portable speaker, though they can’t connect simultaneously and you’ll need to disconnect the first device in order to add a new one.  Unfortunately, there is no AirPlay support.

As far as we can tell there is no hidden microphone for taking calls, but Bose has incorporated an Apple like Smartcover that magnetically adheres to the front of the speaker and automatically powers it off.

According to Bose the built-in battery will last up to 3-4 hours at max volume, or 8 hours at a “normal level.”  Unlike the Jambox the battery is user replaceable, and the box has been ruggedized for added durability.

We’re not sure on a release date, but the cheapest model will sell for $299, while the premium version will fetch $349 and include chrome detailing and a leather cover.

By now there are a fair amount of iPad compatible Bluetooth keyboards on the market.  At their core they’re all the same, which is to provide a tactile typing surface for those that can’t cope with the virtual keys.  As a result few of them stand out in the design department and probably won’t have anyone ogling with envy.  That’s all about to change.

While it’s probably not the slimmest portable Bluetooth keyboards – it measures 12.5mm thick – the Levitatr is by far and away the most ingenious and fun we’ve ever had the luxury of laying eyes on.  With the push of a button the keys elevate from the glossy face of the device and the backlighting turns on.  On the converse when the keyboard is not in use the keys retract back into the body and stow away safely.

The benefits, aside from the aesthetical bliss you’ll enjoy every time you whip it out, is that the keys will avoid a mispress while stored in your bag.  Additionally, crumbs and whatever other debris  is lurking in your bag won’t be able to force its way in between the low-profile scissor switches, which if you haven’t used any of Logitech’s low profile keyboards, make for a smooth and comfortable typing surface.

Integrated into the Levitatr is a aluminum precision-machined kickstand and holds most any device at a 20-30 degree angle.  It locks into place using a high-powered magnet, which only adds to this device’s cool quotient.  A set of hot keys, 5 in total, are built specifically for the iPad, which control some of the most common functions (we’re assuming volume and play/pause, etc).

Instead of a built-in rechargeable battery, which we’ve seen in most Bluetooth keyboards, is a slot for 4x AAA batteries.  We’re not sure if James Stumpf, its designer, plans on including a set of rechargeables, but either way there are conveniences and drawbacks to either setup.

The Levitatr is a Kickstarter project, so James is looking for at least $79 if you want one of your own, though you can pledge less but you won’t get the actual product when it goes into production.  He says they’re currently prototyping a version that integrates directly into a tablet and they have a patent pending.

GadgetReview is giving away one Qmadix: Portfolio case with Removable Bluetooth Keyboard for the iPad 2 ($150 value), to ONE lucky winner!

The Qmadix: Portfolio Case features a removable Bluetooth keyboard that is designed specifically for the iPad 2.  However, since the keyboard is removable it can work with any compatible Bluetooth device, such as an Android smartphone.  All the ports are open for quick and easy access – even the camera – and it charges via micro-USB.

We’re giving away one of these to one person for FREE. To enter just LIKE our Facebook Fan Page and then leave a comment on the associated FB post telling us which movie you HATED this summer and why.  Again, you’ll need to head to our Facebook page and leave your comment on the post announcing this contest.

Will pick one winner at random from the comments, but in order to WIN you’ll have to Like Us and comment on Facebook. If you’d like a double entry, follow us on Twitter and retweet this contest.

This contest ends 9/14/2011 at 11:59 PST

It’s open to US residents in the continental US of A only.

When it comes to Bluetooth headsets Jawbone is at the top of the game.  Their active noise cancellation tech is probably one of the best in the business and from a form factor standpoint they’re generally cutting edge.  So how does a company like that stay in the game without releasing a brand new product every year?  Simple.  You follow Apple’s model and release a slight iteration of a previous product.  We’re not complaining, though, because the ICON HD looks to be a justifiable update that gives the end user more bang for their buck.

First off, Jawbone has increased the size of the speaker by 25%, equating to better sound, though we’re not sure about volume.  They’ve also made the ICON HD compatible with PCs, allowing users to takes calls from VoIP or listen to music stored on their machine.  This is accomplished by including a mini-USB plug, something Jawbone is calling the NERD.  Thanks to multipoint technology it’s able to simultaneously pair with a smartphone and a computer, and can seamlessly switch between audio and calls.

And much like all of Jawbone’s latest headsets, the ICON HD includes their military-grade NoiseAssassin 2.5 technology to kill background noise.

Finally, they’ve included a set of controls on the headset to play and pause audio.  Jawbone’s example of this feature is pretty amusing.  It involves a barista and a podcast, but if you really want the full blown version head down below for the full press release.

The Jawbone ICON HD and NERD are available now for $139.

JAWBONE® INTRODUCES ICON HD + THE NERDTM AND COMPANION FOR ANDROID
− ICON HD + The NERD Lets You Listen to Hi-Def Audio Across Multiple Devices, Mobile & Computer, With One Headset, Wire-Free while Jawbone COMPANION for ANDROID Makes it Easy to Live Hands- Free and Stay on Top of Your Schedule, Battery Life, and Conference Calls −
SAN FRANCISCO – August 30, 2011 – Jawbone®, an innovator of products and services for the mobile lifestyle, today unveiled ICON HD + The NERD and Jawbone Companion for Android, a set of new products and updates to help people get the most out of a mobile & PC hands-free audio experience. Jawbone ICON HD is a headset that offers the richest HD audio and, with The NERD, it brings plug & play connectivity to any USB-equipped computer. Using them together, you can simultaneously connect with any two devices (laptop, phone, tablet) and seamlessly switch between audio (music, video, games, & more) and calls (mobile & VoIP). The ICON HD + The NERD bundle sells for $139. Jawbone Companion for Android is available now as a free download from the Android Market.

“Users want one headset to aggregate the music, movies, games, and other audio content found in the devices they use every day,” said Travis Bogard, vice president of product management and strategy. “Our goal at Jawbone is to design mobile products that give you ultimate wireless freedom, and thatʼs exactly what these new products deliver. ICON HD + The NERD lets you wirelessly listen to media from your Mac or PC and transition across multiple devices without skipping a beat. Jawbone Companion makes the idea of being truly hands-free a reality by automatically notifying and connecting you to meetings and calls throughout the day.”

One Headset for Everything
Jawbone ICON HD is based on the companyʼs previous award-winning ICON line, and updated with the rich HD- quality speakers that users love from the latest Jawbone ERA line of headsets. ICON HD boasts a 25% larger wideband speaker than the original ICON offering the richest, most life-like and clear sound in Hi-Definition audio as you talk on the phone, listen to music, watch movies and play games.

ICON HD also delivers on Jawboneʼs legacy of unparalleled noise-cancelling expertise with military-grade NoiseAssassin® 2.5 technology. For the first time, the headset lets you control your media playback with AVRCP play & pause, allowing you to listen to a podcast on your walk to work and pause it with the touch of a button when the barista is ready to take your morning coffee order.

“Multi-tasking is a part of everyday life,” continues Bogard. “Unfortunately, most mobile products arenʼt designed with this in mind, making transitioning from one device to the next cumbersome and a pain to manage. ICON HD + The NERD solves this problem by streamlining all of the audio from all of your devices into one wire-free headset.”

Wire-FreeTM USB Audio
The NERD is a Wire-Free USB audio adapter that makes connecting the ICON HD to any USB-equipped device as visceral as plugging in headphones, but without the mess of cords. As soon as you plug The NERD into any USB port, it will automatically register as a USB audio device and connect to your ICON HD headset so that you can listen to music, watch videos, play games or take VoIP calls – no software downloads required, no hassle of Bluetooth setup. It also allows you to adjust volume on both your headset and via the master volume control on your Mac or PC.

About half of the length of other USB adapters, The NERD has a modern design thatʼs smaller and more discreet, so it wonʼt interfere when plugged into a laptop. Itʼs compatible with both PC and Mac.

The ICON HD features the same sleek, elegant design as the original ICON headsets and is available in the Denim finish. Beginning today, the Jawbone ICON HD + The NERD bundle can be purchased on Jawbone.com for $139.00, with in-store availability coming soon.

Always Connected, Always Up to Date
As with all Jawbone products, ICON HD + The NERD can be updated via Jawboneʼs MyTALK platform, ensuring that it will become even richer over time. MyTALK offers original applications that make Jawbone ICON HD + The NERD even better, including the new Jawbone Companion application.

Jawbone Companion for Android is Jawboneʼs latest application for Android users to keep them connected to their mobile devices, completely hands-free, in situations that matter the most. The application allows Android users to view their headsetʼs remaining battery life on their phone, and dial-in to conference calls on their calendar, directly from their Jawbone headset. No more back and forth between emails to find your conference callʼs dial-in number and passcode – Jawbone Companion announces, with a whisper in your ear, when you have a scheduled call, and with the push of a button, enters all your dial-in information.

Previously, Jawbone Companion was in a limited phone Beta with interest and support from over 20,000 testers verifying phone compatibility and providing feedback. With this feedback, Jawbone has released a general available version that provides users with features they want while supporting several Android devices and more on the way. For a complete list of compatible Android devices, please go to Jawbone.com/Companion.

For more information, images and product demos on ICON HD + The NERD as well as Jawbone Companion for Android, please visit: www.Jawbone.com/Press, MyTALK.Jawbone.com, or follow @Jawbone on Twitter.

Expand your musical listening experience with some wireless speakers! We’ve picked out a 7 of the best solutions under $500 on the market, which allow you to play your favorite playlists, Internet stations or music subscriptions in any room of your pad, regardless if your audio system isn’t WiFi compatible. It’s time to step up your musical game!

7. CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER WIRELESS ($150)

Easy and super simple, Creative’s SoundBlaster provides a great wireless solution without all the fuss. If you want music from point A to B, without having to worry about setting up all kinds of wires, then you’ve found what you’re looking for! The starter kit ($150) comes with a dongle for your Mac or PC, as well as a single receiver with 35mm or RCA stereo jacks.

Bonus: The hardware is pre-paired and works right out of the box!

6. PLAYGO USB WIRELESS SPEAKER ($500)

Enhance wireless streaming of your favorite jams with playGo’s USB Wireless Speaker System. Simply plug in the USB into your computer and your tunes will be wireless sent to any accompanying receiver unit. It’s price might be a tad scary ($499.99), but it features a stylish looks and is very durable.

Bonus: It can endure practically anything since it’s made from Corian, which is the stuff used to make countertops.

5. KLIPSCH LIGHTSPEAKERS ($599/$249 each)

Although it’s not entirely a complete WiFi solution, these speakers are capable of streaming music wirelessly from your PC …but also functions as a light source. Simply screw the Lightspeakers into any 5-or 6-inch socket and you have a light source.

Bonus: You can never go wrong with two-for-one devices, but this one is only great for PC peeps!

4. LOGITECH WIRELESS SPEAKER ($40)

Logitech’s Wireless Speaker Adapter allows for WiFi using Bluetooth so you can listen to all your music, movies and games that are on your Bluetooth-enabled gadgets on your home audio’s speakers. You’ll get a much better sound quality using this than with what you’d get from your mobile device’s tiny built-in speakers.

Bonus: Its $39.99 price is totally affordable and its sleek, modern design is pleasing.

3. APPLE AIRPORT EXPRESS ($100)

For those Apple enthusiasts who like to keep everything Apple-based comes their AirPort Express. Featuring blazing fast 802.11n, the AirPort Express may be tiny, but it’s powerful enough to connect up to 10 users on its network.

Bonus: Its small size allows you to take it anywhere!

2. AUDIOENGINE W1 AND W2 ($99)

The Audioengine W1 is a wireless audio adapter that sends music from your computer, iPod or any other audio device straight to your headphones or home audio system. It’s a great way to eliminate audio cables and features CD-quality HD stereo sound, making your music sound that much better. The W2 is a wireless adapter specifically made for your iPod. Send music wireless from your iPod or iPod Touch to any speaker or audio system in your home.

Bonus: It’s $99 price makes both a great bargain!

1. SONOS PLAY:3 ($299)

Plug in the Sonos Play:3 to enjoy music anywhere you want. The all-in-one wireless system allows you to stream your entire music library, any music services you subscribe to Internet stations without any real hard work. With HiFi sound quality and the convenience to place anywhere, all you need to do is plug in the Sonos Play:3 and listen anywhere.

Bonus: Free Sonos Controller apps for Android, iPhone and iPad let you control your zone players, music on the Internet and your computer right from the palm of your hand.