Despite the fact that our technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last 20 years, our lives growing increasingly sedentary.  As a result obesity has sky rocketed and with it our health care costs.  Adding to the dilemma is that Americans have adopted the philosophy if “it ain’t broke don’t fix it”.  We couldn’t be any more wrong.

On Tuesday, Hosain Rahman, founder of Jawbone, unvield a conceptual device called the “Up”, which aims to change how we treat ourselves.  It’s a motion recording wristband that connects to the user’s smartphone and some how can tell when they’re sleeping, eating or exercising.  The data is presumambly then recorded to their smartphone allowing users to review their activity in what hopefully is a motivating and tell-tale format.

However, Jawbone faces strong competition from the long standing pedometers and sleep meter.  Nonetheless, no other product has offered such versatility and in such a convenient form factor, so they might just have a winner on their hands.

It’s worth reemphasizing that this was a conceptual launch – no real product exists at this time.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality and noise cancellation
• Feature rich with more options to come in the future
• Light weight and not too dorky

Cons:

• Expensive; $129.99
• Difficult to find a comfortable fit despite a myriad of included earbud sizes

An Era is defined as a “a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event”. So does that sum up Jawbone’s latest Bluetooth headset, the “Era”?

Much like previous Jawbone headsets of the past, the Era is packed with a number of ear bud sizes which can accommodate a wide variety of ears. They’ve included fits for those that are looking for a more secure experience (ear hook) or without (no ear hook). The included charger even adds some cache to the overall experience by featuring a malleable cord that measures a few inches in length, but stays configured in any shape thanks to a metal lining.

The Era’s power switch and LED status light hidden beneath the rubber nub to show battery life and pairing status

There are just two physical keys on the Era. On the under belly lies a power switch, while the tail features a talk button, that when pressed when not in a call, much like the Jambox, speaks the approximate battery time left.

What makes the Era so unique is that it is the first Bluetooth headset to use an accelerometer. Violently shake the Era twice and it will enter it into ‘pairing mode’. Shake it once while out of your ear and it will answer the call. Tap on it twice when in the ear and it will answer or end a call. On a few occasions the Era fell out of my ear (no ear hook in place) and as a result it ended the call. I suppose that the accelerometer mistook the sudden change in movement as if I were tapping on it twice, as in hanging up. I also had a difficult time answering a call by tapping on the Era – I felt like I was smacking myself in the side of the head – so most of the time I resorted to using the ‘talk button’.   Jawbone says that the Era will receive additional updates to enhance the accelerometer’s usefulness, but that has yet to be realized

Talk button and USB input

By default the Era announces the caller’s telephone number. But realistically this is a waste since these days no one memorizes phone numbers. But good news. You can add up to 20 caller’s names and numbers to the Era and it will do its best to announce their name when they call. To do this you’ll need to plug the Bluetooth headset into your computer using the included USB plug and then register for a MyTALK account, which is Jawbone’s web portal. There you can swap the Era’s default voice with a variety of characters, change features and add a myriad of applications that allow you to text using your voice, listen to email and so forth. However, some of these apps are from third party developers and require you to sign up for a separate account.

Having something constantly jammed in your ear looks out right geeky. But it’s an entirely different ball of wax (pun intended) if the Bluetooth headset is heavy and cumbersome. The Era however is light enough to forget that its even there and small enough that most might not even notice it.  I did struggle to find a comfortable fit with the included ear buds, and even with the ear hook in place the Era was a bit unstable and had a tendency to shift around.

Jawbone Era’s non-ear hook ear bud

Inside the ear bud is a 10mm drive. Impressive, especially for a Bluetooth headset. Jawbone stretched the marketing material by suggesting that the Era could be used to listen to music. While totally possible its sound is far too bright and almost complete devoid of bass – plus it’s in just one ear.  Nonetheless, callers sounded crisp, clear and plenty enough loud even with a large amount of street noise in the background. However, callers said that I sounded a bit muffled, but discernible nonetheless.

The Jawbone Era boasts Aliph’s latest noise cancellation, Noise Assassin 3.0. While we don’t know how much they’ve updated the tech since their last iteration, most said that the majority of the background noise was muted, that is until I began to speak. Volume of the Era was usually right on, which is also part of their Noise Assassin technology. However, on an few occasions I found myself adjusting the volume manually, but for the most part the Era automatically kept levels to my liking depending on the surrounding environment.  Of note, you can disengage the Noise Assassin by holding the talk button for a few seconds.  When I did this callers could, without a doubt, hear more background noise.

The Era comes in a 4 colors; this one is Midnight which boasts red accents

In terms of connectivity the Era had no problem pairing with my iPhone 3Gs, though on occasion it needed to be manually prompted to reconnect to the Jawbone Era. Few and far between the connection was slightly muddled during a call, as if something were interfering with the Bluetooth connection, but nonetheless it was never to the point of disrupting the conversation.

The Jawbone Era takes about 1 hour to complete a full charge, or 30 minutes to complete an 80% charge. It boasts a 5.5 hour talk time, which considering the size of the device is nothing to sneer at. If left powered on and not used, the Era it will enter a standby mode where upon the battery can last for up to 10 days.  These stats were about on par with my experience.  By default the Era can visually communicate the remaining battery life on the iPhone and Blackberry’s screen by displaying a small icon in the top corner of each respective device’s display. Flip the Era over and you’ll notice that the rubber nub also flashes red when the battery is almost dead.

The Jawbone Era is a feature rich Bluetooth headset, but with that comes a hefty price tag of $129.99. I love the fact that you can update it with a variety of apps, change the voice and that perhaps some days Jawbone will enhance the functionality of the accelerometer.  But it’s important to note that despite all this tech wizardry Jawbone hasn’t lost sight of its core objective, which is too build one of the best Bluetooth headsets on the market today with a great battery life, feature set and excellent noise cancellation.

You can buy the Jawbone Era from Amazon in a variety of colors for $129.99.

Update: Checkout our Jawbone Era review.

In recent, Aliph seemed to be following in the footsteps of Lacie, committing to only minor product iterations with little real value added to what they’re minting as a new product and a hefty price tag to boot.  And while their latest, the Jawbone Era, seems to be in the same vein, there are some cool and notable features that might be worth a look, heck even a try.

So what sets the Era apart from their other Bluetooth headsets?  First and foremost the accelerometer, which has become a staple in all smartphones since the advent of the iPhone.  While it’s functionality is limited to just two functions – pairing the headsets by shaking, and tapping it (we’re not sure how this utilizes the accelerometer, though) to begin and end calls – Aliph promises to enhance its usability through future software and app updates.  

While we’re not one to listen to tunes out of just one ear piece, they’ve bumped the driver size to 10mm which should improve the fidelity of the headset as well as the volume.  This is further complimented by Noise Assassin 3.0, the latest and what they’re claiming to be the most advanced noise and wind cancelling technology.

The Jawbone Era is on sale now for $129.99 and is available in 4 different shades of black.

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Don’t forget the coupon: BONUSBUY

Note: Look to the right for ‘more buying choices’

Just when I thought Aliph couldn’t push the Bluetooth headset envelope any further they go and release the ICON, their latest Bluetooth headset.  For the most part the ICON contains all the tech found in previous Jawbone headset, with the exception of updated noise cancellation and a new lighter build.

But the real meat of the ICON is the MyTALK website (currently under beta). Through a series of apps, users are able customize the ICON.  For instance, the MyTALK AudioApps lets users personalize the voice and language that conveys the incoming caller ID and battery life (oh ya, it can do that too).  This also seems to be the first Bluetooth headset that works in conjunction with the iPhone to display remaining battery life on its screen.  In addition to all these feature the ICON can connect to two Bluetooth connections at the same time, has a 10 day standby time (4.5 hour talk time), completes an 80% charge in 30 minutes (100% in less than an hour), includes 7 ear bud sizes and weighs just 8g.

The Aliph Jawbone ICON is available now at Verizon stores or on their website for $100.  Expect it to arrive in Apple stores and other major retails “soon after”.

Hit the leap for the press release and complete break down of the apps

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 18, 2010 – Aliph — maker of the market-leading Jawbone® Bluetooth headset and inventor of NoiseAssassin®, the world’s first and only military-grade noise-eliminating technology — today unveiled its most sophisticated product yet, Jawbone ICON. Jawbone ICON offers unprecedented ease of use and audio quality as well as an industry-first software platform called MyTALK™ that lets users personalize and update their Jawbones via the web. Jawbone ICON will be available for $99.99 beginning January 18 in six unique design personas.

“In building the next generation of wearable computing, we focused maniacally on creating the world’s best customer experience. We incorporated significant intelligence into the headset and as a result this is the simplest-to-operate Jawbone ever created, with a rich array of design choices to suit any preference or lifestyle. We like to call it a new icon for personal expression,” said Hosain Rahman, Aliph’s CEO.

Industry-first intelligence makes Jawbone ICON easy, convenient and personal
Jawbone ICON offers built-in intelligence and the ability to personalize with the click of a mouse using the all-new MyTALK platform, currently in private beta at mytalk.jawbone.com.

“Each customer is an individual, with unique tastes and preferences. With this in mind, we invented MyTALK as a place where people could go to get a richer in-ear experience. MyTALK is just a hint of the exciting ways people will be able to breathe life into their Jawbones over time,” said Rahman.

“Customers also tell us they don’t want to reach for their phone when their hands and eyes need to be elsewhere, like on the steering wheel and on the road. So Jawbone ICON uses its brains to now whisper important information like caller ID and remaining battery life into the user’s ear,” he added.

New personalization and convenience features include:
•    MyTALK AudioApps. Lets users personalize the voice that conveys information into their ear. French, German and Spanish languages are also available.
•    MyTALK DialApps. Lets users customize an easy access button linking directly to services of their choice such as free directory assistance, voice-to-SMS and voice dial.
•    Simultaneous Multipoint. Lets users switch seamlessly between two calls on different cell phones.
•    On/Off slide switch and one-button control. Delivers radical simplicity.
•    Visual battery meter. Displays remaining battery life at top of iPhone screen.

Six stunning designs and personas deliver rich set of consumer choices
Jawbone ICON is smaller and lighter than its predecessors, and comes in six designs with lush textures and finishes rarely seen in consumer electronics.

“Design and self-expression have been at the core of every generation Jawbone to date, and now we launch an unprecedented suite of choices to match that personal style that makes you who you are,” said Yves Behar, Chief Creative Officer of Aliph. “The materials, textures, colors and surfaces of the Jawbone ICON line produce rich and distinct watch-like or jewelry-like results. The six breakthrough Jawbone ICON designs need to be touched and seen in person to be fully appreciated.”

“Each Jawbone ICON is infused with a unique and exciting look. Like characters in a film, each captures a different fun-to-wear persona,” he added.

New leaps in sound technology sustain Jawbone’s lead in audio quality
Continuing Jawbone’s leadership in sound technology, Jawbone ICON provides improved inbound audio quality as well as upgrades to its battlefield-tested NoiseAssassin technology. Audio advancements include:
•    NoiseAssassin 2.5 with wind reduction. Continues to provide the best noise elimination available.
•    Innovative speaker design and signal processing. Improves inbound audio clarity and volume.
•    Set-it-and-forget-it audio. Eliminates the need to adjust volume from one caller to the next.

Jawbone ICON Specifications
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (varies by phone)
Standby Time: More than 10 days
Range: At least 33 feet (10 meters)
Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in less than 1 hour
Weight: 8 grams
Fit: 7 earbud sizes + 1 premium adjustable earloop
Accessories: AC power adaptor, micro-USB flex cable
Supports Multipoint: Pairs with up to 8 devices, 2 simultaneous connections
Supports Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), 2.0, 1.2, 1.1
Packaging: 100% recyclable

Pricing
The MSRP for Jawbone ICON is $99.99. There is no charge for MyTALK. Availability
Jawbone ICON is available starting January 18 at Verizon® stores and on Aliph’s website at www.jawbone.com. Distribution of Jawbone ICON will soon thereafter expand to Apple®, AT&T®, Best Buy Mobile® and other cellular carrier and retail stores nationwide. Jawbone ICON will be available internationally beginning in March.

Jawbone MyTALK is currently available at mytalk.jawbone.com as an invitation-only private beta. Jawbone MyTALK is expected to go into public beta soon.

About Aliph
Aliph is committed to creating personal technology products that deliver an unsurpassed user experience. The company’s flagship product, the award-winning Jawbone Bluetooth headset, first disrupted the industry in 2006 with its military-grade NoiseAssassin technology and instantly became recognized as the best Bluetooth headset available. In 2010, Jawbone ICON becomes the company’s most innovative Jawbone yet; introducing unmatched ease of use, personalization, sound quality and design into the consumer marketplace.

Co-founded by Alexander Asseily and Hosain Rahman, Aliph is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco.

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If you’ve been looking for a Jawbone Prime and just don’t know where to buy it, well, look no longer.  I’m not sure when this coupon ends, JBFFHANDS, but it offers $30 off when you buy the Prime directly from Jawbone. You’ll have to pay for tax, that is assuming it applies in your state and don’t forget to select Free Shipping.

Coupon: JBFFHANDS

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Aliph unveiled their latest Jawbone headset today, the Prime.  The biggest changes to the high end Bluetooth headset is a slightly more refined facade with additional colors to choose from, Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR, and a slightly tweaked algorithm of its Noise Assassin technology which should result in better sound quality.  Street date for the Prime is May 2nd but you can preorder today for $130.  Colors: Blah Blah Black, Coffee Talk and Going Platinum.  And there will also be an ‘Earcandy edition’ which is available in Frankly SCARLET, ‘YELLO!, Drop Me A LIME and LILAC You Mean It.

[via Engadget]

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Don’t forget Newegg’s limited time $5 coupon: EMCLNNT44 (expires: 3/4)

Notably, Amazon now has it for $92 shipped!

Don’t forget Cell Hut’s $35 coupon: ALIP2B (expires: unknown)

Features:

• Military grade noise cancellation
• Light weight and sleek design

Don’t forget Newegg’s Free Shipping coupon: EMCBBAEDC (expires: 11/10)

Features:

• Military grade noise cancelling mic
• 200 hours standby time and 6 hours talk time

Update: 6ave has it for $96 – 6% coupon (FALL101608) + free shipping = $90 shipped!

Features:

• Military grade noise cancelling mic
• New smaller and lighter design, up to 4 hours of talk time and 8 days standby

Buy it: Jawbone II Bluetooth Headset with Noise-Canceling Microphone – $94

Features:

• Military grade noise cancelling and isolation
• Lightweight and new smaller footprint + 4 hour talk time and 192 hour standb

Buy it: Aliph Jawbone 2 Wireless Cell Phone Headset – $96

Features:

• Lightweight and smaller footprint than original
• Militar grade noise technology
• 192 hour standby and 4 hour talk time

Buy it: Aliph Jawbone 2 Wireless Cell Phone Headset – $100

Don’t forget Shop4tech’s 15% coupon: PS15

Features:

• Military grade noise cancellation
• Lightweight and uber cool design

Buy it: Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset – $102

Features:

• Advanced military grade noise cancellation
• Superior sound quality, light weight and small footprint

Buy it: Jawbone II Bluetooth Headset – $107

This deal is good for today only and this is the best price ever seen for this product and don’t forget 6ave’s 5% coupon: AFL5

Features:

• Military grade noise cancellation
• Bluetooth 1.1 and 2.0, 4 hours talk time and 8 days standby
• Compatible with a wide variety of phones

Buy it: Aliph JAWBONE 2 Bluetooth Headset – $94