A recently revealed patent from Apple shows the company is looking at producing a wireless headset that offers standalone media playing abilities, rather than relying on a Bluetooth streaming connection to get music piped into the ear.

Apple's latest vision is for times when "the external device with which it is wirelessly coupled is not being used" as during such downtime the headset could be used to play music.

Alternatively, the patent suggests, "if the external device is a telephone, the availability of a recording function could make it possible for the user to record all or part of a conversation. Similarly, voicemail messages received on the user's telephone could be uploaded into the headset for later off-line playback".

On one hand the patent could be seen as a wearable, voice-controlled iPod shuffle with wireless capabilities, and on the other the next-gen of Apple's iPhone headset - more of an iPhone companion device - offering advanced media playing functionality.

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Tags: Audio Apple Patents iPod iPod shuffle Headsets

Apple patent reveals headset-style iPod shuffle originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:32:40 +0000

Broadcom is about to bring a new "great and exciting" technology for Bluetooth headsets to the wider market.

In the video above, that offers an inside look at Broadcom's advanced audio testing chambers, an exec talks us through the new BCM2074x family that owes its tech prowess to fourth generation ROM-based 65 nanometer solutions.

Such advances include using 50% less power, meaning twice as much talk time, while fast charging abilities see the headset charged "within a very short time" - around 5 minutes.

In addition, Broadcom's SmartAudio tech gets demoed and? appears to make a huge difference in eliminating wind noise.

Broadcom says the tech is soon to be seen in headsets from five leading manufacturers, so we'll keep you posted on new launches.?

Tags: Phones Headsets Bluetooth Broadcom Video

VIDEO: Broadcam explains new Bluetooth headset tech originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:38:38 +0000

The Jabra Stone has been announced as a Carphone Warehouse exclusive boasting a "revolutionary" design that's said to "break the mold of the traditional Bluetooth headset".

PR speak aside, the 7-gram Stone wraps behind the ear with no on-face boom bit and then fits neatly into a little portable charger slash case when not in use. ?

Boasting dual-microphone "Noise Blackout Extreme" noise cancelling tech the Stone gets a near-invisibale touch-controlled volume pad on the outside of the headset, soft rubber padding and a soft ear gel around the speaker.

With Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR & eSCO, the Stone claims 8-hours of talk-time and 12 days on standby (with the charger) and goes on sale at Carphone Warehouse stores across the country for ?99.

Tags: Phones Mobile phones accessories Headsets Jabra Carphone Warehouse Bluetooth

Jabra Stone headset launches originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:14:31 +0100

The Jabra Arrow headset has launched into the company's JX range. The Arrow claims to combine automatic volume control, easy and functional storage and stylish good looks.

Jabra says: "When you're at the wheel, the last thing you want is the distraction of a headset which is never quite at the right volume". The Arrow gets auto volume control ("the clever technology recognises and adjusts audio coming into the headset before it reaches the user's ear") and DSP noise reduction, specifically for in car use.

Weighing in at 10 grams, the Bluetooth 2.1 Jabra headset comes with a charger and holder in one, can be used with two devices at the same time and offers 5-hours talktime. It's due to the UK in November, priced at around ?49.99.

Tags: Phones Phone accessories Jabra Headsets Bluetooth

Jabra Arrow announced for November originally appeared on http://www.pocket-lint.com on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:01:38 +0100