headsets

Looxcie wearable camera: For those afraid to blink

Feel like the world's already too glued to instant communications, on-the-spot mobile photo, and video uploads? Do you feel like there's nothing you can do in public that won't be instantly YouTubed? Well, get ready for Looxcie. The completely awkward-looking earpiece/camcorder fits the bill for William Gibson-style folk who fear ever missing a moment of reality that can't be recorded.

At $199, the 1-ounce over-the-ear Bluetooth headset-cum-camera has the storage capacity to record up to five hours of lower-res HVGA-resolution MP4 video on 4GB of internal memory, although the battery life will only last for … Read more

Headphones with iPod controls

With Apple thoroughly touting the headphone remote capability of its various iPods, third-party headphone manufacturers are eagerly turning out products with integrated playback controls. One solution we've seen is the in-line remote cable attachment that can connect to any set of headphones, thereby letting you simply update your favorite pair.

Of course, if you need to upgrade from Apple's stock earbuds anyway, picking up a brand-new model with the controls (and mic, if applicable) built in makes more sense. The selection is constantly expanding, but not all the options provide a great experience. We've rounded up some … Read more

Plantronics announces the M100

Plantronics released its latest Bluetooth headset Tuesday, dubbed the Plantronics M100. It's billed as a mid-tier headset, but that doesn't mean it won't do its job. Indeed, the M100 has what you would want out of a quality headset--dual microphones, DSP cancellation of background noise, wind noise reduction, echo cancellation, multipoint connectivity, and automatic volume adjustment.

It also has a voice alert system that'll let you know when you're on mute, your battery life, and more. Interestingly, like the Jawbone Icon, the M100 will also display a headset battery meter on your iPhone.

The Plantronics … Read more

Sweet headphones for music phones

If you own a cell phone with a music player built-in, the best way to take advantage of both capabilities is with a stereo headset. That is, a pair of headphones with an integrated mic and call-answer button.

Plenty of music phones offer stereo Bluetooth capability, which lets you take calls and listen to music through a headset without pesky wires getting in the way. But at this stage in the game, the sound quality is generally not going to be as good as what you can get through a decent wired set.

Better yet, wired headsets are often cheaper … Read more

Crave giveaway: Psyko 5.1 gaming headset

We're continuing with our gaming theme for another week and giving away a Psyko 5.1 surround-sound PC gaming headset that has a detachable boom mic. In his review, editor Jeff Bakalar called the Psycho 5.1 "ambitious and innovative" (read full review). XBox 360 owners should also take note that Psyko is scheduled to release a version of the Psyko 5.1 for the 360 (see video below).

Normally, the Psyko 5.1 headset would cost about $300, but you have the chance to get it gratis.

So, how do you try to win this surround-sound … Read more

Shure announces full-size headphones for iPhone

Anyone who has done their due diligence when researching ultraportable earphones has come across a fair amount made by Shure. The company has been churning out quality sound-isolating sets for more than 10 years. However, the team of audio enthusiasts showed little interest in catering to those who prefer not to stick 'buds into their ears until recently.

On Wednesday, Shure introduced its very first full-size headphone designed with the iPhone and iPod in mind. The SRH240m+ expands upon the professional quality SRH240 headphones with a three button remote control and mic. The closed-back, circumaural design reduces outside noise, while … Read more

Monday roundup: Five sweet deals

What's this? A week's worth of deals in a single post? Before you collapse to your knees in teary-eyed gratitude, allow me to explain.

See, I couldn't find a standout, must-have, totally killer deal today. So instead I decided to bring you five that I consider pretty good--in some cases very good. Take a look:

Buy.com has the Sony Fontopia MDR-EX71SL noise-isolating earphones for $9.80 out the door. They come with three earbud sizes, a 2.5-to-3.5mm adapter, and a hard-plastic carrying case.Today only, Woot.com has the refurbished Flip MinoHD 720p pocket camcorder for $79.99 (… Read more

Get a Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset for $19.99

Although it's a couple years old now, the Aliph Jawbone 2 still ranks among the best Bluetooth headsets. It's not perfect, mind you, but in terms of sound quality and noise-cancellation features, it's aces.

The headset originally sold for $129.99--ouch!--but today only, 1 Sale A Day has the Jawbone 2 for just $19.99. Even more amazing, that's for a new unit (albeit in bulk packaging), not a refurb. Shipping adds another five bucks.

As you can see in the accompanying video, CNET liked the Jawbone 2 a lot, ultimately awarding it the coveted … Read more

The 411: No iPhone for Verizon

Welcome to the 411, my Q&A column answering all your questions about cell phones and cell phone accessories. At times, I might solicit answers from readers if I'm stumped. Send your questions and comments to me at nicole.lee@cnet.com. If you prefer to remain anonymous, let me know in the e-mail.

Hey there! I just need some advice. I really want the new iPhone 4, but I currently have Verizon. My contract is up and I am deciding to move to AT&T. Do you think I should wait for the iPhone to come … Read more

Blingathon: Novero's Victoria Bluetooth headsets

If you're a Russian oligarch who's already bought his ladyfriend an art gallery, an editorship of a magazine, and a hundred acres on the moon, what's next? Perhaps a $148,000 Bluetooth headset, madame?

Novero, a company formed by ex-Nokia managers keen to express their stylish sides, on Wednesday showed off a range of Bluetooth gadgets that target the fashion-conscious who still want to yell into empty space.

The Victoria range--there's also a Victor, for the guys--starts at $295 and peaks at "six digit" prices for a specially commissioned version that sports a … Read more