S1 Audio Introduces Listening Devices At CES

By Lisa Johnston -- TWICE, 1/26/2009

LAS VEGAS — S1 Audio introduced a variety of listening devices at International CES, held here earlier this month.

Among the debuts were the NxSet products, which have an around-the-neck design. They include Music 1 and Music 2 for use with portable music devices, and Mobile 1 and Mobile 2 for use cellphones.

Designed as a sleek and light-weight neckband, NxSET products move the traditional headset to the shoulders, where two integrated speakers on either side of the device project sound up to the user’s ears, providing full fidelity stereo sound and comfort, the company said. At higher volumes, NxSet can be placed in a common area to easily share music or a phone conversation with multiple people.

There are four models in the lineup.

The Music 1 features two high-fidelity speakers that project audio to the ears when worn around the neck. When the volume is increased, the device can be used as a miniature and portable speaker system.

The Music 2 has the same features as the Music 1 and adds retractable ear buds. Both Music models are powered by two AA batteries.

The Mobile 1 is engineered to operate with cellphones. It has a single speaker, retractable ear bud and a microphone to replicate an off-the-head mobile headset. CSR BlueCore 5 Bluetooth technology is incorporated to eliminate the need for cords, SI said.

The Mobile 2 is similar to the Mobile 1 but has two personal speakers where users can switch between stereo phone headset and listening to streaming stereo functionality. It also has CSR BlueCore 5 Bluetooth technology and two retractable ear buds.

Both Mobile models have built-in rechargeable batteries.

Pricing and availability were not given at press time.

All of the models include onboard volume control, mute and multiple music play/forward functions. The Mobile models also feature send/end call button.

SI also introduced ear buds and ear bud accessories at CES.

The company’s line of in-ear ear buds includes two models: SuperBudz 1 and Hypnos 1.

The SuperBudz 1 are mini ear buds with a low-profile, ear-hugger design, while the Hypnos 1 have an aluminum casing with a sound-isolating design. Both models feature in-line volume controls, the company’s proprietary Mini Mute feature for conversing while wearing the ear buds, and its “Turbo Boost” for instant volume increases. They will be offered in four colors.

Suggested retails range from $19.95 to $79.95.

Finally, the BudBud dual-function ear bud series from S1 is engineered to eliminate the need for multiple headsets, earphones, splitters and cords when using MP3 players or music-enabled cellphones. The line include three models: BudBud Solo, BudBud MP3 and BudBud Mobile.

The BudBud Solo is billed by the company as the first and mono communications headset that converts to stereo ear buds, allowing users to forgo an extra set of ear buds and rely on a single device. A second ear bud is piggy-backed onto the primary bud for dual ear listening when separated.

The BudBud MP3 is said to convert easily from a single pair of earbuds to two complete pairs through the piggy-back design, enabling consumers to share their music with friends.

Finally, the BudBud Mobile also converts from a single pair to two pairs of ear buds for playing and sharing media, and it also includes a microphone for use with a cellphone.

Pricing and availability were not given at press time.