CTIA Wireless 2010: Bluetooth Solutions Abound

By John Laposky and Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 3/23/2010

Las Vegas - Several new feature-rich Bluetooth solutions are being introduced today as International CTIA Wireless 2010 gets underway here.

Spracht's Aura EQ Bluetooth headset has a unique second mode for local enhanced hearing, turning the headset into a personal sound-amplification product.

Jabra is showing its new Clipper stereo Bluetooth headset which combines noise-canceling ear buds with a tiny clip-on device that wirelessly links to two devices, such as a cellphone and MP3 player, and allows a user to switch between calls and music on the headset. Incoming calls will automatically override music played, and users can pause, skip tracks or alter the volume with a single multifunction button. The phone and MP3 player can be stored separately in a bag or pocket without breaking the connection. 

The Clipper can also be used with any 3.5mm headphones. It's less than 5 centimeters long and weighs less than half an ounce. It will be available in May at a suggested retail of $59.99.

Mizco International is adding seven new models to its Cellular Innovations line of Talk 2 Bluetooth headsets, some incorporating A2DP stereo audio streaming, remote music controls and background noise-canceling functions as standard features.

New models include the HFBLU-CK2 slimline Bluetooth hands-free car kit, which carries a suggested retail price of $34.99. It features Bluetooth V2.1 technology, stereo audio streaming and remote music controls, voice dialing, call reject, mute, 10-hour talktime, and 400 hours of standby time. The package also comes with a mini-USB car charger and visor-mount clip. 

Also new are a "his and hers" HFBLU-2PK twin pack of Bluetooth headsets with two mono headsets, each featuring a slightly different cosmetic design for $39.99.

Spracht, a division of ODI, is introducing its Aura EQ headset, a Bluetooth in-ear set with a unique second mode for local enhanced hearing, turning the headset into a personal sound amplification product. The switching dual-microphone focus point allows users to utilize the headset for normal cellphone calls, or switch to distance and change the focus to three feet away. The Aura EQ amplifies and equalizes the voice of the person speaking to better hear and participate in conversations in noisy rooms.

The device's DSP design utilizes three microphones: one for Bluetooth cellphone conversations focused on the mouth, one for local amplified local conversations focused in front of the user, and one used as the ambient noise filter.

The Aura EQ includes capacitive volume control -- the outer shell of the unit is the volume-control mechanism. The user rubs a finger on the earpiece from back to front or front to back to raise/lower the volume level.

A frequency-band equalizer allows the user to adjust to personal hearing preferences to improve verbal recognition. Three preset EQ settings are included for the most common loss points, but the levels are completely user adjustable. Once set, the settings are saved as personal settings until changed.

The Aura EQ retails for $99 and will be available in April.

And Blue Ant is offering a free Android OS app designed for use with the company's Q1 hands-free headset that enables text messages to be read aloud into the headset. The headset already lets wearers listen to turn-by-turn driving instructions and music streamed through Bluetooth-stereo-equipped portable navigation devices and car stereos.