Samsung launches new wired and wireless headsets

Samsung isn't letting CES go by without introducing a few new accessories for its mobile devices. A pair of Bluetooth headsets are on tap, the HM1800 and HM6000 (the latter of which boasts a pair of mics for noise cancellation ) but, oddly enough, it the company's "your sound" wired models that are getting the bulk of the attention. The EHS-60, 63, 70 and 71 all offer a twist on the wired stereo headset model. The high-end 70 and 71 are crafted of aluminum and include welcome features like anti-tangle cords. The most interesting, though, are certainly the asymmetrical EHS-63s which feature an in-ear bud for higher frequencies and an open-air speaker for low-end.

 

Press Release

Samsung Debuts "your sound" Family of Wired Headsets

With Varying Degrees of Audio Features, the "your sound" Line of Headsets Ensures a Premium, Customized Experience for Listeners of Every Lifestyle

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States1, today announced its new family of wired headsets – your sound – a line of four unique headsets designed for listeners to experience music, video, and gaming with exceptional audio quality.

Across all devices, users will experience superior audio, wide frequency performance, in-line audio controls and microphone for placing and answering calls, high-end style, and a comfortable fit. In addition, each headset is built to meet the audio needs of four specific groups of listeners.

EHS-60 "Serious Sound"

With the EHS-60, users will receive quality audio features at an affordable entry price point. Whether classical, rock, hip hop or country, these earphones deliver music in seamless definition when used with a variety of audio devices. The Serious Sound in-ear headset features comfortable gel earbuds that provide background noise isolation while improving audio response. Users can also make and receive calls with the in-line microphone and answer key.

EHS-63 "Active Sound"

The EHS-63 is an ingenious hybrid headset with an impressive array of audio and safety features, designed specifically as an ideal companion for fitness buffs. Featuring a unique dual-speaker design, one open-air and one in-ear, the EHS-63 allows active listeners to safely monitor their outdoor surroundings without sacrificing audio quality. Specifically, the open air speaker gives users improved bass response while the traditional in-ear speaker provides high frequency fidelity, producing optimal conditions for well-balanced high, middle and low tone. In addition, users will enjoy super-soft silicone ear cushions for unparalleled comfort and secure fit, ensuring headsets stay in place, even during high-intensity workouts.

EHS-70 "Massive Sound"

This in-ear, premium wired headset is equipped with Dynamic Receiver Speakers that provide excellent reproduction of high frequencies and volume. Built with a full aluminum alloy body in stylish black and silver, the EHS-70 is perfect for the avid gamer or music lover. Additionally, the headset's anti-tangle cord and super-soft silicone ear cushions make for a comfortable, high-quality audio experience. The Massive Sound wired headset also includes a protective leather carrying case.

EHS-71 "Refined Sound"

The EHS-71 is a superior in-ear wired headset that delivers exceptional noise isolation, accurate, clear natural vocals, detailed highs and deep powerful bass without distortion. Designed for the most detailed listener, musician, or entertainer, Refined Sound features an ultra-micro headset design built with lightweight aircraft aluminum materials. The Refined Sound wired headset also includes a protective leather carrying case, super-soft silicone ear cushions, and an anti-tangle cord.

NEW SAMSUNG BLUETOOTH OFFERINGS FOR 2012

In addition, Samsung Mobile is introducing two Bluetooth headsets this month – the HM1800 and the HM6000.

HM1800

The Samsung HM1800 is a feature-rich mono Bluetooth headset that delivers quality, high-end specifications in a small, minimalist design. Specifically, the HM1800 allows for simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices and features advanced audio technology that eliminates annoying pops, echoes and other interference. Additionally, the HM1800 allows for convenient voice prompts and connects easily and quickly to a Bluetooth handset, no PIN required.

HM6000

The Samsung HM6000 is an elegant Bluetooth headset that delivers exceptional sound quality and functionality without clashing with your wardrobe. With its ultra-thin, sculpted metallic shell, textured nuances and smoked chrome detailing, the HM6000 truly looks as good as it sounds. Engineered with Samsung's revolutionary isolāt™ dual-mic noise cancelling technology, users will enjoy clear, crisp audio and optimum microphone positioning to counter unwanted background interference. The HM6000 is packed with high-end features such as mono audio streaming, voice commands and prompts. Additionally, the HM6000 offers text-to-speech functionality through the Samsung FreeSync Android™ application.

1Number one mobile phone provider in the U.S. claim for Samsung Mobile based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q3 2011 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Reports.

About Samsung Telecommunications America

Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2010 consolidated sales of US$135.8 billion. Employing approximately 190,500 people in 206 offices across 68 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LCD. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world's most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com

Gaming : Razer's latest Tiamat headset delivers 7.1 sound straight to your ear canals

Is the new Razer Tiamat the first true 7.1 surround sound headset, as the company claims? Maybe, but more impressively, it's the world's first set of cans with 10 discrete drivers -- that's five in each ear. The left and right ears each have three drivers dedicated to that side, and both pack a "center" channel and a subwoofer to round out the required eight lanes of sound. Most surround sound sets call it a day with eight drivers but, surprisingly, the two extra speakers here don't add much to the cost. And, for the control freaks, there's an in-line volume remote that lets you adjust each channel individually. You'll find PR after the break and the Tiamat 7.1 on shelves in Q4 for $180. 

 

Press Release

Razer Announces The World's First True 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

RAZER ANNOUNCES THE WORLD'S FIRST TRUE 7.1 SURROUND SOUND GAMING HEADSET

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 brings true-to-life pinpoint positional gaming audio with up to 10 discrete speaker drivers in each headset

Gamescom, Cologne – August 17th, 2011 –Razer, the world's leading high-end precision gaming brand, brings true pinpoint positional audio to hardcore gamers everywhere with the Razer Tiamat headset range – the world's first discrete 7.1 surround sound and 2.2 stereo gaming headsets. Get the tactical advantage in combat when you can hear and react to every gunfire, explosion and voice realistically all around you. And with bass so powerful, the Razer Tiamat will blow you away.

"The Razer Tiamat headset range is the pride of our audio engineering, the world's first 10 driver headset, built to deliver the most powerful, clear and accurately produced positional audio gamers will ever need for the competitive edge," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, President, Razer USA. "Surprise the enemy trying to creep up for a stealth kill, when you can hear their footsteps loud and clear behind you."

The Razer Tiamat headset range includes the Razer Tiamat 7.1 Surround Sound Gaming Headset and the Razer Tiamat 2.2 Stereo Gaming Headset.

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 packs a total of 10 discrete drivers, 5 in each circumaural ear cup to give you true pinpoint positional surround sound – a one-up on your enemies when you can hear everything around you with three-dimensional clarity. The 10 drivers represent the 7 surround sound channels plus subwoofer; 2 for center, 1 each for the left and right, surround sound left and right, surround back left and right, and 2 for the subwoofer. All drivers work in unison to produce a true surround sound experience.

The Razer Tiamat 7.1 also gives gamers maximum customizability of their audio experience adjustable on a sleek control unit. You can precisely fine-tune the volume of every audio channel, position, and bass depth, as well as conveniently toggle between the headset's 7.1 surround sound mode, 2.0 stereo mode or external speakers as long as they are also hooked up to the unit, so you'll have the right setup for your entertainment at all times.

The Razer Tiamat 2.2 is outfitted with a total of 4 discrete drivers, 2 dedicated especially to bass to give your head that rumbling sensation every time you calmly walk away from an in-game explosion.

Both versions of the Razer Tiamat come with leatherette ear cushions to keep you comfortable during long-haul gaming marathons, and a precise, unidirectional noise-cancelling microphone so your battle chatter stays as sharp as your audio.

The "Experience the Power of 7 – with the Razer Tiamat 7.1" Contest at Gamescom 2011

In line with Razer's announcement of their new Razer Tiamat headset range, the world's first 7 Razer Tiamat 7.1 gaming headsets are to be given away to 7 lucky winners.

The Razer Tiamat 7.1, the world's first true 7.1 surround sound gaming headset, awaits contestants at www.razerzone.com/Powerof7.

About the Razer Tiamat 7.1

True pinpoint positional audio for the tactical advantage is the only way to go for victorious gaming, and that's what the Razer Tiamat 7.1 was built for. 10 discrete drivers, 5 in each ear cup produce 360 degrees true surround sound so you can hear and react to everything around you with three-dimensional clarity.

The versatile control unit lets you tweak every audio channel's volume and positioning, as well as bass depth to your exact preference. With a single button press, toggle between the headset's 7.1 surround sound, 2.0 stereo and external speakers when both are connected to the unit to have the right audio setup for your specific entertainment needs at all times. Packed with so many features in one device, the Razer Tiamat 7.1 is the ultimate beast of gaming audio.

Price: US $179.99 / EU €179.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Q4 2011
Worldwide – Q4 2011

Product Features:

True-to-life pinpoint positional 7.1 surround sound from 10 discrete drivers
All-in-one volume control unit for multi-channel adjustment, personalization and toggling between headset and speakers
Comfortable, snug fit for extended play
Retractable, noise-filtering unidirectional mic
Interchangeable ear cup covers
Replaceable soft-touch leatherette ear cushions
Braided fibre cable

For more information about the Razer Tiamat 7.1 Gaming Headset, please visit www.razerzone.com/tiamat-7-1

About the Razer Tiamat 2.2

The Razer Tiamat 2.2 comes with 4 discrete drivers in the headset, 2 dedicated to bass to give gamers double the bass for double the impact. Chuck a grenade, launch a missile, detonate a nuke; everything from a simple explosion to an apocalyptic end-of-the-world type destruction is reproduced with amazing booming power. Throw in a sturdy build, exceptionally comfortable leatherette ear cups for wear over extended gameplay, and a precise unidirectional microphone for leading your team to victory - the Razer Tiamat 2.2 makes sure your epic gaming domination is aurally reproduced in all its glory.

Price: US $99.99 / EU €99.99

Availability:
Razerzone.com – Q4 2011
Worldwide – Q4 2011

Product Features:

Optimized positional audio for immersive gameplay
Dual bass drivers for deep, thumping bass
Comfortable, snug fit for extended play
Precise, noise-filtering unidirectional mic
Slim, easy-to-use in-line remote
Replaceable soft-touch leatherette ear cushions
Braided fibre cable

For more information about the Razer Tiamat 2.2 Gaming Headset, visit www.razerzone.com/tiamat-2-2

About the Razer Group:

Razer™ is the world leader in high performance gaming hardware. Founded in 1998, with its headquarters in Carlsbad, California, the company has offices in nine cities around the globe. Used by the most demanding professional gamers who compete in global tournaments, Razer provides gamers with the unfair advantage of cutting-edge technology and award-winning design. We live by our motto: For Gamers. By Gamers.™

Learn more at www.razerzone.com

Tech : Check Out Bowers & Wilkins C5 iPhone headset oozes luxury into your ear canals

Maybe you've wanted to step up your iPhone listening-game with Bowers & Wilkins P5 headphones Maybe its $300 price tag or supra-aural fit just weren't appealing. Well then, maybe you'll be pleased hear about the company's new and extra-mobile $180 C5 noise-isolating in-ear headset. Crafted mostly from aluminum, its bullet-shaped earbuds look like a posh blend of the Zeppelin Air and Mini geared for mobile. The 'buds are iDevice compatible with an inline remote / mic to get a handle on phone calls or swap though playlists, and have a few unique features to boot. To ensure a proper fit on-the-move, you'll find Secure Loops that can be adjusted to hug the inner cartilage of your ear, along with added heft (Tungsten Weighting) near the inner-ear side for a tight seal. Internally, there's a Micro Porous Filter to widen the perceived soundstage, while also preventing any leakage to folks around you. We'll be checking these out in due time, but for now, audio lovers will find full specs at B&W's website linked below. 

Press Release

Bowers & Wilkins is proud to announce C5 in-ear,
noise-isolating headphones

C5 in-ear, noise-isolating headphones offer pristine sound quality on the move. The innovate Secure Loop design keeps C5 comfortably in place, and aids fit and performance. Plus the proprietary Micro Porous Filter enables C5 to produce a wonderfully open, natural performance, perfect for longer listening sessions.

N. Reading, MA-July 11, 2011 B N. North Reading, MA-July 11, 2011 Bowers & Wilkins' debut of the C5 in-ear headphones brings the option of amazing clarity of sound, innovative design, and high-quality materials for the discerning customer who demands premium performance from in-ear headphones.

Best in class sound quality is an attribute long associated with Bowers & Wilkins products. From the 800 Series Diamond to Zeppelin Air to the highly-regarded P5 mobile hi-fi headphones, Bowers & Wilkins products have stood out within their respective categories for 45 years. C5 takes this quality to a new arena: in-ear headphones.

As with all Bowers & Wilkins products, C5 is a mixture of long-held acoustic principles and technological advances. Key among the advances is the Micro Porous Filter. This acts as a diffuser, enabling C5 to deliver pristine, natural audio, while also providing a more spacious performance than previously possible from in-ear headphones. It also has the advantage of limiting noise bleed, and together with the noise-isolating properties of the sealed fit, this allows users to lose themselves in flawless audio.

Almost as vital as performance in the in-ear headphone arena is comfort and quality of fit. C5 addresses this with the introduction of the proprietary Secure Loop design, an ingenious innovation where a cushioned loop fixes quickly and comfortably in the inner ridge of the user's ear. This solution holds C5 in place for improved sound, and also makes it ideal for use on the move and during activities. The Secure Loop is infinitely adjustable, so it works perfectly with anyone's ears.

Adding to this sense of comfort is C5's Tungsten Balanced design. Here, high-mass material is located closer to the user's ear, for an improved seal for better sound and noise isolation. Elsewhere C5 is crafted from high-grade aluminum for a premium-quality finish.

C5 comes supplied with a Made For iPhone compatible cable, which is ideal for making calls on the move, and a quilted pouch for easy storage.

For additional information visit: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Headphones/Headphones/C5/product-details.html

C5 is available August 2011 and will cost: $179.95 (U.S. & Canada)

Gaming : Razer Chimaera wireless Xbox 360 headset

When a product takes well over a full year to go from introduction to release, it's natural for consumer expectations to amp themselves up a notch or two. Such is the case with Razer's Chimaera, an Xbox 360-centric wireless gaming headset that was initially teased at CES 2010, and just started shipping to end users early this year. The company's been in the gaming headset business for some time now -- if you'll recall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time with the (wired) Carcharias headset right around two years back. This 2.1 system promises to give Xbox Live yappers exactly what they've been waiting for, but is it really worth the $129.99 entry fee? Head on past the break for our take.

Razer Chimaera wireless Xbox 360 headset hands-on

For all intents and purposes, the Chimaera is a pretty simple product. There's a wireless base station with a 3.5mm audio input jack, a 3.5mm microphone output port, a sync button (not unlike the Wiimote situation you deal with on a daily basis) and a standby button. Upon unboxing 'em, you'll probably spend the first ten minutes trying to figure out where a pair of rechargeable AAA batteries (included, phew!) are to be inserted. Here's a tip: rip the panel from the earcup that lacks a microphone. You'll thank us.

The sync process is a lot easier, and while the charging stand is hardly childproof (a simple bump will have your headset tumbling), it serves the purpose without being too unsightly. The headset itself, unfortunately, is both heavy and intimidating. And by that, we mean large. Having ample padding around the top edge and on the ear cups is certainly appreciated, but unless you have a rather sizable noggin, you'll most likely wonder how on Earth to adjust the band down. We've never had any issues with the sizing on any prior headset, but the Chimaera essentially swallowed our head, and with no way to extend the band tighter (there's only ten notches of extension -- you know, for Goliath's intense gaming sessions), we were left in an uncomfortable pinch.

In all seriousness, we'd recommend stopping by a retail shop and trying these on before buying -- it's hard to imagine them not being too large for a huge swath of people. In an attempt to make the most of it, we kept 'em loosely draped around our skull for a bit of gaming, and while the wireless performance was stellar, we found the 3.5mm headphone input to be (also) a bit on the large side. We tried three different cables, and all of them just felt a wee bit loose. No connection troubles were noticed, but it still managed to get under our skin. Audio quality was above-average for wireless gaming headsets, but these certainly won't be your go-to cans when it comes time to sink back into a sofa and enjoy an album. The lows were definitely accentuated, likely to enhance explosions often felt in first-person shooters, and we're guessing that everything's equalized to best suit movies and games, not music.

The fold-down boom mic was perfectly positioned, and our chats soared through loud and clear; we couldn't help but long for a USB connection option in order to use this as a Skype headset in a pinch, but alas, no such luck. All told, the Chimaera feels like a solid product that wasn't exactly executed to perfection -- the large, bulky design turned us off right away, and the shoddy 3.5mm input didn't do much to rebuild that lost confidence. At $129.99, you've simply too many other options from the likes of Turtle Beach and SteelSeries (just to name a couple), and unless your cranium is larger than most, you'll probably have no choice but to pass this one by.

Gaming : New SteelSeries gaming headsets come to CeBIT, now iPhone compatible

As you might have heard, a little something called CeBIT is going down in Hanover, and all the usual suspects are there. And that includes the kids at SteelSeries, who are debuting three more headsets for the gamers in the crowd. Siberia v2 for PS3 is compatible with the PS3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac, featuring 50mm driver units, leather earcups, and a retractable microphone for your clumsy pick-up attempts while playing Assassin's Creed. This bad boy also features independent volume controls for game action and conversation, as well as LiveMix audio presets. But wait -- there's more! The company's Siberia v2 and SteelSeries 7H headsets are now available in Apple-approved flavors with a single 3.5mm jack for audio and voice, an inline remote, and compatibility with your iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad. Look for the Siberia v2 for PS3 in Q3 2011 for $120 MSRP. Look for SteelSeries 7H and Siberia v2 for iPod, iPhone and iPad soon for $130 and $100 respectively. 

5 reasons to get the BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-300

For a little while now, I’ve been using the BlackBerry HS-300 Wireless Headset. I’m very fond of it at the moment now, more than my other headsets for many reasons. I’m pretty much wrapped up with the review and will be posting it up here in the next few days, but I thought I’d give you some key reasons why the BlackBerry HS-300 is the headset to choose. Usually I throw in the price factor, where I didn’t this time since you all know by now that the HS-300 retails for only $49.99. I saved the 5 reasons for other valuable ones instead .

It’s small and compact

The HS-700 is a really nice headset but my biggest issue with it is that it’s way too big. I’m a fan of the Jawbone ICON which is small and compact. When the HS-300 launched, I couldn’t believe its size so it definitely attracted my attention. Some of you may favor it being big, but I think smaller headsets are more “in this season.”

It charges fully in 30 minutes!

Chargining for 15 minutes gives you 2 hours talk time, and 30 minutes gives you 4 hours respectively. The HS-300 makes it real convenient for a short time charge, making it more possible to have it around with you all day.

Talk time up to 4 hours

Most headsets get this any way so it sounds like no big deal. But this statistic factors in with the whole 30 minute full charge so it definitely is a plus.

Audible voice prompts

It may not be your cup of tea, but having voice commands through your headset is awesome. You can perform actions such as checking the battery life where you’ll be told right through the headset how much talk time is left with you current battery charge.

Easy ON/OFF switch

If there’s anything that pisses me off, it’s headsets where you have to hold down a single button for a few seconds to turn it on and off. The BlackBerry HS-300 gives you a dedicated power key that’s very straight forward: flick one way for on and the other for off.