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The FREETALK Everyman is a foldable super wideband audio "Skype certified" USB headset designed by Skype themselves. Why this isn't called the Skype Everyman headset is beyond me. I guess perhaps why want to market this headset as doing much more than Skype calls. They sent me one for review today so I thought I'd write up my impressions.

When I opened it out of the box I noticed the large speakers and the flexible rotation for additional comfort when wearing it. The foam on the speakers is pretty soft but not overly soft that it breaks down or tears in a year. Like most headsets you can adjust the length of the headset piece. I liked the thickness of the plastic which gave a sturdy feel to it. I've encountered too many headsets that try and über thin but break after extended usage. I think this headset will hold up to wear and tear, especially since it is designed to fold down and stick in your laptop bag. I don't know about you, but I stuff my laptop bag with 10lbs of gadget accessories, batteries, etc., so I need a headset than can hold up if the laptop bag is resting on its side.

Here's a snapshot of the headset folded down:


The FREETALK Everyman supports Skype's super wideband SILK audio codec. What's unique about this headset is that it supports a 3.5mm jack, which you can connect to an MP3 player, iPhone?, etc. Though I wouldn't go sporting this large headset with a boom mic while going for a jog or working out at the gym. Course, I lost my iPod ear buds and had to resort to using a bulky headset with mic at the gym for a whole week until my replacement arrived in the mail. Only got a few stares, but it's all good.

The flexible boom mic is very adjustable as you can bend it at any point on the boom. It's pretty stiff, which is good, since some mic booms too easily move and have to be readjusted, especially if you took it off, put on your desk and then put it back on. This headset's mic boom is stiff enough so I didn't have to re-adjust everytime I put it back on.

I made some test Skype calls and the audio quality was excellent. I also connected my iPhone using the 3.5mm jack and was able to play music using the iPod application on the iPhone. Slightly better bass response than my iPhone ear buds due to the larger speakers. All in all, a pretty good Skype headset.


Notice the Y-cable (USB + 3.5mm jack) with the 3.5mm jack connected to iPhone

Features
• Developed in direct association with Skype for optimal performance
• Up to 60 minutes call time to phones and mobiles included
• Super wideband audio
• Unidirectional microphone helps eliminate background noise
• Neodymium speakers for rich full range stereo sound 20Hz-20KHz
• Innovative, light fold-flat design.
• Plug & Play instant use with excellent USB sound quality
• Handy optional 3.5mm jack allows MP3 connection when travelling
• Adjustable headband and microphone
• PC and Mac compatible
• Weighs only 124 g

Requirements
• Windows 2000® / XP® / Vista™ Operating System
• MAC OS X 10.22 or newer
• Available USB port
• 256 MB RAM

Also it's supposed to come with 60 minutes SkypeOut calling, I didn't see a Skype credit voucher in the sealed box. Probably because it's a review unit, so I can't complain. You can buy it here for just $22.88.

The Plantronics Voyager Pro is the successor to the much-loved Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset, which goes on sale today, although, Best Buy started selling its stock a bit early. I have a review unit which I plan on testing and giving my thoughts/opinion on in the new few days. I reviewed its predecessor, the Plantronics Voyage 510, which had a cult following. I was a big fan of the Voyager 510 and have one on my desk. It is an excellent headset and one of the first to feature PC audio support via a Bluetooth dongle allowing you to use the headset on your mobile phone or your PC, supporting all your PC sound applications, including VoIP apps such as Skype.

The new $99 $84 Voyager Pro is pretty similar to the 510, though it is clearly targetting the Jawbone 2, with their AudioIQ² technology which Plantronics claims results in superior sound quality which combines noise cancellation and wind reduction. I heard a few people that had early units say it's sound is even better than the Aliph Jawbone 2. Can't wait to test and see if that is indeed the case. [Note: the Jawbone Prime is newer, so will have to compare with that as well]

Plantronics stated, "Today's headset users expect great noise cancellation and Plantronics Voyager PRO delivers it with AudioIQ² and a unique adjustable dual-microphone boom. While other headsets deliver noise cancellation at the expense of overall audio quality, the boom provides the advantage of capturing your voice close to your mouth so the AudioIQ² technology can more effectively remove ambient noise, while still maintaining the natural sound of your voice."

Plantronics Voyager PRO features three layers of WindSmart technology. Dual external stainless steel microphone screens and acoustic fabrics that surround the microphones together help to eliminate wind noise. The AudioIQ² DSP algorithms also intelligently decipher your voice from the wind to enhance the sound quality.

The Voyager PRO also features a custom speaker that delivers full-spectrum audio so conversations are richer and more vibrant. It sports an adaptive 20-band equalizer that helps eliminate distortio in the audio and automatically adjusts sound levels based on the noise level around you. It sports a talk time of 6 hours and a standby time of 5 days.

Specifications

• Bluetooth technology: Version 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)
• Bluetooth profiles: Hands-free v1.5 (HFP), Headset v1.1 (HSP)
• Range: Up to 33 feet (10 meters)
• QuickPair technology: Supports initial pairing with Bluetooth phones
• Multipoint technology: Supports an active connection with two Bluetooth devices
• Headset controls: Power on/off; volume up/down; call answer/end; mute function; quick battery check; call reject; last number redial*; voice-activated dialing* (*if supported by phone and phone provider)
• Voice prompts: Mute status on/off; battery status for low/recharge battery
• Battery type: 3.5V Li-ion polymer rechargeable
• Charge connectors: Micro USB connector and AC/DC 100â€"240V
• Charge time: 1.5 hours for full charge
• Weight: 17.5 grams (0.62 ounces)
• Talk time: Up to 6 hours
• Standby time: Up to 120 hours (5 days)
• Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

Price:
The Plantronics Voyager PRO is available at Best Buy for $99.99 and at www.plantronics.com, but will be available in other retail and wireless carrier stores in late May. You can also now purchase it on Amazon.com

AT&T sent me their new TL7610 DECT 6.0 headset for review last month and I finally got around to writing up the review. My first impressions were very positive. It sported a nice sleek and ergonomic headset base with well-labeled buttons and LEDs for figuring things out without need for the manual. Like the base, the headset piece was also sleek and ergonomic with a slight curve to the microphone piece. What's most interesting is that this headset marks AT&T's foray into the business headset market. When I think of business headsets I think of Plantronics or GN Netcom, which is now Jabra. The AT&T brand name recognition certainly will certainly cause many prospective buyers to give a closer look. Technically, the TL7610 is a Vtech product branded as AT&T. Vtech is pretty well known for their home cordless phone systems and even some home VoIP systems that work with popular VoIP providers such as Vonage.

I was curious how the TL7610 headset would stack up against the GN 9350 headset, which I reviewed. Both are DECT 6.0 headsets, however, the GN 9350 headset doesn't seem capable of "pairing" with home DECT 6.0 phone systems, which was a minor complaint for some. The AT&T TL7610 headset on the other hand does allow you to at least wireless pair with any 2008 AT&T DECT 6.0 cordless products . Curious if it supported the GAP standard and registration with 3rd party DECT phone systems, I asked an AT&T spokesperson who responded, "The headsets are not GAP compliant. GAP compliance does not really exist in North America. We are simply able to program our handset registration algorithm into the cordless headsets, so our cordless telephones see it as an accessory headset." Well, 3rd party DECT phone systems aren't supported, but at least it can pair with AT&T DECT products. 

Another unique advantage of this headset over competitors' headsets is that the TL7610 is the first headset to support both analog lines and desktop corded phones in the same product. Other headset manufacturers use a different model for PSTN connections and corded business systems. I really liked how flexible it is - it can work with a home analog line or a corporate desktop phone (including VoIP phones) using the handset cord. In fact, I first tested the headset by connecting it to an Aastra 57i CT IP telephone and it worked perfectly.

Installing the headset was a breeze and the instructions include a Quick Start Guide as well as a detailed User's Manual. You can configure the headset to work using three options. Option 1 lets you connect the headset base to a corded or cordless phone - including multi-handset cordless systems. All you need to use is a line splitter which is included with the phone and then follow the diagram in the manual which directs you to color-coded dots on the headset base, making it very easy to make the connections. Option 2 lets you connect the headset base unit directly to your home/office analog wall jack. You'll be able to answer calls with this option, but you'll need a telephone plugged into the same telephone line somewhere else in the house/office or a dial pad - AT&T sells the TL7601 dial pad separately. Option 3 lets you connect the headset base with any corded telephone for multiple line systems and PBXs/IP-PBXs.

I tested option 1 and option 3 and it worked flawlessly. Option 2 is essentially the same as option 1 minus the splitter, so there was no point in testing it. I really liked the diagrams and the color-coded dots on the headset base which "dummy proofed" connecting the headset using any of the three available options.


                              AT&T TL7610 Side Profile View

The TL6610 supports a "lifter mode" for use when you are connecting the base unit to a telephone handset cord (option 3). I had to turn this mode on in order to answer/make calls. This does obviously require me to manually lift the handset receiver off of the Aastra 57i CT. However AT&T sell an optional automatic handset lifter called the TL7000.

The headset was already paired to the base but just for testing I followed the instructions and re-paired the device pretty easily. I then roamed to the furthers part of TMC offices and couldn't get the headset to lose connection. I headed outside into the parking lot and was able to get pretty far before losing connection. Definitely superb range on this headset. The headset itself sports 4 buttons: On/off, volume up, volume down, and mute/flash. The on/off button flashes blue, reminding me of most Bluetooth headsets that have a flashing blue light. When charging, the on/off button stays a solid blue. Adjusting the volume on some competing headsets I've tried was a nightmare due to tiny recessed buttons - not so on the TL7610. It was very easy to adjust the volume using the pronounced up & down volume arrow buttons.

Product Features:

• Excellent range - up to 500 feet using DECT 6.0 technology
• Extended battery life of up to 12 hours talk time [Update: I'm now told its 5 days standby and up to 8 hours talk time]
• DSP enhanced sound quality using SRS licensed technology
• Lightweight with multiple wearing styles
• Works with corded and cordless 1-line and 2-line phones
• Works with multi-line business systems
• Expandable to 2 headsets (Uses TL7600 - sold separately)
• Conference capability - up to 2 headsets
• Multiple connection options for home and office use, including IP and digital PBX telephones

Conclusion
Wireless phone capabilities in the office helps improve business productivity in this age of multitasking. Like all DECT headsets I've reviewed, they are a bit larger and heavier than Bluetooth headsets, but the TL7610 is still fairly small and light for a DECT headset. Business executives will surely like the aesthetics of the sleek looking headset base and headset piece, which will fashion their desk. I really like the AT&T TL7610 headset. It was pretty comfortable, had excellent range, and very good battery life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Relatedly, I look forward to checking out AT&T's TL7650 which adds a USB connection to a PC so you can use it with VoIP applications such as Skype. It's not available yet, but will be soon and I promise to review it as soon as I can get my hands on one.

Pricing for the TL7610: MSRP: $199.95 though this headset can be purchased online for much less.

You can buy the TL7610 headset through www.telephones.att.com, select Best Buy locations, Office Max, and Amazon via this link where I see it available inexpensively for $129.99.

Ho ho ho!

'Tis the season for steep discounts on gadgets goods on the Internet. According to this article in Electonista, online shopping sites such as Buy.com, HP.com, SonyStyle.com, Newegg.com, OnSale.com and RefurbDepot.com all are offering big savings.  

Buy.com has cut prices on everything from MP3 players and digital photo frames to GPS units and notebook computers. Prices are slashed on everything from wireless routers and printers to wireless mice and Bluetooth stereo headphones at HP.com.

SonyStyle.com is offering deals on notebooks, iPod docks, game consoles, digital cameras, HDTVs and more as well as gift cards this holiday season.

Until December 31st Newegg.com is offering specials on their HDTV collection and until December 11th enter to win a $5,000 Newegg gift certificate in the Holiday Wishlist Sweepstakes.

Deals on notebooks, monitors, iPod docking stations, and Bluetooth headsets can be found at OnSale.com. The Holiday Superstore at RefurbDepot.com has great gift ideas from digital cameras to desktop computers at a range of prices.

Despite one of the worst economic climates in decades, consumer spending on Black Friday hit $10.6 billion, 3% higher than the day after Thanksgiving in 2007, according to researcher ShopperTrak.

Gadgets accounted for nine of the top 10 most popular Black Friday products, PriceGrabber said.

Data from PriceGrabber.com shows that online consumers are taking advantage of promotions on popular electronics, including LCD and plasma TVs, Blu-ray disc players, digital SLR cameras, laptops and video game consoles.

The most popular products on Black Friday:

1. Nintendo Wii Console
2. Ugg Australia 'Classic Short' Boot (how about that!)
3. Sony BDP-S350 1080p Blu-Ray Disc Player
4. Samsung LN52A650 52" LCD TV
5. Nintendo Wii Fit
6. Panasonic TH-42PX80U 42" Plasma TV
7. Sennheiser HD 555 Headphones
8. Canon EOS Rebel XSi Black SLR Digital Camera Kit
9. Acer Aspire One AOA110-1295 Notebook
10. Canon PowerShot A590 IS Black Digital Camera

And while we are at it, here are the Top 10 categories and percent growth over Black Friday 2007:

1. Women's Boots - 203%
2. Watches - 202%
3. Blu-ray/HD-DVD Players - 147%
4. Women's Sleep & Lounge Wear - 415%
5. Games & Puzzles - 151%
6. Women's Jackets - 110%
7. Music - 96%
8. Headphones - 103%
9. Women's Dresses - 107%
10. Women's Casual Shoes - 143%

More at PriceGrabber.com and The Washington Post.

Callpod's new Drone USB Bluetooth adapter turns your mobile phone's Bluetooth headset into a headset/mic for your PC or Mac allowing you to receive Skype or other VoIP calls using your high-end Bluetooth headset (Plantronics, Jawbone, etc.). Just connect the Drone into the USB port of your computer, and it will immediately connect with your Bluetooth headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range. When a Skype call comes in, Drone switches over to the call automatically. It supports the A2DP (Stereo) Bluetooth profile.

Of course, many PCs and laptops come with Bluetooth built-in, making this device unnecessary. It's basically a $50 USB Bluetooth adapter/Bluetooth dongle, which is nothing new. Still, if you need to add Bluetooth functionality to your PC or Mac, this might be the way to go. Though, you can pick up a Bluetooth USB dongle for $20. However, they claim their software automatically switches the audio to the Bluetooth headset on an incoming Skype call. I don't believe most Bluetooth dongles support that functionality. Not sure it's worth the extra $30 for the auto-Skype answer, but you make the call.

Features:

• 100-meter (Class-1) range
• VoIP and music streaming to any Bluetooth headset or stereo headphones
• Automatically pairs with your headset or headphones
• Seamlessly switch between music and VoIP calls
• No software installation - Plug and Play
• Optional software install for advanced functions such as data transfer
• Upgradeable firmware

Read

Talk about a sweet sounding and feeling headset!  

Ultimate Ears' Super.Fi 4vi is designed for the iPhone and features voice integration with in-line microphone and control button.

(But it still worked great on other phones -- like the BlackBerry Curve.)

The Super.fi 4vi incorporates the same speaker technology and sound signatures used in their custom personal monitors, which are used by some of the music industry's top artists.  The phones deliver detailed bass with crisp and clean mids and highs. In addition, the noise isolating design reduces ambient interference and enhances sound quality.

The ultra compact and lightweight housing gives a very comfortable fit, while an inline control button allows you to answer and end phone calls and control music and video playback functions.

Oh, and did I mention you hardly know you have them on?

Price: $149.99

www.ultimateears.com

 Time to upgrade your headphones or ear buds for some high-quality iPod music listening? Not to mention some high-quality VoIPing, Skyping, etc. etc. Well, why not get cash back for your headphones to offset the costs of a new one? Check out this news I just received...

Due to the wild success of Sennheiser's upgrade program, the high-end German headphone manufacturer has relaunched the trade-in program with several enhancements. The cash back offer now includes wired AND wireless headphones of all sizes:

+ Audiophile headphones
+ Wireless headphones
+ Hi-Fi headphones
+ Portable headphones
+ Sport headphones
+ Noise cancelling headphones

(yes, you can even trade earbuds for $50 bucks off of the mighty HD 650)

Even better, the program has been extended to the end of September 2008 to include summer travel and back-to-school shopping.

From now through September 30, 2008, upgrade to a high quality pair of Sennheiser's and they will give you cash just for unloading the old ones...even if they are broken, crusty, damaged or an obscure brand. Best of all, you're likely to find a better type of headphone for your needs than what a stock earbud can provide: sport headphones, in-ear headphones, noise cancelling headphones and more.

Here's how it works:

• Gather up your old headphones, which can be new, old, broken, used, any brand - they don't care!
• Upgrade to a pair of Sennheiser's (see link below for eligible models)
• Mail us the old headphones E-Z trade form and get $$ for your trade. It's really that easy.

Simply visit www.sennheiserusa.com/upgrade to get started

Looks like you can only trade-in Sennheiser brand headphones (and earbuds) per their Terms and Conditions included below. Still I think this is a nice deal that helps build customer loyalty. They know they will at least get something for their old headphones if they want to upgrade. It doesn't appear this trade-in cash back deal applies to Sennheiser headsets (i.e. built-in microphones). Bummer.

Terms and Conditions
$5 rebate applies to Sennheiser MX 51, MX 55, MX 55V, MX 560, MX 660, MX 760, MXL 51, OMX 50, OMX 52; $10 rebate applies to Sennheiser PMX 100, PMX 200, PMX 60, PX 100, PX 200, LX 70, MX 75, MXL 70V, OMX 70, PMX 70;
$15 rebate applies to Sennheiser CX 300, CX 400, CX 500, CX 55, CX 95; $20 rebate applies to Sennheiser MX W1, RS 110, RS 120, RS 130, RS 140; $25 rebate applies to Sennheiser PXC 150, PXC 250, PXC 300, PXC 350, PXC 450;
$30 rebate applies to Sennheiser HD 515, HD 555, HD 595; $50 rebate applies to Sennheiser HD 600, HD 650;

Headphone exchanges are limited to one per customer, household, or organization per rebate form submission. Headphone exchanges greater than (1) per rebate form will be discarded. Headphones submitted cannot be returned under any circumstances (all trades final). Offer valid only on consumer purchases made between April 1 - September 30, 2008 from an Authorized Sennheiser USA dealer. eBay purchases are excluded from this offer. Rebate claim forms must be postmarked no later than 10/31/2008. Sennheiser distributors, retailers, their employees or their families may not claim rebates on behalf of consumers (end users). Rebate requests not including proper documentation (this official coupon, original UPC code, and dated sales receipt containing model # and retailer's name) will be ineligible. All checks will be issued in U.S. dollars. Sennheiser is not responsible for lost or misdirected mail. Sennheiser reserves the right to terminate program at any time. Void where prohibited by law. Sennheiser is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Rebate eligibility as determined by Sennheiser is final. Offer valid to U.S. addresses only, for new product only.

The new Jawbone, made by Aliph, is 50% smaller than the original Jawbone. This Gen 2 Jawbone Bluetooth headset enhances the original Jawbone's claim-to-fame capability - namely its superb ability to suppress background noise.

Here's some more pics of this sexy Bluetooth headset:






The noise reduction feature was originally called "Noise Shield" but is now called "NoiseAssassin". Jawbone's NoiseAssassin technology feels your speech with its patented Voice Activity Sensor (VAS). The Jawbone headset uses the VAS to distinguish the sound of your voice from ambient noise with incredible accuracy and then uses proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms to subtract the noise so only the sound of your voice comes through.

The NoiseAssassin technology was originally developed by Aliph for DARPA (The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), which creates and delivers breakthrough technology for the U.S. military. It is tested and designed to work in the toughest, most inhospitable terrain, when clear communication is critical, which means for the average user it is designed to perform everywhere.

Check out the before and after sound quality with this graph:


The original Jawbone didn't perform as well as other headsets in reducing wind noise. It was one of my major complaints. The new Jawbone claims to have solved this problem and does much better in wind.

Similar to the previous version, the new Jawbone headset has two buttons that are operated by touching the outside shield, and they control all the functions of the headset, which is extremely lightweight at just 10 grams. Now you would think the new Gen 2 Jawbone would have better battery talk time, right? Wrong. The new Jawbone actually only has four hours of talk time compared to the old version's six. The reason is the smaller battery, which is a worthy sacrifice considering the original Jawbone felt like a boat anchor on my ear. But the good news is that it has a standby time of over 8 days vs only 5 days on the original Jawbone!

Here are the specs:

Weight: 10 grams
Talk Time: Over 4 hours
Standby Time: Over 8 days
Range: Up to 33 feet (10 meters)
Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in less than 1 hour
Colors: Black / Silver / Rose Gold
Supports Bluetooth(R) 1.1, 1.2, and 2.0

Additional features:

•  50% smaller than the original Jawbone
•  Military-grade noise elimination technology
•  Ten times better voice clarity than competing headsets -- meaning it transmits 90% less noise
•  Faster processing eliminates unexpected noise bursts
•  Unmatched intelligibility -- voices sound human, not robotic
•  Sophisticated dual microphone array reduces wind noise
•  Invisible touch controls
•  Three-dimensional texture on shield inspired by noise abatement surfaces
•  Premium materials including medical-grade plastic and fine leather
•  Magnetic USB cable & wall charger included
•  Three (3) earbuds -- small, medium, and large
•  Two (2) fine leather earloops -- medium and large
•  Two (2) slim earloops ideal for use with eyewear -- medium and large
•  Fits either ear

Availability and Pricing
The new Jawbone is available today for $129.99 at AT&T retail stores nationwide and online at www.jawbone.com. It's a bit of a premium for this headset, but well worth the voice quality in my opinion. It is available initially in matte black, it will be coming soon in silver and rose gold.

Rich and I reviewed the Plantronics SupraPlus HW251N-USB Wideband headset, featuring wideband codec support for use in VoIP applications such as Skype and Microsoft Office Communicator. Rich actually got two pre-production models and was kind enough to give me one of the SupraPlus headsets. Actually, he wanted me to be his guinea pig to test the audio quality since I get to hear and review quite a few VoIP products.

We tested the monaural style Plantronics SupraPlus HW251N-USB using both Skype and Microsoft Office Communicator. The audio quality was quite good. I believe the microphone captures a wider range of frequencies to enable the wideband support. The noise-canceling microphone filters out excessive background sound.

The Plantronics SupraPlus HW251N-USB features inline button controls. The headset itself features volume up/down buttons, mute, and even a disconnect/end call button that works with Microsoft Office Communicator. Interestingly, if Skype is running and if you press this disconnect/end call button you get simulated dial-tone. Not sure what that was about.

I noticed one end of the headset actually uses a RJ45 clip to connect into what I believe is the DSP processor. I've never seen Plantronics use a RJ45 clip for their headsets, but in theory they must be making some of their components more modular for interchanging various headset components. Or at least, one can hope. Nothing worse than having an incompatible base unit to a headset.

The headset is wired (to your USB port) and I'm much more a fan of wireless headsets even for desktop PCs. The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset is one of my favorites (see my review) and it works with your mobile phone and your desktop PC with the Bluetooth USB dongle. Of course, the 510-USB isn't a wideband codec headset, so if superior voice quality is your gig, then the SupraPlus HW251N-USB might be a better choice. Certainly organizations using wideband VoIP applications that have call center agents that don't roam around while on phone calls will find the SupraPlus HW251N-USB a good choice.

Lastly, go check out Rich's in-depth review here for his thoughts on this headset.