It may not have FDA approval, but the noggin-shocking Foc.us headset recently passed through the FCC for certification. The unit utilizes transcranial direct-current simulation on the prefrontal cortex of the brain (forehead), which is claimed to improve short-term memory and cognitive function. Currently pitched as a cranial performance enhancer for gamers, Bluetooth 4.0 low energy connectivity allows it to be controlled via a smartphone app. Snake oil or not, Foc.us is still set to ship this month, and you can relive our weird and tingly experience with it in our hands-on.
Sennheiser has taken the wraps off its new Presence Mobile Series line of business headsets, aiming them towards those who use the device in a variety of situations: indoors, outdoors, and in the car. The series utilizes both WindSafe and SpeakFocus technologies, and offers HD audio quality, with a release date of August 1.
Specifically, Sennheiser says that the Presence Mobile series has been created for Unified Communications users, with the headset offering a USB dongle that will allow it to work with a computer when needed. The device offers a talk time charge of up to 10 hours, and can be used in a range up to 25 meters in conjunction with the dongle.
The design itself is meant to be discrete, with a boom microphone arm made of aluminum and the headset itself being slim. Technologies used include ActiveGuard, which is designed to keep one’s ear from being blasted in the event of “hazardous noises.” The series is also optimized for use with Microsoft Lync, and is plug-and-play when used with a computer.
The WindSafe technology, as the name suggests, works to reduce the effects of wind – such as what might result from talking in a car – by utilizing one of three on-board microphones. The audio is then processed to reduce the wind noise and amplify the user. The SpeakFocus technology, meanwhile, filters intrusive ambient noise.
Said Sennheiser’s President Andreas Bach, “With the evolution of the modern enterprise towards more flexible, agile working practices that allow people to work remotely and across multiple locations, there is a need for a high-quality headset solution that can meet these demands. PRESENCE™ Mobile Series incorporates Sennheiser’s latest innovations – the SpeakFocus™ and WindSafe™ technologies – providing users with outstanding sound quality and performance they will appreciate wherever they are.”
We saw a couple Sony Xperia Z Ultra teaser videos appear on YouTube shortly after the handset’s announcement late last month. The newest teaser video has been published, and among the showing off of features offered by the massive smartphone is a look at the Smart Bluetooth Headset, as well as an ink pen with the cartridge removed being used as a stylus.
The device is demonstrated as being used for a variety of business purposes, giving us a look at different features offered by it. Among them is the user in the video using what appears to be an ink pen with the cartridge removed – or possibly a mechanical pencil – to write on the screen, something that seems unnecessarily risky, but does demonstrate the device’s use-anything-as-a-stylus functionality.
As we mentioned, the Smart Bluetooth headset makes a brief appearance, which you can see for yourself in the video below. Essentially, the device is a thin black rectangle allowing the user to hold it up to his or her ear as they would a handset. This allows one to answer a call without wearing a headset, and to continue using the giant smartphone while on a call.
There’s a brief discussion about the “small apps,” with the calculator being used as an example in the video. The small app, which does not take up the entire screen, hence its name, is pulled up over a note the user is writing, allowing for both note taking and calculations without toggling. There’s also a look at conserving battery life, with a shot of the device being switched into “Stamina” mode, giving it quite a few more hours of life.
Because of the Xperia Z Ultra’s size, the keyboard can be changed so that it is in one-handed mode, which is a smaller offering that makes single-hand use easier by the appearance of things. As far as specs go, this massive Sony handset features a Snapdragon 800, as well as an 8MP rear camera, an IP58 rating for dust and water resistance, and 4G LTE connectivity.
There’s nothing like a good tie-in with a major sporting event to get your product off the ground. That’s exactly what the folks at Recon are doing with the Recon Jet, a display and computer attached to a pair of sporting glasses (aka a heads-up display) – one we got to see up close and
Today Microsoft confirmed another disappointing detail about the Xbox One’s launch — unlike the Xbox 360 Pro SKU, it won’t pack a chat headset in the box. In a statement to Ars Technica, the company extols the virtues of Kinect 2.0 and its multi-array microphones for chat across games, Skype and “other experiences.” Chatting with the Xbox 360’s Kinect introduces a multitude of issues like echoes and the device taking conversation as system commands. To replace even a cheap headset, Kinect 2.0 will need to be a massive upgrade. This seems odd considering Microsoft included headsets with almost everything since the original Xbox Live kits. However, The House That Gates Built isn’t the only one breaking tradition: Sony’s including a single earbud-and-mic headset with each $100-cheaper PS4. Shots fired?
It’s not every day a company comes around claiming they’ve got a pair of headphones that “intelligently” enhance the audio blasting through your eardrums in real time. That’s what the team at Creative Technology Ltd have come forth with today, suggesting their two headset contributions to the fold this month, Sound Blaster EVO ZxR and
Creative is no stranger to the gaming headset scene, but it operates in a verycrowdedfield — it needs more than just big earcups and a mic to stand out. The company’s new Sound Blaster EVO line of Bluetooth headsets may do the trick. Both the EVO Zx (40mm drivers) and EVO ZxR (50mm drivers) have the same Sound Blaster Axx processing as the company’s sound cards, which lets them clean up low-grade audio and fine-tune effects through desktop and mobile apps. They’ll also pair quickly with NFC-based devices, and players can still switch to a headphone jack or USB port when only wired sound will do. Creative hasn’t dished out US launch details, but it expects to ship the EVO Zx to the UK in July for £200 ($313), followed by the EVO ZxR in August for £250 ($392). Those willing to live Axx-free can also buy the EVO Wireless and EVO in July at respective prices of £150 ($235) and £100 ($157).
Having announced its Android-based Project M.O.J.O. gaming console, Mad Catz is now turning to peripherals: it just unveiled a couple of universal headsets, a PC gaming keyboard and two other PC and Mac headsets. Kicking things off, the TRITTON Kunai Universal and F.R.E.Q. 4D stereo headsets (coming summer and fall 2013, respectively) follow the earlier GameSmart initiative by working with gaming consoles like the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii U along with PCs, Macs and handheld devices. PC gamers get the S.T.R.I.K.E 3 gaming keyboard with mechanical keys, adjustable backlighting and programmable macro keys sometime in the fall.
For PC and Mac users, the TRITTON Pro+ headset (based on the console version) brings 5.1 surround sound via a built-in decoder, while the TRITTON Kunai for PC and Mac offers an inline remote and breakaway cable for use with handheld devices. The latter two models will arrive this summer, but there’s no word yet on pricing for any of the bunch. Head after the jump for the PR and galleries.
In May, Turtle Beach shouted from the hilltops that it snagged Microsoft’s blessing to craft Xbox One headsets, and now it’s ready to show off the actual hardware. Based on the outfit’s Seven Series, the pair of XO Ear Force cans will be available at the console’s launch and feature 3.5mm jacks, detachable boom mics and deliver surround sound through wired connections to controller adapters. At $149, the XO Seven boasts a “premium finish,” on-ear cups with noise-isolating memory foam cushions, interchangeable speaker plates and a breakaway cable with an in-line mic for use with mobile devices. Liberating $99 from your wallet, however, will net you the more budget-friendly XO Four, which can also be used with devices outfitted with 3.5mm ports.
Bringing other platforms into the mix, Turtle Beach unveiled a trio of Call of Duty: Ghosts-branded headsets, but remained mum on pricing. The wireless Ear Force Phantom boasts dual-band WiFi, rechargeable batteries and compatibility with the Xbox 360, PS3 and mobile devices. The wired Spectre and Shadow are presumably less pricey, and play nice with PC and Mac as well. Sure, E3 may be a video game bonanza, but comic fans are getting some love with an Ear Force Seven headset embellished with Marvel branding, a red accent and swappable speaker covers with different characters.
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