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ThermalTake is well known for its PC power and cooling products; devices like power supplies, case fans, and processor heat sinks. Recently, the company has formed a division called Tt eSports, an arm of the company specializing in PC gaming peripherals and products. Newest in their lineup is the new Shock Gaming Headset, a model that looks a lot like similar devices from Astro and Tritton and also aims to fill the space between superior audio headphones with lackluster microphones and excellent voice headsets with terrible audio quality.

The Shock Gaming Headset is a USB headset that features 5.1 stereo surround sound, a noise-cancelling microphone, and in-line audio controls that allow the user to mute the microphone and control the volume without using PC controls to do so. The headset fits on top of the ears and have a soft fabric cushion underneath leather covered ear-pads.  ThermalTake didn’t mention how much the Shock Gaming Headset would retail for when it’s launched, but they did say it would be available in October.

5.1 channels of faux surround sound not enough for your two ears? Fret not, dear gamers, as Turtle Beach has outdone itself once more. The Ear Force DX11 gaming headset launched today for Xbox 360 and PC gamers, providing a pair of 40mm drivers, a fold-down microphone (with accompanying ‘fro, naturally), a breakout Dolby 7.1 processor, bass boost, S/PDIF-to-analog converter, front panel USB pass-through port and independent volume controls for game and voice signals. It’s available to pre-order right now exclusively from Best Buy, with a rather lofty $129.99 price standing between you and multi-channel nirvana.

Continue reading Turtle Beach crams 7.1 channels into Ear Force DX11 gaming headset

Turtle Beach crams 7.1 channels into Ear Force DX11 gaming headset originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 23:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here’s a reason for not swapping that Nokia phone in favor of a smartphone: Nokia announced the Nokia Mobile TV Headset, DVB-H, a TV receiver add-on that turns the phone into a portable TV.

Cost, or the lack of, is the most exciting aspect of the mobile TV adapter. Since you don’t need a data plan or a Wi-Fi network, there are no hidden charges for watching mobile content, unlike other streaming offerings. It also doesn’t matter if you have a limited data plan, because the adapter doesn’t use it.

Nokia warns that DVB-H service will not be available in all areas.

The headset has media playback controls and works just for making and receiving calls. The TV receiver is built-in and also works with the Mobile TV app on Nokia’s Ovi Store.

The headset will work with Nokia N8 and other Sympian 3 devices. Expected to launch in the next few months, it will retail for €40, or approximately $50 dollars.

Creative’s latest cans may not have the pizazz of a wireless World of Warcraft rig, but they’ve got one feature guaranteed to make hardcore PC gamers swoon — they claim to be the very first to offer truly three-dimensional surround sound. Embued with the latest revision of Creative’s THX software collaboration (dubbed THX TruStudio Pro) the Sound Blaster Tactic 3D series “delivers a 360 degree surround sound gaming experience so gamers can hear sounds clearly from the front, back, above and below.” There’s also a set of customizable audio profiles so you can tune all the other presumably-more-powerful TruStudio algorithms just the way you like, though it’s not clear whether Creative’s included on-board memory or just has a desktop app. In terms of hardware, the $60 Tactic 3D Alpha comes with 40mm drivers, a USB audio adapter and a detachable noise-canceling microphone, while $90 buys you the Tactic 3D Sigma with larger 50mm drivers and a steel headband as well when both debut later this month. We have to admit, we’re curious to hear for ourselves whether they work as advertised — they sound like just the thing for a nice, relaxing Portal speedrun. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Creative’s new gaming headset can tell up from down

Creative’s new gaming headset can tell up from down originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 05:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Usually, I have no problem declaring something is dumb beyond words or not. This one has me stumped though: Wavetooth, Brando’s waterproof Bluetooth headset.

With the traditional Bluetooth headset, you had to be careful where you took your phone. Now with Wavetooth, which is certified waterproof up to 3 meters, or a little under 10 feet, you can easily go swimming while still yammering on the phone with your best friend. Or relax in the bath and listen to music without worrying about anything getting wet.

Wavetooth works with the iPhone and any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone (which is practically every phone on the market nowadays).

The Bluetooth headset comes comes with a special bag that holds your smartphone and keeps it dry. The material is thin and specially designed so that the it doesn’t interfere with the headset communicating with the device. You don’t even need to take the phone out of the case – special “Touch Functionality” lets you control the iPhone by pressing on the case surface.

Wavetooth claims 13 hours talk time and 240 hours standby time before needing a charge.

Priced at $57 and available now on Brando, it’s a little pricey. But for people always on the go, Wavetooth extends where you can use your phone.