Wireless Headsets Featured Article

Wireless Headsets Finally Scale Down in Size and Cost

By Stefanie Mosca
TMCnet Web Editor

Remember when wireless headsets first hit the tech scene and no matter where you went you could always pick someone out in a crowd either talking loudly or mouthing something to themselves. Whether it was on a subway, in a store or on the street, at some point you probably swore they were talking to you until you realized they were wearing a hideous blinking contraption in their ear.

Since the Bluetooth headset trend has died down, you don’t see as many obnoxious passersby talking to themselves anymore, but don’t let them fool you, they are still out there, just in disguise.

As every technology comes into its own, upgrades and improvements are made to streamline each product and minimize future problems. Now that Bluetooth technology in wireless headsets has been around for a couple of years, advancements have been made to make them better (and more tolerable) than ever.

The reason wireless headsets are becoming less apparent in public can be accredited to improved sleek builds, attractive new styles and smaller sizes. ABC recently reported on how headset companies are now turning to smartphone software to add new features to Bluetooth headsets on the inside rather than their limited exteriors. Here’s a few they came up with…

BlueAnt Wireless is an app for Android (News - Alert) handsets that provides setup and usage tips for BluAnt’s T1 headset. The app allows you to check for updates, voice commands and can ever read back SMS tests over the headset.

Jawbone developed a software called MyTalk, which includes a website that works with PC software and allows users to personalize their Jawbone headsets. It also pairs with its iPhone app that lets you record audio messages and send them to your contacts by email, phone, etc.

EarPrint from Sound ID which is available for both iPhone (News - Alert) and Android and allows users to customize audio output as well as finding a misplaced headset if lost.

Another perk to the advancements in Bluetooth headsets, is that they are now conveniently more affordable as well. ABC noted that headsets that used to costs hundreds of dollars tallied an average of about $51.58 in Q1 of this year.

So if you didn’t jump on the headset bandwagon back when they were still noticeably protruding out of everyone’s ears, now might be the time to hop on board while still staying incognito. 

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2011, taking place Sept. 13-15, 2011, in Austin, Texas. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

Stefanie Mosca is a Web editor for TMCnet. Previously she worked as a freelance copy editor for Digital Surgeons LLC. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University and a bachelor's degree in communication from the University of New Haven. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Jennifer Russell