headphones

Gaming peripheral maker Razer has decided to try its hand in the social music scene with its subsidiary Jook Inc. The company has developed a new technology--aptly called Jook--that allows users of any MP3 player to share music with others in the same vicinity. It consists of two parts: a transmitter that plugs into any MP3 player (via either a 3.5mm headphone jack connection or proprietary dock based on the player) and an indicator light that hangs from down the front of the user as part of the headphone cable. A button or switch on either the transmitter or … Read more

Are you a hardcore PC online gamer who's constantly restricted by the always-too-short-or-in-the-way cable on your headset? If so, Creative's new HS-1200 may be just the ticket. It's a fully wireless headset--the first such full duplex stereo model (according to the company), which means it can simultaneously send and receive audio. The PC headset will work with any VoIP or voice application, but Creative is aiming straight at the PC gaming market. The HS-1200 communicates with your PC via a USB transceiver that's about the size of a hockey puck--which also includes a separate umbilical cable … Read more

For some, the passive sound isolation provided by many sets of in-ear headphones just doesn't cut it. But active noise cancellation is a bit difficult to find in an ultracompact package, such as that offered by earbuds. In fact, I can only think of two sets off the top of my head: the JVC HA-NCX77 and the Sony MDR-NC22. Now, I can add one more to my memory bank, Audio-Technica's new ATH-ANC3 QuietPoint earbuds. Unlike many noise-canceling headphones that only succeed in blocking out low frequency sound, the ATH-ANC3 uses a patented technology that matches environmental noise with … Read more

Philips has announced plans to release a line of Swarovski crystal earbuds, available just in time for Valentine's Day. Priced at $99, the Philips Active Crystals earbuds feature a stainless steel body, fabric cable, silicon in-ear caps, and single neodymium drivers with a 16 ohm impedance.

The Active Crystal earbuds are part of Philips' larger launch of women-focused products, including crystal-studded USB drives and home electronics that feature a softer, more elegant design aesthetic.

The category of stereo Bluetooth earbuds is still growing, so it's nice to see a newcomer to the market focusing on just that. JayBird debuted in 2007 with the JB-100 headset, a compact stereo earbud set, as well as complementing adapters for the iPod and other audio devices (sold separately). At $129.99, the JB-100 falls comfortably between two close competitors: the Etymotic Ety8 and the Plantronics Voyager 855. This headset has its pitfalls, but if you can get a comfortable fit, it's a worthwhile consideration. Read the JB-100 review.

As mobile phones continue their march in to the music world, their accessories increasingly resemble those previously reserved for media players. Just yesterday we saw a pair of Bluetooth headphones designed for both music and phone reception, complete with touch-sensitive controls.

Now Nokia, which has been among the more aggressive phone makers to market music equipment for its handsets, has come up with a couple of new headsets that will let you listen to MP3s until a call comes in, then automatically shut them off so you can talk. Even better, it'll pick up where the song left off … Read more

Most portable audio and video players come bundled with average, if not, crappy earphones. The sad part is that a lot of people don't seem bothered by the poor sound quality, or aren't even aware of it.

Altec Lansing claims its Upgrader series of headphones targets music listeners dissatisfied with the earbuds included with their players and are looking to "upgrade" to better sound quality. To cater to different preferences, the Upgrader series is split into three main categories: inEar, onEar, and overEar.

The inEar offerings (UHP306, UHP336, UHP101, and UHP301) feature the SnugFit design that … Read more

Cast those brains back to July. Do you remember the PXC 450 noise-canceling headphones from Sennheiser? They were the terrific 'phones that ended up scoring an impressive 8.7 in our tests. Today we're going to give you the lowdown on the brand new PXC 350s--a version of the 450s, but more affordable (about $618 vs. $473).

These new cans are cheaper for a reason: the "Talk-Thru" functionality has been vanquished, removed and incinerated. Talk-Thru is a feature of the 450s that lets you automatically take the volume down by pressing a button on the side of … Read more

These headphones can beat up your iPod earbuds.

The Skullcandy G.I. headphones are the first we've seen with built-in bullet holders in the headband, as well as a zip-up pouch that holds what looks like a bottle opener. (Update: According to Skullcandy, the tool included in the pouch is a screwdriver/skate tool/bottle-opener combo.)

Available in four styles--Rasta, Desert, Camo, and CCore (pictured here)--the CCore models look like the ones to buy if you want the fewest number of people getting all up in your face and/or messing with your biz.

The ear cans cost $… Read more