Cardo & GN Netcom release new Bluetooth headsets

- Gary Thayer, News Editor

Las Vegas, Jan. 6, 2005 -- (MobileVillage) -- At the Consumer Electronics Show that opens today, Cardo Systems and GN Netcom (also known by its Jabra brand) each announced new Bluetooth wireless headsets for mobile device users.

GN Netcom's GN 6210

GN Netcom announced the high-end (US $249) GN 6210, a "behind-the-ear" headset that works with any desk phone and Bluetooth mobile phone. The headset is made of a soft, sound-absorbing elastomer material, and the earpiece features a "MiniGel" ear tip that aim to channel sound directly into the user's ear. The GN 6210 weighs 23 grams/0.8 ounces and promises a talk time of up to 8 hours, and a standby time of 240 hours. The headset features a Bluetooth standard range of 10 meters (30 feet) from its base.

GN Netcom's Jabra BT250 & BT800

GN Netcom also announced new headsets under its well-known Jabra brand. One is the BT250v headset, the latest evolution of the Jabra BT250, which was a recipient of the CES Innovation Award 2004. The 3/4 oz. Jabra BT250v adds a vibrating call alert feature and a new black color.

The Jabra BT250v's call alert feature silently vibrates to inform users that they are receiving an incoming call. The vibrate function is automatically enabled and can be easily disengaged by holding the volume down button.

Other features for the Jabra BT250v include:

• Sound-absorbing JMiniGels material to channel sound into the ear
• Operates up to 30 feet away
  
• Up to 7 hours talk time, up to 200 hours of stand-by time
  
• Behind-the-ear design
  
• 'One touch' button
  
• Voice dial compatible

The Jabra BT250v will be available this winter at select retail outlets in North America for about US $99.

Jabra also announced it is now shipping its BT800 Bluetooth headset, its most feature-rich model. Features include:

• Digital Signal Processing for better audio performance in noisy and windy conditions
  
• Blue back-lit display for 'Caller ID'
  
• Five different ring tones
  
• Mute, last number redial, voice dialing, call from call list, reject call and call waiting
  
• Menu options accessed with jog wheel
  
• Direct charging from PC through its own USB cable
  
• Up to 6 hours of talk time and 125 hours standby time
  
• Supports Bluetooth version 1.1 and 1.2 profiles

Also an over-the-ear model, the Jabra BT800 has features similar to the operation of a mobile phone. Just four controls; the mute button, jog wheel, call 'Answer' and 'End' buttons provide access to all the functions offered by the headset. The jog wheel can be used as a volume control during a call or for scrolling through menu functions in standby mode.

The display -- placed on the inside of the headset -- provides caller ID and a menu for access to a call list, battery status, display light, Bluetooth connection, selection of among five ring tones or call-vibrate, and language. Language options include English, German, French and Spanish.

The Jabra BT800 is now shipping in North America with a suggested retail price of $149.

Cardo headset-adapter combo

Cardo is showing off its "scala-500 Combo", a Bluetooth headset and adapter for mobile phones. The headset features Cardo's "WindGuard" technology that the company claims significantly reduces wind impact. The headset weighs just .58 oz. (17 grams), and promises up to 9 hours of talk time and one-week of standby power.

The scala-500 Combo includes Cardo's Universal Bluetooth Adapter to convert standard mobile phones into Bluetooth-capable cell phones. Once plugged into the phone's audio jack, the accessory converts standard mobile phones into Bluetooth-capable devices for use with the scala-500 headset and most other available headset brands. The adapter is compatible with virtually all mobile phones on today's market, according to Cardo.

The scala-500 headset rests against the ear or optionally attaches to sunglasses or eyeglasses using Cardo's patent-pending "VersaClip". Special features of the headset include echo canceling technology for improved voice transmission and a directional microphone. The unit also offers multi-level volume control, mute function, voice dialing, automatic redial, call reject, and toggle control between headset and phone.

The scala-500 Bluetooth headset with WindGuard technology without the adapter sells for US $75 and is available through distributors, retail outlets and directly from the Cardo Wireless website. The scala-500 Combo version for non-Bluetooth phones retails for US $119.

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