Upcoming Bluetooth Headsets from CES 2008

Editorial by Michelle Ruhfass on Tuesday January 15, 2008.

Jabra JX20

Jabra JX20

Jabra JX20

Last week at CES in Las Vegas, Bluetooth seemed to be at the forefront for our industry, or maybe it was just because the handset manufacturers took a back seat at this year's show for the most part. Bluetooth headsets were everywhere, along with A2DP stereo headphones and some innovative speakerphones.

First on the list was Jabra's newly announced JX20 Pura, the successor to the popular JX10. This new headset boasts a titanium outer shell for protection and a cool looking charging station with external LED lights that help users keep track of battery life. The sporty looking JX20 also utilizes a new power feature: it can be turned on or off by simply twisting the collar of the ear-bud (with or without the optional ear loop being attached). This is far more convenient than the traditional method of holding down a multi-function button for a few seconds, and makes it simple to see the headset's power state with just a quick glance. The new JX20 should provide up to 6 hours of talk time and will be available for US$179 in May of this year, according to Jabra.

Jabra 8040

Jabra 8040

Jabra 8040

The Jabra 8040 headset, featuring DSP technology, is a super light and tiny in-ear headset that allows for up to 8 pairings and uses an intelligent volume system to automatically adjust audio volume for any situation. The most interesting feature on the device is its support of A2DP mono for all the music-centric folks out there. This is the first device from a major manufacturer that we are aware of that supports the A2DP mono profile. It will let users hear reasonably good quality music in private, without having to resort to a pair of headphones.

Jabra 8030

Jabra 8030

For those that prefer their music in stereo, however, Jabra satisfies that hunger with its 8030 stereo headphones. The 8030s do look a bit wonky and oversized, but Jabra has added a twist. The 8030 can morph into a stereo desktop speakerphone by pressing 2 release buttons that allow the headphones to open up. The 8030 feature Zirene Power Bass software and seemed to put out pretty reasonable sound. Jabra did mention that using the 8030 in desktop mode will drain the headphone's batteries far more quickly than when they are worn on the user's head.

Lastly, for Jabra, at least, the company informed us that going forth all of its new Bluetooth products will support micro-USB for charging. Definitely music to our ears.