Christine Persaud
Sennheiser has introduced a baker’s dozen new headsets, specifically geared toward use with mobile devices, like the iPhone and iPad; including several new Bluetooth wireless headphones models.
The Made for iPhone headsets incorporate a microphone and control unit for the Apple device into the cable, allowing users to control the device via the push of a button, or through voice commands.
With some models, music tracks and videos can be played, paused, and skipped based on how often and how long the button is pressed. That same button can also be used to send and receive phone calls, and activate voice controls for retrieving specific songs, or dialing a number. This function will also work with the latest versions o the iPad, iPod, and MacBook. A plus/minus button is used to control volume levels.
In total, there are eight new iPhone headsets, ranging from US$99.95 up to US$599.95: the CX 980i hi-fi ear-canal headphones with in-line microphone; IE 8i high-end ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone; MM 80i TRAVEL travel ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone (not available in the U.S.); CX 880i balanced ear-canal earphones with in-line microphone; MM 70i dynamic bass-focused ear canal earphones with in-line microphone; PX 100-IIi open, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone; PX 200-IIi closed, foldable mini headphones with in-line microphone; HD 218i closed mini headphones with in-line microphone; and the HD 238i open mini headphones with in-line microphone.
New to the stereo Bluetooth wireless line is the MM 550 TRAVEL (shown above), which also incorporates Sennheiser’s NoiseGard 2.0 active noise canceling technology, plus passive noise cancelation via around-the-ear cups. The headphones are foldable for easy packing, and boast a high-quality microphone, and hifi audio quality. Selling for an MSRP of US$649.95, they also include SRS WOW HD technology, and TalkThrough technology for speaking to others (like flight attendants) without having to remove the headphones.
The MM 450 TRAVEL (MSRP US$589.95) also include NoiseGard 2.0 and TalkThrough technology. The MM 400 (MSRP US$349.95) come with an invisible microphone, soft padded ear cushions and range of connectivity options. And the MM 100 (MSRP US$199.95) has an ultra-light neckband that’s ideal for use during workouts, walks or relaxing.
