It is safe to say the mobile headphone or earphone market is massive and has been growing stronger ever since the decision was made by the mobile phone makers to agree on a universally standard 3.5mm audio jack instead of their own proprietary connector.

Another more obvious reason is the current explosion in smartphone, net-book and tablet technology. These devices have become more portable with bigger storage thus allowing us to take our video and music collections with us where ever we go. Headphones are now the must have accessory for any mobile device.

Take a look around the Internet and you will find thousands of websites selling headphones of all makes and models (Bose, Skullcandy, Sony, Sennheiser, Dr Dre etc).
Headphones come in many shapes and sizes (ear-buds, in-ear, sports, over-ear, on-ear) and some offer extra functionality such as wireless, noise cancelling, in-line microphone etc. If you do not know what you want, there are plenty of good forums allowing one to discuss, ask or post questions on headphones, not to mention many good video review sites.  If you go into any electronics or music stores there are normally areas where one can listen to different headphones with your smartphone or tablet.

But there is one area of the travel headphone market that is sadly lacking and that is Bluetooth headphones. They use A2DP or Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. This profile defines how high quality audio (stereo or mono) can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection. You would be hard pressed today to find a mobile device or tablet that does not support A2DP.

Yet, do a search for Bluetooth headphones specifically the over-ear or on-ear headphone. You will be lucky if you receive ten model hits. Add a few common features that other good headphones have such as noise cancelling, bass boost or SRS and finally add an in-line microphone else what is the point of wireless headphones if you cannot receive or make phone calls hands free?, and the search results drop down to four or five models at the most.

I currently own two of them (the Sony DR-BT50 and the Nokia BH-905). The latter have been on my head every work day since Xmas 2009. They are incredibly reliable wireless Bluetooth headphones that meet all my headphone criteria (over-ear or on-ear, wireless and Bluetooth, A2DP support, noise cancelling, in-line microphone, a good sound across bass and treble, are fashionable and have a long lasting battery).

The above features in the few Bluetooth headphones available are not cheap, which is disappointing.  Since the choices are few and far between, the manufacturers have kept the prices at a premium. I hope this changes soon.

Here are the other three Bluetooth headphones and the prices.

• Sennheiser MM550 Wireless Noise Cancelling – £299.
• Beats™ by Dr. Dre™ Wireless On-Ear Headphones – £249.
• Nokia BH-905i Noise Cancelling Stereo Bluetooth headphones – £129.

Needless to say I will be upgrading to the Nokia BH-905i shortly. They are slightly more streamlined than their predecessors and offer extra bass boost. The Sennheiser MM550 would be my first choice if it were not for the price.

SmartHang is an innovative and flexible holder for your phone (it can also serve other small gadgets like a palm or gps device) that adapts to almost any circumstances.  Check the video presentation of this cool gadget after the break.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncLStfmtSi8

You can find more info and buy this gadget directly from SmartHang Official Site.

With the slogan “Bringing color and fun to your everyday adventures”, Nokia have just released a new ad about their latest range of accessories. Check the video after the break!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJY9jJbame4

[Via]

Nokia has launched a video with a remix of the new Nokia ringtone composed by Raiomond Mirza.  In this video, Nokia also introduces the new Nokia Bluetooth Headset BH-112.  Check the video after the break.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iz4b6quO53A

[Via]

IDAPT I4 is an innovative charging solution that can charge up to 4 mobile devices simultaneously and is compatible with over 4,000 mobile electronic devices including the iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Nintendo DS, PSP, GPS systems, digital cameras, and Bluetooth products. The IDAPT i4 features an interchangeable tip system making it completely customizable.  It has 3 charging points and an additional USB charging point, allowing users to charge their electronics without the mess of tangled cords or the need for more than one outlet.

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Introducing Nokia Play 360 – Nokia’s first portable hi-fi speaker with groundbreaking NFC, wireless Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connection together with 20 hours play time with standard Nokia battery. Available in three colors: blue, black and white. Light build with strong Aluminum cover. Ideal for playing your music from your mobile phone or laptop, everywhere you go. Deep sounds, handy carrying pouch and universal compatibility.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtdAGjLGzo

PhoneArena reviews the Jabra WAVE. The Jabra WAVE is the Bluetooth headset that might be your savior on a windy day, or that is what its manufacturer is reassuring us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MddX6N-wd5E

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