The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has publicized that it has officially implemented the new-fangled “Bluetooth low energy” plan as part of the Bluetooth Core 4.0 spec. This low energy wireless system is intended for low powered devices like watches, medical monitors, and other devices with restricted power sources. Bluetooth low energy will now permit devices that run on small button-cell batteries to take benefit from wireless connectivity. Bluetooth low energy devices have a normal range of 10 meters (33 feet) and broadcast data up to 1Mbps. The SIG says that range can be increased to as much as 100 meters (328 feet).

Basically, the BlueAnt Q1 is a Bluetooth headset that uses voice commands to access most of the features. It measures 54.8mm (2.2in) in length, and only weighs a scant 10.9g (.4 oz). A large multifunction button, also called as the ‘BlueAnt button’, is placed on the outer panel, while a volume rocker is placed along the top edge. The multifunction button features the company’s logo, which covers the red and blue LED indicator lights. The proprietary charging port is located at the base of the earpiece, and there are two microphones - one on the tip of the headset, and one on the outer panel, near the multifunction button. (more…)

Plantronics has just unveiled the Voyager PRO Bluetooth headset today. The device features the new AudioIQ2 signal processing system for optimal noise and wind cancellation that consequently provides a rich, natural inbound audio. This is made possible through the stainless steel mesh and acoustic fabrics that cover the microphone, which is at the end of a long boom that brings the microphone closer to the user’s mouth. (more…)

Aliph has unveiled the Jawbone PRIME Bluetooth headset with EARCANDY colors, featuring better audio quality, improved comfort and a variety of colors. The gadget has a Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) that improves noise cancellation performance when touching the user’s face as well as a back-up Acoustic Voice Activity Detector whenever the VAS is not in an active mode. The Jawbone PRIME has new Digital Signal Processing, which enables the device to handle up to 10mph of wind interference. Users can even connect the Jawbone PRIME to two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time courtesy of the enhanced Multipoint technology.

The Aliph Jawbone PRIME is available for $129.99.

Two innovative Bluetooth gadgets had been released by Jabra during the 2009 CTIA Wireless that was held in Las Vegas. One is the Jabra Halo, a Bluetooth stereo headset that allows users to switch between music and calls, and the other one is the Jabra SP200, a speakerphone that can connect to any mobile device with Bluetooth connectivity.

The Jabra Halo offers A2DP support, a 3.5mm audio jack, and headphones with Zirene Power Bass audio enhancement. It will be available in May for $129.99. The Jabra SP200 features a control button, a volume wheel, and the DSP technology that can eliminate background noise. It will be available this April at a price of $59.99.