I am a huge fan of Sound ID headsets, and I have been ever since their initial offering, the SM100.  I think they have exceptional sound quality, and are attractive and comfortable enough that you almost do not mind the hunk of plastic dangling off your ear. 

Today, Sound ID announced the fourth entry in their growing line of Bluetooth headsets, the SoundID 400.  This one features all of the same great features which have set SoundID apart in the past, such as Personal Sound and Environmental Mode.  It also features a new feature, the Companion Link Remote Microphone.  This is a separate microphone which connects to the headset wirelessly, so you can include another person or audio source on the call.  A pretty cool idea, and we will put it to the test when I review this one soon.  Keep reading for the full press release.

Providing mobile consumers with a new way to enjoy hands-free communications, Sound ID today announced the latest product in its line-up – the Sound ID 400 Personal Sound System.

The Sound ID 400 continues the company’s winning combination of best-in-class audio and scientifically engineered all-day wearing comfort.  However, the 400 stands apart from the rest of the Bluetooth headsets on the market today, offering three unique features:

1) PersonalSound™, which consists of three listening modes tuned to the most common hearing preferences to further enhance speech clarity without raising the volume. This feature is only found on Sound ID products – no other Bluetooth headsets offer this capability.

2) The Sound ID 400 is the only headset to deliver Environmental Mode™, a feature that enables users to hear equally out of both ears in-between calls. When the Environmental Mode is activated, the hearing ability is enhanced and soft sounds can be heard while wearing the headset – allowing clear conversations “On” and “Off” the phone.

3) Additionally, the headset is the only one of its kind to be compatible with the optional Sound ID CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone – creating a Personal Sound System. The CompanionLink is a small clip-on device, a mere two-inches in size, that syncs with the Sound ID 400 and can be worn by a conversation partner or placed near a sound source to pick up audio at its origin for a richer sound experience. This device can greatly enhance the clarity of speech in many communication situations, such as: (1) a distant talker, e.g. a lecturer; (2) a very noisy environment, e.g. a restaurant; or, (3) a talker whose speech is received as faint due to his or her physical location with respect to the listener, e.g. a passenger sitting in the back of the car.

“The Sound ID 400 showcases the innovative audio capabilities that our headsets are known for and kicks it up a notch with Environmental Mode and compatibility with the CompanionLink Remote Microphone,” said Michael Jones, President and CEO of Sound ID. “Together, the Sound ID 400 and CompanionLink create a new Personal Sound System that elevates the traditional Bluetooth experience by improving speech intelligibility and aiding in clear conversations – whether on or off the phone.”

The Sound ID 400 also offers NoiseNavigation™, which uses multiple microphones and special DSP algorithms to remove background noise and elevate speech. The goal is to improve speech understanding in noisy situations. Finally, Sound ID 400 can connect with two devices simultaneously – enabling users to answer calls from two phones from the convenience of one headset. It is designed with a Black Velvet soft-touch finish.

Summary of Key Features

· PersonalSound™, in addition to offering the volume control, the user can select from 3 custom listening modes that are tuned to enhance speech clarity and boosting listening power.

· Environmental Mode™ can be activated to create a “hear-through” feature that enables users to hear equally out of both ears, even when wearing the headset, transforming ordinary hearing into extraordinary hearing.

· NoiseNavigation™ removes background and wind noise while boosting speech for clear conversations.

· Multi-Point Technology enables users to securely connect with two Bluetooth-enabled phones, such as a work and a personal phone. Then, the Sound ID 400 can answer or originate calls on either phone.

· Automatic Volume Control reduces the need for users to manually switch volume settings, as the headset seamlessly adjusts to changing environments and variable noise situations.

· CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone is an optional accessory, which can be worn by a conversation partner or placed near a sound source, to pick up audio near its source for a richer listening experience.

Sound ID 400 Bluetooth Headset Specifications

· Lightweight:  8 grams (0.28 ounces)

· Dimensions: 53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)

· Powerful Battery Life:  Up to 7 hours talk time, 200 hours (8 days) standby

· Latest Bluetooth Technology:  Bluetooth version 2.1+ EDR and eSCO improves the transmission sound quality and is compatible with earlier versions of Bluetooth

· Convenience:  Easy and secure simple pairing; comes with a Universal A/C wall charger, 100-240v

Sound ID CompanionLink™ Remote Microphone Specifications

· Pairing on the Fly:  Automatically pairs with the Sound ID 400 headset

· Lightweight:  8 grams (0.28 ounces)

· Dimensions:  53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)

· Powerful Battery Life:  Up to 10 hours talk time

· Bluetooth Radio:  Wide band with a range of up to 30 feet line-of-sight

Pricing and Availability

The Sound ID 400 will be available in Q4 for $129.99 MSR. It comes with a Universal AC charger (100-240 VAC), USB charging cable, three sizes of RealComfort EarLoops and an Ear Hook for an alternative over-the-ear wearing option. The Sound ID CompanionLink Remote Microphone will also be available Q4 for $79.99 MSR.

Just Had To…

It was with those fateful words, on June 25, 2006,that a small website called Just Another Mobile Monday went from being a kinda cool idea to one of the premiere mobile technology websites on the Interwebs.   Well…OK, maybe there were a few steps in between, and a heck of a lot of hard work.  But here we are, three years later, with one of the finest writing teams around, an innovative design, and one of the best reader communities money can buy.

So, how does a premiere website like JAMM celebrate a birthday?  GIVEAWAYS, of course.   We already gave away some fantastic cases, courtesy of Otterbox.  But how do you all feel about Bluetooth headsets?  And not just any headset, we are giving away the brand spanking new SoundID 200 & 300 Bluetooth headsets.  We’ll let three winners take their pick between those models.

So, what do you have to do to win?  Easy.  Just leave a comment on this post and tell us, if you could call any one person, living or dead, fictional or real, whom would you call and why.  The more creative the better.  We’ll pick three winners at random on Monday, June 29. All entries much be posted by 9:00 that night.

Even if you don’t win a free headset, though, SoundID still has something exciting for you.  They are looking for a few good men (and women) to help them test out some ideas.  If you are interested in getting some fantastic deals on SoundID products, just send an email to marketing [at] soundid.com (remember to replace the [at] with a “@”.

Oh yeah…and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUST ANOTHER MOBILE MONDAY!!!

By entering this contest, you authorize Just Another Mobile Monday, and its representatives, to provide your personal information (such as, but not limited to your name and email address) to the sponsors of this contest should you be selected as a winner. Your personal information will not be sold by Just Another Mobile Monday, or otherwise retained for any purpose except that described herein.

It seems like it has been ages since SoundID initially announced the forthcoming SoundID 300, a stylish follow up to their initial offering, the SM 100.  At the time, I gave the the SM 100 high marks overat Gear Diary , and I was anxiously awaiting their sophomore effort.  Well, one month grew two, and just kept on going until it was well over a year later, and I began to wonder if the SoundID 300 would ever see the light of day.  Then, suddenly, it arrived.  But, SoundID had a special surprise in store for their loyal and patient customers.  Somewhere along the line, one had become two…SoundID had apparently given birth to twins: the SoundID 200 and SoundID 300, and I was lucky enough to land one of each, which SoundID sent for me to review and keep.  Keep reading as we will walk through both of the latest offerings from SoundID.

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I just got an email from our good friend Clinton Fitch, letting us know that he has posted a review of the Plantronics Explorer 350 Bluetooth Headset.  We are big fans of Plantronics here at JAMM, having reviewed numerous Plantronics headsets, often with extremely favorable marks.  So, what did Clinton this of the Explorer 350?  he writes:

The Explorer 350 is a bit unique in how it is positioned in the marketplace by Plantronics.  It is designed for those who are constantly on-the-go with its compact design and noise reducing technology.  What also makes it unique is what the headset comes with in the box.  You do not find the traditional AC adapter to charge the headset but rather a 12-volt DC adapter to use in your car or on an airplane.  In addition, you find a USB-based charging cable to connect to your PC to charge the headset from there as well.  Unique?  Definitely!

Find out what else Clinton had to say about this unusual Bluetooth headset, including the air vent clip for your car, and read the full review at Clinton Fitch(dot)com.

Bluetooth headsets have become commonplace now that an increasing number of US states are (finally) making it illegal to use a cellphone while driving without a hands free device. They have become so commonplace, in fact, that a standout headset is rare.

The Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth headset I have had the opportunity to use over the past few weeks is such a standout.

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