Jawbone Noise Reduction Headset

Overall Impression The stylish Jawbone made by Aliph, a noise reduction headset for mobile phones, relies on the kind of technology pilots use to help them hear over plane engine noise (at much higher cost). This ergonomically designed headset with a cheek sensor employs electronics that actively listen to the background noise and reduce it by subtracting it out of the microphone signals, adjusting to ambient noise at a rate of 500 times per second. The Jawbone model we tested made it easier to hear and to be heard in noisy environments than would be possible with traditional microphones, headsets and speakers. One of the reasons this was possible is that the Jawbone we tried had two microphones (most headsets have one), including a jaw sensor for speech vibrations.

We tested the Jawbone headset with a Sony Ericsson T610 phone in a number of loud environments that have been a source of trouble for traditional headsets. Some of the environments included outdoors (walking), driving a car, at a busy convention center with lots of people talking, and around a powerful steady low traditional electronic fan. Our Jawbone headset performed well in all of these environments and provided improved performance over traditional headsets. The steadier the background noise, the better the headset seemed to perform. In all of these tests the Jawbone helped us hear better and be better heard by the listener on the other end of the line.

The unit was comfortable to wear. The only time we had trouble with the Jawbone was while working out on fitness equipment. In certain non-vertical body positions the earpiece tended to fall off. The over all wiring was long from the earpiece to the phone. The Jawbone control clip, located mid way down the wire between the earpiece and the phone, was able to attach onto a belt or clothing. This clip helped provide strain relief for the earpiece. Instead of clipping near the collar, as many such devices do, the control clip attached far away from the earpiece. It took some time to get used to this feature. At times we wished there was more cable between the belt clip and phone when he was looking for a place to set down his phone. Overall, we were pleased with the quality of the reception and sound. The Jawbone headset we tried reduced background noise. We would recommend it to friends who are having trouble hearing mobile phone conversations or being heard due to noisy environments. It could be a practical tool for everyday use and for trips requiring passage through airports, ports, crowded hallways, driving and other noisy environments.

Colors white/silver

Designer Yves Béhar , the Swiss founder of Fuseproject , an industrial design firm

Made Of brushed stainless-steel and translucent white plastic

Manufacturer-Distributor Aliph

Retail Price $150

Size 2 inches long

Type Of Product noise reduction adaptive cell phone headset

Warranty o ne year limited warranty

Weight 14 grams

Features earpiece ear loop made of soft rubber, Adaptive Noise Reduction Technology, Dual Microphones, Voice Activity Sensor, Action Button which mutes on Motorola phones, and answer/ends on Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones, multiple sensors, 3-point earpiece mounting system and bi-aural spring loaded ear loop to ensure contact of voice activity sensor to the cheek. It is right or left-ear adjustable. It runs in real time with no delay on a Texas Instruments digital signal processor (DSP) with core algorithms unique to Jawbone.

Other Jawbone, based on technology developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), was compatible with a limited range of cell phones. Prospective buyers should check the Jawbone website www.jawbone.com/compatibility , where there were also audio demonstrations; to make sure their phones are compatible with the Jawbone before purchasing it. In 2004, the Jawbone’s design made it part of an exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. That same year, Jawbone was recognized by Business Week and Industrial Society of America (IDSA) Silver Medal, ClNet Editor’s Choice, Fortune Best Products of the Year: Electronics, Time Coolest Inventions and Wired Tools 2004.

The Jawbone drew its power from the cell phone it was connected to. It didn’t use external batteries.

Country(S) Tested USA

Date Of Review March 2005

Number Of Days Tested 20

Reviewers Article by Chester Godsy

Would You Use This Product Again? Yes