Aliph's new Jawbone headset: 50% smaller

Aliph introduces a new Jawbone Bluetooth headset today, one that's 50% smaller, weighs 10 grams and offers some sound improvements as well. Hard to believe that last bit because from what I've heard, the sound quality on the original Jawbone was pretty incredible.

The new Jawbone uses their "NoiseAssassin" technology to distinguish your voice from all surrounding background noise. Using DSP, or Digital Signal Processing, that noice is cancelled out for a pure sounding voice. You can order the new headset direct from Aliph or stop in an AT&T retail store: $129.99 is the MSRP. It offers 4 hours of talk time and 8 days of standby. Here's some of the other features touted by this small, precise headset:

• Military-grade noise elimination technology
• Eliminates up to 10x more noise energy than closest competitors
• Faster processing eliminates unexpected noise bursts
• Unmatched intelligibility - voices sound human, not robotic
• Sophisticated dual microphone array reduces wind noise
• Invisible touch controls
• Three-dimensional texture on shield inspired by noise abatement surfaces
• Premium materials including medical-grade plastic and fine leather
• Magnetic USB cable & wall charger included
• Three (3) earbuds - small, medium, and large
• Two (2) fine leather earloops - medium and large
• Two (2) slim earloops ideal for use with eyewear - medium and large
• Fits either ear

I've got a review unit arriving any day now, so there's more to hear in the coming days.

Comments

[Travis Carnahan]

Have to agree with you on the sound quality! I only hope that this model handles the wind much better than the old model. My only complaint is that I might as well use the handset if the wind is over 5 mph. Look forward to your review!

[James Kendrick]

I love my Jawbone but this smaller one looks really sweet.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Would you believe that UPS dropped off the new Jawbone 10 minutes after my post? If I knew that writing about a product makes it magically appear, I might have written about an Apple Tablet or uber-powerful UMPC that works for a week on a single charge. ;)

[Dave Zatz]

I traded my BlueAnt in for a Jawbone via the CES promotion. Audio quality has been good, but the device is bulky. This new one looks good. BUT it doesn't look like it pairs with multiple devices simultaneously - a definite downer for power users. I want to toggle between Mac Skype and handset. $130 is a lot...

[DarrenS]

Would be nice if these headsets also were stereo, like the Plantronics 855.

[Peter]

The last Jawbone has some good noise cancelling I´ll give it that, but...there is always a but...the lack of handling even the slightest breeze of wind made my Jawbone useless when I'm outdoors. But once inside say a subway station the Jawbone rocks...but only then.

If you could give as an honest real life test on how the new Jawbone handle wind I would be extremely happy.

[jc]

Would this version work just as well with Verizon? I see it's only being sold in ATT stores. I think when the earlier one came out, Jawbone told me it would not work as well with Verizon and for me to wait until that version came out. I did buy it when it started to be sold in Verizon stores. Do you think that would still be the case with this one? I have a message into Jawbone support.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Dave, this unit is much smaller than the prior version. Very light and you forget it's there. I see what you mean about multiple pairings & devices. I did have a heck of a time switching from a Skype call on my MBP to a phone call on my iPhone. More on that in a detailed post.

We'll be testing in breezy conditions, Peter. I'm going to take the top off my car and drive around for testing.

jc, I can't understand why this device wouldn't work with any standard Bluetooth phone, regardless of carrier. I've already paired it with my MacBook. I don't have a Verizon phone to test with, but I'll check with a neighbor; I can't see why it wouldn't work. There may be an exclusivity deal with AT&T on distribution for now, but again, this should work with most any BT phone.

[jc]

Thanks. Before they said there was something with Verizon they had to compensate for. Apparently they dont need to do it again, because Jawbone just wrote back and said there is no issue.

[Peter]

well, you don't have to do any fancy testing, just plain and simple standing or walking in a slight head wind and ask the recipient if he or she can hear the wind and if he or she can hear you loud and clear.

In the case of the old Jawbone, it was impossible to conduct a conversation in headwind, period...

Looking forward to hear about your results.

cheers,
//Peter