Sennheiser unwraps 'true' wireless earphones

Sennheiser is separating itself from the relative glut of wireless earphones today with the introduction of the MX W1, a new set it claims produce audio far cleaner than most models. Instead of using Bluetooth, which both requires a compressed sound and is susceptible to cordless phones and Wi-Fi, the technology uses a special digital broadcast system developed by Cupertino, California-based Kleer. The improvement provides both more faithful audio and better battery life, Sennheiser says. Compared to Bluetooth, the MX W1's technology consumes between five and ten times less power.

This change is key to the system's small size. While it needs an external pack to beam sound, the transmitter is matchbox-sized. The system is also device-independent and requires only a headphone jack rather than a special dock or built-in wireless features. It further allows multiple users to listen to a single audio source, Sennheiser says. Battery life and price are not listed for the MX W1 pair, which will go on sale in the US and elsewhere in May.

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