BlueAnt preps speakers, voice-controlled headset

Bluetooth purveyors BlueAnt have announced two new devices through the CES expo in Las Vegas. The first of these is the V1 Voice Controlled Headset, which as its name implies, allows users to control "most" functions through audio commands rather than pushing buttons. Pressing a single button activates the voice system, which will list available commands if the user asks for help. The headset uses Bluetooth 2.1, and actually supports connections with two phones simultaneously, by switching to the ringing phone when necessary. The V1 comes with car/desk and USB chargers, and can handle up to six hours of talk time, or 200 hours (over eight days) of standby. It should be available soon for $119.

BlueAnt claims that its upcoming M1 is "the world's most powerful Bluetooth speaker," supplying 28W of RMS power, though this includes a built-in subwoofer. The speaker set works with any device capable of A2DP Bluetooth streaming, including PCs and Macs, and is further able to receive direct audio from iPods and other MP3 players via an audio-in jack. The speakers can can be controlled remotely from any AVRCP device, and come with an AC adapter, car charger and carrying case. They should ship later this quarter for $199.

Filed under: iPod, gadgets, accessories, audio
Other story tags: Bluetooth, speakers, headsets