New Bluetooth headsets, including the just-announced Aliph New Jawbone, are likely to appeal to Californians as the state prepares to adopt a hands-free driving law.
A new law is coming to California, and it's making a lot of folks think hard about the role technology will soon play in their everyday lives. Come July, California will become the largest state in the union with a hands-free driving law─one that will affect over 35 million people.
The law itself was passed two years ago, so Californians have had quite a bit of time to get used to the idea. Interestingly, a recent study suggests that driving while talking on a cell phone is equivalent to or even more dangerous than driving while drunk. While this might be a stretch, it's true that using a cell phone while driving is a big distraction. It's no surprise that the new law met with minimal resistance when it passed.
Right now, there are two main ways to use hands-free devices in cars. In the firsta "whole car"solution, the Bluetooth function is either built into the car's sound system or comes as an add-on kit. A person talks into a speakerphone, and the audio reply comes through some type of speaker. The second option is an in-ear Bluetooth headset, which affords some privacy since only the wearer can hear what the person on the line is saying.
We asked some Californians which hands-free devices they plan to use once the law is in place. The responses varied, those of men differing a lot from those of women. Women were highly sensitive about others in the car hearing their conversations. But when it came to the Bluetooth headset option, they were concerned about what some called the "dork" factor. Over and over, we heard them refer to the headsets on the market as "ugly," "eyesores" or "too bulky," and they were hard pressed to find a headset that was really to their liking. On the other hand, the men we asked were somewhat ambivalent on the issue. Most hoped to find a way to put the Bluetooth function into their cars, while others seemed fine with the idea of buying some type of Bluetooth headset. The quality of the device was the most important factor in all these discussions and will play a major role in their final choices.
Regarding the "dork" factor, most headset makers realize that they have to pay close attention to design to make their headsets more "fashionable" if they want mass adoption. To that end, two of the key players in this space have come out with unique designs that are both fashionable and targeted to appeal to either sex.
Plantronics, a leader in hands-free communication, produces all types of headset solutions, many of them now standard in aviation (its products are even implemented on the Space Shuttle). The company makes Bluetooth headsets for business as well as consumer use, with over a dozen models on the market. Recently, Plantronics introduced a model called the
Discovery 925. Clearly the most stylish of the company's offerings, it looks designed specifically to appeal to women. Though it's been on the market for only a short time, it has already sold quite well. I suspect that once the new colors (gold and cerise) are available, it will become even more popular with women who have been clamoring for more color and style options when it comes to Bluetooth headsets.
The other company that's really focusing on fashion and style is Aliph, makers of the popular Jawbone. Its initial model sold well but was a bit on the large side. Today, the company came out with a new version of the Jawbone that is half the size and adds a new ear loop wrapped in leather. According to company officials, the $129
Aliph New Jawbone takes its design hints from stylish sunglasses seen on the market today. The debuting model is black, but in early July the company will release a model in silver and rose gold. The headset introduces a breakthrough noise-elimination technology with even better voice quality than the original version in a smaller and more ergonomic package. Curiously, Aliph calls this earware rather than a headset, hence the comparison to sunglasses.
Of course, these aren't the only companies that understand the importance of style. Indeed, other Bluetooth models out there should appeal to a variety of users as they make the move to hands-free driving. The list includes the Jabra X20, the LG Prada Bluetooth Headset, the Motorola H680, the Nokia BH-800, the Samsung Instinct, and the Sony Ericcson HBH-PV710, to name just a few.
To date there are about 20 states in the U.S. with a hands-free law in place. Those without one will be looking to California to see what impact the law has on reducing cell phonerelated accidents. I am certain that if California's program is successful, then other states will follow suit.
👎
With the forthcoming launch of Home, however, I think now is the time to 
I'm tempted to go for the 'official' PS3 one as pictured (many times!) above, but it is going for £17.99 (marked down from £24.99) whereas I've seen many others for quite a bit less....
