New Bluetooth Headset Gives You Bionic Hearing

Now you can pretend you have bionic hearing.

Sound ID just came out with a new Bluetooth headset (the Sound ID 400) with all sorts of funky features that could give people the impression that you can actually hear anything said, anywhere.

First off, there's "PersonalSound." You get three "custom hearing choices" in addition to automatic volume control. That means you can set three different volume levels as your defaults - a bit louder for when the kids are playing in the next room, a bit softer for when you have some time to yourself, perhaps. There's also automatic volume control so when you're driving and the person on the other end of the line suddenly turns into a low talker, you should be able to hear them without having to fumble for the volume.

Got that?

Next, there's "Environmental Mode," which lets you leave your headset on and still hold regular conversations with people without having to yell, "What?" every three seconds. When the headset's in that mode, "the hearing ablity is enhanced and soft sounds can be heard." SoundID describes it as "hear-through" technology, i.e., that you can hear through the headset. So you'll never have to take the headset off ever again?

Add to that "NoiseNavigation," which is supposed to cut down wind noise and other background clutter. So if you call your babysitter from a cocktail party, she should be be able to hear you through all the chatter and clinking champagne glasses.

Sound ID also makes the CompanionLink Remote Microphone, and this is the first telephone headset compatible with it. It's a teensy clip-on microphone that allows you to use the headset as a receiver and hear conversations from across the room. It's like Spy v. Spy.

The 400 will be available soon (quarter 4, which starts next month) for $129.99 or thereabouts. It comes with a Universal AC charger, USB charging cable, three sizes of ear loops and an ear hook. The CompanionLink microphone will be available for $79.99.

Sound ID 400 specs:
  • Weight: 8 grams (0.28 ounces)
  • Dimensios: 53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)
  • Battery life: Up to 7 hours talk time, 200 hours (8 days) standby
  • Technology: Bluetooth version 2.1+ EDR and eSCO improves the transmission sound quality and is compatible with earlier versions of Bluetooth
CompanionLink specs:
  • Weight: 8 grams (0.28 ounces)
  • Dimensions: 53.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 millimeters (2.1 x 0.6 x 0.3 inches)
  • Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
  • Bluetooth Radio: Wide band with a range of up to 30 feet line-of-sight
  • Automatically pairs with the Sound ID 400 headset