Nokia backs music with new Bluetooth headsets

To support its new suite of mid-range phones, Nokia today also released three Bluetooth earpieces, including its first full-size stereo set for music fans. The BH-604 (shown) is said to give extended listening time thanks to large, padded ear cups and includes a set of stealth media keys for pausing and skipping through music as well as picking up calls for phones paired to the headset. Finland's handset producer expects to ship the headphones internationally during the summer in a rough price range of 120-140 Euros ($161-188).

Two smaller, single-speaker headsets accompany the BH-604, Nokia says. The BH-602 brings longevity with a high-power battery: continuous talk is rated at 11 hours on a single charge, and a special quick-charge feature can manage yet another five hours with as little as 15 minutes plugged into a charger. Intelligent volume adjustment and noise reduction are also standard, and are matched by an LED indicator that provides a quick glance at battery life. The 602 will be ready at the same time as the 604 but demands a lower asking price between 75 and 90 Euros ($101-121).

As the final entry, the BH-803 is smaller and lighter (0.4 ounces) than the 602 but adds touch-sensitive call and volume controls as well as a more fashionable design. It should be priced between 140 and 160 Euros ($188 and $214) for its own summer launch.