Accessory designer Mad Catz today announced that it would be updating its AirDrives earbuds for the iPhone. The change will bring an in-line microphone as well as a button that automatically switches between music and an inbound call, allowing a user to answer without pausing the music in software. The upgraded listening devices will maintain the unique design that the company claims eliminates much of the quality of in-canal earbuds while allowing enough background noise to walk safely around busy streets.

The enhanced model is due sometime in early 2008 and should command a premium over the listen-only version, according to the company. It will cost $120 upon launch versus $100 for the existing, standard AirDrives set and $70 for the smaller but functionally similar Kids version.