Can pair with non-BT iOS devices via adapter

Making Bluetooth headsets "cool" is the mission of Outdoor Technology, a southern California-based active sports and lifestyle accessories maker. To this end, they have unveiled OT Tags, their stereo Bluetooth headsets which function like conventional one-ear "business" headsets but look like and are music headphones in the earbud style -- mating the style of wired headphones to the convenience of wireless.

The headphones themselves use a sturdy plastic housing for better bass and treble than conventional "phone" earpieces along with an oblong shape, allowing for quality music reproduction, the company says. The built-in mic is extremely subtle in the design, and they picked up the name "Tags" from looking like dog tags hung loosely around the neck when not in use. Full music control -- pause/play, back and next -- as well as a full "phone" mode (answer or initiate calls) are included.

The Tags, available in black and red, have a range of up to 32 feet and feature a loose (32 inch) braided cord to avoid tangling. They'll pair with any A2DP-compliant Bluetooth device, and those iPod users who don't have on-board Bluetooth can purchase a $30 adapter accessory to make their iPod-connector compatible device Bluetooth-ready. The integrated lithium-ion battery is charged using a microUSB cord and claims 120 hours of standby time, five hours of stereo music or six hours of talk time. The battery recharges in about an hour and a half.

OT Tags are now available from the company's website and select retailers, and sell for $80.

By Electronista Staff