Samsung adds three new Bluetooth headsets
updated 08:05 pm EST, Mon March 7, 2011
Modus 6450 offers stereo earphone option
Samsung has debuted three new headsets in their Bluetooth lineup, including a new Modus model that provides the option of being used as a stereo bluetooth headset. The new models are the entry-level HM 1610, the lightweight HM 3600, and the Modus 6450, which can be used as a mono-style headset or as a Bluetooth headset thanks the addition of a second earbud that can be easily plugged in.
The Modus 6450 ($100) also features Android application support, voice command functionality, EQ settings and a separate Voice Command button on the headset, rather than combining that function into the usual all-purpose button on most headsets. It has dual microphones to support its noise-cancellation features, and its own Android application to support the EQ and language settings for voice prompts as well as text-to-speech messaging and Caller ID services. It supports Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, active pairing, advanced multipoint and multiconnection technology and offers up to six hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby time.
The mid-range HM 3600 ($60) is lighter than the other two offerings -- at just 13 grams -- and designed for comfort. It uses an on-ear design, and shares the voice prompt and dual-mic noise reduction and echo cancellation with the Modus 6450. It features proximity pairing, multipoint technology, Bluetooth v3.0 and up to 9 hours of talk time, or up to 300 hours of standby time.
The entry-level HM 1610 ($40) features near-end enhanced audio technology for better speech intelligibility and overall sound quality. It also has single-mic noise reduction and echo cancellation, augmented with CSR CVC v6 Receive Side audio enhancements. Wind noise protection and noise cancelling are incorporated to preserve audio quality at wind speeds up to "jogging speed" (about six miles per hour). The HM 1610 also features multipoint technology, A2DP mono music streaming, automatic volume control, Bluetooth v3+EDR and up to six hours of talk time, or up to 250 hours of standby.
All three are available from Samsung directly or through mobile accessory retailers.
