Bluetake i-PHONO Mini Bluetooth Headphones

[Jon Westfall]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.bluetake.com/products/BT450Rx.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.bluetake.com/products/BT450Rx.htm</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Designed for an active lifestyle, the i-PHONO mini Bluetooth Stereo Headphone combines the stylish design and reliable technology in the ideal mini size units. With Bluetooth® wireless technology, the i-PHONO mini headphone gives you the convenient wireless way to enjoy the streaming stereo music transmitted from the Bluetooth A2DP*1-Source device such as a mp3 player, PC or PDA in the available range. Moreover, you can use the i-PHONO mini headphone to remote control the music playing functions of your Bluetooth device if it supports Bluetooth AVRCP*2 in addition"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/westfall-20051120-bluetake.jpg" /><br /><br />About a year ago, for my birthday, I was lucky enough to receive a pair of Bluetake i-PHONOs. Since then, they've been a fairly constant companion to my mp3 player, my pocket pc, and my laptop whenever I want a nice wireless headphone experience. Now Bluetake is releasing a smaller version of their headphones without the only thing that I dislike about my pair - the behind the neck retaining piece! With this latest offering from Bluetake, I don't think we'll be unhappy!

[alabij]

Couldn't find price anywhere!! :?

[ricksfiona]

These are pretty cool and they still come with a microphone! I too was thinking of getting the 'behind the neck' version, but for some reason, that type of headphone hurts my ears. So I held off and was looking for an 'over the head' version.

These might do the trick if I can get a secure fit. I wonder how much they cost.

[TalynOne]

Found it being sold here for $99:

http://www.supermediastore.com/bluetake-bt450rx-i-phono-mini-bluetooth-stereo-headphone-wireless-headset-black.html

[miterb]

MobilePlanet has them for $94.95 -

[bigray327]

These are pretty cool and they still come with a microphone!
Anybody know what the microphone is for? If they allow one to answer cell phone calls like the Motorola HT820s, then these would be great.

Edit: nevermind, I found it in the specs. Yes, you can pair it simultaneously with a cell phone, and it pauses the music when a call comes in.

[phs]

When I was a kid, the mono 45 (single) and 33 (long play) players were called "phono" (around here anyway), as opposed to the later "stereo" players. Just don't think they should called it i-PHONO if its stereo. :)

[Ploobers]

The biggest missing feature I can see is the lack of volume control. If I can't do that, then I'll be forced to pull my PPC out often. Other than that, they look like the perfect Christmas present.

[bigray327]

The biggest missing feature I can see is the lack of volume control. If I can't do that, then I'll be forced to pull my PPC out often. Other than that, they look like the perfect Christmas present.
The "multi-function roller" shows a + and -. I'm willing to bet (something small) that's the volume control.

[Ploobers]

You're right. The functions part of the page doesn't list Volume Control functionality, but when I opened the pdf about pairing the headphones with a PDA, it tells how to do it. You roll it for volume and roll and hold to go next or previous. I'm sold.

[Ploobers]

The only other question I have is about WM 5 and A2DP. I remember seeing a post recently about a ROM update to support it not being available until early next year. Are we up a creek without a paddle until that is released? I've seen a couple posts talking about updating the Widcomm BT stack, but that was for WM 2003 devices. I've got a K-Jam. Will I be able to use them as stereo headphones or not?

[pocketpcadmirer]

Too bad that my xda o2 mini doesnt support BT audio output(though it supports BT headset profile).

Anyway a cool product.

SUnny

[Jon Westfall]

Well, I'm sold after thinking about it. I placed my order with Expansys/Mobileplanet, and they swear they have them in stock. Now, given my <A HREF=http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=39684&highlight=expansys> past with Expansys</A>, I wonder when I'll see them!

Hopefully before St. Nicholas shows up, they will....

[afarooki]

Getyourtech.com has them in stock for $90.99:

http://www.getyourtech.com/index.asp?PageAction=MFGSEARCH&amp;ManfID=79&amp;Page=1

[andykemp]

I am also very interested in this for Universal, but currently this doesn't support A2DP (although as someone else said there is supposed to be a ROM update to include this in the new year)...

My understanding is that we should be able to use it in Mono through the Headset profile, then move to stereo when the A2DP profile is added...

Anyone want to advise if this is correct?

[Peter Traugot]

Anyone know of they have better response than the HP headphones?

I like them, but their response is a little annoying with the occational hesitation.

[tstr14]

After going through 3 sets of the HP headphones in less than a year, what interests me most is missing. What is the warrantee? I see the blurb about they will only be replaced (no refunds), but for how long? 90 days, 6 months, a year?

[Sven Johannsen]

My understanding is that we should be able to use it in Mono through the Headset profile, then move to stereo when the A2DP profile is added...

Anyone want to advise if this is correct?

Typically this is not true. It seems that (most?) Phone Edition and Smartphone devices have a distinction between general device audio and phone audio. While the phone audio is routed to the BT audio bits to get to the headphone, and typically mutes the general device audio, the device audio isn't typically routed to the headset. When you have the headset paired with the headset or handsfree profile and you tap the button to connect, typically it thinks you want to make a call, and shuts of device audio and connects you to the phone.

There are some apps/hacks/whatever that will let you route all device audio to the headset. I am using one on the Jasjar and it works, but has some issues when trying to use the phone when all the audio is rerouted. Remember that the normal process is to shut off device audio (which is being re-routed) and turn on phone audio (which is sort of already on but being usurped). Typically what I get is the phone call coming in and the re-directed device audio stopping, but my having to answer from the phone, cuz I can't get the headset to pick up the call.

With both the Headset profile, and A2DP connected at the same time, things should work correctly. Now we just need the A2DP profile on our devices. Hopefully that won't be long. 9 months ago it was tough to even find a BT stereo headset with or without handsfree support. Now they are popping up all over.