The Aliph Jawbone line has always delivered quality headsets, and Aliph’s new offering is no different. With 6 different ‘designs’ (The Ace, The Rouge, The Bombshell, The Hero, The Thinker, and The Catch), that give off a quality jewel-like or metallic looks, it’s hard not to be impressed by the design.
Missing: The Butcher, The Baker, and The Candlestick Maker Designs
Each of the designs has a ‘personality’ that talks to you. For instance, ‘The Hero’ sounds like a voice from a Malbaro commercial, while ‘The Catch’ sounds like a Valley Girl from the Hills. Each personality suits the stereotype it trys to represent, but there’s only a certain amount of times I can take a smooth-sounding voice from ‘The Hero’ tell me ‘Let’s get started’ every time I boot up the device.
Which brings me to my next point. Why your headset talks to you. The Jawbone Icon will tell you information such as phone numbers from caller ID, battery life remaining, and other important information (this replaces the usual ‘beeps’ you hear from other headsets). The icon’s different ‘personalities’ is a neat idea, but so was the usb-powered coffee warmer, and how many people still have those?
Note: Jawbone Icon 'The Rouge' plus having your collar up still makes you a douche!
This thing doesn’t just look and sound pretty though, it has a chip inside that can do a few other things, such as displaying the headset’s battery life on the iPhone, multi-point Bluetooth (to pair multiple devices at once), and the use of the new ‘MyTalk’ website. Essentially, this is an App store for your Bluetooth headset much like the iPhone App library. You sign up, select an app, and upload it to your headset device. Apps include Free411 calling, voice-to-SMS, and posting to your twitter and facebook accounts. I’ve only personally tried the Free411 calling (which can really be used from any phone, since it’s only a phone number), and have yet to try any of the apps as of this writing. Is the app store that revolutionary? Not really. It’s a neat thing to have, but there’s only a certain amount you can do with a headset and one button. Aliph, that’s a challenge! prove me wrong!!!
It has a few other features (just as the Jawbone Prime) to help with noise reduction, including the newest version of the ‘Noise Assassin’ technology (which while it works great, seems the exact same as the previous version), as well as Wind-Reduction technology. It lives up to the hype, in windy and noisy conditions, the Jawbone Icon was quite clear.
As far comfortability goes, using both the ‘over-the-ear’ loop, and the inner-ear holder (to use without the loop). Overall, the peice stayed in, and felt pretty comfortable (with or without the loop).
THE GOOD:
Looks good, with designs that range from stealthy black, to a jewel-like red. Calls came out crystal clear, and some of the features (voices, iPhone battery display), are very ‘neat’. Priced at around $100 USD, it’s competitively priced as well.
THE BAD:
The app store dosen’t really add too much, but I guess we’ll see as Alphi adds more programs to it. The voices, while ‘neat’, can wear on you. Luckly, you can change them at the App store.
RATING: 8.5/10: Very impressive headset. The audio is clear, the design is pretty slick, it’s comfortable, and easy to use. While some of the features (app store, and ‘personalities’) may leave something to be desired, as a whole package, this headset rocks.
SPECS:
Talk Time: Up to 4.5 hours (varies by phone)
Standby Time: More than 10 days
Range: At least 33 feet (10 meters)
Charge: 80% charge in 35 minutes, 100% charge in less than 1 hour
Weight: 8 grams
Fit: 7 earbud sizes + 1 premium adjustable earloop
Accessories: AC power adaptor, micro-USB flex cable
Supports Multipoint: Pairs with up to 8 devices, 2 simultaneous connections
Supports Bluetooth: 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), 2.0, 1.2, 1.1
Packaging: 100% recyclable
Buy the Aliph Jawbone Icon wholesale at CPD Canada
