A Bluetooth headset alternative

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	A Bluetooth headset alternative	By Jørgen Sundgot, Wednesday 2 April 2003

Reason Products' new Unleash headset uses short-range wireless technology - but it isn't Bluetooth, and nor is it radio based as it in fact relies on magnetism. Could it be an alternative to Bluetooth?

Boldly stating that its unmathed battery efficiency and price will please both carriers and consumers alike, Reason Products recently announced its Unleash wireless headset. Rather than using the now-common Bluetooth standard, the headset relies on magnetism for transferring audio over short distances - a technology which the company says is five times more power efficient than competing wireless technologies. What's more, users can charge the headset on the run using a cradle powered by AA batteries.

Ill: Reason Products

The Unleash headset utilizes Near Field Magnetic Wireless Technology to create a low-power communications channel, rather than relying on conventional radio technology. According to Reason Products, the Unleash will not interfere with other wireless standards - including TDMA, CDMA and GSM, whilst also providing the benefit of being up to five times more power efficient than competing technologies.

Expected to be on dealer and retail shelves throughout the U.S. by Summer 2003, the Unleash headset and base are stored and charged in a carrying case powered by four AA batteries. Respectively, the headset and its base weigh .65 and .33 oz. According to Reason Products, the Unleash will provide up to four hours of talk time and seven days of standby time. The headset is expected to sell for $99 USD, which means it will compete with the lowest priced Bluetooth headsets currently on the market.