PC World The shape is the same, and so is Aliphs distinctive noise-cancellation technology, but the new Jawbone Icon $99 as of February 10, 2010 series of Bluetooth headsets sports a bit of style and a new level of user customization. And you can upgrade them in a manner usually reserved for cell phones and computers with applications.
The Icon is smaller than the original rectangular Jawbone but retains its basic good looks. Instead of a metallic sheen, the Icon headsets come in iridescent and pearly colors and have snappy names like “The Bombshell” and “The Hero.”
According to Aliph, the Icon incorporates design improvements and features suggested by Jawbone users. For example, the Icon has a simple on/off switch on its underside and a large talk button on one endthats it for physical controls. Pairing the unit with a cell phone is easy You simply hold down the talk button while switching the device on to place it into Bluetooth pairing mode. And instead of beeps and flashes, the Icon uses voice technology to communicate to users. If you press the talk button while no call is in progress, for instance, the Icon announces how much battery time you have left a fully charged Icon might announce, “About 4 hours of talk time remaining”. If a call comes in, the same voice states the Caller ID information.
Like older Jawbones, the Icon uses vibrations from your face as part of its Noise Assassin noise-cancellation technology.
A small nub called the Voice Activity Sensor rests on your face while the unit sits in your ear. The vibrations from your face help the unit separate your voice from the noise around you. If the nub loses contact with your face, however, the Icon reverts to a less-effective noise-cancellation mode.
In practice the noise cancellation worked well for me, washing away the drone of a nearby TV. When the nub slipped off my face for a few moments, however, the person at the other end heard a distinct drop in audio quality. Since proper fit makes a difference in performance, the Icon comes with six earbuds in addition to the one already installed, as well as a small and somewhat fragile-looking earloop.
The Jawbone Icon uses technology that maintains your preferred volume level from one call to the next, once you set it the first time. If your next caller is a whisperer or has a penchant to bellow, the unit automatically alters the volume as needed. You can still adjust the volume level from your phone, however.
The Icon aims for personalization Not only can you choose from the six different styles and colors, but you can also download new voices from the Jawbone MyTalk audio and dial application Website. Currently youll find a voice for each of the six Icon body styles. You can also switch the language to Spanish, German, or French.