MadCatz iPhone Earphones

Another pair of iPhone earphones have been announced (but are not available yet, of course), the MadCatz Air Drives, complete with microphone and one-touch music-to-call control. This pair is a bit unusual as it is not sound isolating. Instead, the headphones feature technology that allows you to better hear your surroundings with your music. I thought every pair of cheap non-isolating headphones did that.

iLounge Review of the v-moda Vibe Duo

I recently came across iLounge's review of the v-moda Vibe Duo earphones for the iPhone. It is an old review from July, but apparently the only difference between that version and the current is the introduction of play/pause/skip music controls.

Scott Bourne from the Apple Phone Show has another sparse review of the new headphones on his blog, and I pointed out the even sparser Gizmodo review earlier this week. Apple Phone Show's Vinny Ferrari promises a more thorough review later this week.

The Vibe Duos are the only third-party iPhone earphones that have the microphone and music controls built-in so far. I think I'll wait for something that comes in white, but these ain't bad at all.

ViModa Vibe Duo iPhone Headphones

Gizmodo "reviews" the V-Moda Vive Duos, one of the first iPhone headphones (that is, headphones with a call/music switch). They completely do an underwhelming job of it.

Their thorough conclusion?

"Pick one up if you're in the market for some iPhone buds."

Wow, thanks Gizmodo. I guess.

Lack of Earphones and the Nike Sport Kit for the iPhone

There have been two surprises in the world of iPhone accessories so far, or should I say, lack of surprises. The first and biggest is the missing iPhone-compatible headsets from leading iPod headset makers. Many early adopters such as myself have a $100 dollar credit to give to a leading headset maker like Etymotic or Shure to replace my current Apple iPhone earphones. The delay for these earphones probably has to do with typical bureaucracy and the fact that iPod accessories remain a business priority. But still, there is money being left on the table. The leading earphone makers need to get products onto shelves for the Holidays.

Another surprise is the lack of a Nike Sport Kit for the iPhone. It may be that, like a normal iPod, Apple feels an iPhone is too bulky for use in exercise. But as an owner of the iPhone, I would beg to differ, having worked out and jogged with my iPhone comfortably in tow. The Sports Kit would be a perfect fit and would help sell the iPhone, as it has done for the Nano. How absolutely convenient it would be to carry your phone and your iPod with you on a jog or workout and stay connected with the world. One less burden to working out. Again, it would seem there is money being left on the table.