Wired for hands-free compliance and convenience

The hands-free law that went into effect over a year ago was a boon for some Bluetooth headset manufacturers. People can be seen "borg-like" sporting their Jabra, Plantronics or Aliph Jawbone headset behind the wheel AND pushing a grocery cart. But not everyone likes the Bluetooth option. It isn't ideal for anyone with small ears, that's for sure. Some don't like the quality of the sound. Others just don't like THAT look.

A super viable option is the family of "theBoom" products from Novato, Calif.-based umeVoice. They offer corded headsets with superior noise canceling capabilities. With the proper adapter, theBoom can work interchangeably with cordless landline phones (like the Plantronics CT10), mobile phones with a 2.5 mm headset plug, and smartphones (BlackBerry, Palm Pre, Apple iPhone) with 3.5 mm plug.

It's the technology!

theBoom noise canceling microphone technology was specially designed for stock traders working in the super noisy environment of the New York Stock Exchange. Adapting that technology to handle the rigors of traffic noise in a convertible or a household with screaming children, a barking dog and a gardener working a leaf blower, was simply natural progression for umeVoice.

The most amazing thing about the technology is that it eliminates the need to shout.  How many times have you witnessed someone talking on a cellphone shouting (Bluetooth headset or not)? umeVoice takes its "whisper and be heard" motto very seriously.

"Using an acoustically based approach, theBoom accentuates the user’s voice by concentrating it in the front of the microphone while deflecting the voice from the back port. The background noise is directed towards both ports to reduce noise vibration."

Adithya Padala, umeVoice's founder and CEO remarked, "Besides the noise canceling where we can literally do better than any other technology our product truly allows you to speak quietly - hence the "Whisper and be heard" tag line. This 4 decibel enhancement comes from our patented shape." He also noted how the approach they use (physics of shape) is what enables the voice of the user to sound completely natural. There is no tinny or morphed sound like some of the other electronic solutions.

Beyond sound quality, one of the biggest benefits for users is that no extra power is needed. theBoom is a plug and go solution that doesn't require batteries or pull energy from the phone.

There are several styles available. theBoom O ($99.99) is an over the head version that holds securely. theBoom V4 ($149.99) has a non-invasive, over the ear design. Both are lightweight. For something a bit more heavy duty, where both ears need to be used, there is theBoom C ($149.99).  A higher end version popular for office use is theBoom E ($299.99). Adapters run $15.  As a nice touch, theBoom headset ships with soft carrying case.

Conclusion: If you want the convenience of hands-free without compromise, theBoom corded headsets are the way to go.