BackBeat boys: Altec Lansing unveils new Bluetooth stereo headphones

Altec Lansing has introduced "its first wearable stereo Bluetooth products", the BackBeat 906 and 903 Stereo Bluetooth headphones. The higher-end model, the 906 (US$129.95), comes with a stereo Bluetooth 2.0 adapter for iPhones, iPods, and other MP3 devices, while the BackBeat 903 ($US99.95) is just the headphones. Both offer wireless stereo-music listening and a built-in mic for making and receiving calls on your Bluetooth-equipped mobile phone. They're due to hit the market in late February.

The BackBeat headphones come in two flavours: with a Bluetooth adapter or without one.
(Credit: Altec Lansing)

Altec, which is owned by Plantronics, is counting on the expertise of the two companies to bring together a package that combines both good audio for music and strong voice technologies for untethered phone conversations. So far, a lot of Bluetooth stereo headphones have fallen short on the stereo-audio end of things, as well as in the comfort/design department. These models look a little more promising, but we'll have to try a pair to let you know how secure they fit (they're a behind-the-neck design) — and how they sound.

Altec Lansing says the headphones are designed with a soft neckband to "fold easily for quick storage in pockets or bags". They also feature "pivoting, telescoping earpieces for a customised, secure fit," and their in-ear design includes contoured, soft silicone tips that "rest gently within the curve of the ear". The company says, "All materials are sweat-resistant and highly durable", which may mean they'll be suitable for wearing during a workout.

It's worth nothing that the headphones integrate Bluetooth v2.1 with EDR and support profiles including Hands-Free, Headset, A2DP, and AVRC for wireless-call and music-control capability. Altec rates the Talk/music playback time at up to seven hours and standby time at up to eight days.

For those of you who own the iPhone, you'll need the adapter that comes with the BackBeat 906 to listen to music, because the iPhone — even the newer 3G iPhone — doesn't currently offer stereo Bluetooth. However, owners of mobile phones that support stereo Bluetooth can opt for the BackBeat 903.