Gadgets: A great headset

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BlueParrott’s new M500-XT Bluetooth headset is designed for both professional and day-to-day use, with endless features including AI-powered noise cancellation.

The single-piece headset has hands-free cell phone call quality as good as I’ve experienced, along with probably the most important feature: comfort, designed for extended wear. It's designed to be worn on either ear and weighs less than one ounce. Inside is a 10mm speaker that delivers clear audio.

The battery life is rated at up to 11 hours, but it can vary depending on call length, volume and other factors. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (USB-C) charges in about 2 hours and has 60 hours of standby time.

But where the BlueParrott M500-XT really stands above its competitors is the AI-powered noise cancellation. It uses two intelligent microphones in a small boom arm to block up to 93% of ambient noise. Background noises can include others around you, barking dogs, passing cars or wind. Whatever the distraction, it will be eliminated or minimized during the call.

Buttons on the back control everything. A multi-function button has a variety of programmable features including power on or off, answering or rejecting calls, and accessing voice assistants. The buttons below the multi-function button control volume, and that's where the USB-C charging port is. Lifting the boom microphone up will temporarily mute your call.

Customization can be done on the BlueParrott Button. This includes a one-touch mute for instant privacy and control. Or program it to gain instant access to push-to-talk apps. The BlueParrott mobile app lets you customize some controls. The M500-XT has an IP54 weather- and dust-resistant rating.

Three sets of ear gels are included, along with a USB-A-to-USB-C cable for charging. Bluetooth 5.3 offers a range of up to 300 feet. It allows pairing up to 8 devices, and Multipoint pairing allows two devices to be used simultaneously.

https://www.blueparrott.com/on-the-road-headsets/blueparrott-m500-xt$119.99

For the most part, the sound coming from computers and laptops is underwhelming. Cyber Acoustics CA-2110USB compact desktop speakers are a simple and cost-efficient way to enhance that sound, without any setup time.

The rounded USB-powered (A or C) dual speakers have 12 watts of power and what Cyber Acoustics describes as upward-firing drivers, which pump out room-filling sounds. Compatibility is listed with computers, laptops and USB-enabled devices, including Windows, Mac and Chromebooks.

The modern-looking speakers have a high-quality feel and bring balanced audio for full stereo sound. The setup takes seconds; just plug them into an open USB port, without the need for drivers or software. Volume is controlled for both speakers on the top of the right speaker. A 4.5-foot cable connects the speaker to a USB port for power. The cable connecting the left and right speakers is 3.3 feet long.

Each speaker measures 3.8 by 3.9 by 3.8 inches. And the best part? They are only $24.99.

https://www.cyberacoustics.com/ca-2110usb-cyber-acoustics-usb-powered-20-speakers

Tribit’s QuietPlus 81 wireless noise-canceling over-the-head headphones are an inexpensive choice with some big features. One that really stands out from its competitors is that you’ll get up to 110 hours (that's more than 4.5 days!) of playtime before a USB charge is needed.

Each side has a soft protein-based leather ear pad with memory foam with a 40mm dynamic driver inside that delivers clear audio and a strong bass boost. Bluetooth 6.0 provides a stable connection with your devices, and with multipoint, they can connect and switch between two devices.

Five built-in microphones, along with the Tribit AI algorithm, will help eliminate background noise. As mentioned, you’ll get 110 hours of playback on a single charge with the active noise canceling off, or 70 hours with it on. For charging, a 10-minute charge delivers about 5 hours of listening at 50% volume.

The Tribit app offers customization and lets you choose between six listening modes. They include music listening, gaming and podcast listening. Hearing protection mode will limit the volume to under 85dB. To activate transparency mode, all you have to do is touch and hold the right ear cup to hear your surroundings. Double-tapping the right ear cup will boost bass output in XBass mode. Double-tap it to turn it off.

Onboard controls all worked well for power, volume, charging and turning the ANC on or off. The 9.98-ounce headset folds for portability and features an adjustable headband, 90-degree rotation of the ear cups, and a 30-degree swing up and down. A USB charging cable and a 3.5 mm auxiliary cable are included.

https://tribit.com/products/tribit-81-headphone $49.99