8 ew models with enhanced bass and noise control

Sony has released several new earbuds and headsets for people on the go. Included in the launch are two new noise cancelling headsets, three new earbuds for iPhone users, and two smartphone headsets. Sony has also announced a new special edition Walkman MP3 player honoring Olympic medalist and 2009 New York Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi.

The Meb Keflezighi NWZ-W262 Walkman is a limited edition device based on the the company's W260 MP3 player. It features custom orange trim over a black design, and will come preloaded with 24 minutes of audio running tips from the runner. Also included is his favorite runners’ playlist.

As with other members of the the W-series, it comes with an app that allows users to drag and drop music files from iTunes for Windows, Windows Media Player or Windows Explorer, although it should support basic drag-and-drop on Macs. Its 2GB of storage can hold approximately 470 songs. It also offers a quick charging feature that requires only three minutes of charge time to then run for up to 60 minutes.

Sony has priced this special edition Walkman, which will be available in October, at $59. Sony will make a charitable donation to the runner's MEB Foundation in support of youth fitness, health, and education.

In a quick port from Europ,e the MDR-NC200D are over-the-ear headphones. They provide active noise cancelling that can reduce ambient noise by up to 98 percent. The noise cancellation properties are checked by a microphone and adjustable to match the type of noise being generated. These headphones are equipped with 40mm drivers, provide up to 22 hours of active and passive listening and fold up for travel. Sony prices them at $200.

The MDR-NC100D offer in-ear noise cancellation. They are powered by unusually large 13.5mm earbud drivers. A AAA battery provides up to 22 hours of active noise canceling. The MDR-NC100D retails for $150.

Both the MDR-NC200D and MDR-NC100D will be available later this month.

Sony is also introducing three new headsets, the DR-XB22iP, DR-EX61iP, and DR-ZX701iP, for iPhone, iPad, and iPod users. All three provide an in-line remote with a microphone and controls for play, skipping tracks, and volume. The DR-EX61ip is an updated look for an earbud form factor. The DR-XB22iP is an in-ear headset that offers augmented bass tones. Finally, the DR-ZX701iP Studio Monitor Headphones for iPod carry two 50mm drivers in an over-the-head form factor, noise isolating earpads, and auxiliary power input support of up to 2,000mW.

The DR-XB22iP will be priced at $60, the DR-EX61iP will carry a price of $40, and the DR-ZX701iP will retail for $150. The three will be available in October.

Sony's new smartphone headsets, the DR-EX14VP and DR-XB23VP, will work with iPhones or other smartphones either directly or using an adapter. The EX14VP has a traditional in-ear form-factor and will be available in black, violet and pink. The DR-XB23VP produces enhanced bass with an angled earbud shape. The EX14VP is priced at $40, while the DR-XB23VP will retail for $60. All will also be available in October.

by MacNN Staff