I have never liked talking on the phone, but I keep one because I need it. Even more, I have never liked the idea of headset, hands-free, call it whatever you wish. I think they're bulky, intrusive and useless. I really think they are, unless you are driving, or the rare case of you being such a busy person that you can't afford to take a break and have a five-minute phone conversation.

I have said I'll never buy a headset. But you know, sometimes, it just happens to break your promise because you really like something. This is the case with this particular headset. The concept came to life as a solution to the problem of storing a Bluetooth headset when not in use, solution found in a team effort between Hybra Advance Technology and AbsolutelyNew. Going by the name of Orb, I can say this is really state of the art. I define art as something I like but would have never been able to think about nor design.

What's the most common fashion accessory we wear? If I'm not mistaken, it's the ring, and that's what the Orb twists into. Twist it into a ring when you're done talking or listening to music and put it on your finger. Now, that's what I call having your Bluetooth headset at the tip of your fingers (well, at the base).

Using NXT technology that delivers bone conduction audio to your ear, you won't have to jam it into your ear. There will be a Deluxe version of the headset as well, one sporting a Flexible Organic Light Emitting Device (FOLED) screen that displays caller ID, calendar reminders and voice-to-text information when still resting on your finger. You'll be able to talk to your finger. They will use FOLED to allow the display to curve with the ring rather than limiting to a flat surface.

Different sizes will be available, to fit a variety of fingers and even a limited edition of the Orb that you can outfit with precious stones of your choice. The launch date for the basic Orb is scheduled for January 2010 at $129, the Deluxe for April at $175, while the Limited version comes out in April at a price accordingly with the chosen stone.


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