CES 2008

Invisio G5 with protective charging case

(Credit: Nicole Lee/CNET Networks)

Even though we took a look at the Invisio G5 in December 2007, Invisio is officially showing what it's calling the world's smallest Bluetooth headset at CES this year. This tiny little thing measures only 1.3 by 0.63 inch, and weighs about 0.211 ounce. Much like the Q7, the G5 has the unique Soft Spring ear insert that lodges right in the ear. The G5 comes with a protective charging case that looks a little like a big cigarette lighter. Even though the headset itself has about 4 hours of talk time and 6.25 days of standby time, this portable charging case increases that to about 20 hours of talk time and 30 days of standby time. The G5 is available now for about $129.

Invisio Q7

(Credit: Nicole Lee/CNET Networks)

If you have a long memory, you might remember the Invisio Q7 bone conduction Bluetooth headset that was announced almost two years ago. Well, it's January of 2008, and after two long years, the Q7 is finally a reality. Invisio had previously focused on the professional headset market for the military and emergency services, and the Q7 is one of its first few consumer-focused headsets designed for extreme environments. Of course, its obvious competitor is the Aliph Jawbone, which doesn't quite have the bone conduction technology of the Q7. The Invisio Q7 promises real bone conduction without the help of any microphones, so much so that only your voice will be transmitted. Of course, the Q7 is also substantially smaller at about 0.39 ounce. Another thing we liked about the Q7 is its unique Soft Spring earbud design that fits right in the ear without the need for an ear hook. It lasts up to 6 hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time. According to Invisio, the Q7 will be available by February this year for around $149.

Watch the Invisio Q7 video on CNET TV.