January 7, 2008 12:36 PM PST

Invisio officially launches the Q7 bone conduction headset

by Nicole Lee
Invisio Q7

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.

Nicole Lee is an associate editor for CNET, covering cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, and all things mobile. She's also pretty geeky--she likes World of Warcraft, comic books, and shiny gadgets. E-mail Nicole.
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by tpbunger March 22, 2008 2:53 PM PDT
So, here it is late March and still no Q7 and no firm dates for release from Nextlink. For a few weeks they had "pre-order" available on their website, for $179, not $149, but it is now gone. They have been promising the Q7 for two years and it is still not out. Is this thing just vaporware and will never hit the market?
Reply to this comment
by stillwaiting March 16, 2009 8:52 AM PDT
I am still pursuing the refunding of the money I paid for a Q7Invisio a couple of years ago, or receiving the final product that supposedly has been in the process of being 'improved', or whatever.
I believe that some kind of replacement should be sent in it's stead, if the Q7 is in fact not being produced.
If you need proof of the transaction in order to refund or replace the item, give me an address and I will gladly send it.
It would be most appreciated if someone would respond, and give a genuine answer.
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