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BeeWi's Ghost Bee Bluetooth headphones also stream music to your stereo (hands-on)
BeeWi may not be a well-known name in the audio world, but the company's bringing some innovation to the space with its new Bluetooth headphones. Called Ghost Bee, the cans have capacitive buttons on the right earpiece that serve as music and phone call controls. The Ghost Bee also comes with a base station that connects to the headphones via micro-USB and hooks up to any home stereo's 3.5mm audio-in jack. That base station is what really sets the Ghost Bee apart from other wireless headphones on the market. You see, using the free BeeWi iOS or Android companion app, you can dock the headphones and stream both locally and cloud-sourced tunes from your phone wirelessly to the stereo speakers.
We got a chance to see the thing in action, and it works quite well. Once you've paired the headphones to your phone, it's simply a matter of spooling up some tunes in the app, and you're good to go -- return the Ghost Bee to its cradle and the music starts coming out of the speakers. Easy peasy. Unfortunately, given the cacophony of the show floor, we can't speak to the sonic quality of the headphones, but the system did work well in our brief time with it. Though its functionality is quite clever, we weren't enamored with the Ghost Bee's glossy plastic exterior. Aside from giving it a smudgy look when handled, the plasticky build lends it a cheap appearance -- not good considering the $180 asking price. The Ghost Bee is set to go on sale in the next month or so at retailers nationwide, so you'll be able to see (and hear) it for yourself soon.
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Jamie Rigg contributed to this report.
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BeeWi Revolutionizes Wireless Audio with Hybrid Bluetooth Stereo Headphones and Speakers
Wireless or wired headphones and speakers, for talk and tune on the move
Las Vegas, NV, January 2013 - BeeWi, the leading European wireless accessory manufacturer, unveils at the Consumer Electronics Show 2013 (CES) its latest range of innovative wireless audio devices, including the revolutionary Ghost Bee, the ultimate headphone that lets users wirelessly connect any Bluetooth device (smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs...) to any home theater speakers.
Ghost Bee's unique design and unmatched elegance is the world's only wireless/wired headphone with a touch panel on the surface of the ear piece, a docking station, and 3 modes in 1:
• Wireless: connect to any Bluetooth device (supporting stereo music and hands-free communications)
• Wired mode: enables to use Ghost Bee with any audio source
• Hi-Fi docking station: listen to your music on your home theater speakers, while simultaneously charging the headphones, and switch automatically between the speakers and Ghost Bee
"With Ghost Bee, consumers have finally the freedom to stream their music and calls from any Bluetooth device (iOS, Android, Windows...) to wherever they like, their speakers or headphone, while making it easy, fun and affordable," explains Thierry Dechatre, the founder of BeeWi.
At CES, BeeWi is also introducing a range of hybrid Bluetooth stereo speakers and headphones with an integrated microphone, so you never miss a call, along with wireless and wired capabilities.
Blaster Bee is a rechargeable, compact-size, on-the-go stereo speaker that plays music wirelessly from any Bluetooth device and that can double as a hands-free speakerphone, with its built-in microphone. It has a touch panel on the top for easy access to all of its features (music, call management...) and an integrated stereo input jack for wired use.
Ground Bee is a retro style Bluetooth headphone that gives users the freedom of talk – through the built-in microphone - or tunes at the touch of a button. And with Ground Bee's wired option, users have not one, but 2 choices of how they want to hear their favorite tracks or talk. Ground Bee is lightweight and features 2 dynamic speakers, cushioned behind adjustable ear pads designed to reduce the risk of irritation when the headphones are worn for a long period of time. Ground Bee is available in a range of striking colors, including purple, pink, blue, red, white, chocolate and grey.
Voice Bee is the ultimate Bluetooth stereo headset for gaming with top-notch sound quality and an ergonomically design with comfortable foam cushion earpads and headband. Voice Bee is rechargeable and ideal for FaceTime, MSN, Skype and phone calls as well.
Wax Bee is a comfortable Bluetooth stereo headset with an adjustable headband, that lets listen to your music on the go, while never miss a call, thanks to its built-in microphone. Wax Bee is rechargeable and compatible with all Bluetooth enabled music and hands-free devices, and supports voice dial and redial functions.
Come see and try out all the BeeWi wireless audio devices at booth #36626, located on South Hall 4, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
BeeWi Audio Devices Pricing and Availability
• Ghost Bee (BBH300): $179.99, Q1 2013
• Blaster Bee (BBS305): $89.99, Q1 2013
• Ground Bee (BBH120): $79.99, Q1 2013
• Voice Bee (BBH105): $69.99, Q1 2013
• Wax Bee (BBH100): $59.99, Q1 2013
