Mobile Fun Blog

Guide to the Best iPhone 4 Bluetooth Headphones

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

As I’m sure you’re aware, Apple have just announced the iPhone 4 and along with it iOS 4.0 – the latest major update to the operating system on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. There are a number of great new features, but one of the features that I was really hoping to see was full support for Stereo Bluetooth Headsets and music control using AVRCP.

In simple terms, this means that you would have been able to listen to your music from your iPhone through a pair of Bluetooth Headphones and control your music playback, (play, pause, forward, rewind and volume) using the controls on the headset, but Apple for some reason have yet again decided to leave this feature out of iOS4 so you’ll need to continue to skip tracks using the iPod app on your iPhone.

There is a work around of course and that is to jailbreak your phone, but that’s not something that a lot of people want to do and I can’t say as I blame them.

Although iOS4 doesn’t fully support Stereo Bluetooth, it does still support the basics, so you can enjoy your music in stereo and play/pause your music, you just can’t skip backwards/forwards. There are plenty of Stereo Bluetooth Headsets that will work with the iPhone and last June I compiled a list of my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, but as headsets have changed and the phone now supports more features, I thought it was well worth revisiting the list and updating it with some of the best new Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone.

Background Apps

Another new feature in iOS 4 is that you can now leave audio apps running in the background. This is great news for anyone who regularly uses streaming services such as spotify or Last.fm as it means you can now continue listening even if you’re browsing the web or emailing.

We’re using the latest version of the iOS4 beta software to test these headsets, but until developers update their apps to support multitasking, we aren’t going to be able to confirm that the headsets listed below will work with apps running in the background, but look out for a separate post once iOS 4 is officially released on the 21st June.

iPhone 4 Bluetooth Headphones

Right, on to the headsets!  With so many to choose from, it can get a bit overwhelming, so I’ve been through our current range of Bluetooth Headphones and compiled a list of my top 5 Bluetooth Headphones for the all new iPhone 4.

The headsets below were all tested with iPhone but should work just as well with the iPod touch.  If you have an iPod touch 2G (or newer), then you will be able to play / pause your music and, in some cases, adjust the volume but you won’t be able to use these headsets with any of your VOIP apps (such as Skype) on your iPod. Bluetooth won’t work on the first generation iPod touch as it doesn’t have bluetooth built in.

1. Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

These are the most popular Bluetooth Headphones we’ve ever sold! Not only do they allow you to listen to music from your iPhone without a wired connection, they have a built in FM radio – something the iPhone has long been criticised for not having.

Another unique feature is that they have their own volume control – this means that you can adjust the volume on the headset or on the phone. As with most headphones on this list, they have the ability to skip tracks, but as the iPhone doesn’t support it, the feature is a little wasted for now. It’s multipoint too, so you can use it with your PC or Playstation 3 at the same time.For more details, take a look at my Sony Ericsson MW600 Review.

Sony Ericsson MW600 Stereo Headset with Radio

2. Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

The Jabra BT3030 works well with both the iPod touch and all versions of the iPhone.  The BT3030 is another multipoint headset – Multipoint allows you to connect to two devices at once, so you can connect it to your mobile phone and your iPod touch to listen to your music, and when a call comes in, it will pause the music and answer the call from your mobile.

The BT3030 hangs around your neck on a chain or can clip to your belt or pocket, and can be used with any 3.5mm headphones. Volume control on the BT3030 is not a problem, press the ‘+’ or ‘-’ keys to adjust the volume. It has several controls on the main unit, including play, pause and track skip – again, all work fine except track skip.

Jabra BT3030 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

3. Jabra Halo Bluetooth Headphones

The Jabra Halo Stereo Bluetooth Headphones are great. They’re the most normal looking ‘over the head’ headphones that I’ve come across and work well with the iPhone. It has incredibly simple controls – a touch sensitive slider on the right ear lets you adjust the volume by sliding your finger up or down, where as a double tap would skip the track if iPhone supoprted it. One multi use button lets you play/pause your music as well as answer/end calls and activate voice dialling (iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4 only).

When they’re not in use, the headphones fold away so as not to take up too much space and to reduce the chance of them getting damaged. For more info take a look at my Jabra Halo hands on review.

Jabra Halo Bluetooth Headphones

4. Sony Ericsson IS-800 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

These are without doubt my favourite Bluetooth Headphones, but there are others that work better with iPhone and that’s why these have dropped from the top spot last year to fourth place this year. The IS-800 is incredibly small – it’s basically two earpieces joined by a wire! Although there are wires involved, the IS-800 is one of a few headsets that don’t feature a fairly bulky control unit. Instead the IS800 has a small, simple in-line control that allows you to answer and end calls.

Battery life is impressive at upto 270 hours – especially considering how small this headset is. The IS-800 doesn’t support AVCRP, which is fine as neither does the iPhone! The headset doesn’t have any volume controls, so all adjustment needs to be made on your iPhone.

Sony Ericsson IS-800 Stereo Headset

5. Samsung SBH-650 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

Samsung don’t do many accessories for phones, but the few that they do make are really good. The Samsung SBH-650 has been a hit with Mobile Fun customers since it launched. It is easy to set up and works really well with iPhone. It’s very similar in terms of spec to the Jabra BT3030 but it looks a smarter. Like the MW600 and the BT3030, you can use your own 3.5mm headphones if you don’t like or lose the ones that come with the headset. It’s also multipoint, so using it with 2 devices at the same time isn’t a problem.

Controls are propably laid out the opposite way round to what you’d expect, with the volume controls on the front and track skip/play/pause on the sides. If you want to know more about the SBH-650, take a look at my Samsung SBH-650 Stereo Bluetooth Headset Review.

Samsung SBB-650

There are more Stereo Bluetooth Headsets for the iPhone and iPod touch over on the main site, so if you’ve not seen one here that does what you want, take a look at all our Stereo Bluetooth Headsets.

If you’ve got any questions or queries about Stereo Bluetooth on the iPhone leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you.

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How to work out which iPod or iPhone you’ve got

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Every June and September Apple announce an upgrade to the iPhone and iPod line up (iPhone in June, iPods in September). For months the media speculate as to what the latest and greatest device to come out of Apple HQ will be called, often getting it wrong and causing no end of confusion in the process.

iPhone Naming

iPhones don’t follow the same naming pattern as iPods. The ‘G’ in iPhone 3G and 3GS refers to the technology within the handset and not the generation of phone. To avoid any future confusion over mobile technology and versions of device  Apple have decided to drop the ‘G’ completely from the name of the new phone and have simply called their latest handset iPhone 4.

What does the “G” mean?

When Apple launched the early iPod’s, they weren’t given names like they are today. The original iPod was replaced by a newer model also called iPod. As the newer model had several advanced features over its predecessor, it was unofficially dubbed the new generation of iPod, this over time change to 2nd Generation, which in turn got shortened to 2G.

The number preceding the “G” just determines where that particular model sits in the range of iPods. Even now with the iPod nano, we are seeing 2nd and 3rd generation models. The original style of iPod is now called the iPod classic, and no doubt as time goes on, more generations will follow.

So which iPod or iPhone have I got?

The list below shows all Apple iPods and iPhones from the last few years. I’ve put the dates that the different generations were released along with the available storage capacity so you should be able to figure out pretty easily which one you’ve got. If yours isn’t listed here, take a look at last years post which shows all models of iPod and iPhone up to March 2009.

iPhone 4

iPhone 4

Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 4 is a brand new design with a lot of new features over the 3GS. It has a faster processor, higher resolution screen, video calling and a 5MP camera. iPhone 4 is released alongside a major new version of the operating system, iOS4.
Status: 16GB and 32GB launching 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 4 Accessories

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3GS

Available from July 2009 and available in 16GB and 32GB models. The iPhone 3GS is essentially the same as the iPhone 3G, but with improved battery life and a faster processor. There are cosmetic changes but a major new version of the operating system added many new features.
Status: 8GB Current, 16GB and 32GB discontinued 24th June 2010
View all iPhone 3GS accessories

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G

Available from July 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone 3Gis essentially the same as the original iPhone, but with improved battery life and 3G connectivity. Some minor cosmetic changes and the introduction of a white 16GB model. iPhone 3G shipped with software version 2.0 which added the App store and support for Microsoft Exchange.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone 3G Accessories

iPhone

iPhone

Available from November 2007 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPhone is a revolutionary Phone, iPod and Internet Device. The iPhone combines all the features of the iPod Touch with a mobile phone.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPhone Accessories

iPad

iPad

Available from June 2010 and available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The iPad is a whole new type of mobile computer from Apple. It has a much larger touchscreen display that makes emailing, browsing and using your apps much easier. It has the same powerful processor as the all new iPhone 4 and comes in two versions, a Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi and 3G.
Status: Current
View all iPad Accessories

touch 3g

iPod touch 3G

Available from September 2009 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. No visual changes compared to the 2nd Generation Touch. Main upgrade was to processor speed to bring it inline with the new iPhone 3GS.
Status: Current
View all iPod touch 3G Accessories

touch 2g

iPod touch 2G

Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. The the black beveled edges and back cover on the original iPod Touch gets replaced with stainless steel. Physical volume keys and a speaker are introduced into the slimmer design. Support for Nike+ is added with software version 2.1, along with “Genius” playlists.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch 2G Accessories

iPod touch

iPod touch

Available from September 2007 and available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB models. iPod moves to a whole new level with the introduction of the iPod Touch. The click wheel is replaced with a wide screen, touch sensitive display. Wi-Fi is introduced to the iPod range to give internet and email access.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod touch Accessories

nano 4G

iPod nano 4G

Available from September 2008 and available in 8GB and 16GB models. The iPod Nano returns to its earlier, slimmer design, but with a 2″ widescreen display. Slimmer than previous versions, the iPod Nano 4G has an inbuilt motion sensor which allows you to change track just by shaking it. The iPod Nano 4G is available in 9 new vibrant colours.
Status: Current
View all iPod nano 4G Accessories

iPod nano 3G

iPod nano 3G

Available from September 2007 and available in 4GB and 8GB models. The iPod Nano now lets you enjoy TV shows, music videos, video podcasts and more.
Status: Discontinued
View all iPod nano 3G Accessories

iPod nano 2G

iPod nano 2G

Available from September 2006 and available in 2GB, 4GB & 8GB models. The second-generation Nano come in a variety of scratch-resistant colours.
Status: Discontinued

shuffle 3G

iPod shuffle 3G

Available from March 2009 and available only in 4GB models holding up to 1000 songs. The iPod Shuffle 3G is even smaller than the second generation model, and has no buttons to press to control your music. Instead the iPod Shuffle 3G has a new remote headset that controls volume and play back and a new voice menu system that talks you through your menu’s.
Status: Current
View all iPod shuffle 3G Accessories

iPod Shuffle 2G

iPod shuffle 2G

Available from September 2006 and available in 512MB, 1GB & 2GB models. The second-generation Shuffle comes in only one capacity in a clip-on case that’s roughly half the size of its predecessor. In September 2008 the iPod Shuffle receives a minor make over, with the introduction of 5 new colours.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Shuffle

iPod shuffle

Available from January 2005. Apple gets into the flash-based music player business, introducing the iPod Shuffle. About the size of a stick of gum, the shuffle comes in 512MB and 1GB capacities.
Status: Discontinued

iPod classic

iPod classic

Available from September 2007 and available in 80GB and 160GB models. Re-named the iPod Classic, the iPod Video sees an increase in capacity. In September 2009 the iPod Classic 120GB sees an increase in capacity to 160GB and the 120GB model is discontinued. The iPod Classic continues in Silver and Black
Status: Current
View all iPod classic Accessories

iPod Video

iPod video 5G Available from October 2005 and available in 30GB & 60GB models. The fifth-generation iPod Video plays video on a 2.5-inch, 320-by-240, 260,000 colour TFT display.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Color

iPod colour

Available from June 2005 and available in 20GB & 60GB models. The iPod and iPod photo lines are merged into the iPod Colour, ending the availability of monochrome-screen music players.
Status: Discontinued

iPod Photo

iPod photo

Available from October 2004 and available in 20GB, 40GB or 60GB models. The iPod Photo plays music as well as displays photos on a 220-by-176-pixel resolution screen.
Status: Discontinued

Wondering what’s next from Apple?
You shouldn’t have too long to wait. The next expected announcement is normally a music themed event that takes place in September and normally includes a refresh of all iPod models. This year, I’d expect the iPod touch to get the biggest update, with a new look to bring it in-line with the new iPhone 4 as well as camera and video capabilities. Look for more news on the Mobile Fun Blog nearer the time.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Mobile Fun’s Hot Handsets – January Update

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

We’ve just updated our list of the 10 most popular handsets in December. The thing that makes our top 10 handset list different from other retailers, is that ours is not based on handset sales, but the number of our customers that use a particular phone, accessory sales and visitors to our website over the last month.

December has been a relatively quiet month for new releases but with manufacturers fighting to sell the most phones at Christmas, who’s going to come out on top?

To see which are the most popular handsets in the UK right now, or to see if your phone makes our top ten, head over to our Hot Handsets page.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Keep your iPhone 3GS safe with an iPhone Skin

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

The iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS are designed to be used for just about everything. Whether its checking your email, booking train tickets, playing games or simply making a phone call. With the number of Apps available growing daily, the amount you use it is only likely to increase and you’re going to want to keep it protected but still be able to access it quickly and without the hassle of taking in and out of a case.

An iPhone 3G S Skin is one of the best ways to protect your iPhone against knocks and drops and keep the screen fully accessible.

Belkin Silicone Sleeve for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS

1. The iPhone 3G & iPhone 3GS Belkin Silicone Sleeve is a perfect fit for both the iPhone 3G and 3GS and has cut outs for your charger / data cable, headphones and camera.  A soft, non-slip coating cushions the phone in the event of it being dropped. The screen isn’t covered though, so I’d recommend using an iPhone Screen Protector to prevent scratches.

iSkin have a range of 3 different skins for your iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS – the Fuze, Solo and Revo2.

iSkin Fuze, Solo and Revo2 for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS

2. iSkin Solo are carefully crafted for a precise fit. They feature an Ultra High Gloss finish and have cut outs for all your accessories and volume controls.

3. iSkin Fuze is a dual-layer skin that protect against shock and impact damage.  They have a soft rubber inner layer and a durable hard shell on the outside to give you the best possible protection.  The screen is protected by a plastic guard that doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touch screen. The Dock Connector is also protected against dust and dirt by a rubber cover.

4. iSkin Revo2 is the most advanced iSkin cover available.  It is made from a premium silicone material that builds in Microban technology, an antibactierial technology included in househould items such as baby care and food storage products.  The Revo2 has a non-slip back, as well as rubber covers for both the Dock Connector and headphone socket.  A screen protector is included with the Revo2 as well as a removeable resin screen that protects it against more serious impact.

If you’re not looking for anything too flashy, and just want a simple, protective silicone case, then you have plenty to choose from, each with their own benefits.

iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS Silicone Covers

5. The Dual Skin Silicone Case for the iPhone 3GS is exactly what the name suggests – 2 Silicone cases in one.  The Inner Case is designed to add an extra layer of protection against impact damage.  The outer layer is made from a dust resistant silicone to keep your phone looking at its best.

6. iPhone 3G FlexiShield Skins are thicker and tougher than most Silicone Cases andwill certainly give your iPhone more bounce if you drop it!  It doesn’t cover the screen though, so you’ll need to invest in an iPhone screen protector if you want to look after your screen too.

7. The Silicone Cases for the iPhone 3G & 3G S are simple protective cases for your iPhone 3G or 3GS.  It is made from tough silicone that molds around your phone like a second skin, with an organic additive to help repel dirt and dust from the case.

If you haven’t seen a case or screen protector here that is quite what you’re after, take a look at our full range of iPhone 3GS Skins, iPhone 3G S Cases and iPhone 3G S Screen Protectors

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Choosing a Screen Protector for your iPhone 3G or 3G S

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

If you’ve handed over all your hard earned cash for the latest iPhone 3G S or iPhone 3G, the last thing you’re going to want to do to it is damage the screen.

There are a few different options when it comes to protecting your screen, but which one is right for you?  This guide will explain the differences between the different types and help you to make the right decision when choosing an iPhone 3G / 3G S screen protector.

iPhone 3G S InvisibleSHIELD

The InvisibleSHIELD is more than just a screen protector.  Not only does it cover the front screen of the iPhone 3G and 3G S, it also includes the same tough protective film for the back of your iPhone. Installation takes a little bit longer than a normal screen protector, but the end result is well worth it.  It covers almost all of your phone and will withstand the toughest of scrapes.  The InvisibleSHIELD has a matte finish with a non slip feel to it. It is great at repelling fingerprints and reducing reflections and most importantly doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touch screen. As the InvisibleShield doesn’t add any extra bulk to the iPhone, you can use in in conjuction with most Cases & Skins.

InvisibleShield for Apple iPhone 3G and 3G S

Classic Screen Protectors

If you are after a screen protector that is more like the one that will have been on the phone when you opened the box, then there are three to choose from – Martin Fields, MFX or a Mirrored Screen Protector.

Martin Fields Screen Protector for iPhone 3G S

Martin Fields are an exceptionally high quality screen protector, that fit to your phone quickly and easily.  They are just as easy to remove leave no residue behind and can be cleaned and re-used . They are ultra thin and don’t interfere with using the touchscreen on your iPhone.

Apple iPhone 3G and 3GS MFX Screen Protector

MFX Screen Protectors are very similar to the Martin Fields.  They come with a fitting card to help prevent air bubbles and a screen cleaning cloth.

iPhone 3G S Mirrored Screen Protector

These are the same as the MFX protectors, but have a mirrored finish that will turn the screen of your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3G S into a mirror when the screen is not lit.  As soon as the screen lights up, the mirror becomes transparent and you can use your phone as normal.

Due to the design of this type of Screen Protector, you may find it beneficial to use them in conjunction with an iPhone skin as this will help protect the edges and prevent them from peeling/curling.

Krusell Classic Leather Case

iPhone 3G / 3GS Krusell Classic Leather Case

The other option that you have of course is a leather case.  Now you might be thinking that a leather case won’t work for a touch screen phone, and with most other touch screen handsets you’d be right, but the Krusell Classic Leather case works brilliantly.  It is also the only leather case for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S that actually has a protective cover over the screen .  The front of the case is a clear plastic that doesn’t affect the sensitivity of the touchscreen and there are cut outs for the volume controls, headphone, charger & camera. A removable belt clip is included too.

If you haven’t seen a case or screen protector here that is quite what you’re after, take a look at our full range of iPhone 3G S Cases and iPhone 3G S Screen Protectors

(20 votes, average: 3.85 out of 5)

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