Very good sign. The FREETALK Wireless Stereo Headset has been on sale since before Thanksgiving, but is finally in stock! It is already listed as a bestseller which is no suprise to me, since my prototype set has been a trustworthy travel companion for over 8 months now.
- For any business traveller who uses Skype, watches Slingbox, or listens to music in their hotel room… the FREETALK rocks.
- For any college student who does it all on the PC… the FREETALK rocks.
- For any players of World of Warcraft… the FREETALK rocks.
- And shhh… because it’s a standard USB Audio device, for any users of Google Talk, Ventrilo, AIM, Live Messenger… the FREETALK rocks.
I am biased to be sure… one because I am modestly vested in the success of this product category, but also because I love this product.
Here is a quick troubleshooting guide for new users, from an early adopter of this unit…
- Those who may find the ear-cups not sitting just right, try twisting the wire portions of the band to get the right angle to match your ear. I did that 8 months ago, and it works like a charm. I’d have designed the headband a little different for fit, myself, but I guess it does kinda look different and cool enough…. my only gripe.
- Mac users, after you plug in the first time, you may need to go to audio control panel to manually select the USB Audio device. Successive uses, should automatically switch to the headset.
- To mute the microphone, simply tilt the microphone boom all the way up, you will feel a slight detent when the boom is all the way up. To un-mute the microphone, simply swing the mic back down. This muting takes place completely in the headset, so you will not see it reflected on-screen in the Skype call window
- In order to make the Skype call answer button work, for Windows version, you must enable hotkeys…
- Go to Tools > Options > Advanced > Hotkeys
- Check “Enable keyboard shortcuts”
- Check “Answer Call”
- Make sure Answer Call hotkey is set to “Alt-PgUp” (which is the default on most installs of Skype).
Enjoy! Comments welcome here. I am happy to add to the troubleshooting guide if needed.
Hey!
Could you please tell me your experience with the battery? How many hours do you get?
Thanks
Typically, I get about 6 hours. THe nice thing is, you can plug it in to recharge it while you are still using it. This prevents calls from getting interrupted in the worst case that the battery quits mid-call.
FYI… the charge cable is attached to the USB transmitter. So it is all pretty self contained. No extra power brick to lug around.
Oh that’s great! Thank you
I am looking for a quality wireless 5.1 (ideal) or stereo headset with mic. This would be used for gaming and movies while I exercise. I have a quality elliptical (non impact) exercise machine and am using a wireless XBox360 Controller with Xpadder to remap the keys. When I workout, I am currently playing Guildwars.
The XBox 360 receiver uses the 2.4Ghz band. Are there any interference problems using the FreeTalk headset (or Avnera technology in general) and the the XBox 360 receiver?
Have you used the FreeTalk mic with voice recognition software? Does it work well? I would like to try Vista’s voice recognition software, to further control my PC during the workout.
How well would the FreeTalk product work and hold up while engaging in a non-impact, cardio exercise environment? Are there other products using Avnera technology which I might want to check out?
LTB products appear to be using Avnera technology, but haven’t been mentioned in the press releases. The FreeTalk headset wasn’t either (at least in the press releases I read).
What is the Avnera “prototype KL-1″? Was this the Talkfree headset?
Thanks!
Bruinior,
Proto KL-1 was indeed the Freetalk. The only difference being that the proto was not capable of recharging while using. That thankfully has been rectified.
I am not quite sure if you are trying to listen to Xbox audio or what? Is Guild wars on your PC? Either way, from an RF perspective, they should not interfere. Our systems are happy to coexist.
As far as robustness in low-impact exercising… should be fine… my only concern is if you are a sweaty dude, the foam pads on the earcups will get nasty… but that’s your deal, man.
You are right, the LTB products are using Avnera. In fact, they will even work with the Freetalk transmitter and vice versa. These will also work with the analog in tranmitter on the Acoustic Research AWD210. So some mix and matching is possible (though the AWD210 sender does not support the mic back-channel).
Check back here for announcements on more products which are on their way… and keep getting info not in “press releases” per se. (FYI, nothing I am telling you is not already “publicly discoverable,” it’s just not necessarily in our company’s or customers’ PR shtuff)
Thanks a bunch!
I am controlling the PC with the XBox 360 Wireless Controller. The wireless controller transmits to a receiver which is plugged into a usb port on the computer. Movies and games would be played off the computer.
After my first post I realized I could simulate 5.1 surround with a Dolby Headphone or CMSS-3D enabled sound card. I read somewhere that Dolby Headphone doesn’t like to work with compressed audio. Avnera technology is a nice fit since it delivers audio without compression.
The Dolby Headphone/CMSS-3D would be input to the Avnera transmitter and output to the Avnera headset.
Are the foam pads easily replacably on the Freetalk headset? Also, how does it handle bass?
Does movement have any affect on the wireless connectivity and transmission (stuttering or interuptions)?
Thanks again for the info!
The wireless system actually uses diversity antennas on both sides, this means the transmitter and the headset each have two antennas. Even better, the headset has one antenna on each side of your head! The main thing this does is prevent against the effects of RF multi-path, which is a wave-based phenomenon that is the cause of the dropouts and interruptions in many system when you move about. Long story short, movement has no effect on our system unless you are beyond the transmission range, then multi-path may be the cause of the first dropouts due to a weak overall signal.
A user on the Skype forum who has a Freetalk headset says he’s only getting 2 “listening” hours of battery life. You mention six. Why the difference? What can we really expect? And what kind of battery technology is used?
Thanks, Dan
Battery is Li-polymer. 2 hours sounds very bad. Either she was not getting a full charge, or sadly she may have a bad apple.
I repeat, I easily get around 6 hours of playback time. I only charge it about twice a week, based on my usage habits.
Hope you have better luck.
Hmm, my first try at posting this didn’t seem to work. Hopefully this doesn’t double post.
Thanks again mtc, you have been really helpful!
I noticed the gender difference (in the above 2 comments) and that she signed her post, Heather.
Found the KL-1 (interesting): http://www.electronics.globalsources.com/gsol/I/RF-headphone/a/9000000089057.htm.
Looked up WiStereo and found some more Avnera based products.
http://www.soundonusa.com/products/
I would be interested in hearing the lecture (sponsored by Avnera): “IEEE Seminar: CD-Quality Wireless Audio - Fantasy, Fallacy, or Reality?”
http://www.cpd.ogi.edu/coursespecific.asp?pam=2306
Is there any way to get audio or text from the lecture?
I just got one of these and I have a couple of questions:
1) When the headset beeps low battery and I plug it in, I lose my call. Is this normal? If not, is there some way to fix this or do I just have a defective unit?
2) I haven’t done any rigid timing tests, but my battery life seems closer to two hours than six. Is anybody getting long battery life with the production units?
3) While the microphone works fine with Skype, I can not use SoundRecorder on XP. Any ideas?
Thanks for your help and yes, the sound is great!
My Freetalk headset sucks. It sounds great on my end and the wireless works well, but everyone i call tells me that I sound like a mechanical robot. I have tried it multiple times while i’m sitting right next to my computer, and still the output sound is horrible.
yellanybor, your comment doesn’t make too much sense. why don’t you try recording something using sound recorder? Also, you might try calling ech0123 on skype to see how it sounds. there are many reasons why the call quality is poor on the other end. if the sound is good to your ears, your link is solid, and voice link should be solid as well.
Have you heard about the new Logitch ClearChat Wireless Headset? Would you think it’s better than the Freetalk? (It’s cheaper in Germany, where I am.)
I’ve definitely heard of the ClearChat. See article here: http://www.wirelessaudioblog.com/archives/147. I should refrain from any qualitative comparisons. However, the deal you have in Germany sounds pretty good. In the States, the Freetalk is 20 bucks cheaper than the Logitech.
mtc, (or anyone else who wants to join in),
Regarding HEADSETS for sale in the “SKYPE SHOP” … any comments on why FREETALK keeps appearing, then disappearing, then reappearing only to disappear again from the list of headsets available for purchase (as a matter of fact, from “the list of BEST SELLERS”)???
I started to buy the FREETALK headset towards the late part of 2007 (it was a BEST SELLER then). I spent a day or so doing some research on FREETALK before spending my money on it. When I returned to the Skype Store Web site a day or two later to buy FREETALK (the BEST SELLER) it was gone … not available for purchase. I figured that as a new product, it had unforseen problems and was getting too many customer complaints and was pulled from the Skype Store.
I really HATE wired headsets/headphones (I also DO NOT LIKE BLUETOOTH), so I was glad to see FREETALK show up again in the Skype Store. I thought, “well FREETALK has solved their problems and fixed the reasons for the customer complaints.” Again, after I spent some time researching, I came back to the Skype Store, and FREETALK was GONE AGAIN.
Is this product just “not ready for prime” or what?
As for me, I think L’ll stick with an internationally known brand like LOGITECH, and get the Logitech Wireless ClearChat. The fact that FREETALK is $20.00 cheaper dosen’t mean much to me if I can’t find or contact the company that makes/distribues/supports FREETALK because it (the company and the product) keeps appearing, then disappearing, then reappearing only to disappear again.
Thanks in advance,
jwc
JWC, The is not quality related. The issue is supply. When it is posted, they sell like crazy, and sell out. This is what happened to the first two lots. The manufacturer assures me that this problem is being rectified. I presume as a matter of course, Skype store throttles demand by de-listing the product. I think they do this on a region by region basis, but I am only guessing based on what I observe.
Keep in mind this is a very new product category, and the interest I think was simply underestimated early on. Something I hope our customers realize in the future.
MTC, Thanks for your response. I sheepishly and humbly apologize for jumping to an incorrect conclusion regarding the quality of FREETALK. I might even be one of the first ones in line to purchase a FREETALK from the next lot made available in the SKYPE STORE!!
And saving $20.00 is ICING on the CAKE …(although, I really DO think the look of the ClearChat is very very cool!!)
Thanks again MTC
jwc
Does the call answer button work with MSN Messenger and other programs like GTalk?
Please reply to my email address as well, I’m surfing.
thx!
Hi, all.
I have purchased this device, and appreciate the sound very much.
I’ve used it with Skype, and the fact that it’s wireless makes life easier.
After about 5 minutes’ talk time, however, the microphone or microphone subsystem begins to generate a low-frequency hum that is not evident in the speakers. In a few more minutes, that hum increases in volume and frequency until the listener at the other end cannot hear anything else.
I purchased this product through Skype, but they are not offering any type of support or warranty service.
With whom do I need to address this issue?
Thanks! I love the product otherwise!
Phil
I need a owners manual for the Free Talk How can I down load one. I love this headset it’s the best one I have ever used. When I have a few extra bucks I want to get a spare.
I just let my mind wander, and it didn’t come back.
Lyle Hensley
Enjoying Every Breath
Retired US Army
1957 – 1978
My Blog
http://valleyman7.blogspot.com/
i’ve been reading posts dating back to nov 2007. today is april 11 2008. as of today what is the latest on the poor mic quality of the FREE TALK using the macbook pro w/ tiger? have they made a gen2 or offered a download to fix the input problem?
anyone?
thanx gr1
hey there, i’m deciding between this and some of the headsets listed on the nuance website, as i need compatability with dragon naturally speaking 9. do you know whether this is compatable with that product?
This does work with Dragon… It’s been tested with numerous voice recognition programs including OneVoice… but also real-time gaming programs like Navy Seals, etc that use voice command.
Hi,
I live in Canada. Skype shop quotes in British Currency for me and there doesn’t seem to be a Canadian skype shop. Any other sources to buy this?
thanks for your input.
sang-gye
I on the phone 3 - 4 hours per day and just signed up for Skype — the Freetalk headset looks great — it says range is 20 meters — is that through walls and floors? my office is on the 2nd floor and my kitchen on the 3 floor directly above the office — do you think I can be on the phone in my office step and go upstairs and still be hooked up?
got the freetalk headset a few weeks ago.
Problems with the battery that goes flat 20-30 minutes after a full charge. Headset starts to give off 3 beeps which go away if plugged into charger.
THE REAL problem starts when you try to return the product which I bought on Skype website. Talk of the runaround.
If anybody knows who or where to call to get an RMA # please email me at
dseisun@hydrocolloid.com
thanks
Dennis
@ gr1studio: I bought the first generation and had to return it because of the poor mic quality (using it in Mac OS X).
I was told a second generation of the headset would come out in May/Juin (by the manufacturer) but haven’t found any information wether the device listed on the Skype shop is indeed the newer model.
I have contacted Instoreshop again and will post back with more details…
My laptop is not detecting the usb device… It was working fine then stopped…. Any idea?
superuser… we are tracking this voice issue. It appears to affect other USB-audio microphones… so if there is a fix coming on the issue it will apply to our device as well. The original-original issue on mics sounding too quiet, is fixed long time ago. The Mac-specific issue is an intermittent thing that basically comes and goes… sounds robotic. Like I said, it happens to other mic device too. Something in the way Mac OS is handling sample rate conversion.
Ujjar… no clue. Could be anything. You might trying reinstalling the drive for your USB host… what OS? Is it true on all ports? What brand Laptop?
USB port seems to be fine as i have tried other devices.. my lap is a DELL latitude. Also even after trying multiple times sometimes this Free talk head set works for a few secs then abruptly stops..
OK, I understand the headset is fantastic and there are a few troubleshooting problems and the like. What recommendations do you have for a hard wired microphone that I do not need a head set for?
I would appreciate any info you have.
Daine,
You do realise this is called *wireless*audioblog.com right?
Check out Logitech… they sell some. A $30 USB version PN 980186-0403, and a $20 analog version… PN 980240-0403.
You can also look for semi-pro desktop recording mics, such as from Samson, which I believe come in USB varieties like the G-Track (SN SAGM1U).
I can’t however vouch for how well Skype’s echo cancellation algorithm performs using these device, in combination with your loudspeakers. You may serve up some nasty echo to the caller(s) on the other side.
Ujjal… sound fishy. I’d return it. Sounds like a you have some defective issues there. One suspicion I have is you may be getting insufficient current out of your port, or the sender dongle is not handling it well and our chip may be shutting down as a result. Again this would point to a defective circuit board…
There have been some questions about how to return these things… god forbid…
https://accessories.skype.com/DRHM/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayReturnAndCancellationsPage&SiteID=skype&Locale=en_US&Env=BASE#q1
I have had this headset for just over 2 months.
The speakers are great. Very good sound quality. The wireless seems to reach around my house with no distortion.
However, a couple of issues.
1). It seems to be difficult to swap between speakers and microphones. I have it connected to a laptop that has a built in speaker and mic. I also have a Logitech Quickcam Orbit that also have a built in Mic. It takes a lot of plugging and unplugging to ensure the Freetalk mic and speakers work. I have given up using the Yahoo Messenger product with the headset. Skype generally works, except for point 2).
2). The Microphone is simply poor. Lacks sensitivity and yet needs to be sufficiently far from your mouth to avoid noise. It is not suitable for business calls no mater how you configure it. I have resorted to wearing 2 headsets simply to use the mic from one (wired) and the speakers from the Freetalk.
Despite the good speakers, I would like to return them, but I believe the warranty period only lasts 30 days. If the mic was good, I would have no hesitation in recommending them whole heartedly.
This headset is a dog and action should be taken against skype for selling what they know is a defective product. I have an HP computer so there are no Mac issues and it doesn’t work at all. Having now done considerable reserach this is obviously nothing to do with a one-off problem. It’s a disgrace. Skype says it’s skype-compatible - what a load of baloney. If someone knows the magic answer to making it work I’m all ears - I can’t hear a thing from the headset through skype, I’ve done the normal control panel and Skype options. Why are they allowed to get away with this!
Sorry you have had a bad experience… regarding action against Skype… there are thousandsn upon thousands of people who use it and have no problems. So while it feels like you having the problem means the issues are endemic, they aren’t. I suggest you return your device if you feel like you’ve tried everything. You may just have a defective unit… it happens unfortunately.
Hello
I’ve just bought a set of Freetalk 5091 and the USB port doesn’t reconigse them.
The port works fine with other devices: memory pens, cameras, etc, but not with the headset.
I have a Medion PC desktop; OS is Windows XP Home Edition pre-installed on the PC. I believe I have all the updates downloaded.
Can you help? Thanks
Mariano
I just received my Freetalk wireless headset yesterday. I just plugged the “puck” into the USB port on my laptop, held the pairing button for 5 seconds, and they were up and running. I tested them out with 10 different calls - give or take - and I had no complaints from anyone in terms of my output quality. Everyone could hear me perfectly. I even tested the range, and I could walk up to 30 - 35 feet away from the transmitter before I experienced any break-down. I love the freedom to wander while on the phone, and all of your controls are right there on the headset; answer, hang-up, volume, mute… It seems to be fairly lightweight, but I have only worn it for 30-45 minutes at a time so far. This headset will be primarily used in a business setting. More testing to come…but so far, so good!
Do you know, if
Think Xtra - FreeTalk USB Wireless Stereo Headset
does work “plug and play” on Fedora Core8
and
ASUS eeepc?
How does Think Xtra - FreeTalk USB Wireless Stereo Headset work?
with bluetooth? This seems to be the problem with eeepc, I am afraid.
Thanks for comment
Philipp
Hi,
I just bought this wireless headset and I cannot hear people, although they can hear me. What am I getting wrong?
Thanks!
Eduardo
I am travelling in Mexico:
1) Is there a company to buy the headset from here?
2) If not, who can I call in the US to have them ship it to me?
3) What is the contact information for Freetalk? This question has been asked a number of times but never answered. It makes me wonder how support issues will be handled, if need be.
Try searching google and see if there are local electronic retailers carrying them (in the US, there are about numerous other vendors not including Skype.com). Also, I don’t know if skype has an online store in Mexico or not, but if so, try that.
As for contact info/service, if you have a problem: see comment #36 above.
Thanks mtc,
In your considered and tested opinion, would you recommend the Freetalk or Logitech ClearChat wireless - and why? The latter seems to have minimal negative feedback.
Muchas Gracias !
Ahh. Tough one.
In my personal opinion, I would buy the Freetalk since it is cheaper and is louder, also the range is better by about 50%. I also like how you don’t need to carry around a power brick to recharge the headset. It also fit my considerably large head better.
The Logitech is more comfortable, and will probably hold up better in a laptop bag as it’s construction is clearly superior. ClearChat also appears to be more reliable (out of the box) based on anecdotal feedback.
Thanks mtc for sharing your thoughts and grey matter (from your considerably large head).
I will go with your personal opinion if I can find a US supplier who will ship the unit to Mexico. No luck so far with a Google search, so far.
Happy Friday !
Does anyone know what the difference is between the Freetalk 5091 and the 5191? Skype doesn’t mention the model it sells, anyone know? Thanks
I purchased a Freetalk from Skype and within 2 months it failed to work, it will not connect and when it is plugged in (the headset) it emits an annoying beeping sound. Any help I can get is appreciated
HI! Here’s the dumbest of questions…! I puchased the Freetalk from Skype also…a few months ago…& I haven’t used it for ages. Now I can’t remember how to get the volume to the headset & I can’t remember where I left the instruction booklet…ooops! I have put the wee connector with the flashing green light into the computer..& I have pushed the button the headset { a few times} & on the wee thing as well…there’s just a gree light flashing but no sound alas…
Have you recharged your headset? If not, after a long time on a shelf the battery may be over discharged, in which case it may take a few hours to “warm back up” (aka trickle charge) before charging like normal. During that time, I don’t think you will see any lights on the headset.
Also, blinking light on the “wee thing” mean no wireless connection. If the headset is blinking too, you need to re-join them. Turn both on, press the button on the wee thing for 5 secs until fast blink. Then do the same with the Pair button on the heaset. You will get solid lights on both when you are done.
Hi there,
I’ve read this blog all the way through and on two occasions I’ve seen people talk about that 3-beep sound. What is it? Why does it do it? I have Freetalk 5091. Can someone please help in getting rid of that annoying sound?
Thanks
Julie
Why is it that my Freetalk wireless headset beeps while it’s charging? It’s really driving me crazy!