What exactly is it?
Always Ready is one of those ingenious ideas born from necessity. Although there are approximately six billion mobile phone subscriptions, and 75% of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone, a paltry 4% use wireless headsets. This wasn’t always the case. When Bluetooth headsets were first launched, at the start of the noughties, they were a huge success. 40 million were sold in the first four years.
Then, despite ever improving features, they got a reputation for being complicated techie toys. Add to that the fact that people thought wearing headsets both looked silly and felt uncomfortable, and you can see why their popularity dwindled despite the many benefits.
The challenge for headset designers, then, has been threefold over the last few years. Make a headset that look less robotic and more human. Make a headset that feels more comfortable. And make a headset that’s incredibly simple to use. Always Ready was developed with the last two issues in mind.
How does it work?
Always Ready is simplicity redefined. With a headset that uses Always Ready technology when you receive a call, all you have to do is take the headset from its holder and put it in your ear. The headset automatically connects to your phone and answers the call. Once you’ve finished, you just take it out of your ear and put it back in the clip. The headset will end the call, disconnect and power off. It really does work like magic.
What are the other benefits?
Comfort and design have come a long way since the early days of Terminator-like headsets, but people are still loath to walk around with a headset permanently in ear. Always Ready means you only have to wear your headset when you’re using it. This produces another no less important benefit, massively improved energy efficiency. Because Always Ready headsets only use power when they’re taken out of their holders, they can have both impressive talk times and amazing standby times. The Nokia J, for example, will give you 5 hours of talk time from a single charge and three months of standby time.
Which headsets use it?
If Always Ready has you rethinking headsets, you’ll probably want to know which one to choose for yourself. Well, more and more headsets are being launched all the time, but these are the current contenders for your attention.
The Nokia J
The Nokia J is famed for its effortless call handling and superior sound quality. What’s more, it looks amazing, too, which is probably why it’s won a couple of the world’s most prestigious design awards, IF and Red Dot.
Nokia Luna
Daringly different, yet surprisingly simple, the Nokia Luna is possibly one of the most eye catching Bluetooth headsets ever. With NFC, 8 hours of talk time and 2 months standby time, it’s pretty practical as well.
Nokia BH-310
If you spend lots of time in the car, you’ll know how important it is to have a Bluetooth headset both for safety and for convenience. Simple, safe and comfortable, the Nokia BH-310 has been especially designed for drivers like you.
Always Ready has changed the way people use Bluetooth headsets forever. Does it make you more likely to invest in one? Let us know in the comments below.
