Motion-Detecting Earphones Offered by Sony Ericsson

Motion-detecting MH907 earphones from Sony Ericsson let mobile-phone users listen to music and take calls by removing an earbud. Sony Ericsson's MH907 earphones turn on music when both earbuds are inserted. The MH907 earphones use Sony Ericsson's SenseMe technology and only work with newer Sony Ericsson phones.

Sony Ericsson is giving consumers a way to talk and bee-bop to their favorite song. The handset maker has developed motion-detecting earphones that allow mobile -phone users to listen to music and take mobile calls by placing and removing earbuds.
The London-based company has created marketing materials to promote its MH907 earphones, including a cartoon step-by-step demonstration of a barefoot boy sitting on a bus listening to music, receiving and ending a call, then popping the earbuds in again to resume listening to music.

The earphones turn on music once the user inserts both earbuds. The user can pause the music by removing one of the earbuds.

What happens when a user is listening to music and the phone rings? The user needs only to remove one earbud to answer the call, according to Sony.

"With the MH907, consumers can pocket their phone but still stay connected all day, every day by simply plugging in or removing their earbuds -- there is no need for a remote control or any buttons," said Jacob Sten, senior vice president of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. "At Sony Ericsson we believe it is important to listen to what our customers need, and introducing the world's first-ever motion-activated headphones highlights our commitment to offer our customers a complete communications experience."

Motion Detection

The company uses its SenseMe technology to detect when an earbud has been placed in the user's ear, so a user cannot accidentally answer a call when the earbud is in a pocket or purse because it is only activated by body contact.

SenseMe is the same technology used in Sony Ericsson's W910i device, which feels its owner's mood and suggests music.

Overall, blog posters are happy with Sony's innovation . Some, however, have pointed out that keeping both earbuds in creates safety issues for runners or walkers not listening for beeping horns or other emergency sounds.

Others have pointed out that the device is only compatible with newer Sony Ericsson phones, which leaves out users with older phones.

Fun Interaction

The new device fits with Sony Ericsson's realigned brand strategy to build fun and inclusive interaction for customers, according to Sten.

Color choices for the earphones are yellow/white and titan chrome. They can only be used with Sony Ericsson phones that have a fast port connector.

Sony Ericsson has not released any details on when the device will be available or how much it will cost, but some reports place the cost at about $55.

"As of this time a carrier has not been announced and we can't comment on price," said Lauren Haralson, a Sony Ericsson spokesperson.