Creative's new HS-1200 wireless headset features a new, as yet unnamed proprietary compression technology developed by Avnera that rivals the Bluetooth standard. Some of the advantages of the new technology include a greater data transfer rate than Bluetooth as well as lower energy consumption (9 hours to a charge.) The HS-1200 also features duplex technology that allows users to do multiple things at once, like stream full stereo music and use VoIP at the same time. Another nice feature is a dock right on the receiver, so you don't need a separate charger.

A quick hands on playing some Unreal Tournament revealed a decent sound with none of the latency issues that are commonly found in Bluetooth devices—although the environment is not ideal for a thorough test. Expect the HS-1200 to hit store shelves this March for $150.

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