Dragon offers two-way voice via Bluetooth

The scoop: Dragon Bluetooth headset, by Callpod, about $120.

What it is: The Dragon headset offers Class 1 Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for a distance between a Bluetooth-enabled phone or PC and the headset of up to 100 meters (328 feet). This lets users place their phone down on a desk or counter, for example, and walk farther than with other Bluetooth headsets that don’t support the Class 1 profile. The headset can pair itself to multiple phones or PCs as well, letting you switch between devices with the push of a button. Dual-microphone noise suppression features let the person on the other end hear you better, improving call quality when you’re in a car or other noisy location.

Click to see: The Dragon allows for hands-free communication.

Why it’s cool: What takes this device beyond a normal Bluetooth headset is its proprietary two-way communication feature. If you have a second Dragon headset, you can create a full duplex, two-way audio channel between the two Dragon headsets, creating walkie-talkie communications between the two headsets. Once the two headsets are paired, you can push a button to create the audio channel (just like a walkie-talkie or push-to-talk cell phone), and then leave the channel open or push the button again to close the channel. As long as the two headsets are paired and within 250,000 square feet of open space, two people can carry on a conversation with each other hands-free and without having to use a cell phone network as an intermediary.

In addition, Callpod makes a base station, the Phoenix, which allows for five Dragon headsets to be connected to one another via Bluetooth, creating a mini-network of voice communications. Workplace environments such as retailing or restaurants could benefit from a Bluetooth hands-free headset over existing communications methods, such as bulkier walkie-talkies or headset systems.

Callpod recently assisted FEMA officials who were setting up a field disaster office in Lafayette, Ind., due to flooding. Officials were able to use the Dragon headsets for two-way communications while running phone, Internet and electric lines in order to keep their hands free while working. The hands-free nature of the Dragon headsets meant that the officials didn’t have to stop and pick up a radio or dial their cell phones in order to communicate with each other.