Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2012

Parrot Zik headphones

Audiophile quality they’re not, but there’s no denying the sleek good looks and ahead-of-the-curve design of the Parrot Zik headphones. Designed by Philippe Starck, these upscale headphones feature touch control and noise-canceling technology.

The rubberized black matte earcups are touch-sensitive. Swiping a finger up or down on the right cup adjusts the volume, while swiping it forward or back skips tracks. The Ziks are Bluetooth-enabled, so the whole package is wireless, freeing you up from tangles of cable and giving you a handy mic for mobile phone calls. Tap the right ear cup when your phone rings to answer a call. Do the same to hang up.

The Parrot Audio Suite is a free app that downloads to Android or iOS devices the Zik headphones are paired with. The app activates the noise canceling technology—which was useful in cutting outside sounds and effectively increasing the volume (or at least allowing you to hear your audio clearer at a lower than usual level). While it’s effective, these phones won’t win any awards from High Fidelity, with a bass that buzzes in higher volumes regardless of the equalizer settings you use. One nice feature in the app is the ability to change the field of sound from 30 degree (directly in front) to 180 degree on either side, as well as choices of concert hall, jazz club and silent (no echo) room settings—the difference was actually discernible, unlike other apps that just boost bass.

We used the Ziks with our computer (no noise cancelation, as that’s only available with the app), our iOS devices (iPhone 4S and iPad 2), and just about any other device that can pair audio accessories via Bluetooth and found them easy to setup, comfortable to wear (if a little heavy) and powerful enough for an enjoyable listening experience. The ability to use them with a mobile phone is a definite plus and we didn’t need to shout like a weirdo in order to be heard.

They do suffer from dropouts and occasional sound glitches, but with the ability to download and install firmware updates via the Parrot Zik app, many of these issues will probably be resolved. In fact, we enjoyed the wireless convenience and stylish comfort of them so much, we’d buy them tomorrow—if we could afford them. At just under ¥40,000, the Parrot Zik headphones are a serious bit of kit just for schlepping around town.

¥39,900. Available at select retailers such as Actus and Bals Tokyo, the Apple online store, or Amazon.jp.

Turtle Beach PX 5 gaming headset

For those whiling away summer vacation time catching up on the newest blockbuster games (or working through that stack you haven’t played yet), you’re sure to kick more zombie/monster/enemy ass with the Turtle Beach PX 5 gaming headset. These wireless bad boys are designed with 360-degree surround sound to help you pinpoint the direction of any noise. What’s more, built-in Bluetooth allows you to pair them to another device simultaneously so you can answer phonecalls or stream music while in the heat of battle (if you’re that kind of multi-tasker).

As a bonus for PS3 users, the Bluetooth-enabled removable boom mic lets you communicate with those thirteen-year-olds you call your “platoon” over the PlayStation Network. It also offers programmable audio presets to help boost the sound of footsteps and reloads. We found these quite effective when sniping and the ability to limit loud booms helped in chaotic field-of-battle sections. Custom presets can be downloaded from the Turtle Beach website for specific game franchises: Modern Warfare 3, Drake’s Fortune, Final Fantasy, etc. Light and exceedingly comfortable, we were able to wear the cans for long periods without having to rearrange them or take them off. The best part? When you’re not getting fragged, the Dolby 7.1 Digital Surround Sound is great for listening to your late night BluRay video so the rest of the house doesn’t hear you (or know you’re watching Bridesmaids).

¥24,980, available at major electronic retailers and Amazon.jp.