What’s the deal with these wacky headphones?

Chances are you’re spending some time on the go this summer — perhaps listening to music or playing on your Nintendo DS/DSi or PSP — but you might consider upgrading the earbuds that shipped with these portable devices.

Two new products on the market add some pizzazz to your portable media player, smartphone, laptop or game system.

One is the iHome iHMP5 ($59.99), a unique pair of headphones that can turn into external speakers with the flick of a switch. Thanks to an inline pre-amp that can fill a room with stereo sound, the IHMP5’s dual-mode design lets you switch from private listening to speaker mode on the fly. With the latter, you can place the headphones on a surface and flip open the noise-isolating ear-cups for optimum volume. These headphones require two AA batteries.

Alternatively, there’s the iBlink ($29.99), noise-isolating earbuds with small LED lights that flash to the sound of any connected device via the 3.5mm jack. The patented audio-optic technology works with the volume level, which controls the brightness of the flashing lights (users can choose from multiple color LEDs prior to purchase). Elexa Consumer Products’ iBlink earbuds ship with an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery, USB charging cable and three gel earbud tip sizes.

Filed Under: Audio > Featured Posts > First Look
Tags: ear, earphone, game, headphone, iPod, Laptop, MP3, nintendo, playstation, PSP, speaker