Introduction

With the ever increasing popularity of voice over internet/broadband (VoIP), there will come of course, lots of cool products. Today I have one such product for review that actually surprised me in its quality and functionality. It comes from a company called Blue Gears; they primarily make high end sound cards. Blue Gears has come up with a small gadget that has multiple uses, not just for VoIP, it is called the VR-Fidelity USB Speakerphone. The name 'speakerphone' is somewhat misleading for this product because it is so much more than that. Curious? Read on to find out more about it...

I would like to thank Blue Gears for the chance to review their products.

First Looks

Price at time of review from NewEgg: $54.99

First let's check out the description and features listed on the Blue Gears website about the VR-Fidelity.

BlueGears VR-Fidelity USB Speakerphone provides High Fidelity Music Playback with Built-in Sound Cards to Ensure the Voice Quality with 100% Digital Clarity.

Specially designed for simple connection with your laptop or computer via its USB port to make hands-free internet phone calls by using Instant Messengers or VoIP softphone.

Features

- Louder and Ultra Clear Voice Conversation with Echo-free/ Noise Suppression/ Full-Duplex Technologies
- Omni-Directional (360 degree) Voice Collection within 3-meter radius
- Easier talk or discussion mode in public with Mute Function
- BlueGears VR-Fidelity USB Speakerphone received Innovation Awards Honorees from CES 2005.
- An Ideal Accessory for Personal Hands-Free Internet Communication Device for "Working & Talking" at the same time.
- VoIP Conference Call via SKYPE, Google Talk and more
- 360° Voice Collection
- Built-In Sound Card
- Crystal-Clear Sound Quality Sound Quality with Echo-Canceling & Full-Duplex Technologies
- Echo Free Technology
- Plug and Play Just Plug It in and It Works!
- Portable Speaker
- USB Connection

Sounds good in writing, but does it 'sound' good? We'll find out soon.

The VR-Fidelity came to me in the ever popular hermetically sealed plastic clamshell. There is lots of information on the packaging; it lets you know just what you are getting.

Opening the package we find the unit itself, a mini CD with drivers, and a warranty.

If you are curious about the actual technical specs, here is a close up shot so you can read it.