Creative Technology Ltd today announced the Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset for PC and Mac, featuring state-of-the-art wireless audio technology and hassle-free connectivity. Creative also announced the new Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage USB wired gaming headset. Both headsets feature customizable SBX Pro Studio sound and voice audio technologies to arm gamers with the competitive advantage of the most immersive and accurate 3D acoustic environment.

The Sound Blaster Tactic3D Rage Wireless gaming headset connects quickly and easily via a USB dongle, for uncompressed 2.4 GHz, latency-free wireless audio playback. In both the wireless and wired models of the headset, best-in-class sound quality pumps through 50 mm Full Spectrum drivers, with frequency response of 20Hz ~ 20KHz. The TacticProfile audio interface on the PC or Mac enables customization of EQ and audio preferences, which gamers can export and share with others.

Razer, the world leader in high performance gaming hardware, unveiled two new products at GamesCom today: the Razer Kraken Pro Gaming Headset and Razer Kraken Music & Gaming Headphones. Both audio products were ergonomically designed to give gamers the best combination of comfort over extensive use and phenomenal gaming audio, whether they're starting up an eight-hour guild raid or plugging into an MP3 player for tunes on the go.

Just like the many popular Razer headsets before it, the Razer Kraken Pro Gaming Headset was field-tested by countless professional gamers and athletes to determine optimal weight for extended gaming sessions and snugness. Gamers won't find a more comfortable headset on the market, period.

ASTRO Gaming, creators of premium video gaming equipment for professional gamers, and wholly owned subsidiary of Skullcandy, Inc., has launched the ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset, a professional-grade audio solution designed to provide gaming and home theater enthusiasts with an immersive experience free from the tangle of wires.

The ASTRO A50 Wireless Gaming Headset is professionally tuned for audiophile-level performance when gaming, watching movies or listening to music. It functions natively across all manner of entertainment devices including gaming consoles, PCs, Macs and home theater systems. ASTRO is also introducing ASTRO Audio Profiles with this product, which allows the user to optimize the listening experience for the subject matter and in the future will allow owners to create and share their own Profiles via a web interface.

With the Sharkoon X-Tatic S7, Sharkoon has thankfully updated the sound format by providing two additional sound channels for authentic and room-filling 7.1 surround sound. The headset supports the new "Dolby ProLogic" version IIx, which combined with "Dolby Headphone" technology generates authentic and room-filling 7.1 Sound for stereo headsets from analog stereo signals and digital 5.1 Dolby Digital signals.

In addition, Sharkoon has replaced the previous USB2.0 cable for an included USB2.0 Y-cable, providing a stable energy supply to the headset via a second USB port for current or weaker sound sources.

Genius announces their newest addition to their GX Gaming Series today - Lychas HS-G550 Foldable Gaming Headset. This GX Gaming Series headset allows gamers to listen to the sounds of the battlefield in one ear while still being able to hear their teammates sitting next to them thanks to the individual volume controls on each ear cup.

Ideal for LAN parties and competitions because of its individual volume control, the Lychas is easy to carry around with its swivel ear cups and foldable design. When both of the ear cups' volume is turned up, the GX Series' Lychas not only provides clear and accurate audio for a tactical advantage in any combat situation, but the large 50 mm drivers also prevent distraction from background noises.

SteelSeries the leading manufacturer of premium-quality, competitive gaming peripherals, today announced that the Siberia v2 Frost Blue Headset is now available online in the SteelSeries Web Shop for $119.99/€119.99 MSRP.

The Siberia v2 Frost Blue Headset has been tested and used by some of the most recognized professional gamers on the competitive gaming circuit including, Team EG's Chris "HuK" Loranger and Geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson, who are both currently competing with this SteelSeries headset style.

Last week, we came up with our latest front-page poll question, asking our readers which is their preferred audio output when gaming (playing their favorite PC games). Choices included desktop speakers, headsets, and external home audio solutions (such as HT amps, HiFi systems, etc.) Over the course of the week that followed, we accumulated over 1,800 votes to build our sample, which consists of our readers (both registered members of our Forums, and unregistered readers). The interim results come as a bit of a surprise to us.

According to numbers recorded at the time of writing this article, from 1,820 respondents, 808 (44.18%) prefer desktop speakers, a close 719 (39.31%) prefer headsets, with external home audio system being a distant yet significant third option, with 302 (16.51%) of the respondents preferring it.

Sharkoon presents the successor to their "X-Tatic SP" console headset: The new version of the "X-Tatic SP Plus" comes with simplified connectivity and optimized wearing comfort. The stereo headset is designed particularly for use with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox360, delivering first-class sound with its premium 40 mm Neodymium magnet speakers, but can also be used with a PC, Notebook, MP3 players and Smartphones.

Sharkoon has equipped the new model with a flexible headband, which reduces pressure on the ears and thus ensures a comfortable fit. Also new are the configurations of the two microphones: The user has the choice between an approximately 15 cm long, flexible adjustable chat microphone for gaming use and a compact mini-microphone for use while talking on a smartphone.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. today that it has entered into an agreement with Microsoft Studios, to create Halo 4 branded Gaming Headsets to be released later this year.

"We are excited to add Halo 4 to our portfolio of world class video game licenses," said Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. "Halo is one of the world's most popular video games and these new Halo branded headsets are sure to appeal to the passionate gamer who wants to maximize his or her Halo experience."

Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, is pleased to unveil its new fall lineup at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Turtle Beach has created a 6,000 square foot both that will showcase new products and a dedicated theater showcase featuring an immersive audio experience. In addition, Turtle Beach will also underscore its commitment to competitive gaming by offering attendees a tournament showcase. The tournament area, theater experience and full line of gaming audio products are available via its E3 booth; Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall #2447, from June 5 - 7, 2012.

The Turtle Beach Ear Force theater experience offers E3 attendees a unique and innovative audio presentation to demonstrate the importance of audio in the gaming experience. Through a custom system utilizing a 270-degree screen, three projectors and headset integration the presentation highlights Turtle Beach's advanced audio. As always, hundreds of Turtle Beach headsets will be powering the audio experiences for visitors to numerous E3 booths, including Activision, 2K Games, Warner Brothers, Konami, Project (RED), Snapdragon, Bethesda, Gameloft and many others.

SteelSeries, the leading global manufacturer of gaming peripherals, in partnership with ArenaNet, the world's premier developer of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs), today announced a new line-up of gaming peripherals for Guild Wars 2.

Created in collaboration with ArenaNet, the line-up includes the Guild Wars 2 Gaming Headset, a slim profile, on-ear headset design that delivers a quality, immersive audio experience, and the Guild Wars 2 Gaming Mouse, an ambidextrous mouse that features seven programmable buttons, red illumination, and industry-leading technology. Both products are highlighted by the distinctive look of the Guild Wars 2 logo. The Guild Wars 2 QcK Mousepads are available in three designs, including the stylized dragon logo and the heroes Logan Thackeray and Eir Stegalkin. The Guild Wars 2 Gaming Keyboard rounds out the product line-up with an entirely new design that features SteelSeries Engine software for ease of use and advanced functionality as well as game-specific shortcuts; additional details about the keyboard will be unveiled later this year.

Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, and Major League Gaming (MLG), the world's largest competitive video game league, today announce a multi-year product and marketing partnership under which Turtle Beach will develop the official headsets and audio equipment of Major League Gaming. The first official products offered under this partnership will be MLG versions of the all-new Ear Force XP7 and Z7 MLG Pro Circuit Programmable Surround Sound Headsets for console and PC play, along with the Ear Force TM1 Tournament Audio Mixer.

Slated for release in Fall 2012, working prototypes of these exciting new game audio products and others from the Turtle Beach line will be available for preview in Turtle Beach's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) booth; Los Angeles Convention Center South Hall #2447, from June 5 - 7, 2012. MLG Pro Players will be on hand to help introduce the new products, with appearances in the Turtle Beach booth daily from 2-3 p.m. PT.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, today announced the addition of a custom headset to its Collector's Edition gaming peripheral suite. Inspired by tactical aviator headsets and armed with total audio immersion, the Razer BlackShark delivers the full force aural intensity of Battlefield 3, EA and DICE's military shooter masterwork, the fastest-selling game in EA history.

Battlefield 3 is the most physical, dynamic and progressive shooter experience on the market. Now with the Razer BlackShark, gamers will be able to take to the skies feeling like a genuine attack helicopter pilot with complete circumaural ear cups designed to facilitate an authentic auditory in-game experience. Razer's superior sound-isolating technology blocks out undesirable ambient noises and, for moments of truce, the Razer BlackShark comes with a detachable boom microphone for use on-the-go.

The gaming peripherals brand of Cooler Master, CM Storm, announced its latest high-end gaming headset, the CM Storm Sonuz. The Sonuz is an analog stereo headset that takes input from conventional 3.5 mm jacks. The cushioned around-the-ear headphones (inner diameter of 97 mm) are backed by φ 53 mm drivers, with 45 Ω impedance, 10-20,000 Hz frequency response, 98 dB ± 3 dB SNR, and 200 mW maximum output (RMS).

The microphone, on the other hand, is suspended on a hinged arm. It has a frequency range of 100-10,000 Hz; -47 dB ± 3 dB (@ 10 kHz) sensitivity, 58 dB SNR, and an omni-directional pickup. The headset's combined cable is 2 m long, and is braided. A volume + mic-toggle pod sits in the middle. Apart from the headphone cans, the headband is cushioned. The CM Storm Sonus will be likely priced a notch above the CM Storm Sirius, at around US $115.

Turtle Beach, pioneers and market-leaders of the gaming headset category, proudly announce its expanded lineup of premium quality headsets, all of which are now available online and at major retailers. Following the success of the XP500 - the world's first gaming headset with full wireless Xbox LIVE Chat- Turtle Beach is expanding the line and building upon its first generation. Details on the latest offerings include:

● Ear Force XP400 Wireless Dolby Surround Sound Xbox 360 Headset with Wireless Xbox LIVE Chat; MSRP $219.95

● Ear Force XP300 Wireless Stereo Xbox 360 Headset with Wireless Xbox Chat; MSRP $169.95
- Designed for the hard-core gamer, the Ear Force XP400 and XP300 include a rechargeable battery, 5 GHz dual-band Wi-Fi technology, 50 mm speakers and dual-pairing Bluetooth technology that provides wireless Xbox LIVE chat for a truly wireless gaming experience with premium audio quality.

Rosewill, the world leading hardware solution provider, announces their latest 5.1 channel vibrating gaming headset, RHTS-8206, that will enhance the Rosewill gaming headset family. The addition of this headset will raise Rosewill's gaming footprint to new heights by expanding their already extensive gaming components. Featuring a virtual 7.1 digital surround sound environment and large 40mm Nd-Fe-B magnetic drivers, this headset delivers deep bass, smooth undistorted highs, and crystal clear vocals. The vibrating feature will make your music and games come to life and give you a more immersive experience. However, having premium sound is nothing without comfort.

Equipped with soft ear cushions and weighing less than 1 pound, the RHTS-8206 is built for extreme comfort. Marathon gaming sessions will feel like a breeze with the type of comfort that these headphones provide. Storage is also made easy with 90 degree fold flat ear cups and a flexible, detachable boom has been added to give you unlimited adjustment for that perfect setup. The microphone is unidirectional that reduces background noise for clearer conversations.

Taiwan-based Genius is an international leading company in computer peripherals introduces the new PC Headset HS-400A, which is great for VOIP chatting and also has a great appearance.

HS-400A features a graffiti pattern and a vivid preen which catches everyone's eye. From the inside the in-line volume control and adjustable, microphone lets one adjust it to the liking. The headband and ear cups are also adjustable and provide great listening experience. HS-400A is a great choice for practical solutions.

SPEEDLINK, specialist in high-quality and stylish sound solutions, presents its very first circumaural stereo headset that's also perfect for mobile use with smartphones: the AUX.

Notebooks, tablets and smartphones make music and digital communications portable. This new freedom and the increasing variety of sound sources call for a totally new generation of headset. The AUX Stereo Headset from SPEEDLINK is the perfect synthesis of a set of stylish headphones and a convenient microphone headset - and connects to practically any device thanks to its ingenious cable system. It connects to smartphones like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy series - and an ever increasing number of notebooks - via its conveniently short cable featuring a 4-contact 3.5 mm jack plug, while a really long adapter cable is included featuring standard headphone and microphone jack plugs for desktop PCs. This means the headset is always there when needed, yet it can be connected in seconds when at home.

Corsair, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced the Vengeance 2000 Wireless 7.1 Gaming headset and Vengeance C70 PC case. The new products are the first wireless headset and first PC case in the company's growing arsenal of award-winning Vengeance PC gaming products.

"Our Vengeance wired headsets have built a loyal following by giving gamers a competitive advantage with detailed positional audio, reliable voice communication, and comfort that lasts over marathon gaming sessions," said Ruben Mookerjee, VP and General Manager of the Components Business Unit at Corsair. "The new Vengeance 2000 wireless headset relieves gamers from the hassle of accidentally rolling over cables or ripping their headset connector out of their PCs during the heat of battle."

When you are on the go, you want to listen to your tunes without being tangled or tied to your Smartphone or music player. Plantronics today announced its smallest, lightest, wireless earbuds available, the BackBeat GO. Now music lovers, mobile gamers, and podcast and video fans can listen to their Bluetooth enabled device, in stereo, all without the hassle of cords.

The BackBeat Go boasts the ideal combination of style, premium sound, comfort and convenience all with the simplicity of wireless earbuds. Made for use with smartphones, tablets and MP3 players, the extremely compact and lightweight BackBeat GO includes deep, rich, stereo sound, noise reduction technology for improved call clarity and inline controls that allow you to take calls, skip tracks, and adjust volume all at your fingertips.

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. announced today a new range of licensed Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier products, due for release to coincide with the upcoming Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier videogame from Ubisoft, expected to launch in May 2012.

Due for release on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system from Sony, the new range of licensed products includes the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier Pro GamePad and the Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier 7.1 Surround Sound Headset.

Darren Richardson, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. stated, "We're excited to be a part of the Tom Clancy's franchise and look forward to the release of our range of licensed Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier products."

Wrapping up the week (and the month), Creative Technology has sent out word about the upcoming arrival of a new gaming headset, the Draco Junior (model HS-430). Targeting users with an 'active lifestyle', Creative's headphones weight just 81 grams and have a behind-the-ear design, 30 mm Neodymium drivers, leatherette ear cups, a removable noise canceling microphone, a 2.5 meter cable with volume controls and a mute switch, and a gold-plated 3.5 mm connector.

The Draco Junior has a recommended price tag of 27.99 Euro and is expected to become available in mid-April.

Easy to deploy unified communications (UC) solutions are increasingly important as more companies must address employee mobility, better utilization of office real estate and an ever increasing need for collaboration. Plantronics (NYSE:PLT) today announced its participation in the Microsoft Lync Hosted Pack Reference Architecture Partner Ecosystem. The ecosystem is designed to support Microsoft Lync Server 2010 Multitenant Pack for Partner Hosting, a special deployment configuration scoped for Hosting or Telecom services providers.

Customers can quickly identify tested options, incorporating audio devices and hosted Microsoft Lync services, which will help speed their implementation times. Optimized endpoints from Plantronics, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, coupled with Microsoft Lync can help deliver a better experience by accelerating UC adoption within an enterprise or an SMB.

Announced early this year, at CES 2012, Plantronics' GameCom 780 Gaming Headset has now become available for purchase in Europe. The 780 offers a 7.1 surround sound experience (thanks to the Dolby Headphone and Pro Logic IIx technologies) and features 40 mm drivers, ultra-comfortable ear cushions and headband, a noise-canceling microphone, on-ear volume and mute buttons, built-in spin-joints (that let the earpods lay flat for easy storage), and USB connectivity.

The GameCom 780 can be bought for 49.90 Euro.

Razer finally put an end to the six month saga of availability Tiamat series gaming headsets. CEO Min-Liang Tan tweeted that the headset has started shipping worldwide today, and that stocks are limited, but that Razer is working hard to make them in sizable quantities. Announced in August 2011, availability of the Tiamat series of "true 7.1 channel" surround gaming headsets was slated for December, but was faced with delays, first to late-January, then to February.