Congratulations to Etymotic for creating Ety8, the world's first Bluetooth in-the-ear earphones - the antidote, it reckons, to the bulky Bluetooth cans we've seen on the market to date.

Got a light?

The earphones are compatible with dockable iPods - for which a transmitter is supplied - and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and computers.

One earphone has a rectangular panel that "hangs" by your ear to receive the signal, while the other earphone has an identical panel - ah, symmetry - with controls for volume and song selection. Unfortunately, this will make you look as though you're wearing matchbooks for earrings.

And then there's the cable that runs between the two panels - necessary, perhaps, but somehow an appendage that spoils the look. Still, at least if one 'phone falls out you won't lose it this way.

Etymotic claim Ety8 provides superior quality sound and background noise reduction, while the 'phones also have a battery life of up to ten hours and come with a nifty leather carrying case and spare sleeves.

A good accessory selection that, since the Ety8 Bluetooth earphones don't come cheap. Available now, the retail for around £200 (€295/$406).

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