foneGEAR and Aura Communications introduced a wireless headset based on magnetic communications technology at last week's DEMOmobile 2003 event.

Leveraging Aura Communications' LibertyLink technology, the foneGEAR Cord Free headset uses an enhanced form of "near field" magnetic communication rather than conventional radio frequency technology. The result, according to the two companies: a secure communication bubble that is uniquely owned by each user.

foneGEAR said Cord Free uses a single AA alkaline battery to achieve up to 25 hours of talk time and three months of standby power. foneGEAR also noted that the headset dispenses with the conventional standby or "on-off" button, eliminating the need for users to remember to turn it off.

The headset, set to ship in the fourth quarter, is expected to retail between $59-$79, depending on the retailer.

According to Aura, its LibertyLink technology, operating in the low-frequency industrial, scientific and medical band at 13.5 MHz, creates a three-dimensional "bubble" that envelops the personal space of each user.

"foneGEAR carefully evaluated a number of alternatives before deciding on Aura's magnetic communication technology for our new brand of wireless headsets &$150; we believe our product sets a new benchmark for quality, price, performance and features that simply wouldn't be possible without Aura's technology," said foneGear President Ken Eisenbraun.