Richer VoIP apps drive increasing headset sophistication

One of the undereported stories at the Consumer Electronics Show this week is the growing sophistication of headsets for VoIP calls.

There are the usual cast of suspects, such as Logitech and Plantronics- but it now seems that headset makers more associated with audiophile applications - like listening to music - are testing the VoIP waters.

In the starkest example to date, Sennheiser is announcing the PC 30 and PC 20 desktop headsets, which will be priced at $29.95 and $24.95, respectively.

The reasons for marketing such devices to VoIP users should be no mystery. VoIP is becoming much more than a voice experience. Think Skype video mail, for instance. Richer applications require better audio for both the caller and recipient. Look for this market to boom.