27th November 2006 - Bluetooth headsets have stalled in their evolution since the arrival of Bluetooth 2.0 but now the new Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435 headset aims to kick start the process again with a few new features and a splash of style. Before we get into the basic specs we thought we'd start with the new bits, the things that make the HBH GV435 different from the other run of the mill headsets.
First up Sony Ericsson have used a new DSP within the GV435 which manages the sound processing with a great efficiency and allows dynamic functions to be performed. We've tested headsets with noise cancellation before and some work quite well but the Sony has automatic volume level adjustment on top of its noise cancelling. The result is that the processor has another set of options to boost the level of the incoming call to help combat a noisy environment.

Despite all this high tech stuff the HBH GV435 is actually quite a basic headset without some of the bells and whistles that bristle on many top end models, So no LCD screen or VOIP features just a basic headset that concentrates on good audio quality. From the look of the large headset you could be forgiven for thinking this is going to be an uncomfortable fit, however this is not the case and for those who find the in ear designs hard work the outer ear fir of the 435 could be great news. The large over ear hook manages to hold the headset firmly on the ear and the earbud itself does not sit inside the ear merely on the entrance which we found very comfortable during daily commutes and long journeys alike. Despite what we can only describe as chunky styling the Sony headset proved a worth companion and when paired with the near 8 hour talk time and 300 hour standby it should be a real winner with those who spend too long on the roads.

The downside is that despite Sony Ericsson's attempts to make the GV-435 look cool it does look pretty ugly and you'll no doubt want to leave it in the car rather than be seen in public with it hanging over your ear. Controls are fairly basic with a power, call handling and volume button plus a small indicator light to gauge both battery status and connectivity.

The real feature of the HBH-GV435 is the call quality, in our tests it performed well indoors or in quiet environments. However it excelled in noisy situations, in car our callers commented that it was difficult to tell we were on the road due to the lack of road noise or rumble. In busy public places our voices remained very clear and even heavy traffic noise was subdued to the mumble of general background.

Priced at £45 the Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435 is a kind of back to basics headset, but one that concentrates the new technology on the main feature, good reliable, clear voice calls. If only other gadgets had this kid of clarity of purpose life would be much better.

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