Gadgets: Plyr1 gaming headset

Completing its move into the realm of gaming headsets, Skullcandy has released the flagship product, the Plyr1, in its new audio line.

Like other headsets in this line, the Plyr1 (pronounced "player one") is designed for casual gamers. At $180, it's more expensive than rivals, but it does offer a few advantages.

For starters, the headset is wireless. This allows you to roam while playing without fear of tripping over or pulling out a cable. The controls, easily accessible on the right ear cup, include a switch that allows customization of the mix of chat and game. And the adjustable microphone mutes when flipped up.

But the best benefit is the Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound, typically found in high-end gaming headsets. The Plyr1 delivers clear, immersive sound through a wireless audio transmitter that plugs into your console (Xbox, PS3 or PC).

The Plyr1 has a comfortable, snug fit that allows for hours of game play, but there is no audio jack, so you can't plug it into a smartphone or tablet. Overall, the Plyr1 is a step up for casual gamers who want better sound but aren't ready to make the jump to a high-end headset.

When a company says it makes a headphone designed for women, it usually means it has taken regular headphones and painted them pink.

The audio company Koss has gone a step further, though, making women's headphones that are one-third smaller than men's headphones. The line of headphones, the Koss Fit Series, has two models — the FitClips and the FitBuds, both priced at $30.

The headphones sound good for a $30 set. They are a little on the dynamic side, meaning the sound is a little exaggerated. The tone gives it a pleasing effect as though you are listening through a warm old analog tube amplifier. But songs with heavy bass can sound boomy.

Although these headphones do not come in pink, they do come in purple, yellow, orange, blue and sea foam green. They are available in Wal-Mart stores.