HP announced a slew of products at its Amplify conference this week, most of which range from refreshes to vaguely newish models. But one update worth discussing is the HyperX Cloud 3 S Wireless, successor to the popular and excellent Cloud 3 Wireless, as is the addition of a new $80 Cloud Jet Dual Wireless headset to the line.
The Cloud 3 S adds Bluetooth in addition to 2.4GHz wireless over the older Cloud 3 Wireless, which lets HyperX increase its battery life as well: It says the same 120 hours as the older model when connected via the dongle for 2.4GHz, but because Bluetooth draws less power, HyperX now rates it at 200 hours when using Bluetooth. Like many less-expensive dual-mode headsets, the Cloud 3 S can only toggle between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, not use them simultaneously. One of the big drawbacks to that is you can't monitor notifications on your phone while it's connected to your computer -- just hear it ring and pick up and control calls. It looks identical to the older model.
The Cloud Jet Dual operates similarly, but the new headset is at the entry-/step-up level, with the same aesthetic as the Stinger models. It has typical specs for its class, including a 20- to 25-hour battery life, mesh foam ear cushions and 40mm drivers. In a deviation from HyperX's typical padded headband, it incorporates a SteelSeries-like elastic ski suspension design.