I’ve never been a big fan of Bluetooth headsets, mostly because I don’t actually talk on the phone that much. So when I was tasked with reviewing the Sony Smart Wireless Headset Pro, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What did this little thing do? Would I find it useful? I quickly discovered that this tiny device is not your ordinary headset, but a Bluetooth Swiss Army knife for smartphones.

While Sony’s Smart Wireless Headset Pro is designed first and foremost for Android smartphones, it will work with any Bluetooth equipped device - including tablets and laptops. Android users, however, will get access to the devices’ full roster of features. Let’s start with what comes in the box: you’ll find the Headset Pro “receiver”, Sony in-ear earbuds, a 2GB microSD card, USB cable, microSD to USB adapter, a charger, and replacement earbud covers in multiple sizes. That’s a lot of stuff, and the Headset Pro can do a lot of stuff.

First and foremost, the Headset Pro functions as a Bluetooth headset. Pair it to your smartphone, and you can listen to music and answer calls wirelessly. There’s a large circular button on the face of the device for answering calls, with playback and volume controls along either side. Load up that 2GB microSD card with your favourite songs, and the Headset also functions as a standalone MP3 player, plus it’s got a built-in FM tuner as well. While I’m no audiophile, I found the sound quality to be excellent (depending on the source, of course, since FM radio is never the best quality). The included earbuds feel high quality - as they should, considering the headset costs around $100. The cable is rubbery and flat, too, so they feel less likely to fray over time.

While you can answer and end calls using any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, as I said before, Android users get a ton of extra features. Using the companion LiveWire manager and Smart Wireless Headset Pro applications, both of which are free in Google Play, users can actually receive text message, email, and calendar alerts right on the headset’s OLED display. Strap this thing to a wristband, and it’s practically a smart watch. Sony has a full list of compatible Android phones posted on their website.

The earbuds are really comfortable, and form a nice seal, so they won’t fall out if you plan on wearing them to workout. Sony says the battery will last for about 11 hours of use, which I found to be pretty accurate. I can’t say the same of my iPhone 5′s battery, however, which depleted much faster with Bluetooth turned on. The same will be true of any smartphone; something to think about when considering any Bluetooth accessory. The device also has a handy clip on the back, so you can attach it to your shirt or bag, and away you go! It’s super light, so you’ll barely notice it’s there.

As I said before, I’ve never been a big fan of bluetooth headsets, but this is no ordinary Bluetooth headset. Wireless music streaming is really cool, and the ability to always have music on the device - be it MP3 files on the SD card, or your favourite radio station - is a nice touch. For around $100, Sony’s Smart Wireless Headset Pro is a versatile little device that is a perfect fit for Android users looking to go wireless.

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