Sony Ericsson has launched motion sensitive earphones that allow users to answer calls and listen to or pause music without the need to touch a button.

In what the company claims to be a world first, SE’s MH907 Headphones can be controlled by simply inserting earphones in you ears or removing an earphone from either ear. Insert both earphones and it plays music, remove an earphone and it pauses music. Answering and ending calls works in much the same way.

The device makes use of SE’s SensMe technology which is only responsive to human touch, as there are apparently capacitive sensors in each earphone.

“With the MH907 consumers can pocket their phone but still stay connected all day, every day by simply plugging in or removing their earbuds – there is no need for a remote control or any buttons.” said Sonja Shear, Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson South Africa. “At Sony Ericsson we think it is very important to listen to what our customer needs and introducing the world’s first ever motion activated headphones highlights our commitment to offer our customers a complete Communications Entertainment experience. The MH907 supports our realigned brand strategy, which aims to build a fun, playful and inclusive interaction with consumers.”

No word on price or availability in South Africa yet, and as far as we’ve heard only SE handsets with “fast port” connectors are compatible with the earphones. [Update: the earphones have a recommended retail price of R449 and will be available towards the end of November.]