Plantronics Bows New Bluetooth Headsets
By John Laposky -- TWICE, 8/21/2006
NEW YORK — Plantronics has added on to its Discovery and Explorer lines of Bluetooth headsets.
At the top of the Discovery line is the new Plantronics Discovery 655, which expands on the design of previous Discovery headsets and features new styling and an ergonomic fit that complements the contours and lines of the human face, according to the company. Weighing only 9 grams, the Discovery 655 employs digital signal processing to actively reduce background noise for clearer conversations. It includes a AAA charging pocket that provides up to 10 hours of talk time and a headset storage jacket with a vibrate ring indicator to offer a convenient way to charge, store and transport the headset. The headset also comes with a mini-USB adapter to charge from a PC or mobile phone power supply.
Plantronics also introduced the Discovery 640E, which reflects the design of the original Discovery 640 product and comes with fewer charging adapters at a reduced price.
The Plantronics Discovery 655 and Discovery 640E headsets have suggested retails of $149.95 and $119.95, respectively. Both products will be available in August at www.plantronics.com and at retailers this fall.
The three new products in the Explorer line are aimed at first-time Bluetooth users. The Explorer 330 is engineered for “effortless call control,” said the company. The headset incorporates call features such as volume, answer/end call, last-number redial and voice-activated dialing into a single button.
The Explorer 340 and Explorer 350 feature new styling and come in multiple colors. The Explorer 350 comes with in-car accessories for charging and stowing.
The Explorer 350 and Explorer 340 have suggested retails of $89.95 and $79.95, respectively. Both products will be available in August at on the Plantronics Web site and at retailers in the fall. The Explorer 330 carries a $79.95 price tag and will be available at retail this fall.
Plantronics announced the details of each product line at a press event in New York last month. Said Renee Niemi, mobile and entertainment. “Plantronics designs its products to effectively marry the intricacies of superior sound technology with fashionable design and comfort — and does so in a very small and elegant package. Our new lineup of Bluetooth headsets demonstrates this design philosophy and continues our legacy of providing consumers with reliable, intuitive and feature-rich products.”
