plantronics

Altec Lansing has introduced "its first wearable stereo Bluetooth products," the BackBeat 906 and 903 Stereo Bluetooth headphones. The higher-end model, the 906 ($129.95), comes with a stereo Bluetooth 2.0 adapter for iPhones, iPods, and other MP3 devices, while the BackBeat 903 ($99.95) is just the headphones. Both offer wireless stereo-music listening and a built-in mic for making and receiving calls on your Bluetooth-equipped cell phone. They're due to hit the market in late February.

Altec, which is owned by Plantronics, is counting on the expertise of the two companies to bring together a … Read more

In an effort to keep up with the Joneses in the Bluetooth headset world, Plantronics is revealing its first-ever dual-microphone headset, dubbed the Voyager 835. Dual-microphone headsets are typically used to enhance your voice while keeping the surrounding background noise down. Some of our favorite headsets, including the Aliph Jawbone 2 and the BlueAnt V1, utilize this technology to boost outgoing audio quality.

The Voyager 835 is definitely designed for the mobile professional with its no-nonsense look and feel. It's not as flashy and feature-rich as other headsets in its category, but it still delivered good audio quality with … Read more

Here's a way to have surround sound audio, but still keep it all to yourself.

Beginning later this month, peripherals maker Plantronics will start shipping its Gamecom 777 headset, which simulates 5.1 channel audio through just two channels--your left and right headphone speakers.

The intention is to enable PC gamers to play games with the sound happening around them, and not directly in their ears. That enables longer listening time--less "listening fatigue," to use industry parlance--and therefore longer gaming sessions.

I got a personal demonstration at the Dolby Theater here in San Francisco (see photo), along … Read more

Break the law, get a free headset?

It might sound a little odd, but online retailer Headsets.com has decided to make that idea the focus of a new marketing and educational campaign related to the new hands-free legislation that takes hold Tuesday in California and Washington.

In effect, if you get ticketed for talking on your cell phone without a headset while driving, pony up the $20 or $50 (depending on how many times you've been caught), then send documentation of your offense to Headsets.com.

The most surprising part? You'll be making a hefty profit by … Read more

Even though Plantronics unveiled the Discovery 925 in New York Fashion Week a month ago, it wasn't really officially announced until today. Thanks to its unique diamond hair-clip shape, the Plantronics Discovery 925 is touted as Plantronics's first foray into the luxury headset market, targeting it especially for the fashion-forward. The company says it's like a piece of jewelry, and its leather carrying case certainly adds to the luxury factor. We had the opportunity to test it out for the past couple of weeks, and we have to say, we really do like its fit and audio … Read more

Shrinkage is a natural part of gadget evolution: So as phones have gotten smaller over the years, why not headsets? Especially ones with Bluetooth because, if you're not careful, you could end up looking like a cartoon character.

That, by the way, is the last thing we'd expect of Eva Longoria Parker, Brooke Shields, or Fergie, all of whom are reportedly very early adopters of the"Discovery 925" Bluetooth earbuds from Plantronics, which won't even be available to the general public until April. According to GeekSugar, these "feminine earpieces are comfortable, lightweight and much … Read more

Plantronics just introduced a Bluetooth headset designed primarily for outdoor use. Built to withstand the elements, the Explorer 370 is military certified under MIL Spec 810 to be water, dust, and shock resistant, plus there's a filter to block wind noise. There are two versions of the Explorer 370: the Explorer 370 Rugged, and the Explorer 370 Sport. The Rugged has a beefier look, with extra padding on the sides, while the Sport looks a little smoother. Both will be available in March, and will cost $79.95 per unit.

Plantronics has just announced its latest Bluetooth headset, the Voyager 855. Similar to the Jabra BT8010 from this year's CES, the Voyager 855 is a mono-to-stereo convertible Bluetooth headset that can "transform" from one to the other with a detachable stereo cable. Like other Plantronics headsets, it will also feature its AudioIQ DSP noise reduction technology, and since this is a stereo headset, the Voyager 855 supports A2DP and AVRCP formats for music, as well. As far as design goes, the headset also features a slide-to-talk boom mic for better audio performance. The Voyager 855 will be … Read more

Swarovski, please stop taking over the gadget world.

This time, the crystal maker is pairing with Plantronics to introduce a limited-edition Bluetooth headset--unlike Philips, which decided to opt out of the Bluetooth trend when it came to Swarovski-adorned gadgets.

The white jeweled headset will retail for $59.95 in October, while the unjeweled version (which also comes in black, gray and pink) will be $49.95. This headset, the newest edition to the MIX line, will be called MIX Explorer 330. The white headset clearly appeals to the fashion-conscious more than its black counterpart, but it isn't something I'… Read more