Plantronics and Altec Lansing Announce Their Fall Lines of Headsets and Headphones.

Posted by: dgoldring on Jun 29 2007

I have been a fan of Plantronics headphones and headsets for some time now, and recently gave them high marks for the Pulsar 260 BT stereo headset.  Today, I was excited to receive an email informing us that Plantronics and Altec Lansing (a division of Plantronics) have unveiled their new fall line-ups; and they look fantastic.

Plantronics and Altec Lansing have unveiled three new products, including: 

• the Voyager 520 Bluetooth headset
• the Upgrader series of premium-fit headphones 
• the .Audio 480 Virtual Phone Booth headset

Read past the break for more information on each of these exciting new products, and stay tuned as we are hoping to bring you in-depth reviews in the not so distant future.

Voyager 520 Bluetooth Headset

The Plantronics Voyager 520 Bluetooth headset combines a unique noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for exceptional sound quality, even in distracting outdoor environments. The headset includes Plantronics’ Multipoint technology that enables users to conveniently switch between two Bluetooth devices, such as work and personal mobile phones.

In addition to business-quality sound and comfort, the Plantronics Voyager 520 is simple to use. A multifunction button provides easy one-touch call answer/end and volume up/down support. And Plantronics’ QuickPair technology enables fast, out-of-the-box pairing of the headset with any Bluetooth mobile phone.

The Voyager 520 headset comes bundled with a unique desktop charging cradle. With a single charge, you can get a full workday’s worth of talk time — up to eight hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby time.

The new Plantronics Voyager 520 Bluetooth headset (MSRP $99.99) will be available in August at major national electronics retailers and http://www.plantronics.com.

Altec Lansing Upgrader Series Headphones

Altec Lansing, a division of Plantronics, Inc., today introduced an expansive portfolio of premium fit headphones. The new series — offered with and without a microphone — provides consumers with an “upgrade” in sound quality, individualized style and fit over generic bundled headphones.

Three of the new Upgrader Series™ headphones – the UHS 302, UHS 306 and UHS 307 – feature microphones and a specialized ‘convertible’ adapter developed to connect with the iPhone as well as with most mobile phones.

 

“As mobile phones and multimedia devices expand their content capabilities to include music, video, games and the Internet, consumers are demanding headphones that deliver truly immersive experiences,” said Robert Heiblim, senior vice president of Marketing for Altec Lansing. “Altec Lansing’s new Upgrader Series provides just that. By selecting a fit that matches their personal lifestyle, consumers achieve optimal comfort and superb audio for listening and conversations.”

The Upgrader Series features both a UHS line (headphones with a microphone) and UHP line (headphones only). Using materials inspired by specialized sporting goods and eyewear, the Upgrader headphones are designed for a wide variety of environments and lifestyles, including:

Audio Enthusiasts: For consumers that want clear, crisp sound with no outside distractions, the Upgrader line includes headphones with SnugFit designs that provide noise-isolation and high-fidelity, including phenomenal bass. The UHP 306, UHP 336, UHP 101 and UH 301 all feature in-ear designs with silicon tips or pads that conform to the unique shape of ears and provide all day comfort. The UHS 306 offers the same sound quality and custom fit, and also features an inline volume control and microphone for switching between phones calls and music.

For those who like over-the-ear headphones, the Upgrader Series includes the UHP 405 that features booming surround sound (optimized for gaming) and UHP 805 that includes active noise-cancellation technology, perfect for airplanes.

Active Users: For avid joggers, bikers and others that enjoy active sports, the Upgrader series includes headphones with AirFit designs that provide great stability and sound, while allowing users to monitor external noises, such as traffic and workout partners. The UHP 303 includes a moisture-resistant design, breathable ear pads and a flexible titanium neck band for a great fit. The UHP 302 is also moisture resistant and features a spring steel ear hanger for a snug fit. The UHS 307 features a spring steel ear hanger design along with washable silicon ear tips and an inline volume control and microphone with mute switch.

Casual listeners: For those who enjoy listening to music at work or during public transportation commutes, Altec Lansing offers AirFit headphones that go on the ear for rich, full stereo sound. Both the UHP 302 and UHP 303 feature breathable micro fiber ear pads and moisture resistant designs — the UHP 302 is an ear clip fit. The UHP 304 uses an over-the-head fit featuring a dual titanium headband design for ultra style and flexibility. The UHS 302 includes an inline volume control and microphone with mute switch.

The UHS headphones come with a gold plated 1/4 inch (3.5mm), four-band connector that fits with the iPhone’s unique audio jack and assures a pure audio experience. Devices can be attached via the standard 1/4-inch (3.5mm) gold plated connector or a 1/8-inch (2.5mm) adapter that fits most audio component output ports.

Altec Lansing’s Upgrader Series will be available in August 2007 at major retailers and www.alteclansing.com.

The .Audio 480 Virtual Phone Booth Headset

Plantronics, Inc. today debuted the new .Audio(TM) 480 Virtual Phone Booth(TM) headset for laptop multimedia and Internet conversations. The smallest, most portable computer headset in the Plantronics lineup, Virtual Phone Booth delivers outstanding stereo sound and voice quality for laptop users on the go.

The Plantronics Virtual Phone Booth features sound-isolating earbuds and wind-noise reduction technology to filter out external distractions and enable users to completely immerse themselves in activities – Internet telephony, online gaming, music and movies — no matter how noisy the surrounding environment.

“Laptop users tend to be very mobile and often conduct activities in noisy, crowded environments, such as airports and coffee shops,” said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president, Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics. “Virtual Phone Booth’s rich sound, combined with noise-canceling technology, helps users create quiet personal spaces where they can fully engage in what they’re doing, and do so unobtrusively.”

The Plantronics Virtual Phone Booth .Audio 480 offers features tailored to the mobile laptop user:

• Sound-isolating earbuds block out unwanted noise
• Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology minimize external noise, making conversations clearer
• Sleek, flexible boom lets the user adjust the microphone closer for private conversations
• Foldable and stowable with a low-profile design
• Easy operability with inline volume and mute control.

Plantronics Virtual Phone Booth headset is compatible with both PCs and Macs (USB version only) and will be available in both analog ($89.95 MSRP) and USB ($109.95 MSRP) versions. The headset will be available in August at major retailers and http://www.plantronics.com.

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