Plantronics announces over-the-ear BackBeat PRO 2

Source: Plantronics. The BackBeat PRO 2.

Plantronics, a pioneer in audio and wearable technology, has announced the BackBeat PRO 2 and BackBeat PRO 2 Special Edition (SE) are available worldwide.

"More people than ever are ready to cut the cord and take their audio experience wireless, but are concerned they may have to compromise on the audio quality of their music and their ability to listen for long stretches at a time. BackBeat PRO 2 was designed with these consumers in mind," said Tanguy Leborgne, VP, Consumer Solutions, Plantronics.

"Its on-demand active noise-cancellation, 24-hour battery life, and Plantronics signature audio technologies mean you can immerse yourself in the rich bass, crisp highs and natural mid-tones of your favourite track at the touch of a button, whether you're at the office, commuting, at home or on a long flight."

Built on the winning features of the popular BackBeat PRO, BackBeat PRO 2 is 35% smaller and 15% lighter compared to the previous generation model. Along with new ear cups for better ergonomics and ear coverage, a flexible ear cup mount, and a headband and yoke that distribute weight evenly around the wearer's head, the design of BackBeat PRO 2 means a comfortable fit during long listening sessions.

Delivering a high-quality, full-range listening experience, the over-the-ear BackBeat PRO 2 has on-demand active noise-cancellation (ANC) to minimise background noise as needed. Users can then switch to open-listening mode to hear announcements or conversations without removing the headphones.

The BackBeat PRO 2 provides wireless freedom with Class 1 Bluetooth for a 100 m range when paired with a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Plantronics smart power management technologies provide up to 24 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge, up to 21 days of standby power, and up to six months of DeepSleep hibernation if inadvertently left on.


A special edition, the BackBeat PRO 2 SE with near field communications (NFC) pairing, more premium finishes and a hard travel case, has also been launched.

Other BackBeat stereo Bluetooth headphones include BackBeat SENSE, smart on-ear wireless headphones with sensor technology.

Interested?

BackBeat PRO 2 is available in Black and Tan at authorised Plantronics retailers in Singapore for S$319. The BackBeat PRO 2 SE will be available in Graphite Grey at authorised Singapore Plantronics retailers for S$379.

Plantronics unveils premium Bluetooth stereo headset for UC and multimedia applications

Source: Plantronics.

Plantronics, a global player in audio communications, has unveiled the Voyager Focus UC, which it says is the industry's first wireless Bluetooth stereo headset with active-noise cancellation (ANC) technology.

A premium product for unified communications (UC) and multimedia applications, Voyager Focus UC was designed for enterprise workers in an open office or simply to reduce distraction. The headset provides all-day comfort and includes smart sensor technology, audio alerts, and wideband audio and hi-fi stereo sound. 

"No one can dispute the positive impact a great audio experience has on effective communications and collaboration," said Rich Costello, Senior Research Analyst, IDC. "But audio experiences are increasingly being challenged, especially as traditional office environments expand to include workers in more remote and non-traditional, open-office environments that introduce more external noise factors." 

The Voyager Focus UC headsets feature an immersive on-the-ear design to reduce high frequency noises like office sounds and background voices. Low frequency sounds, like noise from air conditioners, is reduced through ANC. In order to reduce the noise that is transmitted and overheard by others, three precisely-tuned microphones and noise-cancelling algorithms reduce noise caused by keyboard clatter, close-talkers, and movement, while optimising voice intelligibility. 

"We tried to think of every collaboration challenge and built a solution that solves for them. We created a premium design that will convey confidence and competence during a video call. We've used sensors and context to adapt the user experience to the wearing style and state so it just works as expected," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, enterprise solutions management, Plantronics. 

"But our real innovation is in the audio performance. We adapted our best-of-breed microphone technology with improved algorithms to ensure clarity of the user's voice, while suppressing background noises and tuning the audio listening profile to ensure that your favorite playlist sounds dynamic and impressive." 

Highlights include: 

• Class 1 Bluetooth with adaptive power to deliver up to 45m of wireless range while preserving battery life. 
• Dynamic Mute Alert technology - an industry first - senses speech and then alerts that the mute function is still active. Additionally, the headset will automatically mute when a user takes it off and unmute when it's put back on. 
• Leatherette ear cushions wrapped around pillow-soft memory foam deliver all-day comfort, while a cushioned metal headband provides durability and helps maintain a comfortable, secure fit. 
• On-board sensors create an intuitive user experience. Examples include answering a call by simply putting the headset on and pausing mobile audio when the headset is taken off, restarting it when replaced. 
• Rigorous testing of the Voyager Focus UC with the predominant collaboration solutions from Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya, and Huawei ensures the best possible experience when using these applications. 

Interested?

The Voyager Focus UC will be available in Singapore with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$499. Check retail locations in Asia

Plantronics adds Apple Watch and Android Wear controls for premium headsets

Plantronics, an audio and wearable technology specialist, announced that the latest version of its Plantronics Hub for iOS and Android now supports the Apple Watch and Android Wear, broadening the company’s reach to include other devices within the growing mobile device ecosystem.

With the new smart watch extension, people can now manage the headset experience directly from their wrist. Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android lets users manage, customise, and control premium Plantronics Bluetooth headsets, including the Voyager Focus UC headphones. Supported controls include muting and unmuting the headset, volume control, battery status, and ending calls. 

Interested?

Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android with smart watch support is free and available* now at the Apple App store and Google Play.

*Plantronics Hub for iOS requires iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.3; Plantronics for Android requires OS v2.3.3 and later

Plantronics rolls out new stereo headset with active noise cancellation

Plantronics has announced a new stereo headset, its first for unified communications (UC) that also has active noise cancelling. 

Source: Plantronics. The
Blackwire 725.

"Everywhere is the new workplace. We know office noise is increasingly becoming a concern due to more open working environments that promote collaboration, but workplace noise isn't just a problem for those in the office," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, enterprise product solutions, Plantronics. 

"You can't always control your environment and you certainly can't control your caller's environment, so we help ensure workers have solutions they need to block out the noise, allowing them to have a high-quality communication experience wherever their workplace is." 

The Blackwire 725 is the company's first UC stereo headset with active noise cancelling. It combines wideband audio, digital signal processing and a noise cancelling microphone in a corded option that is ideal for managing PC calls and listening to multimedia.

The Blackwire 725 is available in March from authorised Plantronics distributors at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of US$179.95.

Plantronics launches headsets addressing modern call centre challenges

Plantronics has announced a new family of headset solutions designed for customer service centres and offices. 

Source: Plantronics. The EncorePro 500 family.

According to the company, customer service centres face new challenges with the trend towards using smartphones and self-service. Customers who call customer service representatives (CSRs) with a problem have likely already tried self-service and may even have much more information than the agent. A call has become an escalation that puts more pressure on the CSR to perform, even though the customer is more often than not speaking in a mobile environment with questionable audio quality.

Businesses are also using over-the-phone routes for complex, high-value transactions, where CSRs must work with high-quality audio and yet preserve the confidentiality of customer information.

The Plantronics EncorePro 500 Series is designed for such challenges. It features new materials and technologies that yield an ergonomic fit that is durable, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wearing. The noise-cancelling technology ensures more focused and private calls, so conversations will be heard clearly with fewer misunderstood words and with reduced background noise from keyboards and close talkers.

The family includes the EncorePro 510/520, which are dedicated over-the-head models, and the EncorePro 540, a convertible model. All models support wideband audio.


"We are building on the world's most successful professional grade headset, the SupraPlus, and this is a challenge we did not take lightly. Our deep understanding of the new business needs and role of customer service, and the availability of new materials, design philosophies, manufacturing techniques and core technologies resulted in a new portfolio that is not only state-of-the-art by today's standards, but also future-proofed to adapt as the landscape changes," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, Enterprise Communications Solutions, Plantronics. 

The new EncorePro 540 (convertible) model is immediately available. The EncorePro 510/520 (dedicated over-the-head monaural and binaural models) will be available in both noise-cancelling and voice tube* versions in December. 

Visit www.plantronics.com/contactcenter for information and pricing. View the associated video here.

*Voice tubes transfer sound more clearly across a distance.