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

11street searches reveal safety consciousness of Malaysians as Eid nears

Source: 11street. Children in
car seats.

Online searches at 11street have revealed a spike in interest for baby car seats as shoppers get ready for the ‘balik kampung’ exodus, when they travel home to celebrate the Eid holidays.

The e-commerce portal said there has been a close to 81% increase* in online searches for baby car seats since Ramadhan began, showing a rising awareness of child passenger safety. Searches for Bluetooth earphones also rose twofold as the hands-free devices enable drivers to make calls safely with minimal disruption.

The trend among parents surfing on 11street is in line with the recent recommendations from the Malaysian Consumers Association to enforce car seats for carrying infants and children in vehicles.¹

Source: 11street. Kim.

11street’s Chief Executive Officer, Hoseok Kim points out that while child car seats have yet to be made mandatory by the local government, the rise of car seat searches indicate parents are becoming more savvy about road safety.

According to statistics Bukit Aman’s Traffic Branch, there was a 5.5% increase in car accidents in 2014 as compared to 2013. Total car crashes last year amounted to almost 60 000 cases.² In the event of a vehicle crash, car seat use have been found to significantly reduce the risk of a child’s death.³

Kim says, “Parents are increasingly concerned about the safety of their young children. It should come as no surprise that parents search for car seats at online marketplace such as 11street because it is one of the most conducive platforms where people can research for vast (amounts of) product information.”

At the same time, using mobile phones and other portable devices while behind the wheel has emerged as a tremendous risk for car accidents. Kim adds, “Apart from baby car seats, we also began to see an increased search for Bluetooth earphones over the last week, by at least two-fold. Hands-free devices should be a priority as well since it enables drivers to make calls safely with minimal disruption. At 11street, we offer a wide selection of safety boosting car accessories at affordable prices including Bluetooth stereo receivers, anti-sleep alarms and many more.”

Data also showed that with the upcoming festivities, other indispensable items such as powerbanks and travel bags have gained in popularity. This indicates that Malaysians are already starting to prepare for Raya (Eid).

¹Government urged to introduce legislation for baby car seats
²Road accidents in Malaysia on the rise ³Child Passenger Safety: Get the Facts

*11street data from the most-searched items on the 11street website from June 15 to June 26 2015.

posted from Bloggeroid

Bose announces SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones

Source: Bose.

Bose has announced its first on-ear Bluetooth headphones, the SoundLink Bluetooth on-ear headphones. The new SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones are lighter and more comfortable than conventional Bluetooth headphones, the company said, and deliver all the audio performance of a Bose wired headphone. 

Bose Active Equalization and TriPort technology combine for smoother, more balanced sound. Mid-high frequencies are natural, and low-frequencies are detailed and full. 

A new two-microphone system rejects distractions like wind, so callers can hear what you’re saying more, and the sounds around you less. Adaptive Audio Adjustment technology automatically changes volume based on speech level and ambient noise, letting wearers move from a quiet environment to a noisier one without missing a word.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones connect up to two devices at a time and let wearers switch between them, so a user can watch a video from a tablet while staying connected to a smartphone. Simple voice prompts identify who’s calling, battery status and source connection. With commands on the earcup, the wearer has controls to turn it on and off, answer and end a call, adjust volume, play/pause, or control tracks, without using the phone.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones come in black or white, and weigh 5.5 ounces (156g). Designed to be worn comfortably for hours, they feature soft ear cushions and a headband pad made of fabric used in high-end automotive applications. To stow away, they fold smoothly for compact storage in a matching case. The headphones charge easily with an included USB cable for up to 15 hours of listening, or up to two hours after a 15-minute charge.

The SoundLink on-ear Bluetooth headphones will be sold* for US$249.95. All SoundLink products are sold* at Bose retail stores, Bose.com, and at authorised Bose dealers.

*Image from Bose. Prices and availability varies across countries.