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HP buys Poly, the company formerly known as Plantronics
HP has bought Poly, the company formerly known as Plantronics — but not for its headphones.
Koss sues Apple and Bose for allegedly copying wireless headphone tech
Koss is suing Apple, Bose and three other companies for allegedly copying its wireless headphone technology from the 2000s.
Plantronics' new headphone lineup includes three true wireless options
Plantronics may not be a name that immediately comes to mind when you're shopping for new headphones, but it should be one you consider. Even though the company rebranded as Poly after acquiring Polycom, products still bear the Plantronics name. And like it did last year, the company is debuting a full slate of new headphones in early September. That lineup includes true wireless and sport models that are all under $200.
Plantronics rebrands as Poly to get its groove back
Plantronics was close to being acquired by Logitech last year, but unfortunately that deal fell through. Now Plantronics, best known for being one of the first companies to make Bluetooth headsets, is trying to craft a new image. Together with Polycom, the teleconferencing outfit it snapped up a year ago, they're rebranding as Poly -- a punchier name meant to show they're not stuck in the past.
Logitech may be close to buying Plantronics (updated)
Logitech isn't done trying to rule the personal audio world just because it has Astro, Jaybird and Ultimate Ears under its belt. Reuters sources have claimed that the peripheral maker is in talks to buy Plantronics, best known for its Bluetooth audio and gaming headsets. It's not clear how close Logitech might be to closing a deal, but the offer was reportedly over $2.2 billion -- well above the $50 million Logitech paid for Jaybird. If successful, a deal could be made public as soon as next week.
Plantronics' updated headphone lineup includes true wireless earbuds
Plantronics has lately made a point of delivering solid wireless audio for relatively little cost, and that's particularly evident this year. It's releasing a refreshed headphone lineup that sees it both push into uncharted territory and lower prices. The centerpiece for the fitness crowd is the BackBeat Fit 3100 you see above. It promises true wireless listening with ear hooks that should keep the earbuds in place during a workout, with audio awareness that could keep you safe during an outdoor run. It's available now for $150.
Plantronics offers affordable wireless audio for your workouts
Plantronics' latest BackBeat wireless headphones have tended to focus on value for your hard-earned cash, and that's definitely the focus today. It's launching a range of BackBeat Fit headphones that promise sweat-resistant designs without a huge outlay. The BackBeat Fit 300 in-ears are billed as some of the lightest Bluetooth headphones on the planet, with stable earpieces and low-friction cloth cables, but the cost is relatively easy to swallow at $80/£90 -- the only big catch is the so-so 6-hour battery life. And if you tend to work out more at the gym, the Fit 500 on-ears (shown up top) give you 18 hours of comfier playback for $100/£90.
The best bluetooth headsets
By Marianne Schultz and Nick Guy This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer's guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read the full article here. If you're hopping on and off the phone throughout the day, or if you're typically talking on the phone while driving (despite the safety concerns), the Plantronics Voyager Edge is the best Bluetooth headset for most people. After putting in 50-plus hours of research and testing more than 15 models over the past three years—including 12 hours of testing and three new models for the latest update—the Voyager Edge continues to lead the pack with its combination of stellar sound quality, long battery life, excellent Bluetooth range, and comfortable fit.
The inventor of Bluetooth on where wireless is going next
Bluetooth has come a long way. It's gone from being a frustrating standard that only businesspeople used for mobile headsets to something that millions rely on daily for wireless speakers and headphones, syncing with wearables and more. And now, with Apple and other companies pushing consumers toward wireless headphones (and away from the tried-and-true 3.5 headphone jack), Bluetooth finally has a chance to shine. Jaap Haartsen, who spearheaded the design of the standard in 1994 while working at Ericsson and currently serves as a wireless expert at Plantronics, was recently inducted into the Consumer Technology Association Hall of Fame. I had a chance to sit down with him to talk about the development of the format and get a sense of where things are headed.
Plantronics' new wireless cans deliver noise-canceling for $200
Plantronics' latest wireless headphones double-down on the company's strengths: sound quality and price. For a relatively low price of $200, the BackBeat Pro 2 packs in decent noise-canceling and even more thumping bass than its predecessor. But, once again, you certainly won't mistake them for Beats or Sony cans, with a design that's even less appealing than before. They won't do much to change Plantronics' image, but they might end up being the ideal pair of noise-canceling over-ear headphones for less-style-conscious buyers.
A 'Hi-Fi' Bluetooth adapter doesn't help Plantronics' new headphones
When you're looking for stylish premium headphones, Plantronics probably isn't the first company that comes to mind. It's best known for its PC headsets and Bluetooth earpieces -- not exactly Beats territory. But I can still remember the first time I heard the company's first over-ear wireless headphones, the BackBeat Pro, in 2013. At $250, they sounded as good as far more expensive cans from Beats and Bose, and they even packed in noise-canceling to boot. Now with the $300 BackBeat Pro+, its pseudo follow-up, Plantronics has added a USB dongle for high-quality Bluetooth streaming audio from computers. But is a tiny accessory worth an even higher price? Not quite.
Plantronics' $130 Rig gaming headset homes in on the mobile gaming crowd
We've known Plantronics to craft solid PC gaming headsets and now, separate from the GameCom series, its new Rig package aims to appease gamers on every platform. The stereo headset itself features a slim profile with circumarual earcups that fold flat and it connects with two included cables: one features a boom mic, while the other packs an in-line remote and mic for smartphones. The heart of the setup lies within a wired mixer, which'll let you hook up your cellphone, gaming rig (computer or console via USB and Toslink) and the headset simultaneously. Aside from a slider that lets you adjust the balance of game and chat volume (à la Astro's Mixamp), you can answer phone calls and re-route the mic as necessary at the press of a rocker switch. What's more, game audio (including chat) can be mixed into your headset during calls and visa versa via a second balance slider. Lastly, you'll have a choice of three EQ profiles, including a bass boost for extra wubs. Rig will hit retailers in the fall for $130, and we're told future products under the moniker will drop beyond that. Full press release after the break.
Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 Bluetooth in-ears: sweat resistance, six-month sleep
Plantronics was proud to present its BackBeat Go Bluetooth in-ear headphones last year, but it's also aware improvements are always welcome. To that end, the company's ready to show off its second iteration: BackBeat Go 2. P2i moisture resistance and reworked internals for improved sound back up the sporty wire-behind-the-ear design and fit stabilizers -- look out, Jaybird. Not only does the hardware remember up to eight devices, but a DeepSleep mode shuts it down if you walk out of range without turning the power off, allowing it to sleep for up to six months. The internal batteries squeeze out about 4.5 hours of playtime for music, and an optional SKU with a microUSB charging case can provide about two and a half refills. As you'd expect, an inline remote keeps you in control of your playlists and calls, while DSP enhances incoming and outgoing sound. Ears perked? The headphones will be available starting today at various retailers in your choice of black or white priced at $80 for the headphones and $100 with the charging case.
Plantronics outs Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset with enhanced voice recognition, improved battery life
For the most part, the headsets we've seen from Plantronics this year have been aimed at gamers, but make no mistake, the outfit is still churning out Bluetooth earpieces for road warriors: the company just announced its fifth-generation Voyager headset, the Voyager Legend. In many ways, it's an iterative product, with longer battery life (seven hours, up from six), and more mics (three instead of two). It also has an elongated windscreen and is 25 percent smaller than its predecessor, though Plantronics claims the in-ear fit hasn't changed. Key internals include Bluetooth 3.0, not 4.0, and support for streaming over A2DP. All told, exactly what you'd expect from the latest and greatest BT headset. But even more important than enhanced performance and a more compact design, the headset responds to voice commands in a smarter way. Say, for instance, that you receive an incoming call and happen not to be wearing your headset (maybe you took it out to charge). You can put the earpiece in and the headset will automatically pick up the call. Or, if you're not wearing your headset you can have it route calls to the phone instead. As for answering calls, you can say "answer" or "ignore," and you don't even have to press a button to activate the voice recognition. The earpiece can also announce your caller's name, so long as it's in your phone book. Additionally, the headset responds to about 10 other commands such as "check battery" and "pair me," but in these cases you do have to press a button first. Rounding out the feature list is a new Android-only Find MyHeadset app that uses tones and geolocation to help you figure out where you last saw your earpiece. The headset is available today for $100, and the company is also selling a desktop stand and charging case, both priced at $30.%Gallery-164953%
Plantronics GameCom Commander headset hands-on
Serious PC gamers require serious gaming kit and here at IFA 2012, Plantronics is showcasing a product built precisely for that segment. Announced at Gamescom, the limited edition (not to be confused) GameCom Commander headset bakes Dolby 7.1 ProLogic sound and noise isolation tech into a ruggedized form factor -- so it'll survive your late night Max Payne-related tantrums. We tried the headset on for size and were delighted with just how light it actually is -- definitely a plus for marathon gaming sessions. As for that mic, it's placed a good distance from your mouth and, of course, adjusts to suit your needs. If you're looking for a wireless option, then this set's not for you, given it features breakaway wires, but it does feature an adapter to connect you with a mobile phone. All told, it's an understated set that might be worth your while. Take a look at our associated gallery below.%Gallery-163903%
Engadget's summer gear guide 2012: portable audio
In the interest of keeping cool this summer, we've put together a list of the hottest products out right now. From smartphones to e-readers and everything in between, there's no time like the present to re-up that post-spring-cleaning stash. So grab a popsicle or a cold one and dive in -- the water's just right. With summer approaching, you're likely looking to get away from that stuffy apartment and out into the fresh air -- and if you're like us, you probably like to take your music with you wherever you go. Keeping that in mind, if you're ready to ditch the (likely) passable in-ears that came with your smartphone / PMP or want to find speakers that can move with you, we've rounded up a few new listening devices that might be worth having on your radar. Ready to bite the bullet and enter the big leagues of portable audio? Head down beyond the break for the ear-tingling details.
Plantronics M55 and M25 bluetooth headsets ears-on
Plantronics has launched two headsets at this year's CTIA: the M55 and M25. Sure, we'd bet dollars to donuts that piles of companies offer more bells and whistles but the M55's $49 and the M25's $39 price tag will likely garner some fans. The M55 features voice activated answering, 11 hour talk time, 16-day standby, DSP noise reduction, a physical barrier on the mic to reduce wind noise, and one free year of the Vocalyst service. The M25 apes its pricier sibling except it lacks the Vocalyst service and voice activated answering. Both devices feature a deep sleep mode that extends standby time out to 150 days once your device steps out of range of your mobile for longer than 90 mins. Best thing? You can barely notice when you're wearing one, though the rubber parts are a bit grippy and might tend to pull hair when being put in and removed from your listening place. Zachary Lutz contributed to this report.
Plantronics Clarity Fortissimo speakerphone hands-on (video)
Music aficionados will recognize the term "fortissimo." It's used to signify belting out the tunes as loud as humanly possible, which is exactly what Clarity is hoping to achieve with its speakerphone that uses the name. The Clarity Fortissimo is geared toward those who are mobility-challenged, offering a massively loud 95dB speaker, huge buttons, voice activation, Bluetooth and DECT connectivity, and a large touchscreen display. The Fortissimo offers Plantronics' Vocalyst technology, which has the ability to push emails, messages and even social network updates. It also has a dedicated button that automatically dials Clarity's support center, where a rep can then program the phone remotely for you. Expect to see the Fortissimo available this spring -- we were quoted April / May -- and will retail for $500. We have images and video after the break.
Clarity reveals Fortissimo speakerphone for folks with mobility issues
It's not often that speakerphones grace Engadget's pages, but Plantronics' Clarity division has created a new such device tailored to the needs of folks with mobility issues and difficulties using their hands. Called the Fortissimo, it's got an outsized LCD touchscreen for easy viewing and prodigious voice command capabilities courtesy of Plantronics' Vocalyst technology. Vocalyst lets users send emails and texts, update social networks, and access other phone functions with the spoken word, and can connect with headsets via Bluetooth. Physical phone interaction's on tap too courtesy of air switches activated by blowing on them and oversized pillow switches that are as easily hit with arms and legs as they are heads and shoulders. Lastly, there's ClarityLogic customer service that gives company reps the ability to adjust settings and upgrade Fortissimo remotely. Clarity's showing it off this week at CES, and the Fortissimo will be released this summer. PR's after the break.
Plantronics GameCom 780 7.1 surround sound gaming headset hands-on
Leaked slideshows don't lie -- Plantronics is stepping up its PC gaming headset offerings. In addition to the GameCom 780, the Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound cans we saw yesterday, the outfit is also marching out the GameCom 380 -- a lower end twin that lacks the 780's Dolby chops. Plantronics is bringing both headsets to CES, but gave us a shot at trying on a pair of 780s a few days early -- read on to see how they fit.