Plantronics intros Marque M155, its lightest Bluetooth headset for smartphone users
Along with providing hands-free convenience for mobile users on-the-go, Bluetooth headsets serve a fine purpose for crazies, giving them something to point to when they're rambling incoherently to themselves. Now, the latest offering from Plantronics brings greater comfort and style to both types of users. The Marque M155 heralds the company's smallest and lightest headset to date, which weighs in at just 7 grams -- approximately the weight of a ballpoint pen. Designed specifically for Android and iOS phones (though widely compatible with more), the M155 offers voice-guided pairing assistance, customized apps and the ability to answer or ignore calls with verbal commands. What's more, all purchasers will receive a one-year subscription to the company's Vocalyst service, which offers the ability to send email, update Twitter, check the weather, listen to news feeds and more -- all hands free. Available in jet black or arctic white, the Marque M155 will retail for approximately $60 and is available for pre-order beginning today.
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Plantronics Delivers A Smarter and Smaller Headset for Your Smartphones
Marque Product Allows You to Talk or Listen While You Tap, Text and Swipe
Santa Cruz, CA, September 29, 2011 – Your smartphone has a new best friend. Meet the Plantronics Marque™ M155, a smarter and smaller headset, that offers voice-guided pairing for iPhone® and Android™ smartphones, voice recognition so you can answer or ignore calls completely hands-free, and stereo Bluetooth® (the A2DP standard), which allows you to listen to music, GPS directions or your email, all while providing the great stereo quality in the smallest, lightest weight design yet at just 7 grams.
"Smartphone users want to harness the power of their phones to complement and simplify their busy lives," said Elizabeth Hamren, Plantronics' vice president of marketing. "The Marque lets them take advantage of the full range of their phone's capabilities, even while talking or listening to music or a podcast, all in a great looking, super lightweight device."
Smartphones have seen impressive growth the last few years and we have quickly come to depend on the all-in-one devices. Whether used as a cell phone, organizer, an email device, or all of the above, having a smartphone is now seen as not just smart, but a necessity. In fact, IDC tracked shipments of 304.7 million smartphones in 2010, and expects that number to hit 472 million for all of 2011 -- a growth rate of 55% over 2010. IDC now expects the number of smartphones to grow at an annual rate of 26% a year through 2015. By then, IDC said 982 million smartphones will be shipped by manufacturers to retailers.
Outrageously Small and Light The Marque is Plantronics' smallest headset ever and offers excellent sound quality in an amazingly lightweight design. At seven grams it weighs less than most ball point pens. It is so small you'll hardly know you're wearing it.
Voice Activation Need to access your information, but can't look at your phone? With Marque, to answer a call – just say "answer" and you are connected. The Vocalyst™ Voice and Text Services also allow you to stay connected with your voice. Send email or text messages, post to Facebook and Twitter, or check the weather-hands-free. With Vocalyst, press a button on your headset to connect; speak simple demands to listen to emails or text messages; or listen to feeds from your phone to catch up on the news and learn who won the big game. A one year subscription to the cloud-based Vocalyst service is included with purchase of the Marque.
Apps Make It Easier Get the most from Marque and your smartphone with iPhone and Android, currently available in the Android Market and Apple App Store. These apps will do a sound check and familiarize you with the added functionality of your headset, such as streaming music, with much more to come.
Pricing and Availability
Marque M155 is available in Jet Black or Arctic White for $59.99. It is available for pre-order today at Amazon.com, Plantronics.com and at select retailers and wireless carriers nationwide.
