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Plantronics intros "military grade" Explorer 370 Bluetooth headset
While we're guessing most of you likely won't be putting the military grade-ness of Plantronics' new Explorer 370 Bluetooth headset to the test, you'll likely still find it a little reassuring to know that it passes all the requisite specifications for water, dust and shock resistance, and boasts a new "windscreen technology" to ensure clear calls even in tough conditions. Apart from that, however, the headset appears to be a pretty standard deal, with it boasting seven hours of talk time and eight days standby on a charge, and the usual features like voice-activated dialing and last number redial. Look for this one to set you back $80 when it hits retailers in March, with the less rugged Explorer 360 also set to be available at the same time for $70.
Black Friday Giveaways (part 3): Plantronics Discovery 640 Bluetooth headset
Ok everybody, here goes round three. This time we've got a Plantronics Discovery 640 Bluetooth headset. Ready? Here's the deal.We'll put up a gadget on the site, and you can only enter it until the next gadget lands (usually within a couple of hours). If you miss your shot, sorry, we're moving on to the next gadget. Good luck!Oh, and don't forget the rules. (Yeah, there are always rules.) Leave a comment below. That's it! Who loves you, baby. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) You can enter different giveaways in today's Black Friday giveaways, but you can only enter this one once. If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 50 States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers or US contest laws if you have to be mad. Winners will be chosen randomly. Entries can be submitted until the next contest goes up. After that we're all done. Good luck! Full rules can be found here. Last round's winner: Ray! (Remember, winners are selected at random.)
Plantronics Voyager 855 switches from headset to headphones with ease
Rarely does an accessory hit the market that really seems to fill a gap in the already overcrowded Bluetooth headset space, yet Plantronics may have managed to pull off just such a feat with its uber-low-profile, transforming Voyager 855 headset-cum-headphones. Besides the sliding boom, this model might look like a regular over the ear unit at first glance, but a detachable cord with an earbud at the end allows the 855 to perform double-duty as A2DP-compliant headphones -- great for those of us trying to downsize from the normally-bulky earpieces offered by iLuv, Bluetake, and friends. You're also getting the all-critical AVRCP profile here as well, so the only real downside seems to be the price: sounds like it'll be retailing for around $200 when it hits later this month, although we've already seen street prices ranging from $80 to $150.Update: Plantronics let us know that pricing will be more in the $110 to $120 range, so bully for you if you can find that $80 deal.
Plantronics' Calisto Pro makes telecommuting fun
Alright, so maybe "fun" is a stretch, but Plantronics' Calisto Pro sure makes working from the confines of home a lot more plausible. This interesting home phone not only enables users to manage their landline conversations, but the built-in Bluetooth and USB port allows telecommuters to receive and place calls over Skype and through their cellphone, too. "At the touch of a button," at-home workaholics can switch between all three types of calls, and the included earpiece even enables them to chat handsfree. The handset reportedly utilizes DECT 6.0 technology, won't interfere with your WiFi setup, touts an integrated speakerphone, and even comes bundled with a "flip-up waist clip for on-the-go dialing and Caller ID viewing." Cubical dwellers, rejoice, as you can get one step closer to nixing that commute entirely for $279.95 next month.[Via Web Worker Daily]
Plantronics makes new PSP headset
Do you have a PSP headset? Not too many people do. Sony's official headset may seem cheap but don't be fooled: it requires that you have another accessory--one that isn't included with the $20 price tag. The PSP remote is also required for those that want to take advantage of Sony's microphone. Sure, it came included with PSP Value Packs, but many late adopters of the system will be forced to buy a separate $20 accessory.If this all sounds too confusing to you, don't worry. Plantronics is releasing their own third-party headset accessory, which combines the functionality of Sony's headset and remote. It may seem expensive at its $35 retail price, but that's actually cheaper than buying both of Sony's peripherals. PSP GadgetZ also notes that Gamestop.com is providing the headset for even cheaper: $30.While $30 may seem a bit steep for a headset, gamers that want to take advantage of the upcoming Killzone multiplayer patch may want to grab this as soon as possible.
Plantronics unveils Pulsar 260 stereo headset
Plantronics unveiled its newest stereo Bluetooth headset this week at CTIA, the "Pulsar 260." This wearable wonder is of the around-the-neck type, and comes with the pendant plus earbuds for taking calls form that nearby Bluetooth handset as well as stream stereo sound from any nearby A2DP stereo Bluetooth source. The new Pulsar 260 iPod shuffle-like (first generation, at least) design has integrated volume and track skip buttons for that Bluetooth music player / phone with built-in control functions supplied by AVRCP to boot. Sweet. Look for it in stores now for about $110.
Plantronics and Quicksilver team up for Bluetooth / iPod-enabled winter gear lineup
Seeing newly-unveiled outerwear touting iPod / Bluetooth connectivity is becoming a winter tradition it seems, as these blustery days bring about visions of new coats, helmets, lift tickets, and never letting go of your dear DAP / cellphone. This time around Quicksilver is seeking the technological know-how from Plantronics as it offers up a "limited edition" lineup of snow-ready gear that plays nice with your iPod and BT-equipped handset. The Double Daffy Snow Jacket sports Plantronics "stereo sound and voice technology" via Bluetooth, and should hit retail stores for $370 soon, while the presumably corresponding Pulse Helmet rocks a lightweight, ABS-infused design, side vents, and a black camo motif for $249.95. For the ladies in the house, the Teen Angel Snow Jacket caters to the female agenda for $340, and the partnering Shiver Helmet will run you $249.95. While no hard availability dates were mentioned, all the new kit will be on display at the SIA conference in Las Vegas through the end of the week, and we assume it'll hit your favorite ski shop shortly thereafter.
Plantronics' Discovery 665 headset with two-way DSP
Seems like every Bluetooth headset manufacturer is looking for a buzzword to describe their products' goodness in squashing ambient noise, but amazingly, Plantronics claims it's the very first to apply signal processing on both ends of the call in its Discovery 655-based "665." The DSP, called "AudioIQ," is said to reduce background noise by 7-8 decibels (roughly 50 percent) for folks on the far end of the call, while the wearer can expect improved "quality, clarity and volume level" as conditions vary. Look for the 9 gram headset to hit the streets next month for $150.
Plantronics intros Discovery 655 Bluetooth headset
Plantronics is feeling the ergonomic vibe as they introduced a new flagship Discovery headset at their Body and Form event in New York. The Discovery 655 is a form-focused Bluetooth headset with a distinctly different look than the 645 / 640 models. The design is intended to fit the "contours of your face" and shouldn't cause any ear fatigue weighing only 9 grams. Similar to other Discovery models, the 655 comes with a headset storage jacket -- which could be mistaken for an aluminum cigar case -- that performs double-duty as a charger (AAA powered), and a vibrating ringer to alert users of incoming calls. You also get a mini-USB adapter, which was notably absent on the Discovery 640, to charge from your PC or mobile phone's power supply. As in the 645, this unit includes DSP to block out unwanted noise (or certain managers' voices) and adjust the volume level based on your surroundings. Although there's really nothing groundbreaking about the 655 in terms of specifications, the change in style and lower price standout on an otherwise uninspiring offering -- you can give the Discovery 655 a listen when it drops in August for $150.
Palm's Ultralight Wireless Headset
Looks like the folks over at Palm aren't trying to fool anyone with their new Treo accessory; the Ultralight Wireless Headset is a faintly disguised Plantronics 645. The inclusion of DSP solidified the notion that this was indeed the Plantronics 645 underneath and not the 640; but clarity isn't the only thing going for it, other noteworthy aspects of the Ultralight are its sleek metal carrying case, the ability to charge it using your Treo's AC adapter, and even, um, a Palm-branded call/end button. Palm users can chat in comfort while sporting the new headset; it weighs just 9 grams, merely half of Palm's Compact Wireless Headset. Treo owners looking for a matching headset , look no further -- but at $129.99 direct from Palm, it'll cost ya.
Nice headset cheap. For a good cause too!
Halo.bungie.org reports that Plantronics is currently selling the special edition Halo 2 headset for a paltry $14.95 (USD). This headset normally sells for $49.95 so this is a great deal. To make the deal even better, $1.00 of every purchase will be donated to the Plantronics GameCom United Way Katrina Recovery Fund. Couple the Halo 2 headset with the $8.00 headset adapter from Datel and you've got a steal. It looks like a limited time offer, though. So, go buy one and do some good! [Via HBO]
Plantronic's Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset: a first for enterprise VoIP softphones
Yeah, we know life can be unfair. At home you're setup with a cordless phone and wireless laptop allowing you to roam about in full untethered data communication glory. Then you return to work only to be tethered to the cube, and more specifically, the corporate phone. Well, Plantronics may have a solution if your local IT drones are VoIP enlightened. See, Plantronics just announced their new Voyager 510-USB which they claim is the first system to bring Bluetooth connectivity to enterprise class VoIP softphones (read: not that clunky VoIP handset on your desk). As the name indicates, the 510-USB slug-on-ear headset also features a USB little-buddy for slottin' up to your laptop. What's unique here is the PerSonoCall software which allows the kit to integrate with Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and yes, Skype among other softphone software, to offer call notification and remote call answering/ending via the headset whether you're scooting about the airport, office, or home on your lappie. The headset will switch "seamlessly" between your VoIP softphone and cellphone and should give you about 100 hours standby or 6 hours talktime within the usual 10-meter radius of your PC. Not bad, eh? Now get on the horn with IT and pester 'em for a softphone solution until those pansies cave.
Plantronics' MX203S for musicphones and two other low-end headsets
Nothing much to see here, but Plantronics just announced their MX203S, MX200 and MX250 wired headsets, priced at $30, $20 and $25 respectively. The MX203S (pictured) supports musicphones, with stereo earbuds, and a button to switch from music to a phone call. There is also a WindSmart tech to cancel wind noises, but that's about all that's going on here. The MX200 is a single earpiece design, and the MX250 sports a boom, but that's about it. All three headsets should be available this month.
