WIDCOMM Inc., a world leader in Bluetooth software and networking solutions, and Plantronics, Inc., the world leader in communications headsets, today announced their joint development efforts to bring an all-new lightweight headset with Bluetooth wireless technology to market by summer 2001.
Plantronics selected WIDCOMM Protocol Stack technology to supply the core Bluetooth capability for the new Plantronics M1000 Wireless Headset, announced last week at CTIA and CeBIT.
The agreement between Plantronics and WIDCOMM called for porting WIDCOMM`s Bluetooth Protocol Stack for Embedded Systems (BTE) to a second-generation Bluetooth chipset for integration into the headset. WIDCOMM`s BTE is a completely integrated development software suite that enables Bluetooth wireless technology to be added to any embedded system quickly and easily. Designed for mobile professionals, the new Plantronics M1000 Wireless Headset weighs only 26 grams and delivers better sound quality and longer talk times than products based on first-generation chipsets. The new headset will provide hands-free communications with other Bluetooth devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs.
"Our research clearly shows that mobile users expect a Bluetooth headset to be compact, lightweight and stylish. With the help of WIDCOMM`s embedded technology, we are able to create and manufacture a lightweight wireless headset," said Joyce Shimizu, president of Plantronics` Mobile Division. "WIDCOMM`s leadership in embedded Bluetooth solutions has enabled us to significantly reduce time-to-market for our new M1000 Wireless Headset."
"WIDCOMM`s vision is to enable people to access information and services from their mobile devices anytime, anywhere. The new Plantronics headset offers great sound quality, superb comfort and thoughtful design. It`s a perfect example of the type of high-quality mobile devices the world is waiting for," commented Hiep Pham, WIDCOMM president and CEO. "We`re honoured to work closely with Plantronics. They`re a prestigious partner that has both the technical expertise and the marketing strength to leverage our technology to produce one of the world`s first and finest Bluetooth wireless headsets."
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Plantronics
Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognised as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with more than 2,400 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide.
Plantronics headsets have been featured in many high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong`s historic "One small step for man" transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics launched the Computer Audio Systems Division to the public in April 1999 to elevate awareness and drive the direction of the PC headset industry. Information about the Company and its products can be found at http://www.plantronics.co.za