Plantronics, the world leader in lightweight communications headsets, announced today that its M1000 Bluetooth headset solutions for cellphones are now shipping to retail and wireless carrier stores nationwide.
Leveraging Bluetooth wireless technology, Plantronics` M1000 literally cuts the cords that bind headsets to cellphones. The Plantronics M1000 headset works with new cellphones and smartphones that support the Bluetooth v1.1 headset profile.
"We drew on our 40 years of communications headset expertise to develop, engineer and design the best Bluetooth headset solution available for mobile professionals. The concept is simple. No cords, no hassle. Just clear, comfortable hands-free conversation. Cellphone users want to get on with conversations of work and life unhindered. Plantronics` M1000 headset help make that happen," said Beth Johnson, senior director of product marketing for Plantronics. "We introduced the M1000 in Europe in July, and the response has been very positive. We expect to see the same success for both products in the SA."
Research from the UK forecasts that market demand for Bluetooth headsets will be strong. Research company Strategy Analytics determined that more than 65% of cellphone owners are interested in a headset that does not require a cord to the handset. The conversion of consumer interest to consumer adoption is poised to grow exponentially with a recent report from the Zelos Group forecasting Bluetooth headset shipments to grow from 100 000 units in 2002 to more than 20 million units by 2006.
"With a healthy cellphone user market in SA, we expect a lot of users to purchase the Bluetooth headsets," comments Ismail Desai, local spokesperson for Plantronics in SA. "The M1000 will retail around R1 999 and is available in selected specialist cellular retail outlets nationwide."
Plantronics M1000 headset
The stylish M1000 Bluetooth headset weighs about 26 grams and provides superb comfort and stability. The headset features Plantronics` boom-style noise-cancelling microphone that delivers the highest quality of clear, crisp conversation by minimising background noise commonly found in mobile environments.
The headset is easy to operate while on the go. A talk/on-off button on the side of the headset serves two purposes - it turns the headset on or off and also opens and closes the Bluetooth link. The button is textured so it can be easily located by touch, and contains an in-use indicator light, so others know when the user is talking on the headset. A second control allows users to dial the volume up or down with the touch of a finger. The same control can be pressed to engage the mute feature.
To keep the mobile user aware of the headset`s status, Plantronics created a unique system of audible tones that alert the user to various conditions, such as mute, low battery or call connect/disconnect. The M1000 also boast a long battery life - up to two and one-half hours of continuous talk time, and up to 60 hours of standby time.
Powered by user replaceable nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries, the headsets can be fully recharged in one hour via the included wall charger, or with an optional cigarette lighter adapter. The headset can also be used while recharging.
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A study by Strategy Analytics projects the shipment of Bluetooth computer and communications devices to accelerate rapidly over the next four years, reaching almost 275 million units by 2005. According to the study, by 2005 the demand for Bluetooth headsets could reach 50 million units.
Plantronics
Plantronics, Inc is the world leader in lightweight communications headsets, offering a wide range of products for call centre, office, mobile and computer applications. Founded in 1961, the company introduced the world`s first lightweight headset in 1962, and in 1969, Plantronics supplied the headset from which the first words from the moon were transmitted. A publicly held company (NYSE:PLT), Plantronics is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, and maintains offices in 20 countries with more than 2 600 employees. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorised Plantronics partners, and are available directly, nationwide through retail, consumer electronics, cellular and PCS stores. Products and information about the company can be found at www.plantronics.co.za or by calling 0800 220 202.
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