Johannesburg, 20 Jul 2001
Plantronics, Inc, the world leader in communications headsets, has been selected by Microsoft Corporation to provide the headset for the Xbox Communicator(tm), a voice communicator device, for the new Xbox video game system.
The jointly developed Microsoft-Plantronics headset will allow gamers to completely immerse themselves into, and control by voice, exciting Xbox games currently under development around the world. Scheduled for release this fall, Xbox catapults Microsoft into the video game console market with Hollywood-like video and audio performance.
The headset, designed specifically for the Xbox, will plug directly into the Xbox Communicator to provide voice communication for online games. The eloquently styled, behind the neck, emerald-green headset is designed to fit comfortably and enhance the imagination and competitive spirit of the Xbox game experience. The headset`s noise-cancelling microphone will enable gamers to use a combination of voice and hand controls to navigate, strategise and guide the game they are playing.
"The Xbox will deliver incredible graphics and superior sound unmatched by any console on the market today," said Todd Holmdahl, General Manager, Xbox Hardware. "Plantronics provides us with a good combination of technical performance, great design, and durability. We think the Plantronics headset for the Xbox Communicator will be very popular with our audience."
"Microsoft understands the impact that voice controlled performance will have on the Xbox experience for gamers. We are very pleased to have been chosen to develop a unique product for the Microsoft Xbox," said Neil Snyder, president of Plantronics` Computer Audio Systems Division. "Plantronics` leadership in both audio and voice input, as well as our expertise in building headsets that are lightweight, comfortable, durable and, most importantly, cool, will allow gamers to immerse themselves in their gaming experience."
Plantronics` Computer Audio Systems Division has established itself as a leading provider of computer headset peripherals for voice and audio applications. All of Plantronics award winning PC-headsets combine quality with comfort, and offer a noise-cancelling microphone. They are lightweight and ergonomically designed for extended wear with cushioned earphones that swivel for a tailored fit. They are available in analogue and digitally-enhanced versions and are perfect for Internet gaming, Internet telephony and chat, voice navigation, listening to MP3 files and CDs, speech recognition, and command and control.