Plantronics convertible mono to stereo Bluetooth headset

Plantronics have introduced a Bluetooth convertible mono to stereo headset for MP3 Bluetooth enabled mobile phones. The Voyager 855 headset offers a convertible design for listening to calls in mono as well as listening to music in stereo as headphones via a detachable stereo cable. Drop the second earbud or detach the cable and the headset serves as a high-quality mono Bluetooth device.

The Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth headset also features a slide-to-talk boom to provide convenient call control and improved audio performance. Sliding the boom open instantly connects the caller. The extending boom also houses a voice tube to position the microphone closer to the mouth for directional voice reception, ensuring maximum voice clarity and intelligibility. Plantronics’ stereo multi-point technology alerts users to incoming calls and allows easy switching between conversations and music. When the boom slides back, the call ends and/or the user’s music selection resumes play.

Battery enabled talk time on the Plantronics Voyager 855 headset is approximately seven hours; listening time approximately six; up to 160 hours stand-by time and weighs only 15 grams.

The Voyager 855 features AudioIQ technology – an adaptive digital signal processing (DSP) technology that automatically reduces background noise and adjusts audio levels to increase clarity on both ends of a conversation.

“The Voyager 855 headset’s stereo cable and fitted earbuds essentially replace that ‘finger in the ear’ that we all use to help block out distracting background commotion,” said Renee Niemi, general manager and vice president of Mobile and Entertainment for Plantronics, Inc.

Plantronics have also introduced a mono Bluetooth headset, the Voyager 815, designed for consumers who need to use their headset only for conversations. The Voyager 815 has the same features as the Voyager 855 and also features Plantronics’ multipoint technology – allowing users to connect the headset with two Bluetooth enabled devices (such as a personal mobile phone + business PDA) and switch from one phone to another with the touch of a button. The Voyager 815 provides up to seven hours talk time and 160 hours standby time from a single battery charge.

Plantronics Voyager 855 stereo Bluetooth headset costs US$149.95 and Voyager 815 mono Bluetooth headset US$129.95. Both will be available in October 2007.