Plantronics is taking audio quality to the next level with the M3500, its innovative new Bluetooth mobile headset with Audio IQ technology. With the Plantronics M3500, mobile professionals can now have hands-free wireless communications and superior audio quality, even in noisy places.
The M3500 builds on the platform of Plantronics' highly successful M3000 Bluetooth headset, integrating Plantronics' proprietary Audio IQ technology with a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) for superior audio quality, particularly in noisy environments. The Audio IQ software enhances the functionality of the M3500 to deliver intelligent audio, resulting in exceptionally clear voice reception.
For the person wearing the M3500, Audio IQ automatically analyzes the incoming voice signal and raises the softer portions of the signal without causing distortion, making it easier to clearly hear and understand the person on the other side of the call. For the person receiving a call from an M3500 user, background noise is dramatically reduced, so the voice comes through clear and clean.
"With many states considering mandatory hands-free devices for mobile phone communications in cars, and a rapidly growing number of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones on the market, the demand for Bluetooth headsets is only just beginning to grow," said Alex Slawsby, Mobile Devices Analyst at IDC.
According to InStat/MDR, Bluetooth-enabled devices represent a growing category of both business and consumer products, with a 74% five-year compounded annual growth rate based on chipset projections from 2002 to 2007. By the end of 2004, Strategy Analytics predicts the worldwide installed base of mobile phones with Bluetooth will reach 93 million units.
"We understand that mobile professionals may receive a call at any time, and usually not in an ideal, library-quiet environment. They may be on the road, in a crowded airport, or walking down a busy street," said Peter Zan, senior product marketing manager for Plantronics. "Our users said that the elimination of noise was important, so we introduced Audio IQ technology in the M3500 to address noisy, real-life scenarios."
The new Bluetooth headset is the realization of an advanced technology concept that Plantronics introduced last year, when they demonstrated an M3000 with an integrated DSP. User feedback was very positive, and Plantronics developed additional features and capabilities to deliver added value to customers in the final product, the M3500.
The M3500 is ideal for the mobile professional who requires a Bluetooth headset that delivers superior audio quality in demanding environments such as a noisy restaurant or airport terminal. Users who require maximum talk and standby time can benefit from Plantronics' other available Bluetooth headset, the award-winning M3000.
In addition to its audio enhancements, the M3500 features a lightweight design with a padded earloop for improved stability and comfort, especially during extended conversations. It provides up to 3.5 hours of talk time and up to 76 hours of standby time. The M3500 includes a user-replaceable battery, two earloops (medium and large), an AC adapter, as well as accessories previously only available separately: a lighter adapter for in-car charging and a sleek carrying pouch.
The M3500 works with any Bluetooth device that supports the headset or hands-free profile, including computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), smartphones and automotive telematics.
The Plantronics M3500 will be available worldwide in early spring 2004 through select outlets and at www.plantronics.com. The M3500 will have an MSRP of US$169.95, including a one-year warranty with Plantronics' world-class service and support.
Plantronics provides headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide.