Plantronics yesterday introduced its new Discovery 665 Bluetooth Headset with AudioIQ, the industry's first DSP (digital signal processing) sound technology to automatically optimize audio levels on both sides of every call - significantly increasing clarity for mobile phone callers, as well as for the listener on the other end of conversations.

Plantronics will demonstrate its new AudioIQ technology and complete headset portfolio during the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Leveraging Plantronics' 40-plus years of sound innovation, AudioIQ makes wireless conversations effortless and pleasant, regardless of the environment. For incoming calls, AudioIQ automatically adapts to background noise levels - from a quiet taxi to a noisy city street - and intelligently improves the receive quality, clarity and volume level. For outgoing calls, AudioIQ reduces background noise for listeners up to 7-8 decibels, or by approximately 50 percent. It also minimizes interference from artifacts such as speech distortions to maintain exceptionally clear voice intelligibility.

"AudioIQ goes beyond making conversations sound great - it's about making communications easier and more natural for people on both sides of a call. Long gone are the days when mobile phones users are forced to seek out a quiet location to answer an important call," said Renee Niemi, general manager & vice president of Mobile & Entertainment for Plantronics. "By incorporating AudioIQ into Plantronics' new Bluetooth headsets, we are delivering optimal communications capabilities alongside our incomparable style and comfort."

The new Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth headset with AudioIQ, based on the Plantronics Discovery 655, is ideally suited for road warriors and in-car use. After conducting extensive research focused on headset usage in the car and while traveling, Plantronics developed a unique charging and storage system for automobiles that also includes a new visual indicator for incoming calls.

Features and Accessories include:

• AudioIQ, which clarifies incoming speech and reduces outgoing background noise by up to 50%
• Convenient charging and storage system targeted for use in the automobile
• Visual call indicator and low battery indicator
• Ultra-light, sophisticated design and customizable eartips for complete wearing comfort

In addition, the Discovery 665 includes Plantronics' new QuickPair technology, which greatly simplifies the Bluetooth setup process for consumers by automatically initiating pairing mode (when powered) if no device history is present. Once paired successfully, the Bluetooth headset stays on for instant use. If not paired successfully, the headset automatically shuts off after 10 minutes; when powered again automatically goes into pairing mode until successfully paired with a Bluetooth capable phone.

To further ensure a 'painless' pairing process for consumers, Plantronics recently launched its interactive online pairing guide.

"Personal technology should be intuitive and help consumers simplify their lives," added Niemi. "Plantronics is taking steps towards this with QuickPair and other technologies innovations that make headset setup and use extremely easy."

According to Plantronics, the Discovery 665 will be available for US$ 149.95 at major retailers and online from Plantronics in February 2007.

Cheers ~ Arne

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