Plantronics Shows Next-Generation Headsets

Plantronics demonstrated a wireless headset that makes use of VoIP to allow users to answer phone calls coming through their PC systems and showed a next-generation Bluetooth wireless headset that makes use of more sophisticated noise-cancellation algorithms.

"Because you can move about and still be connected to the phone, there is an increase in productivity because you cut down on 'voice tag' due to missed phone calls," said Ken Kannappan, CEO of Plantronics, Santa Cruz, Calif.

The opportunity for solution providers to deploy wireless headsets also extends beyond the office into a variety of industrial applications, Kannappan said. "You could use this headset with a truck going by on a conference call, and nobody on the call would hear the truck," he said.

In addition, Kannappan said, margins on headset products are fairly robust. "Dealers tell us they are making anywhere between 30 [percent] to 35 percent margins on our products."

Synergy Research Group estimates that Internet-based phone systems will be a $5.3 billion market by 2007. Today, many businesses as opting to use VoIP phones as part of their business-continuity plans in case of a disaster.

In the consumer market, the technology is expected to take longer to adopt because of quality issues. But while VoIP technology may have limited appeal in the home market, Bluetooth devices are expected to grow significantly. Strategy Analytics predicts the worldwide installed base of mobile phones with Bluetooth will reach 93 million units by the end of 2004.

Available this spring, the Plantronics M3500 includes a user-replaceable battery, two earloops and an AC adapter. The M3500 will have a suggested retail price of $169.95, including a one-year warranty. Initial availability of products using VoIP technology is scheduled for later this year.