aNewDomain.net — Plantronics (NYC: PLT) introduced two new audio devices at MWC 2014 here in Barcelona. The new Voyager Edge Bluetooth earpiece and the BackBeat FIT wireless headphones. Our Alfred Poor has more details in his video interview and piece below
Due April 2014, the Voyager Edge earpiece includes noise and wind cancellation tech and comes equipped with a high-end portable charging case, Plantronics execs at the press event Showstoppers told me.
Check out my video interview with Plantronics below. Scroll below the fold for more details on the newly announced BackBeat FIT and Voyager Edge products from Plantronics.
Video: Alfred Poor for aNewDomainTV/Shooter Al Green/Producer Justin Webb for aNewDomainTV
The earpiece also supports voice commands, announces names of incoming callers and includes Plantronics smart sensor tech that allows users to answer a call — hands-free. It’ll answer with your name while they’re in the process of putting in the earpiece, too.
There’s no uncomfortable over-the-ear component, a notable plus for those who wear glasses or just dislike the over-the-ear feeling. The portable charging case is cutting-edge, too. Of course it charges the earpiece while it’s in the case. But it includes touch controls and shows the charging status on the case itself, too.
Speaking of charging, the Voyager Edge earpiece will give you about six hours of battery life if you charge it via MicroUSB. But you get 16 hours if you use the portable charging case. And if you lose this little guy? The FindMyHeadset app for Android will work fine with this device. The app will be available for Apple iOS later this spring, too, execs said.
Also to be available in April 2014 from Plantronics are the firm’s latest stereo headphones, the wireless BackBeat FIT. Intended for the audiophile’s workouts, Plantronics showed aNewDomain how its lightweight set’s Bluetooth connection does away with annoying cords.
And it includes safety features Plantronics customers asked for, execs said. These include an eartip that lets you hear environmental sounds such as car horns and barking dogs when you’re running and listening to your music.
There also are reflective materials on the device’s accompanying armband and wristband. The armband, it’s worth noting, is useful for stashing your keys or mobile phone as you work out. And it doubles as a carrying case for the headphones, too.
Watch this space for video of our hands-on with the Plantronics BackBeat FIT headphones and the Voyager Edge earpiece.
From Showstoppers here in Barcelona for MWC 2014, I’m Alfred Poor for aNewDomain.net.
Based in bucolic Bucks County PA, Alfred Poor is a senior technologist here at aNewDomain.net. A 30-year tech journalism vet, he’s internationally renowned for his coverage of displays. He is easily distracted by shiny, sparkly gadgets and that’s why he is covering consumer tech for us, too. Contact Alfred at Alfred@aNewDomain.net, follow him @AlfredPoor and find the +Alfred Poor Google+ stream here. Alfred also is a professional speaker, a bluegrass musician and a sailor. Check out his LinkedIn profile for more.
Who want to get this wireless headsets? Just take this.