Plantronics Announces World's First VoIP-Optimized Bluetooth Headset System

Multipoint Technology, Easy Install Provide Road Warriors with Single Headset for Numerous Devices

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — May 17, 2006 — Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE:PLT) today introduced the Voyager 510-USB, the first Bluetooth® headset system optimized for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that provides instant wireless connectivity to PC-based softphones.  The Voyager 510-USB reflects Plantronics’ commitment to developing innovative VoIP products that embody great style, sound and simplicity for both business and consumer applications.

“As VoIP communication becomes increasingly relevant in today’s work environment, where professionals conduct business in the car, at coffee houses and airports across the world, there is strong demand for greater setup and device simplification,“ said Will Stofega, research manager, IDC. “The Voyager 510-USB makes VoIP intuitive. In doing so, enterprises benefit from reduced IT support and maintenance costs and professionals benefit from a reliable, easy to use wireless headset for their softphones and mobile phones.”

The Voyager 510-USB includes a plug-and-play Bluetooth USB adapter that eliminates cumbersome software setup processes and enables mobile professionals to place hands-free calls through any VoIP service with one easy step.  Additionally, Voyager 510-USB features multipoint technology to allow users to switch between multiple Bluetooth-enabled devices, including softphones and mobile phones, with the touch of a button. 

“As communication needs become increasingly mobile, compatibility and flexibility across diverse networks and devices becomes critical,” said Chuck Yort, vice president of Business Solutions at Plantronics.   “The Voyager 510-USB will help make people’s lives less complicated on the road by providing simple, one-step VoIP connectivity and a single headset for multiple communication devices.”

Universal VoIP Compatibility

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is the first system that brings Bluetooth connectivity to enterprise class softphones.  The system integrates with enterprise softphone software from leading companies including, Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Skype, among others, to offer call notification and remote call answering via the headset.  The Voyager 510-USB is also compatible with most popular consumer Internet telephony services, including AOL, MSN and Yahoo!.

An extension of Plantronics’ VoIP product portfolio, the Voyager 510-USB includes the award-winning Voyager 510¹ headset and Plantronics’ PerSonoCall® software to provide electronic answer-end control with major VoIP softphones. The system also comes with a convenient desktop charging stand, USB charging cable, USB extension cable, and AC charger.   The Voyager 510 headset features include:

    * Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound in indoor and outdoor environments,
    * Lightweight, foldable design for all-day wearing comfort and easy storage,
    * One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing with mobile phones,
    * Boom swivels for use on either ear for optional wearing preference,
    * Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time, and
    * Freedom to roam up to 33 feet away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices.

Global VoIP adoption is growing rapidly as businesses aim to realize substantial cost savings and value-added services.  Aberdeen Group Research estimates that the average Fortune 500 company spends $116 million on telecommunications services each year. 

In addition, IDC predicts that more than 44 million households in the US will have VoIP subscriptions by 2010.  With this broad growth in mind, Voyager 510-USB is designed for all environments that mobile professionals work, whether in the office, on the go or at home.

Growing VoIP Product Portfolio

Plantronics offers the industry’s most complete family of corded and cordless VoIP products for both business and consumer use.  Widely recognized for their sound quality, reliability, simplicity and style, Plantronics’ VoIP headsets are highlighted by:

    * CS50-USB: A premium wireless VoIP headset system for use in the office that uses 900MHz technology to deliver crystal-clear conversations — up to 200-feet away from a PC.
    * DA Series: A three model series of USB-to-headset adapters that help businesses drive maximum value for their VoIP investment. The entry, mid and premium level solutions fit into contact centers and enterprises worldwide.
    * .Audio™ PC Headsets: A new family of corded PC headsets that provide great sound quality, comfort and various wearing styles.

Pricing and Availability

The Voyager 510-USB has a manufacturer suggested retail price of US $199 and will be available in June 2006 through Plantronics’ authorized resellers, major e-commerce sites, and www.plantronics.com.   The product will also be available in retail stores in early fall.

For more information about Voyager 510-USB, please visit: http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/productName/Voyager510USB.

About Plantronics
In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and the New York Stock Exchange.  Today, this history of Sound Innovation™ is the basis for every product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Volume Logic. For more information, go to www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.

Altec Lansing, .Audio, Clarity, PerSonoCall, Plantronics, Plantronics Voyager, Sound Innovation, and Volume Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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[1] Recent testing of the new Voyager 510 headset by the National Analysis Center, a leading independent testing lab for the wireless phone industry, found that “the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset supports an innovative boom microphone design to greatly minimizes the effects of wind noise.  A high level of customer satisfaction should be realized due to the exceptional audio quality along with the ability to use the headset in outdoor windy conditions.”  For its superior wind noise performance, the Nation