Today at the Plantronics Design: Body & Form event in New York City, Plantronics, Inc., (NYSE: PLT) announced new additions to its lineup of stereo mobile headsets, including the Pulsar(TM) 590 Stereo Bluetooth(R) headset series and MHS series of corded headsets. All of the products enable users to listen to music and video in high-quality stereo sound and answer or initiate mobile phone calls with the single touch of a button. "As music and voice converge in the next generation of mobile handsets this holiday season, consumers will begin to integrate music into every aspect of their lives -- work, play and everywhere in between," said Renee Niemi, vice president of Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics. "Consumers will require a solution that enables them to maximize their entertainment experience without missing a call. Plantronics' new stereo lineup delivers on this potential." Wireless Mobility ... With Your Favorite Tunes The Plantronics Pulsar 590E Stereo Bluetooth Headset, based on the popular Pulsar 590A, enables those users with mobile phones that support stereo Bluetooth to wirelessly listen to music and answer/end calls without the need for an adapter. Stereo Bluetooth on mobile phones is enabled by the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). Pulsar 590E features include the following: * High-fidelity stereo sound and superior audio performance * Telescoping voice tube for clear conversations * Up to 12 hours of talking time and 10 hours of listening time * Freedom to roam up to 33 feet from a Bluetooth device * Compatibility with any A2DP mobile phone * Support for the Audio Visual Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) to allow customers to remotely control functions such as mute, volume level or track forward/back * Dedicated buttons for accessing call and music control functions directly from the headset * Foldable headset design for convenient travel and compact storage The growth of mobile phones supporting the latest entertainment protocols, such as A2DP and AVRCP, is rising sharply. According to Strategy Analytics, more than 50 percent of the 500 million Bluetooth mobile phones sold globally in 2008 will have the A2DP and AVRCP profiles installed. This projection increases to 70 percent in 2009 (June 2006). More Design and Wearing Options Plantronics today also introduced its new MHS series of corded stereo headsets that offer consumers multiple wearing options to fit specific lifestyles. The three new MHS headsets feature in-line microphones with a one-touch call answer/end button to provide the convenience of listening to music and video content without missing a call on a mobile phone. The MHS 113 features flexible ear bud speakers, ensuring maximum comfort and discretion. The MHS 123 provides improved noise insulation with comfortable ear cushions and flexible ear loops that are perfect for all-day use. The MHS 213 provides outstanding audio quality through occluded ear buds that fit snugly and block out background noise -- perfect for commuting and air travel. Putting Design First At the Plantronics Design: Body & Form event, Plantronics executives discussed the company's design philosophy for creating elegant headsets that are very easy to use and deliver superior sound technology. Plantronics Design treats the human form as a canvas from which to begin the inspiration process. The team's expertise in human behavior and anatomy, ergonomics, color, proportion and complex surface development converge in the design of advanced products that look beautiful and become extensions of the body. By marrying the intricacies of sound innovation with the intimacy of personal fashion and comfort, Plantronics Design enables people to express their style preferences and individuality through headsets. Pricing and Availability The Pulsar 590E will be available in August and has a manufacturer suggested retail price of US $139.95. The MHS series will be available in September. The MHS 113, MHS 123 and MHS 213 models have manufacturer suggested retail prices of US $29.95, US $34.95, and US $39.95, respectively. To learn more about Plantronics Design and the new fall products. 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(TM) 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. NOTE: Altec Lansing, Clarity, Plantronics, Sound Innovation, and Volume Logic are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth(R) 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.