Plantronics launches K100 Bluetooth in-car speakerphone

Hands-free kit joined by new headphones and updated headset

Plantronics launches K100 Bluetooth In-car Speakerphone

13 October 2010 17:25 GMT / By Libby Plummer

Plantronics has expanded its lineup of Bluetooth goodies with several new introductions, including the K100 in-car speakerphone.

The hands-free speaker features an integrated FM transmitter so that you can hear conversations, music, podcasts and GPS navigation from your smartphone, through your car stereo system. The K100 is equipped with dual microphones and digital signal processing technology that's designed to keep your voice sounding sharp and clear, while limiting the surrounding din created by traffic or the kids playing up in the back of the car. Echo-cancellation has also been included to improve listening on both sides of any phone calls.

A handy clip on the back of the unit is designed to attach to the visor in your car, while the large buttons mean that you can control the speaker while keeping your eyes firmly on the road. What's more, the K100 offers voice alerts for pairing, low battery, mute and connection status so that you can concentrate on your driving. According to the manufacturer, the K100 delivers up to 17 hours of talk time and 15 days of standby time.

The K100 will be available from November, and at just £59.99, it's a fair bit cheaper than many similar products sold by rival brands.

Plantronics has also launched an updated version of its successful Voyager Pro Bluetooth headset - known as the Voyager Pro+ (£79.99). Geared towards the growing number of smartphone users, the new device incorporates improved noise cancellation, enhanced voice alerts and an adjustable dual-microphone boom.



As the largest provider of business Bluetooth products in the world, and the brand responsible for relaying astronaut Neil Armstrong's iconic quote upon landing on the moon in 1969 (yes, really), Plantronics is a well-known brand already. However, along with its more business-focused products, the brand is looking to appeal to consumers in a much bigger way than before and that's where its new headphones come in.

Its new range of BackBeat products have been designed with smartphone users and make it easy to switch between music and calls. Heading up the new range is the BackBeat 903+ (£69.99) - an updated version of the pre-existing 903.

This is a stereo Bluetooth headset that's equipped with sweat-resistant materials and a flexible design, making it ideal for using in the gym or when out jogging. Plantronics has also created a handy app that enables you to display an on-screen battery meter on your iPhone, next to the handset's battery graphic in the top left-hand corner.

Also new to the brand's headphone portfolio is the BackBeat 216 (£39.99), which is certified for the iPod, iPhone and iPad and features an earbud design. Completing the lineup is the BackBeat 116 (£24.99), which sports an in-ear design. Both pairs incorporate in-line controllers and built-in mics.

Related
Full tags
Car And GPS, Plantronics, Plantronics K100, plantronics voyager pro, Plantronics Voyager Pro+, Plantronics BackBeat 903+, Plantronics BackBeat 216, Plantronics BackBeat 116, Headsets, Headphones

share print story pdf email story

Recommended articles

Recommended articles from around the web

Loading

Best iPad 2 apps

We detail the best iPad 2 and iPad apps in the app store Which iPad app should you download?

Best new iPad apps

We detail the best iPad apps in the app store for your new Retina Display Which iPad app should you download?

Windows 8

First Look: Windows 8 Consumer Preview reviewed

The new iPad

The new iPad: Everything you need to know

Pocket-lint poll

Q. Does the Samsung Galaxy S III deliver what you hoped for?

Vote YES Vote NO

» LAST TIME
When asked Would you switch from iOS to Android? 54% said yes and 46% said no