Plantronics Launches New Headsets for Xbox Live and Online PC Gamers
Four New Headset Designs Provide Comfort, Ruggedness and Superior Voice Quality
SANTA CRUZ, CA. - August 19, 2004 – Gamers have their individual preferences when it comes to headsets, even if they’re part of a team, Plantronics (NYSE:PLT), the world leader in lightweight communications headsets, has responded to the needs of Xbox Live™ and online PC gamers by delivering a new range of high-quality headsets with a variety of wearing styles. For console gaming, Plantronics has developed the GameCom X20 and GameCom X10; online PC gamers also gain two new choices with the release of Plantronics’ GameCom Pro 1 and GameCom 1.
New Xbox Live Headsets Expand Wearing Options
The GameCom X20 incorporates the durability and comfort of Plantronics unique Flex Grip® design with a discreet, bendable noise-canceling boom microphone for superior communications quality. The GameCom X10 delivers an alternate over-the-head style and, like the X20, sports the green and black color scheme of the Xbox® console. The X10 and X20 are for use with the Xbox Communicator™ but are sold separately, making it easy for current Xbox Live users to customize their console set-up with their choice of headset.
“We’ve listened to feedback from gamers, and as a result are delivering solutions that match the way they actually play the games. For example, gamers who like to kick back on the sofa may prefer an earbud or the over-the-head design rather than a behind-the-head style,” said Matt Miller, director of product marketing, Plantronics. “Optimizing the fit and form factor not only increases the style appeal, but also enhances online communication between team members, creating a more intense gaming experience.”
Plantronics Delivers New PC Gaming Headsets
Joining the two new models for the Xbox are the GameCom Pro 1 and GameCom 1 for PC gamers. Both headsets feature two speakers for the ultimate in immersive gameplay, and a noise-canceling microphone for superior voice communications. The GameCom Pro 1 plugs into the USB port and has a built-in digital signal processor (DSP) to enhance the audio signal, providing crystal clear audio quality. The GameCom 1 is an analog model that plugs into a PC soundcard.
Plantronics launched the GameCom product line as part of its comprehensive gaming initiative. In addition to creating the original Xbox Live headset, Plantronics has delivered solutions to PC gamers for the last five years; its new headset offerings are the next step in advancing the role of voice in online gaming.
Pricing and Availability
Plantronics’ GameCom product line will be available worldwide on August 31 through select retail outlets.
The headsets for Xbox Live, the GameCom X10 and X20, will have estimated street prices of US$19.99 and US$29.99 respectively. On the PC side, the GameCom 1 will have an estimated street price of US$29.99; the DSP-enhanced GameCom Pro 1 will have an estimated street price of US$79.99. All products include a one-year warranty with Plantronics’ world-class service and support.
About Plantronics
Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with approximately 4,000 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide. Plantronics headsets are also used widely in many Fortune 500 corporations and have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong’s historic “One small step for man” transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics, Inc., headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 18 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling (800) 544-4660.
Plantronics, the logo design, Plantronics and the logo design combined as well as GameCom, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics Inc. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owners.
