Plantronics Expands Consumer Audio Headphone Catalog for Runners, Travelers And Gamers

September 12 2018, 01:00
In what the company calls its biggest consumer launch ever, Plantronics announced the simultaneous release of a completely new and ambitious range of headphones and earphones for active lifestyles, travelers and gamers. New Bluetooth 5 wireless models include the True Wireless BackBeat FIT 3100 for active enthusiasts, and the BackBeat GO 810 (over-ear) and 410 (in-ear) with ANC for frequent travelers, together with the RIG PRO Series Gaming Headset for gamers, all featuring updated technologies and a refined design.
 

For Plantronics, this new updated catalog arrives in time for the holiday shopping season and is the brand's most expansive consumer product launch to date with eight products across the BackBeat FIT, BackBeat GO and RIG PRO lines. These products deliver new, immersive audio experiences, so users can hear and enjoy what matters most – from music to phone calls to gameplay.

Targeting runners, students, fitness enthusiasts and active people of all stripes, the new Plantronics BackBeat FIT 3100 is certainly one of the most notable designs ever from the Californian company. These truly wireless earbuds combine audio quality with updated technology, and uniquely boast the Always Aware feature that enables outdoor enthusiasts to “hear what truly matters” – like taxi horns, barking dogs or screeching brakes – during their workout. The sweatproof and waterproof design (IP57 rating) uses soft materials, with flexible behind-the-ear hooks that actually fit and hold the earbuds comfortably no matter the activity, so they’re durable, safe and stylish. 
 

The BackBeat FIT 3100 true wireless earbuds are available in a range of attractive color schemes and weigh only 22 g (.78 oz), featuring a wireless range of up to 33 ft/ 10m from the Bluetooth source, even though they are already equipped with a Bluetooth 5 chip. The drivers are standard dynamic 13.5 mm units  with excellent specs, and are complemented with a MEMS microphone with DSP on both sides to allow for voice communication and the Always Aware feature. Battery wise, the new BackBeat FIT 3100 TWS features a 90 mAh to allow for up to 5 hours of music listening or talk time on the earbuds, and up to 10 additional hours with the charge case. A DeepSleep mode allows for power remaining up to 6 months and the quick charge mode allows for up to 1 hour of listening time with just a 15-minute charge.
 

Plantronics also launch a new complementary BackBeat app, where users can setup the My Tap feature, which offers command customization for a personalized workout experience. With one or two taps and no break in the action, users can start a stopwatch, set a timer or select their favorite playlist directly from your earbuds.

For those users who prefer a more robust option, Plantronics designed the BackBeat FIT 2100 around the neck model. These ultra-stable, sweatproof and waterproof wireless sport earbuds are similar in all regards with the true wireless version, with the difference that they feature a larger battery built-in - for up to 8 hours or listening time and don't need the charging case. The design of the BackBeat FIT 2100 model is very similar to the TWS 3100 version, featuring also Bluetooth 5, Always Aware eartips that allow users to hear the surroundings, and a similar design and materials.
 

For a more affordable option, Plantronics launched the BackBeat FIT 350 model, which delivers another wireless wearing style option for gym-goers with stability and up to six hours of listening time, optimized for situations where users mainly want to hear music.

The new BackBeat FIT 3100 true wireless is available in two colors, Black and Grey for $149.99 USD. The BackBeat FIT 2100 model is available in four colors, Black, Grey, Blue and Lava Black for $99.99 USD, and the BackBeat FIT 350 is available in three colors, Black/Grey, Grey/Bone and Grey/Blue for $79.99 USD.

Active Noice Cancelling
For travelers dealing with noisy airplanes, airports or public transportation, Plantronics launched the new BackBeat GO 810 around the ear headphones, and 410 earbuds, competing with the established players in this expanding category. The BackBeat GO 810 are wireless, over-the-ear headphones that pack up to 20 hours of listening time for commuters and travelers, so they can focus on what matters amid the clamor of an airport, an airplane, commuter bus or subway.
 

Combining audio quality provided by 40 mm dynamic drivers and a bass chamber, with balanced and bright EQ presets available through the BackBeat app, the Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 headphones intends to improve music-listening with noise-cancelling performance, featuring dual-mode ANC system that allows users to choose the best setup on high- and low-noise environments. The design was also tested for all-day comfort, using comfortable memory foam and leatherette earpads, plus slim over-the-ear housings that fold flat for travel.

The impressive specifications detail up to 22 hours of power with ANC between charges and up to 28 hours without ANC. Inside there is a Bluetooth 5, BLE, Class 1 system allowing for 50 meters (165 ft) range system with advanced profiles, supporting firmware updates with the BackBeat app, the mentioned equalization modes and ANC configuration. The built-in radio also allows for multi-point connect to pair with two devices simultaneously and stream from either one. The BackBeat Go 810 also comes with a wideband-enabled microphone to support voice calls and a voice command engine with support for 17 languages.
 

Between flights, users can rest assured that the headphones remain charged for up to 6 months thanks to the DeepSleep mode. Fast charging allows for getting the full listening time in just 2 hours, while a 10 minute charge allows for up to 3 hours of listening time.

Thinking about Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones in a more affordable version, the new BackBeat GO 410 Dual Mode ANC in-ear model provides up to 12 hours of extended battery life (8 hours with ANC on) in a sweat-resistant, sleek form factor, also with a Bluetooth 5 Class 1 radio. The is updated design features  100mm drivers, smart magnetic hibernation sensors that automatically shut off ANC when latched, and are already HD Voice certified (mSBC codec) using the built-in wideband microphone.
 

The new ANC series is available now, with the BackBeat GO 810 model available in three colors, Graphite Black, Navy Blue and Bone White for $149.99 USD, while the in-ear BackBeat GO 410 is available in Graphite and Bone for $129.99 USD.

For hard core gamers
Gaming is another huge area where Plantronics offers competitive gamers a new level of hearing what matters. The new Plantronics RIG 300, RIG 400 PRO and RIG 500 PRO Series headsets continue the legacy of the RIG family of gaming headsets, and are used worldwide by professional gaming leagues and competitive voice gamers. These new headsets deliver the quality Plantronics is known for in terms of durability.

The new RIG 300 Series was designed as a premium, first headset for the growing gamer. The lightweight, comfortable open earcups deliver immersive audio experiences for kids and adults, and Plantronics' SoundGuard technology enhances the audio experience by ensuring a maximum volume of 118dB. The RIG 300 Series is for use with Xbox One, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch and Windows 10, and is available for $39.99.

The RIG 400 Series is for truly competitive gamers with the patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial that enables users to adjust the audio intensity and experience without taking their hands off the controller. The dual-material ear cushions are comfortable and block outside noise, so the focus remains on the game. The RIG 400 PRO HC is for use with Xbox One and Playstation One for $59.99.

Finally, the RIG 500 Series is built for the most demanding gamers and high-resolution gaming platforms. Gamers enjoy high-fidelity audio through an exoskeleton earcup design that improves comfort, reduces noise distractions and provides users an advantage over competitors. The RIG 500 series has four models available with the PRO HX for Xbox One for $79.99, PRO HS for Playstation 4 for $79.99, PRO for $99.99 and PRO Esports Edition for $149.99.  
www.plantronics.com
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