Jabra Extreme Bluetooth headset & Cruiser speakerphone get Noise Blackout Extreme DSP

Jabra have outed a pair of new Bluetooth devices, including a low-cost alternative to the Jabra Stone, the Jabra Extreme, and a Bluetooth speakerphone, the Jabra Cruiser.  The Extreme is more traditionally designed than the Stone, but has the same Noise Blackout Extreme background-noise cancellation DSP technology as the more expensive headset.

Noise Blackout Extreme can apparently slice out up to 24dB of background noise, versus the 12dB of previous Jabra DSP technology.  Jabra promise it'll be a comfortable fit, too, thanks to "Ultimate-fit Eargel" buds.  The Extreme can pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, receive A2DP stereo audio (though only play it in mono, obviously), automatically adjusts volume and lasts for up to 5.5hrs talktime or up to 10.5 days standby.  It's available now in Best Buy for $79.99.

As for the Jabra Cruiser, the speakerphone also gets Noise Blackout Extreme and has spoken caller ID announcements which link into the cellphone's address book to match names rather than speaking numbers.  It can also stream A2DP music and has an FM transmitter to funnel your audio (and conversations) through your car speakers.  Battery life is up to 14hrs talktime or 300hrs standby, and it can pair to two devices simultaneously.  It's also available now, priced at $99.99.

Press Release:

JABRA LAUNCHES FIRST WIRELESS SPEAKERPHONE FEATURING NOISE BLACKOUT TECHNOLOGY

Jabra CRUISER Eliminates Street Sounds, Offers Hands-Free Driving Solution

Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2010 – GN Netcom, the world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced the Jabra CRUISER, the first Bluetooth® wireless speakerphone for mobile phones to feature Noise BlackoutTM technology, a dual microphone system that eliminates street and traffic sounds while optimizing voice quality. Joining Jabra's successful and critically acclaimed line of speakerphones, the CRUISER offers superior audio quality, a sleek design, and in-car convenience, allowing drivers to keep both hands on the wheel in compliance with hands-free driving laws. The Jabra CRUISER will be shown for the first time this week at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Currently, six states prohibit all drivers from talking on handheld cell phones while driving, and additional states are following suit. Violation of such laws could result in a ticket; however, there are a number of wireless solutions to help keep both hands on the wheel and savings in the bank. The Jabra CRUISER includes features that keep users informed of incoming calls, battery level, and connectivity status – all without the touch of a finger. The device features caller ID in the form of voice announcements, which intelligently accesses a paired phone's address book to announce the name of an incoming caller. StatusDisplay LED indicators on the speakerphone display multi-colored lights that correspond to the headset's battery level and Bluetooth connection status so users can gauge their status with just one glance.

The Jabra CRUISER also conquers one of the biggest limitations with car speakerphones: ambient noise. The proprietary Noise Blackout technology identifies the direction of various sounds – including traffic and backseat chatter – and reduces only surrounding noise without distorting a user's voice. The technology uses dual microphones to capture the sound and then intelligently filters the ambient noise only. Used together with advanced DSP technology for echo reduction, the technology allows both sides of a call to be heard in natural sounding voice quality.

Featuring MultiuseTM connectivity, the Jabra CRUISER allows two Bluetooth-enabled devices – including mobile phones, smartphones, and MP3 players – to be paired simultaneously via a turnkey auto-pairing function for instant usability. Ideal for both family road trips or business travel, the CRUISER detects an incoming call and connects to the respective device. MP3 tracks can even be remotely controlled from the CRUISER with simple play, pause and rewind buttons on the speakerphone. In addition, a built-in FM transmitter allows calls and MP3s stored on a mobile device and played via the Jabra

GN Netcom, Inc. 77 Northeastern Blvd. Nashua, NH 03062 Phone: 1 800 826 4656 Fax: 1 603 598 1122 www.jabra.com

CRUISER to be heard through a car's stereo system. Ensuring that users won't miss phone calls while listening to music, the CRUISER even fades out music to allow for incoming calls.

The Jabra CRUISER is available online and at Verizon and AT&T retail stores for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

Key product specifications of the Jabra CRUISER include:

  • Bluetooth 2.1, including EDR and eSCO A2DP and AVRCP for music streaming
  • Noise Blackout technology with dual microphones and echo cancellation (DSP)
  • FM Transmitter for listening to calls and music through car stereo speakers
  • Caller ID voice announcements via phone book access profile (PBAP)
  • StatusDisplay LED indicators for battery level and Bluetooth connection status
  • Multiuse – connects to 2 devices at the same time
  • Auto-pairing to mobile phone
  • Up to 14 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby time
  • Dimensions – 5in (L) x 2.4in (W) x 0.6in (H)
  • Weight – 3 ounces
  • Includes a Micro USB cable, universal car charger, clip for visor and quick start manual
  • In fall delivered a new era in style and broke the mold of the traditional Bluetooth headset. Eliminating the standard on-face microphone, the Jabra STONE combines both style and functionality and features a wireless portable charger that also functions as a compact carrying case. The Jabra STONE, currently available for $129.99 at AT&T retail stores, will be available at other retail outlets nationwide beginning February 1, 2010.

    For more information on Jabra's full line of mobile products, visit www.jabra.com/buy.

Press Release:

JABRA DELIVERS ULTIMATE NOISE CANCELLATION WITH NEW JABRA EXTREME BLUETOOTH HEADSET

Features User-Friendly Controls, Comfortable Design, and Innovative Patented Dual Microphone Technology to Ensure Highest Caliber Call Quality

Las Vegas, NV – January 6, 2010 – GN Netcom, the world leader in innovative headset solutions, today announced the Jabra EXTREME, a Bluetooth® headset that features a fantastic new innovation: Noise BlackoutTM Extreme. Noise Blackout Extreme builds on Jabra's distinguished heritage in noise cancelling technologies using dual microphones and automatic volume control to dramatically enhance call quality, providing twice as much background noise reduction (24 decibels) as previous Noise BlackoutTM technology (12 decibels). In addition, a unique new Ultimate-fit EargelTM has been developed to guarantee superior comfort for all day use. The Jabra EXTREME will be shown for the first time this week at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

The Jabra EXTREME makes poor quality calls a distant memory. To create the clearest call possible, dual microphones capture sound while intelligently filtering out background noise. This eliminates ambient noise even in the loudest environments, enhancing the call clarity and ensuring the caller never sounds like a robot.

The Jabra EXTREME is designed for comfort and style – users won't even realize that they are wearing a headset. Specially developed Ultimate-fit EargelsTM mold to any ear shape to ensure a snug fit: one size really does fit all with the Jabra EXTREME. The headset also comes with two rotatable ear hooks that are contoured to fit the ear perfectly, ensuring a comfortable fit all day long. Maintaining the good looks of its predecessor, the Jabra BT530, the EXTREME features a sleek, updated style which appeals to music fans and road warriors alike.

Delivering the ultimate user-friendly experience, the Jabra EXTREME truly allows users to be hands free by eliminating the need to fiddle with any buttons while on a call or making calls. While on a call, the headset automatically adjusts the volume of the call to suit both the environment and the in-coming voice, intelligently amplifying a quiet voice and reducing a loud one. In addition, a technology called Acoustic Shock Protection protects the user's ear from any sudden blasts of noise. The headset also allows a user to manually fine-tune voice and music volume to their liking. The EXTREME can also be connected to two devices at the same time, making the transition between PC and mobile phones, or music and talk, much easier.

The Jabra EXTREME is now available at Best Buy retail stores and at BestBuy.com for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Key Specifications of the Jabra EXTREME:

• Bluetooth® 2.1 including EDR and eSCO

• Noise BlackoutTM Extreme with dual microphones

• MultiuseTM – connects to 2 devices at the same time

• Transmits music (A2DP)

• Adjusts volume automatically

• Acoustic Shock Protection

• Dedicated on/off slider

• Dual wearing style = Ultimate-Fit EargelsTM and flexible ear hooks

• Talktime = 5.5 hours

• Standby time = 10.5 days

• Dimensions = 47 x 18.5 x 27.5 mm

• Weight = 10 grams

• Charger = Car, USB and A/C

In addition to the Jabra EXTREME, GN Netcom also unveiled the Jabra CRUISER at CES, the first Bluetooth wireless speakerphone for mobile phones to feature Noise BlackoutTM technology. Joining Jabra's successful and critically acclaimed line of speakerphones, the CRUISER offers superior audio quality, a sleek design, and in-car convenience, allowing drivers to keep both hands on the wheel in compliance with hands-free driving laws. The Jabra CRUISER is currently available online and at Verizon and AT&T retail stores for a suggested retail price of $99.99.

For more information on Jabra's full line of mobile products, visit www.jabra.com/buy.