[BTM] In-Stat/MDR Bluetooth Headset Report

[Daniel Mao]

So for $795 we can get more detail research reports on bluetooth?  Booooooo

>Headsets Heating Up
>
>The wireless headset market is heating up further with many new 
>entrants from Asia.  However, the biggest recent news came from two 
>well-recognized players, and one newcomer.
>
>Plantronics expanded its line with its new M2500 Bluetooth headset 
>that targets a price-conscious or entry-level purchaser, but 
>features great sound quality and an over-the-ear lightweight design. 
>The M2500 offers five hours of talk time, and 120 hours of standby 
>time, and a soft SoundGuide earpiece for a stable, lightweight and 
>comfortable fit. The headset features easy-to-use controls that 
>enhance the user experience. The M2500 includes status indicators 
>alerting users of power status, and is equipped for in-car charging. 
>The M2500 joins Plantronics' M3000 headset that is designed for 
>users who require maximum talk and standby time, and the M3500 
>headset that is targeted to the mobile professional who requires 
>superior audio quality. The M2500 will be available worldwide in May 
>and will have a price of $89.95 (US).
>
>Jabra launched its latest Bluetooth headset, the JABRA SP100 
>Bluetooth speakerphone. The portable SP100 offers portability as 
>well as its other features. The JABRA SP100 can be used in the car, 
>and in the office or home. The SP100 is supplied with a visor clip 
>and suction mount, while the microphone offers a pivoting arm that 
>can be positioned for optimum voice pick-up. The speakerphone is 
>also equipped with a mute button and a headset port. With 
>rechargeable batteries, the SP100 provides up to 12 hours of talk 
>time, 20 days of standby time, and can be charged with an AC power 
>adaptor, but the product can also operate with standard AA batteries 
>(handy in a pinch). The SP100 will be available in North America in 
>2Q2004 with a price of $149 (US). Also recently, Jabra's three new 
>Bluetooth headsets to be launched this summer include the Jabra 
>BT500, the BT 800, and the BT110.  The Jabra BT500 is the company's 
>next generation Bluetooth headset, the Jabra BT800 is a 
>full-featured, high-end headset, while the Jabra BT110 is an 
>entry-level headset.
>
>Newcomer STEP Communications revealed performance enhancements to 
>its recent market entrant, the STEP 1150 Bluetooth Headset. 
> Enhancements include increased talk time, dual Bluetooth profile 
>support and a BTA-1 adapter for non-Bluetooth phones (usable with 
>STEP 1150 and 1100 headsets). The BTA-1 allows owners of 
>non-Bluetooth phones with an industry standard 2.5mm headphone jack 
>to work with STEP's headsets. The resulting talk time now extends 
>over 5.5 hours with standby time over 200 hours.  In addition to 
>improved power management, the STEP 1150 now includes support for 
>both the Bluetooth Headset and Hands-Free profiles, providing 
>compatibility with a greater number of Bluetooth devices. Both the 
>STEP 1150 and 1100 incorporate STEP's proprietary Acoustic Bubble 
>technology that substantially reduces wind noise and other 
>surrounding sounds, providing exceptional user-voice clarity. The 
>1150 is priced at $99.95 (US).
>
>With an increasing number of laws being passed worldwide regarding 
>restrictions of mobile phone usage in vehicles, handsfree operation 
>will be in demand at an increasing rate. In the US, the awareness 
>level of Bluetooth for the average US consumer is taking a jump due 
>to the recent TV automotive commercials mentioning Bluetooth. 
>Worldwide, we expect demand for handsfree Bluetooth solutions, like 
>headsets, to rise significantly due to these laws in addition to the 
>increase in support from automotive manufacturers.  We expect 
>Bluetooth headsets to grow by a five-year compound annual growth 
>rate of 60%.
>
>You can view in-depth research and analysis on Bluetooth from Joyce at:
><http://www.instat.com/e/EC8D28/577B47/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?id=161>
>
>Joyce Putscher - Director
>Multimedia & Interface Technologies
><http://www.instat.com/e/EC8D28/577B47/catalog/Ccatalogue.asp?ID=161>
>jputscher at reedbusiness.com
>
>
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