GN Netcom Introduces Dual-Use Bluetooth Headsets

March 2004 /PRNewswire/ -- GN Netcom, the worldwide leader in wireless hands-free communications, recently unveiled a new line of DuoLink Bluetooth headsets that finally allow the use of a single headset with both desktop and mobile phones -- eliminating the hassle of juggling multiple headsets for different phones while offering innovative wearing styles inspired by the professional mobile market.

The first two headsets in the new product line are the GN 6110 (available Q1 2004), which utilizes an incredibly tiny and light fold-out form factor and the GN 6210 (available Q2 2004), which utilizes the comfortable behind-the-ear form factor first made popular by GN Netcom's enormously successful JABRA FreeSpeak headset. Both headsets will be available through GN Netcom's worldwide range of distributors and resellers.

Seamless and Intuitive
GN Netcom -- the world's largest manufacturer of Bluetooth wireless headsets through its GN Netcom and JABRA brands and various OEM manufacturing arrangements -- developed the innovative dual-use technology known as DuoLink at its R&D facilities in its world headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. DuoLink technology builds upon the Bluetooth wireless protocol -- previously only capable of linking a headset to a single device at a time -- by adding an additional software layer to the headset.

The software enables the headset to pair concurrently with both a desk phone (either digital or analog) and a mobile phone. An included base station, which incorporates a Bluetooth transceiver as well as the headset's charger, is connected to the landline phone. Users can then simply press the "answer/call" button on the GN 6110 or GN 6210 headset if either the mobile phone OR the desk phone rings -- no awkward wires, no fumbling with two headsets.

Similarly, users can initiate an outgoing call by simply pressing the same button. If the headset detects the base station nearby, it will initiate a connection to the desk phone, ready for dialing. If not, it opens a connection to the mobile phone, which can be dialed manually, or if supported by the phone, by voice command. The user can also initiate a mobile call from the mobile phone as they normally would.

GN Netcom's market research illustrated that today's business professional has dramatically increased the percentage of work calls outside of his or her office. Whether traveling, commuting or working from home, today's professional doesn't stop working at the office door. The result is an increasing dependence on both an office phone and a mobile phone. GN Netcom is meeting a market need by allowing the same headset to be used for all calls, whether through a mobile phone, or a landline phone, simplifying communications for today's professional. Since the base station is attached to the phone through the standard handset, the GN 6110 and GN 6210 can work with literally any landline phone on the market -- whether digital or analog.

"The GN 6110 and GN 6210 with new dual-use DuoLink technology represent another first for GN Netcom, the first to provide a Bluetooth hands-free device in 2000," said Tobe Cohen, Senior Vice President, Marketing, GN Netcom, Inc. "Being the global leader in both mobile and office wireless products allowed us to identify a growing trend in the convergence of mobile and office headset usage. Our market research identified a strong desire to have a single headset that can follow the mobile professional anywhere he or she works and offers the wearing styles popularized among mobile users."

Both headsets provide the Bluetooth-standard 30 feet of range. The headsets are fully compatible with GN Netcom's optional GN 1000 remote handset lifter, providing the ultimate in flexibility by raising and lowering a desktop telephone's handset automatically. A travel charger is bundled with the headsets allowing users to conveniently recharge their headset when on the road, without needing to unplug the transceiver from the landline phone.

"I'm extremely impressed with what GN Netcom has accomplished with this new dual-use technology," said Eddie Hold, Vice President of Telecom Services for Current Analysis, Inc. "These new devices finally manifest the real promise of Bluetooth technology - products that make our lives easier by linking seamlessly and without wires to other devices. We feel that the GN 6110 and GN 6210 have the potential to spur Bluetooth adoption in the U.S. and continue the momentum for Bluetooth's already significant penetration in Europe."

GN 6110 - Tiny, Light and Eye-Catching
The GN 6110 boasts an incredibly tiny form factor weighing under one ounce and with a diameter of only 50 mm (under two inches) when closed - perfect for dropping into a shirt pocket. When in use, a foldable silver boom arm extends out of the device providing excellent sound quality and an unmistakable "wow" factor.

The unit is designed for maximum comfort -- it can be left on all day without fatigue. The GN 6110 features a talk time of four hours with a standby time of one week. Also, the headset features a reversible earhook allowing it to work on either ear -- but an imbedded tilt sensor ensures that the button orientation remains the same regardless of which way the headset is worn.

GN 6210 - Comfortable and Superior Sound
The GN 6210 uses a "behind-the-ear" form factor already popularized by GN Netcom's hugely successful JABRA FreeSpeak Bluetooth headset. The headset is made of a soft, sound-absorbing elastomer material that reduces distortions, resulting in crisp sound quality. The earpiece and microphone boom fit behind either ear for a comfortable, secure fit. The earpiece also features the JABRA MiniGel(TM). This soft, ergonomic gel tip channels sound directly into the user's ear for better reception and improved ability to hear conversations clearly even in noisy environments. The GN 6210 weighs under an ounce and measures 1 1/4" d x 2" w x 2 1/4" h. It features a talk time up to four hours with a standby time of up to 100 hours.

GN 6110 will list at $299 in North America. GN 6210 pricing has not yet been set.

For information about products please visit www.gnnetcom.com/usa or call 1-800-826-4656

SOURCE GN Netcom