Santa Cruz, Calif. –March 10, 2017 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), a pioneer in audio and wearable technology, today announced that the judging panel for the International Forum Design (iF) has chosen the critically acclaimed Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2 wireless headphones as the winner of its prestigious 2017 Product Design award in the audio category. This latest win marks the 10th consecutive year Plantronics has been honored by the iF International Forum Design GmbH organization for design excellence. Previous winners from the Plantronics BackBeat family of wireless stereo products include BackBeat SENSE, BackBeat FIT and BackBeat PRO.
The iF Design Awards have been internationally recognized as a hallmark of design excellence for over 60 years. This year the high-profile international jury evaluated 5,500 entries from 59 countries to determine who would receive its coveted seal of distinction. Products were evaluated based on innovation, functionality, design quality, material, and ergonomics and environmental compatibility, among other criteria.
“At Plantronics, we take great pride in the quality, research and testing that goes into designing all of our audio solutions to help people have the best experiences possible. This is at the core of our brand, and it drives everything we do,” said Darrin Caddes, vice president of corporate design at Plantronics. “Our mission with BackBeat PRO 2 was to create a premium headset that offered the next level of audio quality, comfort and design to encourage more consumers to cut the cord and take their audio experience wireless. We are therefore extremely proud to be receiving our 10th accolade from the iF design awards for BackBeat PRO 2, as it is the highest possible praise in our field.”
BackBeat PRO 2
Delivering a high-quality, full-range listening experience, BackBeat PRO 2 turns any moment into a refuge from a noisy world. On-demand active noise-cancellation (ANC) means you can minimize background noise when needed while working or traveling, and switch to open-listening mode to hear announcements, conversations or your environment without removing your headphones.
BackBeat PRO 2 provides the ultimate in wireless freedom with Class 1 Bluetooth® for an impressive 100 meter range when paired with a Class 1 Bluetooth device. Plantronics smart power management technologies give you up to 24 hours of continuous listening time on a single charge, up to 21 days of standby power, and up to six months of DeepSleep hibernation if inadvertently left on.
Other stereo Bluetooth headphones in the BackBeat Family include:
- BackBeat FIT, waterproof[1] and sweatproof wireless sport headphones that meet the IP57 rating featuring a unique, safety-oriented design and a stable fit regardless of activity level;
- BackBeat GO 3, wireless stereo earbuds designed from the ground up, and ear out, to provide vivid, high-res audio quality;
- BackBeat SENSE, smart on-ear wireless headphones with sensor technology;
- BackBeat 100 Series, hybrid neckband wireless headphones with an ultra-light design for easy all-day wear.
Each BackBeat product features the ability to make phone calls and enjoy music, as well as the quality, durability, comfort and best-in-class experience that customers have come to expect from Plantronics.
About the iF Design Awards
For over 60 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF Design Awards is one of the most important design prizes in the world. Submissions are awarded in the following disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication and Service Design, Architecture and Interior Architecture as well as Professional Concepts. All awarded entries are featured on the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE, in the iF design app and are displayed at the iF design exhibition Hamburg.
About Plantronics
Plantronics is a global leader in audio communications for businesses and consumers. We have pioneered new trends in audio technology, creating innovative products that allow people to simply communicate. From unified communication to Bluetooth® headsets to gaming solutions, we deliver uncompromising quality, an ideal experience, and extraordinary service. Plantronics is used by every company in the Fortune 100™, as well as 911 dispatch, air traffic control and various mission critical applications for those on the frontline. For more information, please visit www.plantronics.com or call (800) 544-4660.
BackBeat, DeepSleep and Plantronics are trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. registered in the US and other countries. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
[1] Waterproof in fresh water up to one meter (3.28 feet) for 30 minutes (IP57). However, Bluetooth® technology does not transmit underwater. Plantronics.com/waterproof.
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