1/8/2007
Vo200 Bluetooth Phone Also Combines VoIP Technology with the Familiarity of Traditional Phones
Kensington Computer Products Group, a worldwide leader in mobile computing accessories, has announced additions to its line of Bluetooth-compatible products. The new Si670m Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse provides an instant connection to Bluetooth-enabled laptops, without the need of a receiver. The Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone makes calling business contacts, friends and family over the Internet easier.
"As the leader in Bluetooth adapters, Kensington is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of this market," said Eleanor Sales, Kensington Senior Product Marketing Manager. "We implemented Bluetooth technology into two devices to give you instant connectivity. Our feature-rich Si670m Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse and Vo200 Voice over IP phone were both designed to make the consumer's experience more productive and enjoyable."
According to Sales, "Market data indicate that retail sales of Bluetooth-enabled laptops have doubled this year, and we expect growth to further increase in 2007. In addition, according to ABI research group, the installed base of Bluetooth devices reached one billion in early November 2006. Now that the technology is well established, Bluetooth-compatible products have become valuable productivity enhancement tools."
With its 1000-dpi Performance Optical technology, the Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse provides enhanced control and the ability to work easily in cramped spaces and off uneven surfaces. "Our optimized optical sensor provides superior precision and responsiveness," Sales explained. To further increase user control and facilitate navigation through Web files, the mouse also features a four-way tilt. Designed for both left- and right-handed use and for laptops and/or desktops, its mid-size body has sculpted, rubberized grips to ensure comfort. Addressing a common user concern, the mouse has a battery detection light, which warns the user in advance when the battery reaches low power levels.
The Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone also represents an expansion of the Kensington line of communication products that simplifies making Internet calls through a computer. It makes the placement of voice calls over the Internet easier by delivering the traditional "push-button" experience to which consumers are accustomed. In addition, with Kensington's "Simple Pairing" approach, the typically tedious pairing of a Bluetooth headset with a Bluetooth-enabled laptop is replaced with a seamless, simple pair/connect process. "Every time you power your Vo200, the device will automatically connect to your laptop and be ready for making and receiving calls," Sales explained.
New computer applications utilizing Voice over IP (VoIP) technology are growing in popularity with consumers. In September, to meet the needs of consumers who want to use their computers to access voice communications with ease, Kensington unveiled the Vo300 USB Internet Speakerphone. "As a leader in mobile computing accessories, Kensington is at the forefront of Internet communications, creating products that make Internet calling easier and enhancing the consumer's experience," Sales said. "The announcement of our Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone further illustrates our commitment to interpreting new cutting-edge technologies and then creating products that are easy to use."
Si670m Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse (SKU 72271): Bluetooth 2.0 compliant with receiver-free implementation, the Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse provides an instant, clutter-free connection to Bluetooth-enabled laptops and desktop PCs. Because no receiver is required, there is nothing to plug in, pack or risk losing. It features a battery-saving on-off switch to conserve batteries when the mouse is not in use and an easy-access battery door. It also features a mid-sized shape and comfortable, flexible grips. The four-way tilt-scroll wheel allows the user to navigate documents or Web sites easily. This product comes with a five-year limited warranty. Suggested retail price: $49.99.
Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone: Using a Bluetooth-enabled PC, the Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone improves transmission quality with its advanced echo cancellation and noise suppression technology. In addition, it provides over three hours of talk time and up to 30 hours of standby time. Users are able to select their favorite Internet phone services to place calls and can use the convenient hands-free mode or, for more privacy, the handset mode. When a call is finished, the user just slides the phone into the laptop's PC card slot for storage and recharging. The Vo200 is compatible with major Internet services such as Skype®, Yahoo!® Messenger, Windows® Live Messenger and Google Talk™. With its sleek design, the Vo200 is portable and always ready for use. After use, it folds back into the size of a PC card for storage. Suggested retail price: $89.99.
"The best products use new technology to improve the user experience," said Sales. "You do not need to be tech-savvy to use the Vo200 product and Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Mouse."
Notes to editors
About Kensington
Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington products empower people to dynamically interact with content, creating a better working experience for productive performance. In both office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being. Our core competencies in engineering, industrial design, product quality and responsive customer support make Kensington The Professionals’ Choice™.
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington operates as the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks, the acknowledged leader of Trackball innovation and offers a broad range of premium-branded desktop productivity solutions.