Backbeat 906 and 903 Bluetooth headphones unveiled Altec Lansing at CES2009

Backbeat 906 and 903 Bluetooth headphones unveiled Altec Lansing at CES 2009. Altec Lansing, a division of Plantronics, unveils Backbeat 906 and 903 Stereo Bluetooth headphones. The BackBeat 906 includes a stereo Bluetooth 2.0 adapter while the BackBeat 903 consists of the headphones only. Designed for active lifestyles, the new BackBeat products provide wireless stereo music listening and calls in a light, flexible, behind-the-neck wearing style.

The BackBeat headphones featuring OpenMic technology, which allows the wearer to instantly hear their surroundings without removing the headphones. The BackBeat 906 headphones include a stereo 2.0 Bluetooth adapter, which transmits wireless stereo sound from iPhones, iPods and other MP3 devices via a 3.5mm jack. The BackBeat 903 consists of the headphones only and is specifically designed for use with Bluetooth enabled MP3 players and stereo Bluetooth enabled mobile phones that do not require a separate Bluetooth adapter.

The BackBeat headphones include Plantronics Dual-Mic AudioIQ technology to separate voice from noise for audio clarity during calls. Similar to its performance in Plantronics’ award-winning lineup of Bluetooth headsets, the inclusion of dual-microphones enables BackBeat to accurately isolate voice signals: one microphone captures voice as the second microphone identifies background noise and removes it. AudioIQ, Plantronics’ proprietary digital signal processing algorithm, intelligently senses the caller’s surroundings to further improve background noise and automatically adjusts the sound for the best possible two-way audio quality.

Both headphones integrate Bluetooth v2.1 with EDR and support profiles including Hands-Free, Headset, A2DP and AVRC for wireless call and music control capability. Expected talk/music playback time is rated up to 7 hours, while standby time goes up to 8 days. Headset weight is approximately 34 grams. Available late February 2009, the BackBeat 906 will retail for $129.95 (MSRP) and the BackBeat 903 (without adapter) for $99.95 (MSRP).