Bluetooth audio is gaining in popularity thanks to mobility, according to Plantronics.
A/NZ national retail sales manager, Peter Petrides, said certain trends have helped push Bluetooth audio from an early adopter to mainstream technology.
“There is free Wi-Fi almost anywhere you go now and people are streaming music,” he said.
“The compression of audio is also far better than it has ever been.”
Plantronics has traditionally released headsets, though in recent years it has expanded into the consumer audio space with products such as the BackBeat GO 2.
Petrides said the vendor’s expanding product portfolio is a reflection of the connected worker of today.
“They’re not just working at the office but are also constantly on the move,” he said.
Preference for premium
Research is showing there are more people are using mobile phones than ever before, and this is continuing to encourage Plantronics to compete in the consumer audio space.
“People are doing everything on their mobile and tablet there days,” Petrides said.
In addition to the BackBeat GO 2, Plantronics recently released the BackBeat PRO wireless headphones aimed at the consumer audio space.
Petrides said the market is showing a growing interest in premium headphones, with the over $100 segment grew in the US experiencing growth last year.
“Five years ago, people would not spend $50 dollars for a pair of headphones, yet all of a sudden they are willing to pay for premium products,” he said.
The BackBeat PRO headphones are available now for $349.
Patrick Budmar covers consumer and enterprise technology breaking news for IDG Communications. Follow Patrick on Twitter at @patrick_budmar.
