Hands-free audio solutions developer GN Netcom has announced its latest family of wireless office headsets, which includes the GN 9350, GN 9330, and GN 9330 USB. 

 

 The GN 9350 is, according to the firm, the first fully converged wireless office headset, offering both traditional and IP telephony. Its ‘younger siblings’ provide connectivity for traditional telephony (GN 9330) and IP telephony (GN 9330 USB) individually. 

 

While VoIP is beginning to find its way into mainstream communications, it is still in the early phases of adoption. According to a recent Infonetics study, “almost half of small and two-thirds of large organizations in North America will be using VoIP products and services by 2010.” 

 

Because many of these VoIP users will also be using softphones—for convenience, space saving, or mobility—they will also require headsets to remain connected. As companies continue to roll out new VoIP deployments, it is important to have products that can cope with a changing environment. 

 

The new GN 9300 series is just that, addressing the evolution of the communications space, offering solutions to meet the needs of today (standard telephony), tomorrow (IP), and making the transition from old to new. It adds a wireless aspect to boot, allowing users to roam as far as 300 feet from the base station with the 9350 (up to 200 feet with the 9330 and 9330 USB). 

 

 

The GN 9350—the premier product in the series—is the first wireless headset to offer Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and, for IP telephony, wideband audio with a 6.8 kHz audio bandwidth (more than double that of conventional telephony).  The DSP filters background noise and adjusts incoming audio levels to maintain a safe, consistent volume throughout the call, providing crisp, clear audio.  

 

On the other end of the line, callers will also hear a crisp, clear transmission, thanks to the noise canceling microphone. The 9350 allows for up to nine hours of continuous talk time when fully charged.

 

The GN 9330 is designed to work with standard desktop units, delivering enhanced audio quality and hands-free convenience for anyone who has not yet made the switch to IP telephony. Conversely, the GN 9330 USB connects to a computer via a USB port for use with VoIP service. The 9330 USB also boasts 6.8 kHz wideband USB audio quality.  

 

 

Both the 9350 and the 9330 USB models are an affordable, innovative solution with the convenience of ‘plug and play’ installation and hands-free communication.

 

All three 9300 series models employ the DECT (News - Alert) 6.0 wireless standard and operate on a WiFi (News - Alert)-friendly 1.9 GHz frequency.  Security of conversations is assured via 64-bit digital encryption. A stylish small form factor complements many of today’s headsets.

 

“The GN 9300 series provides hands-free convenience in the office and gives users freedom to roam — a benefit being realized outside the office due to Bluetooth wireless headset use with mobile phones,” said David Wood, senior vice president and general manager for GN Netcom's North American operations.  

 

Wood added: “The GN 9350 also provides a future-proof solution for companies who have not yet migrated entirely to IP telephony. Our new family of products is focused on providing solutions to users that meet all of their business needs, regardless of the organizational size or communications platform.”

 

The GN 9300 series is now available through distribution channels and resellers across North America. Suggested price for the GN 9350 is $349; the GN 9330 and the GN 9330 go for $249.