US gong for Aussie bluetooth developer

Stuart Corner
Monday, 13 November 2006 10:44

Business IT - Technology

BlueAnt Wireless has been recognised by the US Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in its International CES Innovations 2007 Design and Engineering Awards for its Z9 bluetooth headset.

To be launched in early 2007, the Z9 is claimed to offer "a range of differentiating features which ensure crystal clear wireless enabled communication."

These include, according to BlueAnt : two microphones "for pure speech"; "world class" digital signal processor software; echo suppression and noise cancellation; near-field sensing with automatic gain adjustment; innovative tie clip for attaching to shirt, cuff, etc when not in use; ability to pair with multiple devices; on-the-fly phone switching between devices; abnormal disconnection notification; firmware upgradeable by USB; a different ring tone for contacts and unknown callers; auto connection and reconnection; up to seven hrs talk-time or 180 hrs standby; two year replacement warranty.

The award was assessed by "a pre-eminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press," according to BlueAnt.

The awards are endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA). Based in Melbourne, BlueAnt has expanded its operations to the US. with a North American office located in New York.