New Headset Plugs Into iPod, Cell Phone
A headset maker has created a gadget for those who can't get enough of their iPod. Plantronics dove into the iPod add-on market Wednesday by announcing the availability of a headset that can be plugged into a user's cell phone and iPod at the same time.
"People want to be able to listen to music, but still receive an important phone call," said Dean Hovey, vice president for Plantronics. "Now, someone can listen to their iPod and easily answer an incoming call via a simple switch on the headset cord."
Users will also be able to control volume for both the phone and music player through a volume control on the cord.
The massive success of the iPod has created a lucrative market for accessories around it, which has been dubbed the "iPod Economy" by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. While users can get cases and new headphones, they can also turn their iPods into pocket translators and even laser pointers through third-party add-ons.
Plantronics said that while its headset is marketed for the iPod through places such as the Apple Store, it will work on any MP3 player with a standard headphone jack. As for the phone jack, the company said it should fit most headset-ready phones, with adapters for Nokia and Ericsson included free in the packaging.
The unit will have a retail price of $39.99 USD.