Plantronics Explorer 370 – ruggedized Bluetooth headset

A ruggedized handsets is nothing new these days, but a ruggedized headset certainly is. I’m not sure why it’s needed — except to pair it with the equally “tough” phone or to fill the headset maker’s gamma with one such product. I guess Plantronics wants the latter. Or not… I’m not sure, to be fair…

Anyway, the so called Explorer 370 is “tailored for the adventurer in all of us,” and aside from the durable body that is water, dust and shock resistant – it also incorporates excellent call clarity with multiple control features — including volume, answer and end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing, with the touch of a button.

I’m not sure I want one, but in case you do — put aside $69.95 or $79.95 for the version that comes with car charger and wait for March of this year when it starts selling… Full release after the jump.

PRESS RELEASE – Mobile World Congress — Plantronics, Inc. today introduced the Plantronics Explorer 370, a new Bluetooth headset tailored for the adventurer in all of us — or at least those requiring their communication tools stand up to the elements. Durability tested to meet military-grade specifications, the Explorer 370 is water, dust and shock resistant and features windscreen technology to ensure users experience clear calls no matter what the environment.

“Everyday life can be rough on electronics, so Plantronics developed a headset that can be tossed around, dropped repeatedly, worn in the rain and still work properly,” said Ron Vitale, category director for Mobile at Plantronics, Inc. “The Explorer 370 delivers a quality headset in a durable package that can withstand tough environments, including windy and dusty work conditions, rugged outdoor adventures or anything life throws at you.”

The Explorer 370 is certified to MIL-STD 810 standards issued by the United States Army’s Developmental Test Command to prove that equipment qualified to the standard will survive in the field. The first Bluetooth headset to boast a “ruggedized” design plus Plantronics’ wind screen technology to effectively filter wind noise, the Explorer 370 also features QuickPair technology to simplify headset-to-mobile phone pairing. The Explorer 370 provides up to seven hours of talk time and up to eight days of standby time and is equipped with a lanyard, ideal for outdoor workers and sports enthusiasts.

Plantronics Explorer 360: A Smart Choice for Simple Setup

With an increasing number of mobile phones featuring Bluetooth, the need for entry-level products for first-time users is growing. To answer this demand, Plantronics has also introduced the Explorer 360, a lightweight, reliable and simple-to-use headset.

Weighing less than an ounce, the compact new Explorer 360 incorporates excellent call clarity with multiple control features, including volume, answer and end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing, with the touch of a button. Plantronics QuickPair technology allows easy pairing. A universal Micro USB adaptor provides quick charging convenience for up to seven hours of talk time and eight days of standby time.

Plantronics Explorer 360A: Enhancing Driver Safety

With an increasing number of U.S. states and municipalities enacting legislation that requires drivers use a hands-free device while driving, Plantronics is also bundling the Explorer 360 with a unique “elbow” car charger that fits within most car cigarette lighters. The Explorer 360A with car charger delivers a continuously charged Bluetooth headset that is always within easy reach and line-of-sight for the driver.

Pricing and Availability

The new Plantronics Explorer 370 Bluetooth headset (MSRP $79.95), Explorer 360 Bluetooth headset (MSRP $69.95), and Explorer 360A Bluetooth headset with car charger (MSRP $79.95) will be available in March at major electronic retailers and http://www.plantronics.com.