Smith Optics and Plantronics, Inc. will collaborate to develop new Smith-branded action sports gear that incorporates wireless audio communication and entertainment technology. The new venture combines over 80 years of product excellence and leadership in the action sports, mobile and communications markets.
“We have created an ideal collaboration between Smith and Plantronics”, said Blair Clark, Smith Optics Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “The product development teams dedicated to this effort have tremendous experience and ideas in marrying fashion and technology. Our plan is to combine the same performance, style and innovation for this program that we provide in the goggle and sunglass businesses, while revolutionizing the integration of fashion and technology,” Clark said.
“Plantronics is an established leader in Bluetooth® communication devices and has proven that audio technology can easily fit into active lifestyles, and can do so with a sense of fashion,” said Renee Niemi, vice president of Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics. “Collaborating with Smith will accelerate this evolution and deliver action sports gear that combine style, comfort and great wireless sound.”
Smith and Plantronics will jointly develop helmets, goggles, eyewear and other products that incorporate wireless technology. The helmets will include audio systems compatible with MP3 players, such as Apple iPods, and MP3-enabled cell phones, advanced ventialation systems, a crash replacement program, and an unprecedented lifetime warranty.
“We are the market leader in goggles in the snowsports business and we have been innovating the product category for over 40 years,” said Eric Carlson, Director of Product and Merchandising. “The resources, focus and market knowledge that Plantronics has will allow us to evolve that heritage into the expanding wearable technology market. What were seeing now is that wearable technology is advanced enough to provide unrestricted design opportunities while being cost-effective. We can provide hands-free connection for all of our athletes and weekend warriors alike,” Carlson continued.
