Freedom Wireless Headphones from award-winning Bluetooth stereo headset maker Jaybird to feature APT’s low-latency apt-X® audio codec for outstanding crystal-clear wireless sound
International CES, Las Vegas [January 9, 2009] – (VPO) – APT Licensing Ltd (Belfast, UK) [www.aptx.com], the real-time audio compression systems house, today announces further consumer electronics industry endorsement of its low-latency, high-quality apt-X audio codec technology with news of a collaborative partnership with JayBird Gear, LLC (Salt Lake City, Utah) [www.jaybirdgear.com], maker of the critically acclaimed JB-200 Bluetooth Stereo Headset series for iPod, iPhone, MP3 players, PC/Mac, mobiles and other portable media players (PMPs). Jaybird will incorporate the outstanding wireless sound quality of low-latency apt-X audio codec technology into the company’s next generation of high-definition stereo Bluetooth wireless headphones for the growing active lifestyles market. The Jaybird Freedom Wireless Headphones, successor to the award-winning Jaybird JB-200 Bluetooth Stereo Headset, becomes available from April 2009, and is again primarily targeted toward the active lifestyles sector of the consumer electronics market. LAPTOP Magazine [www.laptopmag.com], the leading US mobile-technology magazine, conferred its Ultimate Choice 2008 “top pick” status on the Jaybird JB-200 in a comparison of stereo Bluetooth headsets from various manufacturers.
Made for iPod, made for sport
JayBird CEO and founder Judd Armstrong said: “The Freedom headset is Jaybird’s new crown jewel, the ultimate music machine for sports, and builds on the whirlwind success of the critically-acclaimed JB-200 series. Many listeners agree that standard Bluetooth A2DP stereo sound has background static issues, but with the apt-X audio codec option, wireless sound is crystal clear.” Like the JB-200 headset, the Freedom Wireless Headphones will be “Made for iPod” approved.
Mike Canevaro, VP Business Development, APT Licensing, added: "In less than two years, JayBird has established a strong active lifestyle-orientated audio brand in an underserved market niche: sports, athletics, and fitness. With apt-X inside, the Freedom headphones are positioned as one of Bluetooth stereo headset industry’s most complete solutions for music-lovers on the move, and are compatible with the broadest possible range of PMPs, from simple MP3 players to smartphones like the iPhone 3G and BlackBerry.”
Jaybird joins scores of new and existing apt-X audio codec licensee partners who design and manufacture a range of digital wireless audio products for both high-end professional and consumer audio markets. APT Licensing provides application-specific variants of its low-latency, high-quality apt-X audio codec technology (apt-X, apt-X Live, apt-X Voice, Enhanced apt-X) for broadcast, studio, games, microphone, speaker, headphone, intercom, 2-way radio, and Bluetooth A2DP applications. Recent apt-X licensees include Bluegiga, CREATIVE, iSkin, Luci (Technica Del Arte), Mandozzi, and Shure. APT Licensing is partnered with leading Bluetooth chipmaker CSR, and is an associate member of the Bluetooth SIG.
In contrast to other forms of lossy and lossless audio codecs, apt-X is uniquely designed for ultra low-delay transport of broadcast-quality multi-channel audio over wireless links and digital circuits, including IP networks. These same performance attributes make apt-X ideally suited to a multitude of wireless audio technologies in consumer electronics.
APT Licensing exhibits on Stand 1A59 at Mobile World Congress, Barcelona, February 16-19.
About JayBird Gear
JayBird Gear designs and manufactures high-performance Bluetooth stereo headsets for those who want to take high-quality audio with them through their active lives. For more about Jaybird, JB-200 and Freedom Wireless Headphones, visit http://www.jaybirdgear.com
About APT Licensing
Trading in semiconductor intellectual property since 1989, APT Licensing provides industry-leading audio compression solutions to the broadcast, professional audio, and consumer electronics industries. The company’s apt-X audio codec technology has earned a reputation throughout the audio industry as the ultimate high-quality, low-delay audio data compression algorithm available. Today, apt-X technology is licensed for use in broadcast audio codec hardware, professional audio systems, and consumer electronics devices, including portable media players and mobile phones, Bluetooth stereo headsets, and wireless microphones. Headquartered in Belfast, Northern Ireland, APT Licensing also has direct sales offices in the USA and Japan. For more information, visit http://www.aptx.com
About Bluetooth A2DP wireless technology
Bluetooth wireless technology is the global short-range of wireless standards for personal connectivity from a wide range of electronic devices. The technology is now available in its fourth version of the core specification and continues to develop, building on its inherent strengths:-a small-form factor radio, low power, low cost, built-in security, strength, accessibility, and ad hoc networking abilities. There were more than one billion installed Bluetooth devices at the end of 2006, making it the only well-known choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide.
About “Made for iPod”
For more about the “Made for iPod” program, visit http://developer.apple.com/ipod/