New Phone for Seniors Clarity Pal by Plantronics (pix)

[JFB]

SENIORS SAY HELLO TO A NEW PAL™

*Press Release*

Clarity launches easy-to-use, amplified cellphone to restore the simple joy of clear conversations

CHATTANOOGA, TN – May 14, 2012 – Clarity--a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) that creates smart communication solutions for seniors—today launched Pal™, a new amplified cellphone designed uniquely for older consumers.

Pal is an easy-to-use cellphone that provides clear conversations to keep Boomers and seniors connected with loved ones everywhere they go. In lieu of unnecessary apps, Pal™ is built with features specific to the needs of older consumers such as amplified sound, large dial pad and a one-touch emergency button.

Available as an unlocked GSM phone, Pal can be purchased at Clarity® – Smart for Seniors™ – Phone Technology for the Hard of Hearing for $99.99. Pal users can sign on with the wireless phone provider of their choice.

“We created Pal for the 40 million seniors in the US who just want a clear and simple cellphone,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “Most cellphones today are intended for younger generations. While age brings wisdom, it also brings new health concerns like hearing loss, low vision and struggles with dexterity and mobility. Pal was designed precisely to address these needs.”

With 25 decibels of amplification, Pal is an ideal solution for the 36 million Americans with hearing loss. The Boost and adjustable tone control buttons give users the option to customize their listening experience to their particular degree of hearing loss.

Pal features a large, 2-inch LCD color display with bright, oversized characters so users can effortlessly navigate the device. Its talking caller ID lets users know exactly who is trying to reach them. The vibrating and flashing visual ringers make certain users do not miss incoming calls. While the cellphone’s bold, illuminated dial pad with large buttons makes dialing easier, its Talk Back feature speaks the numbers as the user dials to further ensure accuracy. Importantly, Pal is hearing aid compatible

On the back of Pal, users will find a one-touch red heart button that will call and send text messages to five pre-programmed numbers, instantly connecting users to loved ones or caregivers in the case of an emergency. Pal will cycle through the five contacts until someone is reached.

“Safety is a top priority for older generations,” continued Trads. “Pal provides users with a constant, reliable connection and a way to quickly get help in an emergency no matter where they are. For seniors and their children, Pal will bring invaluable peace of mind every day.”

Pal’s navigation system offers a customized experience for older users. The zoom-in viewing for the phonebook makes it easy to call or text the correct person. Meanwhile, Pal keeps speed dialing simple with just three buttons for the user’s most important contacts.

While Clarity focused on creating a clear and simple cellphone, Pal still boasts several useful bells and whistles: nine loud ring tones, a calendar, an alarm clock, a calculator and a stop watch. For hands-free conversations, Pal features a high-quality speakerphone and Bluetooth connectivity.

“Our aging parents and grandparents are looking for a cellphone that is easy to-use so they can stay connected to their loved ones,” said Trads. “It’s calling their sister without frustration, being able to hear ‘happy birthday’ from their grandkid or simply knowing they can reach out to loved ones anytime, anywhere. These simple joys are precisely what Pal delivers.”

Pal does not require a long term contract and comes with a one-year limited warranty. For more information on Clarity, visit Clarity® – Smart for Seniors™ – Phone Technology for the Hard of Hearing.

About Clarity – Smart for Seniors ™
Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), creates smart communication solutions that help seniors live richer, more engaged lives. For more than 40 years, Clarity’s innovative products—such as amplified telephones, notification systems and assistive listening devices—have helped people with hearing loss, low vision, limited mobility, dexterity issues and other health challenges. Clarity has pioneered many firsts—from digital sound processing in 2005 to remote-access customer service in 2010. Millions rely on Clarity to communicate at home, at work and throughout their lives. For more information, please visit Clarity® – Smart for Seniors™ – Phone Technology for the Hard of Hearing or call 1-800-426-3738.