for example, is designed for use with Bluetooth- and A2DP-enabled cellphones. Computer and gaming headsets Plantronics manufactured headsets for PC audio and online and console gaming via its GameCom and .Audio and RIG Gaming labels. Plantronics entered the multimedia headset market in 1999 with the release of the HS1 and the DSP-500 headsets, the latter featuring a built-in digital signal processing card. In 2002, Plantronics and Microsoft created the headset for the Xbox Communicator, the first headset to enable voice communication with Xbox Live. The company created a special headset for the Xbox as a tie-in with the videogame Halo 2 in 2004. Plantronics exited the gaming and consumer markets in 2019, focusing on enterprise collaboration with its Poly brand. Corporate expansion and acquisitions Plantronics has expanded into other segments of the audio equipment market through acquisitions. Clarity In 1986, Plantronics acquired Walker Equipment, Ringgold, Georgia, a manufacturer of amplified handsets and telephones. The Clarity products were created to enhance telephone usability for those with hearing impairment. Walker later acquired Ameriphone in 2002, and became Walker Ameriphone before changing its name to Clarity; Clarity is now a US supplier of amplified telephones. In February 2015, Plantronics released the Clarity 340 handset style phone for UC communications. Altec Lansing In 2005, Plantronics acquired computer speaker manufacturer Altec Lansing for approximately $166 million. In spite of a corporate makeover the brand continued to struggle and was acquired by Profit Equity in October 2009 for approximately $18 million. Volume Logic Plantronics later acquired Octiv, Inc. in March 2005 as one of its brands and renamed it as the Volume Logic division. Octiv produced an audio toolset for creating 5.1 surround sound soundtracks. Although the Volume Logic series of applications have since been discontinued, the underlying technology has been adapted for use in Plantronics telephony products. Polycom On March 28, 2018, Plantronics announced it would acquire Polycom for approximately $2 billion. 2005 to present In October 2016, long-time chief executive S. Kenneth Kannappan retired and was replaced by Joe Burton, who had joined in 2011. On February 10, 2020, Plantronics announced the appointment of Robert Hagerty as interim CEO, replacing Joe Burton. Gallery References Further reading External links 1961 establishments in California American companies established in 1961 Audio equipment manufacturers of the United States Bluetooth Companies based in Santa Cruz, California Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange Electronics companies established in