Aliph Breaks Sound Barrier for VoIP Communications with Jawbone(TM) PC Edition, a Skype(TM) Certified Headset; Advanced Adaptive Technology Obliterates Background Noise, Automatically Adjusts Volume and Audio Quality for Maximum Clarity

SAN FRANCISCO & LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 5, 2006--Aliph, developer of next-generation audio processing technologies and the highly acclaimed Jawbone(TM) Mobile Phone Headset, today announced the new Jawbone(TM) PC Edition, an intelligent headset for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications. The headset is Skype(TM) Certified.

The Jawbone PC Edition integrates the latest innovations in acoustics, Aliph's exclusive military-grade audio processing, and product design. It is the only such device that virtually eliminates all background noise for crystal-clear voice quality at both ends of the conversation -- whether you're in an airport terminal, an Internet cafe, or simply in a busy office atmosphere. All of this is accomplished in a form that is small enough to go everywhere.

Aliph is demonstrating the new Jawbone PC Edition at tonight's ShowStoppers media event, table 76, here in Las Vegas. The press reception takes place at The Wynn Hotel, Lafite Ballroom, 6:30 pm - 10 pm.

Based on the same award-winning and celebrated design recognized by BusinessWeek and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and currently on exhibit at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Jawbone PC Edition is discrete, lightweight, and comfortable. It has a metal outer edge that protects the internal electronics, while the inside surface is made of medical-grade plastic to provide a comfortable, soft, and smooth feel on the skin. Jawbone's unique docking and storage mechanism allows it to fit in a user's pocket enabling easy portability.

"You can't control your environment, but with the Jawbone PC Edition's adaptive technology, you can outsmart it," said Hosain Rahman, Aliph's president and co-founder. "Jawbone's adaptive technology senses your speech and surroundings to continuously adjust -- at a rate of 868 times per second -- and achieve flawless sound quality."

"For you, that means your caller's voice has maximum intelligibility. For your caller, that means noises in your environment are either dramatically reduced or removed entirely. For everyone, it means clearer communications," Rahman continued. "We are quite excited about the new Jawbone PC Edition because for the first time ever, VoIP users have a portable solution allowing them to talk uninterrupted anywhere that they make calls."

"Voice over IP is mainstream, yet headset technology that takes best advantage of VoIP applications, such as Skype, has lagged behind user adoption. What's needed is a compact headset with proven audio-processing technology -- a product like the new Jawbone PC Edition -- so that we won't have to trade off sound quality for convenience," said Chris Shipley, co-founder and editorial director of Guidewire Group LLC.

Jawbone PC Edition

Jawbone makes it easy to talk everywhere without compromising your time, your caller's time, and especially, the quality of the audio experience. The headset relies on multiple sensors that, when used in combination, supply rich information about your speech and your acoustic environment. Unlike any other headset, Jawbone employs a voice activity sensor that accurately detects your voice and helps the software enhance and communicate the desired sounds. It's the only adaptive headset with technology that continuously adapts and enhances audio quality.

Key Features

-- Clean pure sound

-- Binaural headset works on either ear

-- Mute button

-- Good for traveling and mobile users

-- Optimized cable lengths ensure maneuverability while minimizing cable bulk

-- Adaptive Technology on/off slide switch lets you control technology

-- Light, inconspicuous and comfortable

-- Plug and play: no charging necessary

Compatibility

-- PC or laptop

-- USB 1.1- or 2.0-enabled host device and co-located standard 3-conductor 3.5mm mini microphone and headphone plug ports

What's in the Box

-- One Jawbone PC Edition earpiece, control clip, and three-prong connector (USB, microphone, speaker)

-- Carrying case

-- User's Guide

Pricing and Availability

The Jawbone PC Edition is expected to be available for purchase in January through Skype's Webstore and other outlets for $79.95, a limited time, special introductory offer.

About Aliph

Aliph was founded in 1999 by Alex Asseily and Hosain Rahman, two young entrepreneurs who met as Stanford undergrads. The pair shared a belief that voice would be the dominant interface for mobile devices and that creating a noise-free environment was critical to delivering an improved mobile communications experience. They enlisted an expert in speech technology from Lawrence Livermore National Labs and began building a team of recognized experts in mobile communications and consumer electronics products -- spanning Apple Computer, Palm and Motorola, among others -- to achieve the company's goals. Since 2002, Aliph's technology has been optimized for DARPA to maximize communications clarity in the most hostile conditions. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Aliph is funded by Mayfield and private investors.