LAS VEGAS, NV — (Marketwire) — 01/10/12 — Clarity, a division of Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) that creates and others with health challenges, today at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debuted Fortissimo, a revolutionary speakerphone with voice-activation and hands-free use designed specifically for the 19 million Americans who have mobility issues.
Fortissimo allows users to answer and operate it by speaking to the device or through a remote pendant, ideal for people who are not able to move easily or have use of their hands. Its talking caller ID and large LCD touch screen helps users identify incoming callers from a distance. Once activated, not only does the high-fidelity speakerphone provide crystal clear conversations, it is also equipped with Plantronics Vocalyst voice service, which allows users to post on Facebook and Twitter, email, listen to news feeds and check the weather simply by speaking commands to Fortissimo.
“We created Fortissimo because we saw millions of Americans who needed a better way to communicate with their friends and family,” said Carsten Trads, president of Clarity. “Fortissimo is for people with mobility issues — whether that is difficulty walking or severe paralysis. And it provides them with loud and clear conversations through an easy-to-use device. But what makes Fortissimo revolutionary is that it is not just about phone conversations. With Vocalyst, we are using innovative voice command software to help our customers enjoy social media and stay connected to friends and family through the same modern technologies the rest of the world has embraced.”
In developing Fortissimo, Clarity-s research and design team worked closely with the Shepherd Center, a hospital in Atlanta, Ga., devoted to the medical treatment and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injuries. The company engineered Fortissimo to serve as the primary home phone for the six million in the U.S. who have some form of paralysis as a result of stroke, spinal cord injury or MS.
Fortissimo features multiple air and pillow switches, enabling users to control every function by blowing gently on the connected air sensors or touching the connected pillow with their arm, leg, head or shoulder.
With Bluetooth connectivity, Fortissimo can be operated using a wireless headset. It includes an answering machine and Clarity offers the ability to expand the Fortissimo with multiple handsets.
Additionally, the device includes ClarityLogic, an innovative customer service technology that allows customer service representatives to remotely access the Fortissimo and make adjustments for the user. Clarity representatives can adjust the volume, program the phonebook and make upgrades — all remotely.
“By 2030, there will be 70 million Americans age 65 and up and many will face common age-related health challenges like hearing, vision and mobility, making products like the Fortissimo in increasingly greater demand,” continued Trads. “For 40 years, Clarity has been devoted to creating products for seniors and others with health challenges — a misunderstood and underserved market. The Fortissimo is our latest innovation, and it is a product that will be a tremendous ally for millions in need.”
The Fortissimo will be officially available in Summer of 2012. Clarity is demonstrating the Fortissimo at CES 2012 — booth 31119 in South Hall 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
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 or call 1-800-426-3738.
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