“We have created an ideal collaboration between Smith and Plantronics�, said Blair Clark, Smith Optics senior vice president of Marketing and Sales. “The product development teams dedicated to this effort have tremendous experience and ideas in marrying fashion and technology. Our plan is to combine the same performance, style and innovation for this program that we provide in the goggle and sunglass businesses, while revolutionizing the integration of fashion and technology,� Clark continued.

“Plantronics is an established leader in Bluetooth® communication devices and has proven that audio technology can easily fit into active lifestyles, and can do so with a sense of fashion,� said Renee Niemi, vice president of Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics. “Collaborating with Smith will accelerate this evolution and deliver action sports gear that combines style, comfort and great wireless sound.�

Smith and Plantronics will jointly develop helmets, goggles, eyewear and other products that incorporate wireless technology. The helmets will include audio systems compatible with MP3 players, such as Apple iPods, and MP3-enabled cell phones, advanced ventilation systems and a crash replacement program.

“We are the market leader in goggles in the snow sports business and we have been innovating the product category for over 40 years,� said Eric Carlson, director of Product and Merchandising. “The resources, focus, and market knowledge that Plantronics has will allow us to evolve that heritage into the expanding wearable technology market. What we’re seeing now is that wearable technology is advanced enough to provide unrestricted design opportunities while being cost-effective. We can provide hands-free connection for all of our athletes and weekend warriors alike,� Carlson continued.