In our continuing quest to find additional value out of Bluetooth, we ran across a Plantronics product launch last week in New York. The company unveiled a set of Bluetooth headsets for mobile phone usage and has added Bluetooth capabilities to other products - a move that may get users more excited about the short-range wireless technology.

In the mobile headset-only category, Plantronics launched three headsets: the entry-level "easy-to-use" Explorer 320 (selling between $49 and $69); the Voyager 510, which lets users switch between two voice-enabled Bluetooth devices at the touch of a button (between $79 and $99); and the Discovery 640 (between $129 and $149), a high-end, lightweight Bluetooth headset that includes premium materials and up to 15 hours of talk time battery life (with the addition of an AAA-battery powered charger).

Moving beyond cell phone headsets, Plantronics launched the impressive-looking Pulsar 590, a stereo headset with a microphone. The Pulsar 590 uses Bluetooth to connect to an adapter, which gets plugged into the 3.5-mm headphone jack on a portable audio player (such as an iPod) or a laptop to provide stereo sound wirelessly.

In addition, the system can pair itself to a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. When a phone call is received, the user can push a button on the earpiece and switch from listening to music to answering the phone call. After the call is done, another button push lets them go back to the music. The microphone "telescopes" out in a boom mike fashion, letting users hide the microphone when not in use. The foldable headphones are designed for portability for users who want to bring it along on their next flight. The Pulsar 590 will cost about $200 with the Bluetooth headphone jack adapter, or $150 without.

The second device that uses Bluetooth is the Voyager 510S Office Headset System, which lets business users switch between their Bluetooth-enabled cell phone and their regular office phone system. The system costs $299.95 and uses the new Voyager 510 headset, Plantronics says. Most of the devices will be available in the fall, with the exception of the Voyager 510 headset, which is available now, the company added.

In addition to the product launches, which included other non-Bluetooth headphones, the company also introduced a new logo, advertising campaign and contest that promises one lucky winner a ride into space. The "Plantronics to Space and Beyond" promotion will offers consumers a chance to win a seat on board one of the first commercial flights to space. Head to the Plantronics Web site http://www.plantronics.com for more details.