CES – Las Vegas – January 4, 2017 - HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated (NYSE: HAR), the premier connected technologies company for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, today announced JBL Soundgear, a new way of experiencing personal sound. JBL Soundgear is designed to be worn around the neck for a hands-free and ear-free intimate sound experience.

The wearable sound device gives users the freedom to experience audio in a completely new way. No matter the activity, users can create their own personal sound zone without the closed-off feeling of a headphone. Whether doing house or office work, engaging in virtual reality or watching a movie from a tablet, JBL Soundgear empowers users to create their very own listening environment while staying connected to their surroundings. 

Soundgear pairs JBL’s Signature Sound with an innovative, wearable design, giving users more freedom to transform daily activities. Built for comfort and versatility, the lightweight wearable features a sleek, ergonomic shape that leans gently on a user’s shoulders. The rubber anti-slip treatment ensures the device stays put when moving around, and soft-touch fabrics provide long-lasting comfort.

JBL Soundgear is wireless and connects seamlessly through Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets. Users can enjoy mobile virtual reality headsets, such as the Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View, using the wearable sound device to create a powerful audio experience revolutionizing mobile gaming and entertainment. Additionally, the wearable sound device ensures users are always connected, packing up to 6-hours of playtime before having to recharge.

The device is also built with a versatile, dual-microphone conferencing system with echo and noise cancelling technology to ensure sound clarity for crystal clear conversations. The echo cancelling mic also allows users to take phone calls without the worry of sound quality or interruption.

“Audio is such an important aspect of life and the JBL Soundgear is a new way for consumers to experience sound without feeling closed-off from their surroundings,” said Michael Mauser, president, Lifestyle Audio Division, HARMAN. “Whether playing the hottest new mobile virtual reality games, watching a movie or taking a conference call, the Soundgear provides users with a pervasive sound experience in total freedom and comfort. It’s a totally new way of experiencing sound, by wearing it.”

JBL Soundgear Features:

  • JBL Signature Sound: Thanks to the unique around the neck construction, the JBL Soundgear provides a revolutionary sound experience.
  • Wireless Bluetooth Streaming: Wirelessly connect up to 2 smartphones or tablets to the JBL Soundgear.
  • Rechargeable Battery Built-in: Li-ion battery supports up to 6 hours of audio playtime.
  • Dual-microphone conferencing system: Echo and noise cancelling technology provide crystal clear phone calls.
  • Lifestyle materials: Lightweight with a soft-touch fabric finish and ergonomically designed for unprecedented comfort.
  • Compatible with any Bluetooth enabled mobile virtual reality headsets, including Samsung Gear VR and Google Daydream View.

Pricing and Availability:

The JBL Soundgear retails for $199.95 and will be available summer 2017. For more information, visit www.JBL.com/CES.

HARMAN at CES 2017
Visit the HARMAN showcase during CES 2017 for demonstrations of the company’s full portfolio of connected car and lifestyle audio systems that elevate the connected life. The HARMAN experience showcase is located at the Hard Rock Hotel. Follow HARMAN online during CES 2017:  

About HARMAN

HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and connected services.  With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. The Company’s software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $7.0 billion during the 12 months ended September 30, 2016. The Company’s shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol NYSE:HAR.

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© 2016 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson are trademarks of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. AKG is a trademark of AKG Acoustics GmbH, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.