Altec Lansing will join the game in a big way at CES2020

Altec Lansing will join the game in a big way at CES2020

LAS VEGAS - Altec Lansing manufactures a wide variety of audio products, but has not previously dipped its toe into gaming peripherals. However, given the continued growth of the gaming market, it is not surprising that this U.S. company would like to enter the market.

But for a company just getting started in gaming, the breadth of the all-new Premier Gaming series that Altec Lansing showcased at CES 2020 will be unexpected. The product collection includes audio and non-audio accessories for three major gaming consoles, PCs, and mobiles, boasting unusual items and features at attractive prices.

Here's what to expect on Altec Lansing's gaming front this year.

Altec Lansing has introduced Combat Buds, in-ear gaming headphones for PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, which come in blue, green, and red, respectively, all of which are cross-compatible and can be used depending on how you talk to your teammates They have both an in-line microphone and a detachable flexible microphone arm.

There is also a wireless neckband design, the Combat Buds Pro, which is useful if you don't want to be strapped to a controller.

In addition to the console gaming headphones, Altec Lansing will offer charging docks for all three console controllers, as well as other accessories like braided cables with reinforced connectors that should withstand much more shock than cheaper lead wires.

For PC gamers, there will once again be a choice of headphones and earbuds, which will be more interesting. Altec Lansing is about to impress you with a full range of colorful peripherals.

For starters, there is the AL series of gaming headsets, with the top-of-the-line AL6000 headset (pictured above in a blue color option, part of a PlayStation-themed accessory line) featuring surround sound audio, a comfortable foam-lined band design, USB or AUX connectivity, a built-in flexible microphone, and boasts essential RGB lighting to show you mean business when you sit down to play.

If the built-in mic isn't enough, there are two USB mics for streaming, podcasting, and bright VOIP calls: a simple version called FlexChat, which has a small microphone at the end of a bendable metal arm that can be It can be placed anywhere you want. The fancier version, so new that Altec Lansing didn't even name it in time for CES, also gets a pop filter and windscreen to help prevent more unwanted noise from what you're recording.

You can buy a gaming mouse and mouse mat from Altec Lansing, and both peripherals feature RGB lighting. The latter comes with a dedicated volume control and a slot where you can stand your cell phone so you can quickly glance down to read notifications while in the middle of an online match.

For those who worry about their eyes getting tired from all the Altec Lansing-compatible gaming, two types of anti-fatigue glasses with built-in Bluetooth speakers will also be available. There is a standard square version, shown in the image above, and a wraparound pair that looks like sunglasses.

On the mobile side, Altec Lansing is pushing the Battle Grounds Slide, a Bluetooth gaming grip that sandwiches your phone between the two halves of an Xbox-style controller. But the company's Free Play Qi is perhaps the strangest mobile accessory I've ever seen. A cluster of tiny suction cups attach the charger to the back of a Qi wireless charging-enabled phone, allowing it to charge quickly at 10W.

The back of the Free Play Q also has a ring that can be folded down for better grip or used as a stand. This sucker might be a good idea for people who don't like their hands tangled in charging cables or want to have a grip on their phone. I can't decide if it's silly or ingenious.

All of these products will be available this spring, with pricing yet to be determined. If you're looking to add to your peripheral collection, or if you're looking to get all the accessories and more you need for your new gaming console, phone, or PC, keep an eye on the Premier Gaming series.

Be sure to check out our CES 2020 hub for the latest news and hands-on impressions from Las Vegas.

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