ClearOne announces the release of a new version of software for its CHAT family of audio conferencing products. The new software upgrade includes full support for all versions of the Microsoft Vista operating system, as well as enhancements to the user interface. This software upgrade applies to all models of the CHAT 50 Personal Speaker Phone and CHAT 150 Group Speaker Phone.

The recipient of PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award, the CHAT 50 is used by traveling and home-based office professionals who want crystal-clear audio in a hands-free speaker phone. The CHAT 50 connects to a PC or laptop via the included USB cable to provide high-quality audio for phone calls using Skype or other VoIP softphone clients. About the size of a deck of cards, the CHAT 50 can also connect to certain cell phones and business or home phones. Portable Computing Magazine also awarded the CHAT 50 its Best for Business Award for 2007.

A little larger than the CHAT 50, the CHAT 150 contains 3 microphones and a larger speaker and is designed for use in an executive office or small conference room. Like the CHAT 50, the CHAT 150 also connects via USB to the PC or laptop for Skype or VoIP calls. However, the CHAT 150 can also connect directly to certain models of Avaya and Cisco enterprise handsets to provide a vastly improved audio experience for hands-free calls. Both the CHAT 50 and 150 have become extremely popular as the audio component for many video conferencing applications.

ClearOne’s conferencing products are recognized the world over for advanced audio technology that is completely full-duplex and provides Distributed Echo Cancellation®, noise reduction, and first mic priority.