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Koss Introduces STRIVA: World's First Wi-Fi Headphone System to Receive Music Directly From the Internet

* Reuters is not responsible for the content in this press release.

Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:00am EDT

  MILWAUKEE, WI, Apr 25 (Marketwire) -- 
Koss Corporation (NASDAQ: KOSS), the U.S.-based creator of the world's
first SP3 Stereophone in 1958, has unveiled STRIVA, a revolutionary new
headphone and in-ear monitor system with Wi-Fi technology that receives
music directly from the Internet without wires.

    "54 years ago my father revolutionized personal listening with the first
Koss SP3 stereophone," Michael J. Koss, President and CEO said. "Today,
thanks to the Internet, the revolution is in the air. Now all of your
favorite music can be streamed directly from the Internet to our new
headphones and in-ear monitors without wires using Koss STRIVA
technology."

    Michael Koss explained that the STRIVA development project commenced
nearly four years ago and yielded three significant technological
breakthroughs. They are STRIVA Core, MyKOSS online server and STRIVA CAP. 

    First, the STRIVA Core is a miniature battery-powered computer that
functions as a web server coupled with an assortment of Wi-Fi components
powerful enough to make any device wireless. The STRIVA Core's Wi-Fi
engine and microprocessor components are small enough to nest on the
surface of a U.S. dime. The STRIVA Core is built into all STRIVA
products, including the Koss STRIVA PRO headphones and in-ear Koss STRIVA
TAPs being released today.

    The second breakthrough is the MyKOSS server, designed to link wirelessly
with STRIVA products and connect them to remote Internet broadcasting
sites. The MyKOSS platform includes proprietary software designed to scan
the Internet for thousands of free streams and radio stations that
deliver music and audio content. The MyKOSS server acts as a switch to
direct the STRIVA headphones to the proper stream based on
"listener-customized" music channels. The STRIVA-enabled headphone
receives these special address instructions from the MyKOSS server and
links the headphone directly to music streams using available wireless
access points. 

    Finally, all STRIVA products include the STRIVA CAP or Content Access
Point. This matchbook-sized wireless access point converts music from a
smartphone, music player or computer into a digital TCP/IP stack and
transmits it directly to STRIVA-enabled headphones or in-ear monitors
using Wi-Fi. The STRIVA CAP can be used in conjunction with a wireless
router for digital connections throughout the Internet, or it can be used
to create a direct local wireless connection whenever a Wi-Fi router or
hot spot is unavailable.

    "The Internet has been liberating music for over 10 years," Michael Koss
continued. "Now our STRIVA Wi-Fi technology will liberate music lovers
who can finally cut the cord and enjoy their favorite music anywhere,
anytime, without wires." 

    STRIVA TAP in-ear monitors and STRIVA PRO full size headphones are the
first STRIVA products being introduced by Koss.

    STRIVA TAP is a tiny in-ear monitor measuring only 1.5 inches in length.
Unlike other in-ear cordless solutions, each pair of stereo STRIVA TAPs
does not require wires concealed in a headband to connect the left and
right earpieces together. Instead, microprocessors in each earpiece
continually synchronize the music to ensure quality stereo sound is
recreated consistently in both ears. 

    STRIVA TAP allows users to control their listening experience using
innovative capacitive touch controls on the face of the device. Its
ultra-compact size and state-of-the-art design make it ideal for those on
the go. 

    For those that prefer an over-the-ear headphone model, Koss has
introduced STRIVA PRO, which combines superior sound quality with elegant
design. STRIVA PRO features gesture-based controls on the ear cup,
allowing listeners to manage both channel and volume preferences with the
flick of a button or swipe of a finger. STRIVA PRO also folds flat for
storage and portability. 

    Both STRIVA PRO and STRIVA TAP include a STRIVA CAP that plugs into any
headphone jack. STRIVA CAP creates an additional local music channel for
those who prefer listening to their own personal music libraries or music
apps like Pandora or Spotify. The STRIVA CAP plugs into any smartphone,
computer, radio or MP3 player with a headphone jack.

    "We created the STRIVA system with a specific focus on personalization,"
Michael Koss said. "We developed a platform that allows listeners to
create their own music channels, based on their preferences, using MyKOSS
options to filter music by genre, artist, or decade. Once the channel is
set up, listeners can simply press a button or touch a sensor to send a
thumbs up or thumbs down back to the MyKOSS server to remotely 'fine
tune' the content delivered to their personalized channels. Both models
feature a new capacitive touch control design that allows the listener to
change volume, switch channels or jump streams with a simple swipe or
tap."

    All STRIVA products include access to the MyKOSS music management system
rolling out in Beta form at the time of the product launch.

    The MyKOSS site can be accessed with any standard Internet browser like
Explorer, Chrome or Safari using any smartphone, tablet, or computer that
has access to the Internet. Once an account is created, the STRIVA
products are mated to the user account and sent special instructions on
preferred wireless access points nearby when away from home or the
office. 

    Custom channels are created based on the listener's preferences and
continue to be updated and improved every time the listener tunes in.
Koss has also developed a menu of options for the headphone slide and
button controls that the user can remotely modify on the product itself
through the MyKOSS website. Revised firmware for the new settings is
transmitted through Wi-Fi to the STRIVA products.

    "There have been many claims about home systems and products that use the
same radio signal band as Wi-Fi," Koss continued. "The Koss STRIVA system
is the first wireless Wi-Fi system of its kind in the world.
STRIVA-enabled headphones and in-ear monitors are the first products to
make a direct connection to the Internet without dedicating a computer,
smartphone, music player or tablet to the task of gathering and serving
music to you. STRIVA Core is the first Wi-Fi enabled computer that you
wear on your head, and the MyKOSS server software is the first controller
system of its type to exist in the cloud. The system is not dependent on
a customized bridge, transmitting device or pre-determined restricted
special network. It runs on the existing Internet backbone. This means
you can take your Koss STRIVA headphones -- all on their own -- to any
public Wi-Fi hotspot and stay connected to the music you love. No strings
attached. The Revolution is in the air."

    Koss STRIVA products are being produced at the Koss factory in the U.S.
and are available exclusively at www.koss.com.

    About Koss Corporation 

    Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Koss Corporation is known
worldwide for its high fidelity Stereophones and audio accessories and
digital audiophile compact recordings of American orchestras on its Koss
Classic Label. For more information, visit www.koss.com.

    
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For more information:
Matt Braun
For Koss
(414) 270-8350
mbraun@hansondodge.com 

Copyright 2012, Marketwire, All rights reserved.

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