SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skullcandy, Inc. (Nasdaq:SKUL), the original lifestyle and performance audio brand, and its division ASTRO Gaming, creators of premium video gaming equipment, today announced the issuance of U.S. Patent Number 8,602,892 directed to technology used in team-based LAN communication, which is used in gaming competitions and professional gaming circuits. The patented technology is employed in ASTRO Gaming's Game Communications Exchange, more commonly known as the Team MixAmp™.
"We're thrilled to once again be recognized for our continued delivery of technological innovation and ongoing contribution to the world of professional gaming. The Team MixAmp represents one of our earliest innovations and remains one of our most important gaming solutions to date," said Jordan Reiss, co-Founder & General Manager of ASTRO Gaming. "The ASTRO Gaming Team MixAmp was a true game changer in competitive LAN gaming, literally transforming the playing field for both players and spectators alike."
First introduced in 2007, the Team MixAmp facilitates team communication at professional LAN gaming competitions by providing teammates with zero-lag, full-duplex voice communication seamlessly mixed in with each gamer's individual game audio. Prior to the invention of the Team MixAmp, pro teams were dependent upon less-than-optimal solutions, including lag-prone Voice-Over IP communication or good old-fashioned shouting. The Team MixAmp also provides broadcasters and tournament hosts with the ability to tap into and broadcast to their viewers live team chat and game audio during gaming competitions as popularized by the "Listen-In with Astro" segments seen at many gaming tournaments over the years."
In addition to the Team MixAmp, Astro Gaming has also developed a family of industry leading, innovative gaming products including the MixAmp™ Pro, the Wireless MixAmp™ used in the A50 Wireless Gaming Headset, and the legendary A40 and A30 Gaming Headsets. These products may be covered by one or more of Astro Gaming's other patents in the U.S. and abroad, including U.S. Patent Numbers 8,571,695; 8,491,386; 8,355,335; 8,139,807, and D613,266. Astro Gaming's team of engineers and designers is focused on creating the innovation future for video gaming and remains committed to protecting its intellectual property at home and abroad.
For more information about ASTRO Gaming and its products, please visit www.astrogaming.com, www.astrogaming.co.uk and www.astrogaming.fr. For more information about Skullcandy, please visit www.skullcandy.com.
About ASTRO Gaming
ASTRO Gaming creates premium video gaming equipment and lifestyle products for professional gamers, leagues and gaming enthusiasts. Spun-off from design powerhouse ASTRO Studios, known in the gaming world for designing the Microsoft Xbox 360™, Alienware PCs, and HP's Gaming PCs. ASTRO Gaming produces a line of gamer-centric "tech-life" products, supporting this rapidly growing community. ASTRO Gaming's product line includes the wireless A50 Headset, the A40 Headset and MixAmp™ Pro, the A38 ANC mobile headset, the A30 Cross-Gaming Headset, and the Transport series of gaming gear bags.
About Skullcandy, Inc.
Skullcandy is the original lifestyle and performance audio brand inspired by the creativity and irreverence of youth culture. Skullcandy designs, markets and distributes audio and gaming headphones and other accessory related products under the Skullcandy, Astro Gaming and 2XL brands. Skullcandy was launched in 2003 and quickly became one of the world's most distinct audio brands by bringing unique technology, color, character and performance to an otherwise monochromatic space; helping to revolutionize the audio arena by introducing headphones, earbuds and other audio and wireless lifestyle products that possess unmistakable style and exceptional performance. The company's products are sold and distributed through a variety of channels in the U.S. and approximately 80 countries worldwide, including the company's website at skullcandy.com.