Plantronics introduced a new member to their Calisto speakerphone family. The Calisto 7200 UC.
Like other new solutions Plantronics is producing, there aren’t “Microsoft” and “UC” variants. The Plantronics Calisto 7200 is certified for Skype for Business. Built for UC applications and softphones from Avaya, Cisco, Skype and others.
By Danny Hayasaka
I’ve been using the Plantronics Calisto 7200 Speakerphone for several weeks now. It’s much better than the Calisto P610 and P620 in terms of audio quality for voice calls and streaming music.
Series by Danny Hayasaka
In Part I of this series we discussed who the top headset manufacturers are and why. In Part II we covered why it’s important to choose an Authorized Partner. Now…let’s get into it. How do you choose the right headsets for your organization?
Back in the day, it was so simple; Plug Prong or Multipurpose Amp, single ear, dual ear or convertible wearing style headset. That’s it.
Series by Danny Hayasaka
7/13/18
In Part I of this series I listed reasons why Plantronics, Jabra and Sennheiser are currently the leaders in the headset space.
Now I want to focus on choosing the right partner/vendor/reseller. Every headset brand/model is available via the interwebz. If you are looking for one or two headsets and don’t value service or support, take a chance online.
If you value your role and want to do what’s best for your company keep reading.
Series by Danny Hayasaka
7/9/18
Having been in this industry for over 19 years I’ve had the opportunity to see the evolution of headsets. Some dismiss headsets as commodities however they are becoming increasingly critical to an organizations business processes and their overall business communications and collaboration strategies.
The headset is how your company’s voice is transmitted to the world. In addition to customers and partners, clear communications are also important internally amongst peers and colleagues. More emphasis should be placed on selecting the right headset if listening to your customers and being able to be heard clearly matters to you and your business.
By Danny Hayasaka
The Blue Commander is a high-speed USB 2.0 direct plug-in professional office headset designed to work with office desk phones and any USB device. This headset is ideal for professional office and contact center users, providing better posture and flexibility throughout the day.
Most people know Logitech. Many folks use Logitech Keyboards & Mice daily. But did you know Logitech offers video conferencing solutions?
Logitech is transforming video conferencing by offering an easy and affordable way to collaborate, with crystal-clear audio and razor-sharp video.
Logitech offers a variety of products that satisfy multiple use cases and environments.
By Danny Hayasaka
Original August 23, 2017
Updated Feb 28, 2018
Noise is a major distraction in open offices today. It becomes extremely challenging for employees to focus on their work. Plus co-worker interruption causes a decrease in productivity as it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on task.
How many times throughout the day are you interrupted or distracted?
One simple solution is to use an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headset that helps reduce or completely block out background noise (if streaming audio/music).
There are different options from multiple manufacturers. All brands offer ANC headsets that are certified/optimized/compatible with all major UC platforms like Cisco, Microsoft, Avaya, 8×8, RingCentral, and more!
Each brand puts their own spin on the various models from SmartSensor technology to integrated BusyLight to Boom-less mic options. They also have corded USB variants as well as completely wireless headsets.
Asset Management is becoming increasingly more important. Jabra, Plantronics and Sennheiser all offer Enterprise Headset Management software.
Plantronics Manager Pro (Subscription Service)
Jabra Xpress (Free)
Sennheiser HeadSetup Pro Manager (Subscription Service)
Speak with Call One, Inc. Account Executive to help you identify which model is best for your use case!
These ANC headsets are all USB models. If you would like to use on your “desk phone”, Plantronics models can be connected to desk phone via the MDA 220.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual models
Plantronics ANC Headsets:
NEW Voyager 6200 UC
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Blackwire 725 Corded USB Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra ANC Headsets:
Jabra Evolve 75e
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Sennheiser ANC Headset
Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
By Danny Hayasaka
August 23, 2017
Noise is a major distraction in open offices today. It becomes extremely challenging for employees to focus on their work. Plus co-worker interruption causes a decrease in productivity as it takes an average of 23 minutes to get back on task.
How many times throughout the day are you interrupted or distracted?
One simple solution is to use an Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headset that helps reduce or completely block out background noise (especially if streaming music).
There are different options from multiple manufacturers. All brands offer ANC headsets that are certified/optimized/compatible with all major UC platforms like Cisco, Microsoft & Avaya.
Each brand puts their own spin on the various models from SmartSensor technology to integrated BusyLight to Boom-less mic options. They also have corded USB variants as well as completely wireless headsets.
Speak with Call One, Inc. Account Executive to help you identify which model is best for your use case!
These ANC headsets are all USB models. If you would like to use on your “desk phone”, Plantronics models can be connected to desk phone via the MDA 220.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual models
Plantronics ANC Headsets:
Blackwire 725 Corded USB Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra ANC Headsets:
Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Sennheiser ANC Headset
Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Finally got my hands on a couple of Jabra Speak 710 speakerphones. When it comes to portable USB/Bluetooth speakerphones, the Speak 710 has the best audio quality I’ve experienced.
Before I get ahead of myself, let’s go through the process.
The Jabra Speak 710 comes in two flavors:
What’s in the box? Jabra Speak 710 with a hardwired USB cable and integrated folding table stand, Link 370 USB Dongle, carry case, Quick Start Guide
Jabra Speak 710 Features:
Set Up and Use: For any Jabra US device, I strongly recommend downloading the FREE Jabra Direct software of individual use or Jabra Xpress for mass deployment.
Set up is a breeze. You have two options for connecting Jabra Speak 710 to PC/Laptop:
To connect Speak 710 to Bluetooth mobile device, hold the Bluetooth button for 2 seconds and follow the voice-guided instructions to pair to your smartphone.
Speak 710 controls:
NOTE If two Bluetooth devices are connected to the Jabra Speak 710, the last connected Bluetooth device will be replaced by the temporary link.
The Jabra Speak 710 is a premium, portable speakerphone for business leaders and C-level executives that ensures amazing sound for conference calls and music – anytime, anywhere.
I have two Speak 710’s linked together so the audio experience is absolutely fantastic for calls and music!!!
Here are some use cases:
To help you keep track of tiny Link 370 USB dongle, there’s a slot on the underside of Speak 710 so you can store for travel. Let’s say you forget dongle or forgot to charge…that’s okay, fortunately, there is a hardwired USB cable you can always use. The table stand is also a nice feature.
The Speak 710 is for those who need better audio quality for voice calls and streaming media. Additionally, the look of the Speak 710 is very nice compared to Speak 510.
I’ve tested all the business-grade portable USB/Bluetooth speakerphones from the major manufacturers and hands down, the Speak 710 provides the best audio quality.