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Poly Voyager Focus 5200 Poly Voyager 5200 Connectivity

Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC Review

June 7, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

New Earhook for Sennheiser wireless headsets

May 17, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

One major complaint customers had who have used Sennheiser (now EPOS | Sennheiser) wireless headsets is the over-the-ear wearing style just wasn’t good. Sennheiser has introduced a new ear hook accessory HSA 20 that is designed to offer an improved, flexible and perfect fit to the already existing SD Office and D10 wireless headsets. Today we’re looking at the Earhook for Sennheiser wireless headsets below.

A click-on adapter fitting the SD Office and D10 headsets is used for mounting the new improved ear hook featuring a soft leatherette sleeve.

Improved noise isolation and a secure fit are offered with in-ear earbuds in three different sizes (S, M, L) that are mounted on the adapter for the perfect individual fit and optimal wearing comfort.

I was fortunate enough to actually get some of these hooks to test for myself. Of course, I couldn’t write or talk about my experience until now.

Initial thoughts… why didn’t they do this sooner? I’m not huge over the ear fan but I tell you what… this was a very comfortable fit. The SD Office and D10 headsets are super light as it is, the stability this new ear hook accessory HSA 20 offered was very nice.

It’s funny how when people test wearing style stability people shake their heads around like they’re at a metal concert but really? Who does that in an office environment? Don’t answer that. I did bend over to pick something up off the floor and other normal daily movements. The headset stayed in place.

I was able to wear all day comfortably. Really like the soft leatherette sleeve. You don’t think it makes that big a difference, but it does.

And yes you can easily switch out the hook for right or left ear wear.

If you have a Sennheiser SD Office or D10 wireless headset but weren’t too keen on the over the ear wearing style… you may want to consider the new Sennheiser earhook accessory HSA 20.

Much more comfortable ear hook for Sennheiser SD Office, DW Office and D10!

April 25, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

No one can complain about Sennheiser’s audio quality. However, many customers did complain about the over the ear wearing style for their convertible wireless headset models. Sennheiser has remedied this by developing and producing a new more comfortable ear hook for the SD Office, DW Office, and D10 variants.

It’s the Ear Hook, Adapter and earbuds set. Product Code: 506524

What’s in the package? Ear Hook, Adapter and 3 sets of earbuds: Small, Medium and Large

Attaching the adapter to Sennehiser Office series headset “a snap”. You can easily switch from right ear to left ear wearing style simply by changing the Ear Hook itself. The earbuds are easy to change out as well. I really dig the thin super soft leatherette sleeve wrapped around ear hook. Makes for more comfortable wearing.

Maybe you’ve been on the fence about trying a Sennheiser SD Office or D10 because of the over-the-ear wearing style. Here’s an opportunity for you to revisit. And I’m not even an over the ear fan. I personally prefer in the ear, behind the neck or headband. This Ear hook for the Sennheiser SD was so lightweight I barely noticed I had it on.

Jabra PRO 900 Series Wireless Headsets

April 21, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

Wireless headsets are much more prevalent in the workspace. I remember many, many years ago the first wireless headsets by ACS then GN Netcom. And of course, Plantronics (now Poly) joined in and took the market by storm. Now all major headset manufacturers offer wireless solutions. I remember how hard it was to get businesses other than call centers to even consider trying corded headsets. Jabra offers the PRO 900 Series Wireless Headsets, which is what we’re looking at today.

When wireless headsets finally became affordable we couldn’t keep enough on our shelves. There is no question wireless headsets increase productivity. What’s been happening over the past decade is a shift in how businesses/people communicate and collaborate. Most businesses don’t have just one method. They have desk phones, softphones, web-based collaboration platforms and of course mobile devices.

Wireless headset manufacturers began developing multi-connectivity wireless headset options to fit the varying connectivity requirements. While extremely beneficial for multiple businesses…there is still a need for a more simple solution.

What I like about the Jabra Pro 900 series is the simplicity. They are easy to set up and use. They have great talk time, very good audio quality and well… they just work.

I think customers/vendors sometimes forget this series exists. I also think there is some confusion with the multiple Jabra PRO 900 Series variants. I’ll try and simplify.

The Jabra PRO 900 Series has four main connectivity options:

Desk Phone
Softphone
1. Jabra PRO 930 UC Mono
2. Jabra PRO 930 UC Duo
3. Jabra PRO 930 Mono for Microsoft Lync/SfB
4. Jabra PRO 930 Duo for Microsoft Lync/SfB
5. Jabra PRO 935 Single Connectivity
6. Jabra PRO 935 Single Connectivity for Microsoft Lync/SfB
Desk Phone and Mobile
1. Jabra PRO 925 Dual Connectivity
Softphone and Mobile
1. Jabra PRO 935 Dual Connectivity
2. Jabra PRO 935 Dual Connectivity optimized for Microsoft Lync/SfB

Why so many variants? Jabra recognizes the increase in wireless headset use. To help address wireless density issues, they offer DECT and Bluetooth options. If the model ends in “0” it’s DECT. If the model ends in “5” it’s Bluetooth. The Jabra PRO 920 Mono is DECT. The PRO 935 Single Connectivity would be Bluetooth.

Now that you know which models are which…here’s what makes the Jabra PRO 900 Series winners:

TALK TIME!!!
- Up to 8hrs – PRO 920 and PRO 930 variants
- Up to 12hrs – PRO 925 and PRO 935 variants
Conference up to 4 Headsets on one base
- Great for Training purposes and multi-shift scenarios
Supports EHS Cables (sold separately)
- Cisco, Avaya, Polycom, Toshiba to name a few
Firmware Upgradeable
- Jabra Direct for PC and Mac
- Jabra Xpress for mass deployments, asset management, and maintenance
1 Year Warranty
Mono Variants Convertible
- Headband and Over the ear (This is probably my only con. Ear hook, not the most comfortable if worn for long periods of time – at least for me)
Dual Connectivity Variants
- Desk Phone and Mobile
- Softphone and Mobile – It just works. Once mobile is paired it connects as soon as you are in proximity automatically
Really Good Audio Quality
- I’ve had no complaints in reference to receive volume
- Audio is clearly heard
- Transmit quality also good – no negative feedback
And of course… THE LOW PRICE!

If you are in search of a simple, good quality wireless headset that just works at a low price….then you need to check out the Jabra PRO 900 Series…

Blackwire C215/ C225 Review

April 6, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

The reality is just about every employee uses a mobile device (smartphone or tablet). While there are scores of Bluetooth headsets, sometimes customers are in search of a corded, lower cost option that offers durability and great audio quality. The Plantronics Blackwire C215/ C225 offers just that with these two variants:

What’s in the Box: First off, there is no box. Headsets come packaged in plastic bag. You get the single or dual ear headset and a Quick Start Guide.

At first glance: They look just like the Plantronics Blackwire 310 and 320. Of course upon closer inspection you’ll find they are not USB. They terminate in a 3.5mm plug.

Set Up & Use: Really not much to it. Plug into 3.5mm jack of mobile phone or tablet and you are connected. Please note if connected to PC via Soundcard its listen only. No transmit. It’s nice for listening to webinars or streaming media. The headset is lightweight and speakers feel comfortable. The mic is flexible so you can bend so it’s closer to your mouth for optimal noise canceling. The headband is adjustable to fit most folks.

What I really dig is the inline control. It has an answer/hang up button, mute switch (you can visibly see “red” when muted) and even volume control.

Other nice feature for easy storage and portability is the speakers fold flat.

The audio quality is really good especially with dual ear model if listening to music. Reminder about the inline volume control. I had inline volume on low initially and wasn’t digging audio quality. Then I turned up the volume and that made huge difference.

I made several test calls to include stationary while sitting on my desk and also walking around the office. The noise canceling mic is ok. Good enough especially for sub $40 headset with inline controls.

Overall this is a nice addition to the Plantronics portfolio in terms of having multiple options/solutions for the ever changing communications and collaboration landscape. More and more workers are using their mobile devices to communicate and collaborate. Some like the stability a headband headset offers vs smaller in the ear or over the ear Bluetooth solutions. Some companies don’t allow Bluetooth at all so the Plantronics Blackwire C215/ C225 are good options.

Are you busy? How to show co-workers your status

March 29, 2016/0 Comments/in Open Office Solutions, Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka

Are you wondering how to show co-workers your status if you’re working in office or even working from home to avoid distractions? Before we added our Kuando Omega Busylights it was somewhat chaotic. As most know who follow this blog, we are 100% Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business. First thing to go were our desk phones as folks opted for headsets or USB speakerphones.

However we had some issues. Because we actively sell multiple devices from various manufacturers, we have a mix of Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser, Logitech, VXi, and Microsoft headsets. Not all brands offer “online indicator lights” and the ones that do, all look different.

The Jabra busy light only works with certain Jabra Wireless Headset models. The same is true for the Plantronics brand. What if employee had corded headset or a brand other than Plantronics and Jabra?

I had tested the Kuando Busylight and it was pretty sweet. It was USB so it was headset/device brand agnostic. Not only did it indicate if you were online or not, it also showed your Microsoft Lync Presence status. Available (Green) – Do Not Disturb (Purple) – Busy (Red) and Away (Yellow)

One issue…light was too small. You had to be right up a person to see their status. Then I learned about the Kuando Omega busylight which was exactly what we were looking for. Bigger light that can be seen from a distance.

They are so much more than online indicator lights that show Presence status.

Skype for Business

1st class designed software

Never miss a call

Rings and/or flashes on incoming calls
Adjustable volume

Message waiting indication

Notification alert on missed calls/IMs
Flashes every 4 sec. to indicate a missed call

Presence indication

Avoids interruptions while on a call or busy
Lights up your Lync/SfB presence to inform nearby colleagues if you are available or not

Lync Call Handling tools – valuable hot keys

Fast dial out – copy phone number and press hot key.
Answer call – press hot key to answer/end call
Busy on busy –redirect a 2nd call to destination for unanswered calls (call group/voice mail/?) (If you are on the phone, and someone else is calling you – what happens?)

Now I can look out across the sales floor and “see” everyone’s presence status. We even got creative and affixed lights above private office doors so people coming to our office can “see” if we are available or not.

If you are in a UC environment that is supported by Kuando and are curious on how to show co-workers your status this may be an option for you to consider.

Click here for more info on Kuando Busylight UC – Implementation

My USB headset isn’t working… “Have you updated the firmware?”

January 21, 2016/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

January 21, 2016

We get lots of calls from customers who claim their USB headset isn’t working. One of the first questions we ask is, “Have you updated the firmware?” Most issues are corrected once customers download the software and update the firmware.

Yes, you need to download the appropriate software when you purchase a corded or wireless USB headset from Plantronics, Jabra, VXi and Sennheiser. Jabra and Plantronics also offer an Enterprise solution that allows IT to manage remotely versus going from station to station making changes.

Here are links that will direct you to the current software downloads:

Plantronics Software: http://www.plantronics.com/us/category/software
Jabra Software: http://www.jabra.com/software-and-services/jabra-direct
Sennheiser Software: http://en-us.sennheiser.com/headset-software-pc
VXi Software: http://www.vxicorp.com/support/software-applications-downloads/

Most also have software for Mac.

Here are some of the feature/functions that USB headset software offers (go to each link for specific details on the various software and supported devices and softphones):

- Change device settings
- Visible mute and battery status
- Readiness Status
- Device-level call control with call answer/end, mute, and volume adjust
- Compatibility for a broad range of softphones
- *Remote Call Control (Answer/End Call, mute, redial etc) from the headset
- Readiness Status
- And More!

Most of the software offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to “see” what you are connected to and status.

The GUI also allows the end-user to quickly make device setting changes.

You can quickly and easily make device setting changes with a few clicks.

The main point is if you are experiencing issues with your Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser or VXi USB headset and haven’t downloaded the software and updated firmware… that may be the issue.

How I extend the range of my Bluetooth headset in a Microsoft Lync/SfB UC environment

January 11, 2016/0 Comments/in How To's/by Danny Hayasaka

By Danny Hayasaka

January 11, 2016

I’m speaking for Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business only, however, I’m certain many UC platforms support this feature.

Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser, and VXi all produce multi-connectivity Bluetooth headsets that allow end-users to pair Bluetooth headset to their mobile device as well as their PC/Laptop via USB Bluetooth dongle.

Despite many of the UC Bluetooth headsets supporting Class 1 range (up to 100ft range), many users would like more range.

The majority if not all professionals have a mobile device (Smartphone/Tablet) at all times.

Here’s a tip I have used to increase the wireless roaming range within an office space. I simply utilize the “Simultaneously Ring” and “Call Forwarding” features of our Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business client. I have all Lync/SfB calls forwarded to my mobile device if I’m going to be away from my desk. This allows all calls to ring on my mobile device, whether I’m on the Sales Floor, Admin, IT, Operations area downstairs or even on my way to lunch! I don’t miss a call as I have my mobile headset paired to my mobile phone.

In Lync/SfB you have the options to forward calls to: Voice Mail, Mobile, Home (phone), New Number or Contact, or My Delegates. You have the same options for the Simultaneously Ring feature.

For more detailed info on these Microsoft Lync/SfB Features go to: Set Call Forwarding options

I am currently using the Plantronics Voyager Edge UC however I have evaluated tons of Microsoft Lync/SfB Optimized/certified/compatible UC Bluetooth headsets to include: Plantronics Voyager Legend UC, Plantronics Voyager Focus UC, Jabra Motion UC, Jabra Stealth UC, Jabra Evolve 65 UC, Sennheiser Presence UC, Sennheiser MB Pro 1 and 2 UC & VXi Voxstar UC.

There are many options available when it comes to multi-connectivity Bluetooth headsets depending on your use case and wearing style preferences. You can choose from single ear, dual ear, over the ear, in the ear, and over the ear. The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC offers Active Noise Canceling speaker option. The Jabra Stealth UC offers remote access to Siri /Google Now voice assistant. Each model offers a different list of feature functionality as well as varying talk times. Contact a UC headset specialist to help guide you in making the right choice for your business communications needs.

Here is a list of Mobile & Softphone Connectivity Headsets (These Bluetooth headsets pair to your mobile phone/tablet as well PC/Laptop via USB Bluetooth Dongle):

JBR-6593-829-409-002 Jabra Evolve 65 UC mono
JBR-6599-829-409-002 Jabra Evolve 65 UC stereo
JBR-935-15-509-205-002 Jabra GN 935 Dual Connectivity
SEN-506045-006 Sennheiser MB Pro 2 UC
SEN-506042-006 Sennheiser MB Pro 1 UC
JBR-6640-906-105-005 Jabra Motion UC+
JBR-5578-230-109-006 Jabra Stealth UC
JBR-6630-900-105-005 Jabra Motion UC
VXI-203430-006 VXi VoxStar UC
PLT-202652-01-006 Plantronics Voyager Focus UC B825 Wireless Headset
PLT-202652-03-006 Plantronics Voyager Focus UC B825 Wireless Headset (No stand)
PLT-202310-01-002 Plantronics Voyager Edge UC B255 Wireless Headset
PLT-87670-01-002 Plantronics Voyager Legend (B235)
SEN-504576-006 Sennheiser Presence UC

Can I extend the range of my Bluetooth headset in a UC environment?

January 11, 2016/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by Danny Hayasaka