BlueParrott Reveal Review

/0 Comments/in /by

BlueParrott is already known for having the best noise canceling mics in the Bluetooth world with their BlueParrott B250, B20-XT+, and new B350-XT. However, some folks aren’t fans of those larger, headband style only Bluetooth headsets.

I actually had a glimpse of a beta unit a while back so I was excited to finally receive my BlueParrott Reveal.

BlueParrott Reveal Review

What’s in the box? Reveal Bluetooth Headset, Carrying Case, USB Cable, Car Charger, 4 ear buds, 2 earhooks, and a User’s Guide.

At first glance: The BlueParrott Reveal is very different form factor from what I’m accustomed to from VXi. It’s smaller than any other Bluetooth headset VXi has produced.

BlueParrott Reveal Review

Set Up & Use: The VXi Reveal offers Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. I have an iPhone 6 Plus so I paired via Bluetooth. When you first turn on headset, it goes into pair mode. Go to Bluetooth menu on phone and select Reveal.

You have four contoured ear buds to choose from plus a couple ear hooks. I tried all and settled on the small bud with ear hook. For me, that was the most comfortable.

 

 

 

 

BlueParrott Reveal offers these features and functions:

  • Volume Up/Mute
  • Volume Down
  • Extendable Microphone Boom
  • On/Off Switch
  • Indicator Lights
  • Multifunction Button
  • NFC Zone

BlueParrott Reveal Review

When it came to using on calls, BlueParrott Reveal didn’t disappoint with the noise canceling mic. One of the cool features is the ability to extend the mic when in noisier conditions however, the noise canceling capability was pretty good even with mic boom not extended. The speaker quality is very good as well. I can hear clearly and it’s loud enough.

The BlueParrott Reveal  offers over 7hrs of talk time, supports streaming music or GPS directions and allows you to connect to two Bluetooth devices so like your smartphone and tablet.

Make your phone a walkie-talkie with the free BlueParrott Push-to-Talk App (Android/iOS).

I have been digging this new Bluetooth headset by BlueParrott. Happy to see they were able to reduce the size of the headset and still maintain a strong noise canceling mic.

 

Call One USB Multi-Charger

/0 Comments/in /by

By Danny Hayasaka

January 6, 2015

Happy New Year!!! The holidays are over and I like most received new gizmos and gadgets. An issue folks may run into is how you charge all the various devices when you have limited USB ports or power outlets.

The Call One USB Multi-Charger is a great way to charge multiple devices using only one USB port.

The cable comes in a nice little case for easy portability and is a standard USB on one end and four connectors on the other end: Traditional Apple (30 pin), Apple Lighting and two Micro USB

 

I can now charge my iPad or iPhone, iPod, Bluetooth headset and even my mouse or keyboard!!!

Just another cool little device to make your lives easier. Hope you all have an awesome 2015!!!

Plantronics MDA200

Plantronics MDA200

/0 Comments/in /by

The Plantronics MDA200 (MDA220) is a product that not many folks seem to know about, however, in many cases, it’s the exact thing you need.

It’s a very versatile product that allows multi-connectivity to desk phones and PCs. You may say there are tons of products that do this. You are correct. What makes the MDA200 special is that you can take a USB headset and use it with your desk phone (and PC). You can use a Blackwire USB headset or a Plantronics QD headset and DA USB adapter.

Plantronics MDA200

The cool thing is you can also use the BT300 USB Dongle and pair your Plantronics Bluetooth headset (like the Voyager Legend UC) and use the same headset for your Desk Phone, PC and Mobile device.

Plantronics MDA200

Additionally, the MDA200 supports the Plantronics Handset Lifter and EHS Cables. The MDA200 is just a cool device that may support how you work and communicate. View more Poly solutions here!

BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset

BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset

/0 Comments/in /by

Whenever I’m asked for a Bluetooth headset with the “best” noise canceling mic. Only one brand comes to mind: BlueParrott. Hands down, based on the multiple Bluetooth headsets I’ve evaluated, BlueParrott’s Bluetooth headsets have the best noise canceling mics and the BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset in no exception. Typically the “truckers” headset of choice, however, more and more folks need really good noise canceling mics.

BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset Review

BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset Review

The BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth Headset does not disappoint!What’s in the box? B350-XT™ Headset with Leatherette Ear Cushion, Spare Foam Ear Cushion, Spare Microphone Windscreen, USB Charging Cable, AC/DC Wall Charger, Auto (DC) Adapter, Quick-Start Guide, Warranty and Compliance Document (not pictured)

YouTube player

What’s the difference between Logitech H570e USB Headsets vs H650e USB Headsets?

/0 Comments/in /by

More and more organizations are implementing/deploying some form of unified communications and collaboration platform/application. This has increased the need for USB headsets in certain environments.

I should write a blog on the importance of devices, the variety and the critical role they play in the adoption and optimization of a UC&C platform. Of course, education and training on all the feature/functionality of a new platform is also a must.

Due to inaccurate budgeting for UC&C devices, there is a strong need for low-cost USB headsets to get people up and running. Many device manufacturers have recognized this and have created USB headsets to fill the need.

The latest addition to the Logitech Business Product Portfolio is the Logitech USB Headset Mono H570e and Stereo (dual ear) models. Customers ask… What’s the difference between H650e and H570e?

Below are some differences and similarities between the two series:

 

  • In-Call LED right-light indicator on the back of the mic boom
    • H650e models have this feature vs H570e models do not
    • Logitech H570e USB Headsets vs H650e
    • In a high paced open office/contact center environment this visible in-call indicator is a great feature to let others know you are actively in a call.
  • Carrying Bag
    • H650e models include vs H570e models do not
    • Logitech H570e USB Headsets vs H650e
    • This is great for protecting and storing your headset when not in use.
  • Color & Ear Cushion style
    • H650e has metallic highlight in boom vs H570e solid black boom
    • Ear Cushion style different
    • H570e Stereo
    • Logitech H570e USB Headsets vs H650e
    • H650e Stereo
    • Logitech H570e USB Headsets vs H650e
  • Audio Quality
    • Based on my own experience, audio quality both receive/transmit were comparable, however, the H650e series did fair a little better.
  • Compatibility
    • H650e Series: Compatible with most leading UC platforms such as Microsoft Lync, Skype, Google Hangouts Pro, Cisco and more.
    • H570e Series: Compatible with most leading UC platforms, such as Microsoft® Lync™, Skype™, Cisco Jabber™, Cisco® IP Communicator, Google Hangouts, Apple FaceTime, etc.
  • Certifications
    • H650e Series: Optimized for Microsoft® Lync™; Cisco® compatible
    • H570e Series: Optimized for Microsoft® Lync™; Skype™ certified; Cisco® compatible
  • Comfort
    • Both H650e and H570e series are very comfortable headsets. I found the H650e to be just a tad more comfortable.
  • Warranty
    • Both H650e and H570e Series include a 2-year limited hardware warranty.

Both Logitech H650e and H570e headsets should be considered if you are looking or corded USB headsets for your

Speakerphones for Mobile Devices

/0 Comments/in /by

July 24, 2014

By Danny Hayasaka

When it comes to Speakerphones for mobile devices, there are a variety of options available. I personally have used Jabra, Plantronics, Logitech and recently Sennheiser’s speakerphone solutions for mobile devices.

Why would you need speakerphone for mobile? Better audio quality. Like most folks, all contacts are stored on my mobile phone. It’s easier and more convenient to just call from mobile device for ad-hoc conf call. The issue is the audio quality of the speakers and mic from most mobile devices is poor. If you have two or more folks who need to participate in call, it’s a good idea to have speakerphone that can enhance the audio quality.

To keep this blog short, I’ll concentrate on just the smaller speakerphones by Plantronics, Jabra, Logitech and Sennheiser that are great for two to four people. Polycom, Konftel and ClearOne also provide solutions for mobile devices.

Plantronics, Jabra and Logitech provide Bluetooth connectivity to mobile device where Sennheiser offers 3.5mm plug audio cable connection. Logitech also supports NFC (Near Field Communications).

 

 

Plantronics Calisto 620

This unit offers dual connectivity to PC (via USB dongle) and Mobile device (via Bluetooth). It is a rechargeable wireless device with up to 7hrs of Talk Time with up to 5 days of standby time and includes neoprene carry case. I do have a concern with this unit. You have USB cable and AC Wall Charger option however those items don’t fit in carry case. They do offer a little slot on the underside of unit to slide USB dongle into for storage.

 

 

Jabra Speak 510

The Jabra Speak 510 and 510+ models both offer dual connectivity PC (via USB dongle) and Mobile device (via Bluetooth). They are also rechargeable and wireless with up to 15hrs of Talk Time. Both the 510 and 510+ include a hardwired USB cable that conveniently wraps around base for storage and portability. The 510+ includes a USB dongle for wireless connectivity to PC and neoprene storage case.

 

Logitech P710e

This unit has some cool features that some may appreciate. In addition to Bluetooth, the Logitech P710e also supports NFC (Near Field Communication). You must be connected via USB cable to use with PC but that’s ok as it also has nice USB cable management system on the underside. It does include rechargeable battery and provides up to 15hrs of Talk Time.  The P710e has unique feature none of the other speakerphones offer which is a device stand for your mobile phone or tablet. At first, most will wonder, “Why?” I have a couple reasons: 1. Stability when doing video call with smart phone or tablet. 2. Great stand when watching movies via mobile device. Also includes neoprene carry case.

 

Sennheiser SP 20

The Sennheiser SP Series are the latest additions to the personal/small group speakerphone space. Please note currently neither SP 10 or SP 20 models support Bluetooth or NFC.  Only the the SP 20/20 ML variants offer mobile device connectivity via 3.5mm plug. Both SP 10 and SP 20 models connect to PC via USB. The SP 20 offers USB and 3.5mm audio cable management around the base of unit for easy storage. Also includes a neoprene carry case. It also has rechargeable battery for wireless use with mobile device and provides up to 20hrs of Talk Time.

But which sounds the better?

Based on my own personal testing, I’m going to rank them in order of best to okay as none were horrible when it came to audio quality, it’s just some stood out. Additionally, I’m ranking in terms of both speakerphone audio quality during call as well as streaming media audio quality.

Ranking for Audio Quality via Call

  1. Jabra Speak 510/510+
  2. Sennheiser SP 10/SP 20
  3. Plantronics Calisto 620
  4. Logitech P710e

Ranking for Audio Quality for Streaming Media

  1. Sennheiser SP 20 (Hands down, no contest. Sennheiser SP 20 has sound-enhancement profile that makes streaming music sound awesome)
  2. Plantronics 620
  3. Jabra Speak 510/510+
  4. Logitech P710e

Again, these are just my rankings based on personal use with Microsoft Lync, iPhone and iPad.

What replaces the Jabra GO 6430 and GO 6470?

/0 Comments/in /by

The Jabra GO 6400 series have been deemed End of Life/Discontinued. So now what?

Fortunately Jabra has the new Motion Series available. The main differences in the GO 6400 series vs the Motion Series listed below:

  1. Wearing style
    1. GO 6400: Ear Hook, Headband, Neckband
    2. Motion: Wrap around the ear
    3. A2DP Streaming (profile that allows multimedia audio (i.e. music, GPS audio) to be streamed to headset
      1. Supported by Motion (Bluetooth 4.0)
      2. Not supported by GO 6400 (Bluetooth 2.1)
    4. NFC (Near Field Communication)
      1. Supported by Motion
      2. Not supported by GO 6400
    5. Talk Time/Standby time
      1. GO 6400 series up to 6hrs/Up to 100hrs
      2. Motion series up to 8hrs/Up to 360hrs
    6. Busy Indicator Light
      1. GO 6400 series do not support
      2. Motion
        1. Busy indicator light on headset
        3. Motion Office base has Busy Indicator Light port on base to support external Jabra Busylight Indicator.

Jabra GO 6400 series included the GO 6430 and GO 6470 both were UC compatible and optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator and Lync.

  • GO 6430 allowed you to pair to Mobile device and PC via USB Bluetooth dongle
    • Jabra GO 6430 6470
  • GO 6470 allowed you to connect/pair to Desk Phone, PC and Mobile device
    • Jabra GO 6430 6470

 

Jabra Motion Series includes the Jabra Motion UC, Motion UC+, Motion UC MS, Motion UC+ MS, Motion Office and Motion Office MS.

  • 6630-900-105 Jabra Motion UC – Mobile and PC connectivity
  • 6630-900-305 Jabra Motion UC MS – Optimized for Microsoft Lync – Mobile and PC connectivity
  • 6640-906-105 Jabra Motion UC+ with Travel Kit – Mobile and PC connectivity
  • 6640-906-305 Jabra Motion UC+ MS with Travel Kit – Optimized for Microsoft Lync – Mobile and PC connectivity
    • Jabra GO 6430 6470
  • 6670-904-105 Jabra Motion Office – Desk Phone, PC and Mobile Connectivity
  • 6670-904-305 Jabra Motion Office MS – Optimized for Microsoft Lync – Desk Phone, PC and Mobile Connectivity
    • Jabra GO 6430 6470

How you work, communicate and collaborate will determine which Jabra Motion is best for you. It’s strongly recommended you speak with device specialist to help guide you.

Poly Voyager Legend Review

/0 Comments/in /by

Poly produces some great communications and collaboration devices to include the Poly Voyager Legend series, however, customers are often confused as to which model to order. For today’s blog, I’m going to do a quick break down of the differences.

Poly Voyager Legend

It all starts with connectivity. What are you looking to connect/pair to?

If you are simply looking for a Bluetooth headset to pair with your mobile device (smartphone/tablet) the standard Poly Voyager Legend (Plantronics Part# 87300-01 or 89880-01 includes case) will suffice.

In today’s world, folks have a need to connect to a mobile device and their PC/Laptop for web-based collaboration applications or VoIP softphone/UC platforms. The appropriate model would be the Voyager Legend UC (Standard UC version B235, 87670-01 or Microsoft Lync Optimized version B235-M, 87680-01) which includes Voyager Legend headset plus a USB Bluetooth dongle for PC/Laptop.

Poly Voyager Legend UC

Then there are those who have office desk phones however, also have a mobile device. For this scenario, the appropriate device is the Voyager Legend CS (Plantronics Part# 88863-01 or 88863-11 with HL10 Handset Lifter) which includes a base that allows for connectivity to a desk phone. Both models support EHS Cables and HL10’s.

Poly Voyager Legend CS

 

Connectivity:

  • Mobile Device only –> Poly Voyager Legend: Plantronics Part# 87300-01 or 89880-01 includes case
  • Mobile Device and PC –> Poly Voyager Legend UC: Standard UC version B235, 87670-01 or Microsoft Lync Optimized version B235-M, 87680-01
  • Mobile Device and Office Desk Phone –> Poly Voyager Legend CS: Plantronics Part# 88863-01 or 88863-11 with HL10 Handset Lifter

 

 

Phone or Headset in Lync environment?

/0 Comments/in /by

June 26, 2014

By Danny Hayasaka

I remember the planning days when we decided to make the switch from an old Inter-Tel phone system to Microsoft Lync. Even though we were using headsets attached to our desk phones, we still felt it necessary to provide employees with desk phones and headsets.

I believe it took about three months, before the majority of our employees removed the phones off their desk. In a 100% Lync environment, a headset and webcam are all you really need. Of course some folks still can’t make the transition so they must have a desk phone.

The key to knowing whether or not you provide a desk phone, is understanding employees’ roles and how they “work” on a daily basis. In addition to Lync, do they have mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) they have to connect to?

I personally get to test/evaluate many of the devices for Lync so my desk and book shelf are full of multiple products from various manufacturers (Yes, I love what I do).

The way I work, requires me to pair to my PC for Lync calls as well as my mobile phone. Great products that provide that connectivity are the Jabra Motion UC+ MS, Plantronics Voyager Legend UC-M (B235-M), Sennheiser Presence UC ML, and VXi VoxStar UC. All these models allow me to pair to my PC via Bluetooth USB Dongle and my mobile phone via Bluetooth. Regardless of where call comes from (PC or mobile) I can answer with one headset. Additionally, at the end of the day, I can drive home and use same headset for hands-free driving.

However, there are still areas of an organization that require something other than a headset. For example, conference rooms, training rooms, etc. require conference phones or conferencecams. Polycom and Logitech make great Lync optimized devices for those areas like the Polycom CX5100, CX5500 or even CXC8000. From Logitech you have the BCC 950 and CC3000e ConferenceCams.

As I mentioned earlier, some folks will NOT wear a headset and MUST have a phone. Fortunately there are Lync optimized IP phones available from Polycom, HP and Aastra. Then there are a host of Lync compatible phones from AudioCodes, Spectralink, Polycom and Snom that offer multiple features.

How each individual employee works should dictate which device is best. It’s important to seek out a device-centric vendor who specializes in Lync optimized/compatible devices that can guide you through the MANY options that are available and help with best practices. If the vendor uses Lync themselves, like Call One, Inc. it’s a plus!

UC or Microsoft Variant when choosing headsets?

/0 Comments/in /by

By Danny Hayasaka

June 12, 2014

More and more organizations have hybrid communications and collaboration platforms that involve many of the major voice and UC platform providers. It’s very rare to find a company that is 100% Microsoft Lync, 100% Cisco, 100% Avaya, etc. The majority have a mix of platforms.

Some organizations have two, three, four or more various communications and collaboration platforms which increases the challenge of selecting the right, compatible device. Some companies have Cisco and Microsoft Environments or Avaya and Microsoft. Some have other lesser known VoIP platforms plus they use Google Hangouts or Skype for video. The point is, it’s not so simple selecting a compatible headset with all the “web-based” applications and collaboration platforms in use.

In my earlier blog about “Which Wireless Headset is the Best” I discussed there are multiple variables to consider when selecting a wireless headset. Voice and Collaboration platform is one of those variables. Understanding exactly which platform/s the headset will be used with helps in identifying the compatible device.

For now, I’ll focus on Microsoft Lync & “Other” platform and Plantronics, Jabra, and Sennheiser headsets as they have UC and Microsoft Optimized variants of their USB model corded and wireless headsets. VXi offers Microsoft “compatible” headsets however currently do not have “optimized” variants. Additionally, Logitech Business USB headsets are Lync optimized however do not have different UC and Microsoft Lync variants.

Important note for Plantronics, Jabra, and Sennheiser: They offer software that enables and is sometimes necessary to support some feature/functionality depending on softphone like answer/hang up from headset or inline control. The software is either for individual download or for IT to use as a tool to remotely access and control the various devices.

Plantronics Software link: Spokes & Plantronics Enterprise Management (PEM)

Jabra PC Suite (Individual)

Jabra Xpress (IT)

Sennheiser Software: Cisco Jabber Plugin, Sennheiser Updater, IBM Sametime, HeadSetup

For Plantronics in mixed platform environment where Microsoft Lync is not the main voice platform, it’s recommended to select UC variant of their models with Plantronics Spokes or PEM. In an environment where Microsoft Lync is being used as the main voice platform, then Microsoft Lync Optimized variant is recommended.

When it comes to Jabra and Sennheiser in a mixed environment, they recommend Microsoft Lync Optimized variant over UC models. Again, it’s always best to download Jabra PC Suite, Jabra Xpress or Sennheiser appropriate software.

The best thing you can do is engage a device-centric partner that takes the time to understand your environment discusses the various options available.