FMCSA Regulations for ELD: Where Do You Stand?

For trucking fleet managers, meeting the new federal regulations for electronic logging can seem like a complex undertaking. Depending on the fleet type, size and existing in-cab devices, each trucking organization has carved its own path to compliance with the ELD (electronic logging device) mandate — or is facing a looming deadline. Under the Federal […]

Poly Studio

Hands on with the Poly Studio!

In this video, we highlight the features of the Poly Studio, then set it up and test out the microphone range and the optional people tracking feature in action! For more information on the Poly Studio and other Poly video bars, visit Poly Solutions!

Poly Studio and Logitech Meetup Comparison

 

We compared the audio and tracking features of the Poly Studio and the Logitech Meetup! The automatic color balance between the two is noticeable – our huddle room has a lot of blue, and the Studio interpreted that differently than the Meetup. Every environment can be different, so if you have questions, feel free to ask!

Plantronics Voyager Family

Plantronics Voyager Family

If softphone (PC/Laptop) and mobile (tablet/smartphone) are your primary devices for communication, the Plantronics Voyager Family may be a right fit for you.

There are close to twenty different variants available that differ in wearing style and feature sets.

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Calisto 7200 USB and Bluetooth Premium Speakerphone

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.

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JPL Blue Commander

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.

  • Single earpiece allowing users to confer with colleagues
  • Left / right ear side compatible
  • 60mm Smooth leatherette ear cushion
  • Supplied with high-speed USB 2.0 connector
  • 270° adjustable microphone boom
  • Noise-canceling microphone
  • Lightweight Headset, ~ 54g
  • Sure-fit fully adjustable headband
  • Acoustic shock protection
  • 24-month repair or replacement warranty

Why Logitech for Video Conferencing?

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.

Read more

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC revisited

Almost a couple years ago I wrote “Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Review”. As more and more organizations transition to open office spaces as well as work remotely from anywhere, the need for Active Noise Canceling has become increasingly important.

The Plantronics Voyager Focus UC is ideal for folks who want the ability to “Focus” on their work. Many do this by streaming their favorite tunes or podcasts via their mobile device.

There are four Plantronics Voyager Focus UC variants:

  • PLT-202652-01-006         Plantronics B825 Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth Headset
  • PLT-202652-02-006         Plantronics B825-M Voyager Focus UC Lync/Skype for Business Bluetooth Headset
  • PLT-202652-03-006         Plantronics B825 Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth Headset (No Stand)
  • PLT-202652-04-006         Plantronics B825-M Voyager Focus UC Lync/Skype for Business Bluetooth Headset (No Stand)

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC

It has phenomenal talk time (up to 12hrs) and listening time (up to 15hrs).

Let’s focus on Plantronics Smart Sensor technology. It’s a very cool feature. As I wrote before, Smart Sensor means the headset knows when you are wearing it and when you are not. Here are some applications on how Smart Sensor Technology is beneficial:

  • Your mobile device rings and you aren’t wearing headset, simply answer call by putting headset on.
    • Let’s say headset wasn’t quite in reach, that’s okay…answer call via mobile device. If you find it will be longer call, put the Voyager Focus on and the audio automatically transfers from mobile device to headset
  • You’re streaming media, you can pause by removing headset and resume by putting it back on.
  • Maybe you need to sneeze, cough or co-worker taps you on the shoulder to ask quick question while you are in a call, if you take headset off, it automatically mutes the mic so the party on the other end doesn’t hear.
  • In our Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business. If you take headset off, it will change your Presence status to “Away”. Voyager Focus UC will also answer Microsoft Lync/SfB call by putting headset on.

Use sensors: Smart sensors respond when you put on or take off your headset.

With active sensors Putting on headset will: Taking off headset will:
Call Answer the call Mute the headset
Music/Media Resume music/media (if playing previous to taking off)* Pause music/media (if playing)*
Mute Unmute if on an active call Mute if on an active call

NOTE *Functionality varies by application. Does not function with web-based apps.

Reset sensors

You may need to reset the sensors in the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC if they are not working as expected. There are two ways to reset the headset sensors. Choose:

  • With your headset powered on, charge your headset on the charge stand for 10 seconds
  • Press and hold both the Mute and Play/pause buttons for more than 4 seconds until the LEDs flash purple twice, being careful to not touch the earcup padding or allow it to come in contact with surfaces

Disable sensors

You can disable your headset smart sensors several ways:

  • Manage sensors through Plantronics Hub software
  • Hold both the Mute and Call buttons for more than 4 seconds until the LED flashes purple then red. Repeat to reactivate; the LED flashes purple then blue.

NOTE Sensors cannot be disabled while streaming audio.

To learn more about the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC or to find out if this solution is right in your environment, contact us.

 

Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?

By Danny Hayasaka

April 20, 2017

This question continues to come up again and again. Can you connect two hardwired USB headsets to some sort of splitter for training purposes? The answer is still “No”.

As more and more companies adopt new voice technologies that include softphones there has been a shift from traditional QD headsets to hardwired or wireless USB headsets. The shift from desk phone to softphone does not eradicate the need to train. Businesses still need supervisors/team leads/trainers to sit with new employees/agents and train.

I recently visited a small credit union call center.  Fortunately for them, they were using Jabra PRO 9450 wireless headsets across the floor. I noticed they had a spare PRO 9450 on a shelf plugged into power to keep it charged. Attached also was a Zoomswitch Trainer. I asked what it was for. They said for training purposes. They connect two PRO 9450 bases to a Cisco desk phone via Zoomswitch Trainer.  I then asked if they were aware of Conferencing Feature that allows them to pair up to 4 headsets to one base. They were not. I provided the instructions on how to do this and they were ecstatic. Much easier and cleaner solution.

I bring up that story because another shift we’ve seen is customers ordering MORE WIRELESS headsets. This is good news when it comes to training. Most major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser) that offer wireless headsets include the Conferencing feature.

  • Plantronics Savi 700, Savi 400, CS500 & CS500 XD Series
  • Jabra PRO 9400, *PRO 900 Series (*some models)
  • Sennheiser SD, D10 Series

If you have hardwired corded USB headsets you will run into some challenges if you need to connect two headsets for training.

What are your options? First, understand you can’t connect two hardwired USB headsets to one PC for training. Next, review employees’ roles and daily routines. Based on their roles and daily routines, is corded best option? Perhaps single or multi-connectivity wireless headsets are better options. If you deem corded is best, then let’s look at training options for USB softphone environment.

All major headset brands (Plantronics, Jabra/VXi, Sennheiser) include standard training solutions for USB softphone environment and typically consist of:

  • Two QD (Quick Disconnect/Easy Disconnect) Headsets + Training-Y Cable + QD to USB Adapter

Before you buy all hardwired USB headsets, make note of how many trainers/supervisors and how often training is done so you can order the appropriate number of standard USB training solution.

Alternative options.

  • Two Jabra QD Headsets + Jabra Link 265 USB Training-Y
  • Same Series Wireless Headsets using Conference feature

Contact your dedicated Call One, Inc. Account Executive to help you identify what solution is best in your environment.

1-800-749-3160 or sales@calloneonline.com 

 

Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43

The Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43 (38350-13) allows you to connect Plantronics Savi 700 Series, CS500/CS500 XD Series, MDA 200/220 and Voyager Legend CS to these Cisco Desk Phone Models:

  • 6945
  • 7821, 7841, 7861
  • 7942G, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G, 7975G
  • 8841, 8845, 8851, 8861, 8865

Using the APC-43 Cable provides remote desk phone call control. You can answer and hang up call via headset while away from desk. After all, that is the main point of being “wireless”.

What’s in the box? APC-43 Cable, Quick Start Guide, Guide showing how to connect Savi Online Indicator Light (Light not included), Regulatory Compliance Information and Warranty Info

The Plantronics APC-43 cable has a 2-Year Warranty

APC-43 Date Code Location: The date code for the APC-43 cable is located in the middle of the cable on the rectangle housing. It consists of four digits in the MM/YY format (for example, 06/17).

Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43

Here is set up guide for the various Cisco Phone Models:

Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43

Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43

The 85638-01 Adapter Cord needed if using Sidebar with Cisco phone and can be purchased separately.

Additionally the 80287-01 Plantronics Online Indicator Light is a great way to visually show others you are in a call and is optional accessory.

If you have any questions in reference to the Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43 or any other Plantronics solutions, please contact your dedicated Call One, Inc. Account Executive today!!!