Tag Archive for: Plantronics

How do you choose the right headsets for your organization? Part I

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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.

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Open Office Headset Solutions

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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?

  • Active Noise Canceling earbuds
  • Neckband with Earbuds Wearing Style
    • Single and dual ear options (right and/or left ear use)
    • Have both earbuds out if needed
  • Vibrating Neckband signals incoming calls
  • Up to 9hrs of talk time, 16hrs of Listen Time
  • Dynamic Mute alert feature senses and alerts user when talking while muted
  • Supported via Plantronics Hub and Plantronics Manager Pro
  • Class 1 Bluetooth – up to 98ft wireless range
  • Portable – durable carrying case included
  • Charge base included
  • Connect to PC/Laptop via USB Dongle and mobile devices (Tablet/Smartphone) via Bluetooth
  • Multipurpose button to answer/hang up, play/pause, next track, go back a track

What’s bad?

  • At the moment I’m having a hard time finding something I don’t like

Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC

Variants

What’s good?

  • Dual Mode Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Boomless Mic
  • Mobile and PC/Laptop connectivity
  • Connectivity to Desk Phone/PC via MDA 220
  • Listen Time: Up to 24 hours
  • Talk Time: Up to 20 hours
  • Standby Time: Up to 1 month
  • Roaming Range: Up to 98 feet
  • 5mm audio cable connectivity
  • Carrying pouch for portability

What’s bad?

  • 5mm audio cable listen only
  • No USB cable connectivity option

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset

Variants:

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Hi-Fi Stereo
  • Very comfortable
  • Talk Time: Up to 12 hours (10 ANC on)
  • Listening Time: Up to 15 hours (12 ANC on)
  • Roaming Range: Up to 150 feet with adaptive power (with Class 1 supported devices)
  • Carrying case for portability
  • PC/Laptop connectivity
  • Connectivity to Desk Phone/PC via MDA 220

What’s bad?

  • No cable connectivity option (i.e. in flight connectivity option, or USB cable connectivity)

Blackwire 725 Corded USB Headset

 

Variants:

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Hi-Fi Stereo
  • Very comfortable
  • Portable – durable carrying case included
  • Connect to Desk Phone and PC via MDA 220

What’s bad?

  • Doesn’t support Bluetooth

Jabra ANC Headsets:

Jabra Evolve 75e

Variants:

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling earbuds
  • Neckband with Earbuds Wearing Style
  • Single and dual ear options
  • Have both earbuds out if needed
  • Listen-in feature
  • Vibrating Neckband signals incoming calls
  • Up to 13hrs of talk time, 14hrs of Listen Time
    • 2hr Charge Time
  • Sweat & water resistant Yes, IP54
  • Integrated red light on the microphone box, activated when on a call or manually by the user when busy, to act as a “do not disturb” signal
  • One tap access to “MS Cortana, Apple Siri®, Google Now™” on the mute/voice button
  • Up to 100 ft. with PCs, up to 33ft with smartphones
  • Portable – durable carrying case included
  • Connect to PC/Laptop via USB Dongle and mobile devices (Tablet/Smartphone) via Bluetooth
  • Multipurpose button to answer/hang up, play/pause, next track, go back a track
  • Magnets in earbuds
    • For easy and comfortable position around the neck. When the earbuds are connected, your music will pause or your call will be ended.

What’s bad?

  • Must be worn in right ear when making calls
  • There have been some audio quality issues when used with Link 370
    • We identified if we connect Link 370 to USB Extension cable it minimizes/solves audio issue

 

Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants

Variants:

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • USB and 3.5mm corded connectivity
  • Busy Light (can be manually activated)
  • Microphone boom arm can be integrated into the headband when not on a call or simply listening to music
  • Microphone mute on boom arm
  • Soft pouch included for portability
  • Listen in feature

What’s bad?

  • Doesn’t support Bluetooth

Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand

Variants

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Dual Bluetooth connectivity to Mobile and PC/Laptop
  • USB Cable connectivity supports both receive/transmit and charges at same time
  • Up to 15hrs battery life
  • Hi-Fi Audio
  • Boom arm can be clipped to headband when not in use (also acts as mute switch when boom arm up)
  • Listen-In button
  • Integrated Busy Light
  • First Skype for Business certified headset meeting the requirements for Open Office and Outdoor
  • Great Noise Canceling Mic

What’s bad?

  • Boom can only be on right side

 

Sennheiser ANC Headset

Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants

Variants

What’s good?

  • Dual mode Active Noise Canceling
  • Boomless mic
  • Multiple connectivity options: Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Audio cable with answer/end button (2.5 mm and 3.5 mm jack plugs), USB cable with micro-USB connector, BT800 USB dongle
  • Battery life: Up to 30 hours
  • Standby time: Up to 15 days
  • Range: Up to 82ft
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • Sound Effect modes (via free Captunes App): Club, Movie, Speech, Director – User defined)
  • Nice hard cover carry case for portability
  • Audio quality when streaming music or watching movies via mobile device is awesome!

What’s bad?

  • On/Off done by folding speakers flat
  • I wasn’t a fan of the touch sensors, I like prominent buttons but that’s me

 

Open Office Headset Solutions

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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:

  • 202580-01 Blackwire 725, Standard
  • 202581-01 Blackwire 725, Microsoft

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Hi-Fi Stereo
  • Very comfortable
  • Portable – durable carrying case included
  • Connect to Desk Phone and PC via MDA 220

What’s bad?

  • Doesn’t support Bluetooth

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset

Variants:

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

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Hi-Fi Stereo
  • Very comfortable
  • Talk Time: Up to 12 hours (10 ANC on)
  • Listening Time: Up to 15 hours (12 ANC on)
  • Roaming Range: Up to 150 feet with adaptive power (with Class 1 supported devices)
  • Carrying case for portability
  • PC/Laptop connectivity
  • Connectivity to Desk Phone/PC via MDA 220

What’s bad?

  • No cable connectivity option (i.e. in flight connectivity option, or USB cable connectivity)

Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC

Variants

  • PLT-208769-01-006 Plantronics 8200 UC Black Bluetooth Headset
  • PLT-208769-02 Plantronics 8200 UC White Bluetooth Headset

What’s good?

  • Dual Mode Active Noise Canceling
  • Plantronics Smart Sensor Technology
  • Boomless Mic
  • Mobile and PC/Laptop connectivity
  • Connectivity to Desk Phone/PC via MDA 220
  • Listen Time: Up to 24 hours
  • Talk Time: Up to 20 hours
  • Standby Time: Up to 1 month
  • Roaming Range: Up to 98 feet
  • 5mm audio cable connectivity
  • Carrying pouch for portability

What’s bad?

  • 5mm audio cable listen only
  • No USB cable connectivity

Jabra ANC Headsets:

Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants

Variants:

  • JBR-7899-823-109-003 Jabra EVOLVE 80 MS USB Stereo Headset with ANC
  • JBR-7899-829-209-001 Jabra EVOLVE 80 UC USB Stereo Headset with ANC

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • USB and 3.5mm corded connectivity
  • Busy Light (can be manually activated)
  • Microphone boom arm can be integrated into the headband when not on a call or simply listening to music
  • Microphone mute on boom arm
  • Soft pouch included for portability
  • Listen in feature

What’s bad?

  • Doesn’t support Bluetooth
  • Hefty price tag

Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand

Variants

  • JBR-7599-832-109-002 Jabra Evolve 75 MS Bundle including Link 370
  • JBR-7599-832-199-002 Jabra Evolve 75 MS Bundle with Charging Stand
  • JBR-7599-838-109-002 Jabra Evolve 75 Stereo UC Bundle including Link 370
  • JBR-7599-838-199-002 Jabra Evolve 75 UC Bundle with Charging Stand

What’s good?

  • Active Noise Canceling
  • Dual Bluetooth connectivity to Mobile and PC/Laptop
  • USB Cable connectivity supports both receive/transmit and charges at same time
  • Up to 15hrs battery life
  • Hi-Fi Audio
  • Boom arm can be clipped to headband when not in use (also acts as mute switch when boom arm up)
  • Listen-In button
  • Integrated Busy Light
  • First Skype for Business certified headset meeting the requirements for Open Office and Outdoor

What’s bad?

  • Boom can only be on right side

 

Sennheiser ANC Headset

Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants

Variants

  • SEN-507092-006 Sennheiser MB 660 UC
  • SEN-507093-006 Sennheiser MB 660 UC MS

What’s good?

  • Dual mode Active Noise Canceling
  • Boomless mic
  • Multiple connectivity options: Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Audio cable with answer/end button (2.5 mm and 3.5 mm jack plugs), USB cable with micro-USB connector, BT800 USB dongle
  • Battery life: Up to 30 hours
  • Standby time: Up to 15 days
  • Range: Up to 82ft
  • 2 Year Warranty
  • Sound Effect modes (via free Captunes App): Club, Movie, Speech, Director – User defined)
  • Nice hard cover carry case for portability

What’s bad?

  • On/Off done by folding speakers flat
  • Hefty price tag

 

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC revisited

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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.

YouTube player

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.

 

Plantronics EHS Cable APC-43

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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!!!

Plantronics MDA100 QD – connect Plantronics Headsets to Desk phone AND PC

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Let’s get right into it. First I’m happy Plantronics FINALLY developed their own Desk Phone/PC switch. The MDA100 QD allows Plantronics QD headsets to connect to a desk phone and PC. In today’s world it’s absolutely essential to have dual connectivity. We do so many things on our PC’s now. Many organizations have hybrid voice and UC platforms meaning they have desk phones as well as soft phones and other web based applications that require audio like streaming media, webinars, and video calls.

Plantronics MDA100 QD 205255-01

What’s in the box: MDA100 QD Switch, Desk Phone Cable, USB Cable, 10 foot Coil Plantronics QD (Quick Disconnect) Cable, Set Up Guide

Set Up and Use: Set up is fairly straight forward. Connect desk phone cable to desk phone port on MDA100 QD and the other to either the “headset” port on your desk phone or directly into the handset port. Next connect the USB cable to the micro USB port on MDA100 QD and the USB cable to a USB port on your PC. (Make certain to go into your PC’s Control Panel > Sound > MDA100 > Make Default > Default Communication Device > Apply – For a Mac: System Preference > Hardware > Sound > Output/Input/Sound Effects > MDA100). Connect modular portion of 10 foot coil cable to headset port on MDA100 QD and connect Plantronics QD headset to QD connection.

Plantronics MDA100 QD
Plantronics MDA100 QD
Plantronics MDA100 QD
Plantronics MDA100 QD
Plantronics MDA100 QD
Plantronics MDA100 QD

There are six switch settings on the no-slip bottom of the MDA100 QD. (A, B, C, D, E, F). Select through the switch settings until you hear dial tone on phone. Make certain switch is switched to desk phone.

Plantronics MDA100 QD

Plantronics MDA100 QD

In order to get audio from PC, select PC on MDA100 QD.

Other nice feature is the Mute Button.

This works great with Plantronics QD headsets. Also tried with Plantronics CS540. Although it works, you will not have remote answer/hang up option. You must answer/hang up via desk phone. If you are in need of Desk Phone and PC connectivity with remote answer/hang up option, go with Savi 700 Series and optional EHS Cables or Handset Lifter.

The MDA100 QD is compatible with all major desk phones and softphones, PCs and Macs. PLUS if you have Plantronics Manager Pro subscription you can manage your MDA100 QD inventory.

Plantronics Manager Pro and Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac

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Many communications and collaboration platforms in the enterprise space requires the use of USB headsets and devices. With that comes some challenges in the enterprise space for end-users and IT departments. Plantronics Manager Pro and Plantronics Hub offer a great solution.

From Plantronics Manager Pro and Plantronics Hub data sheet:

Plantronics Manager Pro and Plantronics Hub, both part of our Plantronics Spokes software offering, work together to give enterprises total control and flexibility over their Plantronics audio headsets and devices.

Plantronics Manager Pro is a web-based service that gives IT Managers easy-to-use tools to configure settings and update audio device software and firmware for end-users across the enterprise. Plantronics Manager Pro leverages a cloud-based architecture and offers reporting tools that provide new insights into your communications environment.

Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac is a client application that works with Plantronics Manager Pro and allows end users to control the settings on their Plantronics audio device within the parameters established by IT.

Problems:

  • IT needs to modify audio device settings for hundreds of users to comply with company policy
  • IT wants to evaluate the effectiveness of their UC deployment, seeing which users are not using their headset
  • IT needs to push a firmware update to hundreds of users
  • IT wants to keep track of their audio device inventory
  • IT needs to troubleshoot user issues from a remote location

Solution: Plantronics Manager Pro with Plantronics Hub for Windows/Mac

Plantronics Manager Pro

Plantronics Manager Pro and Hub

SIMPLIFY ADMINISTRATION OF PLANTRONICS DEVICES

  • View a summary of all audio devices and Plantronics Hub software at a glance
  • Easily schedule and deploy device firmware upgrades
  • Adjust and implement setting configurations to ensure a seamless end user experience while locking in regulatory compliance settings
  • Configure devices quickly and consistently, at a time that works best for managers and end users
  • Conveniently troubleshoot and diagnose user issues from a remote location

GAIN DETAILED INSIGHT

  • Generate inventory and usage reports for all audio devices in your organization
  • View what softphone version is being used with Plantronics products across your organization
  • Identify compatibility conflicts between softphone and Plantronics Hub versions
  • Improve user performance and experience by ensuring compatibility between audio device firmware and softphone application

Plantronics Hub

Plantronics Manager Pro and Hub

EMPOWER USER PRODUCTIVITY

  • Enable device-level call control with call answer/end, mute, and volume adjust with supported softphone and UC clients
  • Access intuitive user features such as visible mute status, battery status, and mute control
  • Avoid disrupting normal workflow with silent installation option

For more information or to receive a quote for Plantronics Manager Pro, please contact your Authorized Plantronics Reseller.

 

Blackwire C215/ C225

Blackwire C215/ C225 Review

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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.

Blackwire C215/ C225Blackwire C215/ C225

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.

Blackwire C215/ C225

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.

Blackwire C215/ C225

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

Blackwire C215/ C225

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.

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

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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):