2022 is just around the corner, and many businesses are still in a state of uncertainty. Are they heading back to the office, staying remote, or adopting a hybrid work model? Regardless of the work model, employees need to communicate internally and externally to maintain business continuity.
Today people work in various environments throughout their day or workweek. Many use collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Cisco Webex on laptops and mobile devices. Professional and business-grade headsets are a great way to ensure your team members can hear and be heard for more productive meetings and calls.
Fortunately, there is no shortage of headset options that offer USB and Bluetooth connectivity. A primary difference between consumer and business Bluetooth headsets is a USB dongle. I am frequently asked, “Why do I need a USB dongle?” There are many reasons that I share in this blog post link. I have tested several Bluetooth headsets paired directly with my laptop. While most Bluetooth headsets will pair, I experienced connectivity stability issues, audio input, and output issues, and a lack of call control (answer/end, mute, volume up/down) from the headset when using popular business collaboration platforms.
Compatible and Certified with all major collaboration platforms
Long Battery Life
Use as Corded USB Audio Device
Mute by rotating boom arm up
Poly Voyager Focus 2
See the Jabra Evolve2 75 in action!
See the Poly Voyager Focus 2 in action!
Buy from Authorized Resellers
Suppose your business or organization is seeking headsets for your team members. In that case, I strongly recommend that you buy from an authorized reseller like Call One, Inc. who has almost 35 years of headset experience. They can help answer any questions, make unbiased recommendations, and ship anywhere in the US to include commercial and residential addresses. Contact us!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Call-One-blog-graphics-best-bluetooth-headsets2.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-12-14 16:18:512021-12-14 16:18:57Best Bluetooth Headsets for Computer and Mobile Connectivity
With the announcement of the Poly Voyager Focus 2, we immediately knew there would be requests for a side-by-side comparison with the original Voyager Focus UC. Other than putting a 2 at the end of it, what’s the difference between the original Voyager Focus UC and the new Voyager Focus 2?
The global pandemic has forever changed the workplace landscape. In a few short months, the adoption of cloud platforms and work from home accelerated at light speed. With those changes, came a new set of challenges. Unlike controlled office environments, home environments have children, pets, lawn service, kitchen sounds, loud televisions, and more!
Now enter in hybrid work. Organizations need solutions that will provide a consistent audio experience in the office and in remote location, wherever that may be. The NEW Poly Voyager Focus 2 rises to the challenge by increasing the connectivity options to provide users the options to connect to desk phones, computers, and mobile devices. You can now also use the Voyager Focus 2 via corded USB cable mode. Included is a carry case that allows users to easily transport the headset, dongle and USB charging cable between office and remote locations.
While the original Voyager Focus UC was an awesome solution, the new Voyager Focus 2 is purpose built to meet the challenges of today. Additionally, you can make the most of your meetings with Poly Lens Desktop. A single app for customizing your compatible personal devices to how you work, whether in the home or office. Staying up to date with the latest software is easy as a click, now, or when it suits your schedule. With built-in, customizable health and wellness reminders, you’ll feel better throughout the workday staying hydrated and active. Staying on-task is easier when you mask distractions with our focus audio. Rest easy knowing that help is no more than a click away with guides and contact information.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 Features
The ultra-comfortable headband with sling ensures that the weight of the headset is evenly spread across the head – making it comfortable for all day use
The plush ear cushions mold to the user’s ear for greater comfort
With up to 19 hours of talk time it can be used all day – for both work and leisure.
With the audio over USB mode – if users forget to charge their headset they can simply plug in and use as a corded headset – the best of both worlds.
The Digital Hybrid ANC reduces the background noise so users can stay focused on the task in hand and not be distracted.
The discreet microphone boom with acoustic fence technology ensures that any background noise is not heard by the far end. The noise-canceling works so well it meets the requirements of Microsoft Teams open office premium microphone specification.
Poly Voyager Focus UC Features
Works seamlessly across laptops, Bluetooth-enabled desk phones, mobile phones and tablets
Smart sensors answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music
Enhanced voice alerts announce caller ID, mute and connection status, talk time level
Dynamic Mute Alert feature senses and alerts you when you try to talk when muted
Smart mic boom: wear on either side and maintain locations of R/L stereo and volume/track buttons
Precision tuned triple-mics with enhanced DSP for superior background noise canceling
On-demand active noise cancellation so you can focus on your call or work
High-quality stereo design provides hi-fi stereo sound and an immersive audio experience
OpenMic button allows you to hear your surroundings when you need to
NEWVoyager Focus 2 UC
NEWVoyager Focus 2 Office
Voyager Focus UC
IDEAL FOR
Professionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments looking for a premium solution
Professionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments
VARIANTS
Separate Microsoft Teams skus (with Teams button) and UC skus
Separate Microsoft and UC skus
WARRANTY
2 YEARS
HEADSET TYPE
STEREO BLUETOOTH HEADSET
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS
Voyager Focus 2 UC: Connects to PC/Mac via new BT700 USB-A or USB-C adapter and a mobile phone via Bluetooth v5.1
Voyager Focus 2 Office: Connects to a desk phone (via telephone interface cable), computer (via USB-A cable) and mobile (via Bluetooth) with the Office base.
UC version: Connects to mobile phone and PC
BLUETOOTH VERSION
Bluetooth v 5.1
Bluetooth v 4.0
USB CABLE MODE
YES
NO
BUSYLIGHT
Clear dual LED indicators
LED Indicator
TALK TIME
Up to 19 hrs
Up to 12 hrs
WIRELESS RANGE
Voyager Focus 2 UC: up to 50 m / 164 ft
Voyager Focus 2 Office: Up to 91 m / 300 ft
Up to 30 m/98 ft
ANC
Digital Hybrid ANC using two digital MEMS microphones and 2 analog ECM microphones with three user settings (Off/mid/high)
Feedback ANC Technology
UC & Microsoft Teams Certified
Yes, MS Teams variants include dedicated button
Yes, S4B Upgrade, no dedicated Teams button
MSRP
Voyager Focus 2 UC • Without charge stand $329 • With charge stand $349 Voyager Focus 2 Office • $459
Voyager Focus UC • Without charge stand $279 • With charge stand $299
PART NUMBER
213727-02 VFOCUS2-M 213726-02 VFOCUS2-M no stand 213727-01 VFOCUS2 213726-01 VFOCUS2 no stand 214432-01 VFOCUS2 USB-C no stand 214433-01 VFOCUS2 USB-C Additional Skus 214432-02 VFOCUS2-M USB-C no stand 214433-02 VFOCUS2-M USB-C Office Skus 213729-01 VFOCUS2 OFFICE 214260-01 VFOCUS2-M OFFICE
202652-102 B825-M 202652-104 B825-M no stand 202652-101 B825 202652-103 B825 no stand 211710-101 B825 USB-C no stand 211709-101 B825 USB-C
Conclusion
The Poly Voyager Focus 2 has more and improved features and functionality than its predecessor. This includes a dedicated Teams button on the Microsoft Teams certified variants. The new Focus 2 stereo Bluetooth headset is built to function in today’s new normal of hybrid work and can meet the challenges of the office or wherever you happen to work. Poly’s portfolio of solutions can support all areas of your business communications needs to include personal audio and video devices to include headsets, webcams, speakerphones, and desk phones. As well as all your audio and video device needs for all your meeting spaces! Contact us to learn more about Poly Solutions! Check out this video below where we compare the two headsets directly:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Poly-Voyager-Focus-Comparison-Blog.jpg10691900Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CallOneInc_HDI2.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-05-27 09:46:322021-05-27 10:02:26Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Original Voyager Focus | What’s the Difference?
The Poly Voyager Focus UC was launched in late 2015. It set the standard for enterprise headset by offering a comfortable headset with the headband and sling design along with including active noise canceling (ANC) speakers. The Voyager Focus UC has been an extremely popular and a favorite, top-selling headset. According to Persona Research October 2020 Factworks, 94% of workers experience ambient noise during calls – this is up from 71% in 2017. The new Poly Voyager Focus 2 headset creates a “focus zone” around the user thanks to the latest digital Hybrid ANC with three level settings that allow the user to select the right level of noise reduction based on their current environment. The pro-grade microphones with Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology provides 200% better transmit noise reduction compared to the Voyager Focus UC (according to Poly).
A great feature the new Poly Voyager Focus 2 provides is the ability to use as a corded USB audio device. However, with the extended talk time of up to 19hrs, not certain when that will be needed but it’s a nice option to have.
To provide even greater flexibility and connectivity options, Poly offers the Voyager Focus 2 Office variants that allow users to connect to a desk phone, computer, and mobile phone. The Voyager Focus 2 UC variants support computer and mobile phone connectivity.
These models are ideal for professionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments looking for a premium solution.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 Hero
Poly Voyager Focus 2 Features
The ultra-comfortable headband with sling ensures that the weight of the headset is evenly spread across the head – making it comfortable for all day use.
The plush ear cushions mold to the user’s ear for greater comfort
With up to 19 hours of talk time it can be used all day – for both work and leisure.
With the audio over USB mode – if users forget to charge their headset they can simply plug in and use as a corded headset – the best of both worlds.
The Digital Hybrid ANC reduces the background noise so users can stay focused on the task in hand and not be distracted.
The discreet microphone boom with acoustic fence technology ensures that any background noise is not heard by the far end. The noise-canceling works so well it meets the requirements of Microsoft Teams open office premium microphone specification.
Poly Voyager Focus 2 Specifications
Connectivity
Voyager Focus 2 UC: PC via included BT700 Bluetooth adapter or via USB cable; smartphone via Bluetooth
Voyager Focus 2 Office: PC via USB-A cable, desk phone via include cable; smartphone via Bluetooth. Headset can also connect to PC via included USB cable
Wireless
Bluetooth 5.1
Class 1, Multipoint connectivity, headset connect to two devices at the same time, remembers up to 8 devices
Supported Bluetooth profiles
A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
Range
Voyager Focus 2 UC: up to 50 m/164 ft
Voyager Focus 2 Office: Up to 91 m/300 ft
Wired
Connect to PC via included micro USB cable with audio over USB mode
ANC Technology
Digital Hybrid ANC using two digital MEMS microphones and 2 analog ECM microphones with three user settings (Off/low/high)
Talk/Listen Time
Talk Time: Up to 19 hours (ANC off), Up to 16 hours (ANC on)
Listening Time: up to 40 hours (ANC Off), up to 24 hours (ANC On)
Charge Time: 2 hours for a full charge
Standby Time: up to 30 days
Smart Sensors
Answer calls by simply putting on the headset, mute by taking the headset off and pause/resume music
Microphone and Technology
Discrete noise canceling boom with Acoustic Fence technology to Microsoft Teams Open Office Premium microphone.
Smart discrete microphone boom: wear on either side and maintain location of R/L stereo. Rotate boom up to mute and down to unmute.
Headset Controls and Lights
Call answer/end, mute, volume +/-, power ON/OFF/PAIRING, ANC: Off, low, high
Online Indicator – Two LED indicators on speaker housing shows in a call status.
Stay comfortable during a full day of calls wearing an ultra-comfortable headband with sling and plush ear cushions
Enjoy the simplicity of an easy-to-use headset with smart sensors for answering calls, pausing music and instantly muting calls.
Give those around you a visual cue that you’re busy—an online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call.
It just works—the smart microphone boom automatically maintains left and right audio no matter which side the headset is worn.
In Conclusion
Poly has done a great job of keeping up with the changing landscape of business communications. In today’s hybrid work world, noise can come colleagues in an open office or a blender in the kitchen from your home office. The need for a headset that will perform regardless of work environment is essential. The Poly Voyager Focus 2 with digital hybrid ANC speakers, microphone with Acoustic Fence technology, and the ability to support multi-connectivity is a solid choice. Watch the video below to see the Voyager Focus 2 in action in an office, on top of a tower and at the beach! To learn more about Poly Solutions for your various work environments, contact us!
