Tag Archive for: USB Headsets

Poly Voyager Focus 2 and Original Voyager Focus | What’s the Difference?

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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

  • Poly Solutions Voyager 2
  • Poly Solutions Voyager 2
  • Poly Solutions Voyager 2
  • Poly Solutions Voyager 2
  • 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

  • Voyager Focus UC
  • Poly Voyager Focus UC Noise Cancelling Headsets
  • Poly Promotions Voyager Focus UC
  • Poly Promotions Voyager Focus UC 3
  • 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
Poly Solutions Voyager 2 Poly Voyager Foucs UC
NEW Voyager Focus 2 UCNEW Voyager Focus 2 OfficeVoyager Focus UC
IDEAL FORProfessionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments looking for a premium solutionProfessionals on calls all day in noisy home or office environments
VARIANTSSeparate Microsoft Teams skus (with Teams button) and UC skusSeparate Microsoft and UC skus
WARRANTY2 YEARS
HEADSET TYPESTEREO BLUETOOTH HEADSET
CONNECTIVITY OPTIONSVoyager Focus 2 UC: Connects to PC/Mac via new BT700 USB-A or USB-C adapter and a mobile phone via Bluetooth v5.1Voyager 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 VERSIONBluetooth v 5.1Bluetooth v 4.0
USB CABLE MODEYESNO
BUSYLIGHTClear dual LED indicatorsLED Indicator
TALK TIMEUp to 19 hrsUp to 12 hrs
WIRELESS RANGEVoyager Focus 2 UC: up to 50 m / 164 ftVoyager Focus 2 Office: Up to 91 m / 300 ftUp to 30 m/98 ft
ANCDigital 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 CertifiedYes, MS Teams variants include dedicated buttonYes, S4B Upgrade, no dedicated Teams button
MSRPVoyager 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 NUMBER213727-02 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:

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Sennheiser MB 360 Banner

What’s the difference between ANC and NC?

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Every day I hear customers requesting “ANC” or “NC” headsets. Some know the difference however many don’t. It’s kind of like “Bluetooth”. To some, “Bluetooth” simply means “wireless”. Whether it’s DECT, 2.4Ghz, 900Mhz is irrelevant to them. They want a “Bluetooth (Wireless)” headset. For this blog, I’m talking about headsets for professional use by Poly (formerly Plantronics), Jabra & Sennheiser.

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Plantronics Blackwire Family

Plantronics Blackwire Family Connectivity Options

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The Plantronics Blackwire Family is made up of several series: 215/225, 3200, 5200 and 700. They offer varying connectivity options depending on the series/model.  While wireless headsets are extremely beneficial and popular, there are very good reasons why organizations choose corded options instead:

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Training-Y for USB Headsets in Softphone environment?

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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