Series by Danny Hayasaka
In Part I of this series we discussed who the top headset manufacturers are and why. In Part II we covered why it’s important to choose an Authorized Partner. Now…let’s get into it. How do you choose the right headsets for your organization?
Back in the day, it was so simple; Plug Prong or Multipurpose Amp, single ear, dual ear or convertible wearing style headset. That’s it.
Series by Danny Hayasaka
7/13/18
In Part I of this series I listed reasons why Plantronics, Jabra and Sennheiser are currently the leaders in the headset space.
Now I want to focus on choosing the right partner/vendor/reseller. Every headset brand/model is available via the interwebz. If you are looking for one or two headsets and don’t value service or support, take a chance online.
If you value your role and want to do what’s best for your company keep reading.
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.
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?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Blackwire 725 Corded USB Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra ANC Headsets:
Jabra Evolve 75e
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Sennheiser ANC Headset
Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
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:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Wireless Headset
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra ANC Headsets:
Jabra Evolve 80 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants:
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Jabra Evolve 75 UC & Microsoft variants with or without stand
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
Sennheiser ANC Headset
Sennheiser MB 660 UC and Microsoft variants
Variants
What’s good?
What’s bad?
It’s no secret that noise and interruptions negatively impact productivity. Especially in open office environments. The chatter from neighboring colleagues can sometimes be too much when you are trying to complete a project. Enter the Jabra Evolve 75.
This wireless headset comes in four variants:
What’s in the box (Charging Stand Variant): Quick Start Guide, Jabra Evolve 75 headset, Jabra Link 370 USB adapter, charging stand*, protective travel case, USB cord (allowing for use while charging)
Set Up and Use on PC: Setting up the Evolve 75 was very simple. Please note microphone can only be worn on the right side. First, charge unit 2.5hrs. Download Free Jabra Direct software (Individual desktop), Jabra Suite for Mac or Jabra Xpress (mass deployment). Plug Jabra Link 370 USB dongle to a PC USB port (allow device drivers to install). Turn on the Jabra Evolve 75 headset. Should connect almost immediately. You can adjust settings via Jabra Direct:
You can also check the status of Link 370 Dongle via Jabra Direct.
To pair to a mobile device via Bluetooth. First, go to your mobile device Bluetooth menu and place into discovery mode. Slide and hold on/off/Bluetooth switch on Evolve 75 to Bluetooth symbol for 3 seconds to place Evolve 75 into pairing mode. Select Jabra Evolve 75. You should be “Connected”.
To mute Evolve 75 simply lift boom arm up. There’s a little button with microphone icon on right speaker towards the top. When I pressed this button, it activated Siri on my Apple iPhone.
Active Noise Cancellation button allows you to eliminate unwanted background noise. The Listen-in feature allows you to listen to your surroundings without taking your headset off. To activate “Listen-in”, press button on the left speaker.
There is an integrated busy light that kicks on when you are in a call. It’s important to educate employees and inform them that when lit up red, the person is “busy” and should not be disturbed. You can manually activate busy light by pressing volume up/down buttons simultaneously. If you are not on a call but need to concentrate. I’ve toured some “open office” environments and a solution like the Evolve 75 is a must in many use cases.
Open offices are great for improved team work and collaboration however with that comes an increase in noise! Yes, sometimes your colleagues become your biggest distractions. Jabra introduces the Jabra Noise Guide with SoundEar®3 software as a way to reduce distracting noise in your office. It’s a portable device that monitors noise levels and provides visual feedback so coworkers are more aware immediately that they may be distracting others.
There are three light color schemes:
The SoundEar software for the Jabra Noise Guide defaults to preset “Noisy Office” noise levels. You can also select from “Normal Office” to “Quiet Office” depending on acceptable level of noise in your space. Additionally you can customize and set it to what is best for your office.
The Jabra Noise Guide includes: Noise Guide, USB Key with software, Power Adapter with EU, US & UK plugs, USB Adapter Cable (A-plug to micro-B).
Your office environment will determine whether you obtain a Table Stand or Cubicle Mount.
How does the Jabra Noise Guide work?
Noise Guide provides you with 2 types of measurements, simultaneously. The ear symbol indicates the state of the current noise level while the LED panel at the bottom of the device indicates the average noise level over the past 15 minutes.
Software Setup
You will find the software on the included USB Key. When you have installed the software, make sure to check for software updates to ensure that you are always updated with the latest version.
With the Jabra Noise Guide, you have three standard settings to choose from:
There are many options from this GUI in addition to Quick Setup for the Jabra Noise Guide:
You can now review for peak noisiest hours and depending on where you position units, you can pinpoint which areas of your office are noisiest and when.
I think this is a really cool tool for any business looking to monitor noise levels in their office space.
To learn more about the Jabra Noise Guide, go to http://www.jabra.com/business/office-headsets/jabra-noise-guide
Are you wondering how to show co-workers your status if you’re working in office or even working from home to avoid distractions? Before we added our Kuando Omega Busylights it was somewhat chaotic. As most know who follow this blog, we are 100% Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business. First thing to go were our desk phones as folks opted for headsets or USB speakerphones.
However we had some issues. Because we actively sell multiple devices from various manufacturers, we have a mix of Plantronics, Jabra, Sennheiser, Logitech, VXi, and Microsoft headsets. Not all brands offer “online indicator lights” and the ones that do, all look different.
The Jabra busy light only works with certain Jabra Wireless Headset models. The same is true for the Plantronics brand. What if employee had corded headset or a brand other than Plantronics and Jabra?
I had tested the Kuando Busylight and it was pretty sweet. It was USB so it was headset/device brand agnostic. Not only did it indicate if you were online or not, it also showed your Microsoft Lync Presence status. Available (Green) – Do Not Disturb (Purple) – Busy (Red) and Away (Yellow)
One issue…light was too small. You had to be right up a person to see their status. Then I learned about the Kuando Omega busylight which was exactly what we were looking for. Bigger light that can be seen from a distance.
They are so much more than online indicator lights that show Presence status.
Skype for Business
Never miss a call
Message waiting indication
Presence indication
Lync Call Handling tools – valuable hot keys
Now I can look out across the sales floor and “see” everyone’s presence status. We even got creative and affixed lights above private office doors so people coming to our office can “see” if we are available or not.
If you are in a UC environment that is supported by Kuando and are curious on how to show co-workers your status this may be an option for you to consider.
Click here for more info on Kuando Busylight UC – Implementation