Regularly I’m asked to review a variety of audio and video devices, including consumer products. I often respond that the Call One, Inc. YouTube Channel focuses on solutions designed for use with business communications and collaboration platforms from Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, 8×8, RingCentral, etc.
Packaging, Warranty, & Multi-Connectivity
Most people don’t realize there are differences between consumer and business audio and video devices. Some differences are subtle, like the packaging to support mass deployments and extended warranty periods. Another difference is the inclusion of a Bluetooth dongle with UC Bluetooth headsets to improve connection stability, audio quality, and compatibility and provide remote call control. Leading device manufacturers also offer multi-connectivity solutions to support a broad range of use cases.
Compatible and Certified
Business audio and video device manufacturers work directly with leading business communications and collaboration platform providers to develop compatible and certified solutions, so end-users have a great experience with setup, use, and performance.
Device Management Software
A critical difference that has become increasingly important in today’s remote and hybrid work world is device management software. Businesses spend thousands to millions of dollars on audio and video devices annually to empower and enable their employees to be productive wherever they are working. How do business leaders know where the devices are and if they are being used? Device management software allows IT teams to remotely provision, monitor, troubleshoot, and manage devices.
Depending on the brand and suite of products, some device management software offers analytics and actionable insights that can be highly beneficial for understanding user adoption, call analytics, room usage, and more!
Organizations need to consider developing audio and video device standards that provide device management software from these leading global brands:
Authorized Resellers like Call One, Inc. can help your organization select business-grade audio and video devices that the appropriate software can remotely manage.
Call One, Inc. is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), helping people do their business better since 1987. We are an authorized reseller of Poly, Jabra, Logitech, EPOS, Yealink, and other leading audio and video device brands. Contact us if you want more information or schedule a meeting to discuss your device management needs.
Device Management Software Video Resources:
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Consumer-vs-Business-blog-graphic.jpg5001280Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-05-12 16:15:032022-05-12 16:15:13Consumer vs. Business Audio and Video Devices
Today hybrid work means working from anywhere. The goal of business and IT leaders is to ensure their teams have a consistent experience whether they are working from home, their corporate offices, or from wherever they choose to work. Professional-grade audio and video devices can aid in providing a consistent experience.
Here is a list of factors business and IT leaders need to consider when selecting personal audio and video devices for their employees.
Workstyles / Personas
There are several roles or personas within an organization with different communication needs. Poly has studied workstyle evolution for nearly a decade and identified six distinct work styles, or personas, making up 92% of a typical enterprise: Office Communicator, Office Collaborator, Remote Collaborator, Flexible Worker, Road Warrior, and Connected Executive. Each persona uses a different set of communications tools. Take a look at the Get To Know Your Workforce – Personas Overview.
Connectivity
Each persona utilizes different communications tools depending on their role and environment. They may need connectivity to a desk phone, computer, mobile device, or a combination. Audio devices have a wide range of connectivity options to support whatever connectivity combination your team needs. For example, teams returning to the office may require connectivity to desk phones and computers. Employees working from home may require connectivity to a laptop and mobile phone. Hybrid team members may need an audio device that supports connectivity to phones, computers, mobile devices and can easily transport between work locations.
Platform
Leading device manufacturers like Poly, Jabra, EPOS, Yealink, and others offer compatible solutions for all major platforms, including Zoom, Teams, and Webex. Some platforms like Microsoft have developed a peripherals certification program to ensure USB peripherals (such as headsets, speakerphones, webcams, and monitors) offer rich audio or video quality, are plug-and-play, and provide an excellent experience for end-users and administrators. An authorized partner can help with compatibility and identifying which variants are best for your business. Contact us!
Environment
Work environments can range from corporate offices, third spaces, home offices, remote locations, or on-the-go! Noise levels will vary. Today workers can experience noise from noisy open offices, traffic, construction, lawnmowers, blenders, children, barking dogs, and more! Knowing your team members’ work environments is essential when selecting devices. Battery life may be a factor if they are somewhere without access to an electrical outlet. Video calls and meetings have become standard during the past two years. When it comes to video, good enough is no longer acceptable. Video quality expectations have increased. Multiple personal and group video conferencing solutions offer high-quality audio and video for more engaging and productive meetings. Take a look at these desktop video solutions from Cisco, Huddly, Jabra, JPL, Konftel, Logitech, Poly, Yealink, and more!
Fixed / Portable
Hybrid work has made it necessary to transport devices between work locations. The Targus 2 Office Antimicrobial Backpack is made to fit laptops between 15 to 17.3 inches, a full-sized keyboard, and whatever you need to carry! Headsets include carrying cases made of different materials depending on the brand and model. The cases are designed to hold your headset, cables, and dongle. The Jabra PanaCast 20 and the Huddly ONE Work From Anywhere Kit are two cameras that include a travel case to contain the camera and the cable for secure storage during travel.
One Size Does NOT Fit All
There are multiple roles within an organization with varying levels of communication and collaboration internally and externally. A person who seldom takes or makes calls will need a different audio device than someone with a call-intensive role. The same is true for video. Some positions require being on video presenting and sharing content regularly, while some only join weekly or once a month. The point is, one size does NOT fit all. Business and IT leaders need to consider the above topics when developing standards.
New Device Standards
The global pandemic has forever changed how, when, and where work is done. Gone are the days of controlled office environments. Organizations need new audio and video device standards. The good news is there is no shortage of options. Leading device manufacturers like Jabra, EPOS, Logitech, JPL, Poly, Yealink, and more have a broad range of solutions to support hybrid and remote work. They are also developing new solutions in response to this new normal of work from anywhere.
An Authorized Reseller like Call One, Inc., with over 35 years of experience and a focus on personal and group audio and video solutions, is a great choice to help you develop device standards. To help people and businesses make more informed purchasing decisions, they test most audio and video devices and share them via their YouTube Channel. Call One, Inc. also provides pre and post-sales support and can ship to commercial and residential locations anywhere in the United States. We specialize in supporting mid-market to large enterprises and are a nationally certified Women’s Business Enterprise. Contact us to learn how we can help.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Call-One-Personal-Audio-Video-2022-blog-graphic.jpg5001280Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-03-29 13:42:532022-03-30 11:34:36Personal Audio and Video Devices for Hybrid Work in 2022
(Cape Canaveral, FL) Call One, Inc. is partnering with SonicCloud to provide a transformative software solution designed for businesses to offer their employees a better hearing experience regardless of an individual’s hearing challenges. SonicCloud is a customizable solution for employees who need assistance with any level of hearing loss, dramatically reduces “Zoom fatigue” on conference calls, and improves clarity for those who have difficulty with speech intelligibility.
The CDC estimates that 12% of the workforce has a hearing impairment, and according to studies, the impact on productivity annually due to hearing challenges is substantial. Given the “new normal” of remote and hybrid work, the problem is exacerbated for the hard-of-hearing. Moreover, work environments at the office and home are often not ideal for a clear conversation because of background noise, reverb, and other factors.
“Our partnership with SonicCloud opens up opportunities to help our clients provide an easy to implement solution to help their employees fully participate in collaborative work. It is a game-changer for anyone who suffers from any level of hearing loss,”
Call One, Inc. CEO Dawn Mays
Call One, Inc. CEO Dawn Mays
SonicCloud CEO, JC Curelop
SonicCloud’s CEO, JC Curelop, added, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Call One as they clearly understand the challenges companies big and small face with communication in the modern workplace. We look forward to working with them to help benefit all of their customers and level the playing field for hard-of-hearing employees, destigmatize hearing difficulties, and achieve hearing inclusivity with Call One’s clients.”
SonicCloud’s hardware agnostic software-based solution includes proprietary speech intelligibility algorithms which allow any user to get crisp, clear, personalized audio, targeted precisely to their specific hearing ability, much like the right pair of eyeglasses – but for your ears. The results are highly impactful. The patented technology also provides a range of presets for a quick, user-friendly setup.
Call One, Inc. was founded in 1987 as a telephony headset vendor for 911 dispatch and business call centers nationwide. Today Call One is focused on providing and supporting Video Collaboration Solutions, Enterprise and Contact Center Headsets, Samsung Enterprise Mobility Solutions, and UVC Disinfection Solutions to SMB, Mid-Market, Large Enterprise, Education, Healthcare, and Government. Call One, Inc. is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE).
SonicCloud is a hardware-agnostic, personalized audio software technology company whose mission is to provide hearing accessibility solutions to the hundreds of millions worldwide suffering from the entire range of hearing loss. The company is lauded by hearing industry experts, Fortune 500 companies, and everyday consumers finally experiencing relief from their day-to-day hearing challenges thanks to its innovative, 21st-century approach to sound personalization.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Call-One-Inc-SonicCloud-Youtube-image.jpg5121280Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-02-17 08:45:332022-02-24 16:35:32Call One, Inc Partners with SonicCloud to bring Revolutionary Hearing Personalization Solutions to Today’s Hybrid Workplace
The Poly Sync Family of USB / Bluetooth speakerphones supports personal, huddle workspaces and small to medium conference rooms. They provide connectivity to a computer via USB and a mobile device via Bluetooth 5.1. Select Sync models offer distinctive features like a built-in USB smartphone charger, USB video camera pass through, wireless daisy-chaining, programmable function button, and IP64 rating for protection against dust and water.
Light Status Bar(s)
The Sync 20 includes one and the Sync 40 and Sync 60 have two light status bars for complete 360-degree visibility. The LED light status bar(s) provide visual notification of the current status.
Crossing blue pattern: Pairing
Solid blue: Pairing Successful
Flashing green: Incoming call
Solid green: In a call
Solid red: Mute active
Microphone Steerable array
The focus stays on voice, not background noise, with the multimicrophone steerable array for echo and noise reduction. The Sync 20 and 40 each have a three-microphone steerable array, and the Sync 60 offers a six-microphone steerable array.
Microphone Pick Up Range
Up to 7ft / 2m – Poly Sync 20 / Poly Sync 20+
Up to 8ft / 2.5m – Poly Sync 40 / Poly Sync 40+
Up to 10ft / 3 m – Poly Sync 60
Smartphone Charger
The Poly Sync 20 and Sync 60 variants include one USB socket to charge your smartphone. The Poly Sync 60 includes two smartphone chargers, and one USB video camera pass through.
Wireless Daisy-Chain
This feature, available with the Poly Sync 40 and Sync 60 models, allows you to wirelessly connect two units to expand coverage in larger meeting rooms.
User Controls
All Sync models include Call answer/end, mute, volume up/down, and a programmable function button (🚀 icon).
Programmable function button (🚀rocket button)
The programmable button can be configured (via software) for several different functions, including last smartphone number redial, play/pause media streaming from smartphone, system status check, delete Bluetooth pairings, etc. All Poly Sync models include this feature.
Wireless PC Connection & Battery Life
The Poly Sync 20 and Sync 40 have plus (+) variants that include a BT600 USB-A or USB-C Bluetooth dongle to enable wireless connectivity to a computer. (The Sync 60 requires AC power to operate.) The Sync 20 offers up to 20 hours of talk time, and the Sync 40 up to 30 hours.
Dust and Water Protection
IP64 rating for protection again dust ingress and water spray from any direction is available on the Poly Sync 20 and Sync 40 models.
Standard and Microsoft Teams certified
The Poly Sync Family of products is compatible with the most popular collaboration platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom. The Microsoft Teams certified variants include a dedicated Teams button.
Recommended Poly Sync Models
Poly Sync 20 – Personal Use
The Sync 20 is recommended for flexible enterprise professionals working from home, in the corporate office, or traveling. The Sync 20 includes a carry case and lanyard, making it portable and great for hybrid work and work from anywhere.
Poly Sync 40 BottomPoly Sync 40 SidePoly Sync 40 Front Teams
Poly Sync 40 – Huddle Rooms & Flexible Workspaces
The Poly Sync 40 is recommended for flexible workspaces and huddle rooms where users bring their own laptops and smartphones. Organizations can purchase additional accessories like a Sync 40 Charge Stand, Secure Desk Mount, and BT600 Bluetooth USB adapter to support a variety of use cases.
Poly Sync 60 – Small to Medium Conference Rooms
The Poly Sync 60 is recommended for small to medium conference rooms where users bring their own laptops and smartphones. Please note that the Sync 60 requires AC power to operate. To expand coverage in larger spaces, use the wireless daisy-chain feature!
How can we help?
As always, I strongly recommend you purchase from a Poly Authorized Reseller to ensure you get the best possible service and ongoing support for your organization’s audio and video device needs. Call One, Inc. is a Poly Platinum Partner with an experienced, knowledgeable staff who can answer your questions and help with small to mass deployments of Poly solutions. Contact us!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Call-One-Poly-Sync-Speakerphone-blog.jpg5001280Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-02-07 10:50:342022-02-07 10:53:41Which Poly Sync Speakerphone is best for you?
The Poly Voyager 5200 Office and UC Series offer versatile connectivity to allow you to have professional-grade audio in any environment on any of your devices.
Pre-COVID, the Poly Voyager 5200 UC headset was my go-to whenever traveling. I remember standing outside a hotel near Logan International Airport, making a call with the Voyager 5200 and asking the person I was calling if they could hear the planes and traffic. They stated that they could only hear me.
Voyager 5200 UCVoyager 5200 Hero in Case Boom Up White
I strongly recommend purchasing through a Poly Authorized Reseller. Call One, Inc. is a Poly Platinum Partner with a team of subject matter experts who can help guide your team to the appropriate audio and video devices based on their work styles and workspace. Get the most out of your Poly devices with one convenient app to manage all your compatible devices. With the Poly Lens App, you can customize your devices to work the way you do. Keep software up to date, manage settings, and use the personal health and wellness reminders to keep you focused and energized all day long.
Whether you work in an office, at home, or anywhere in between, there is a Poly Voyager 5200 Office and UC Series model for you! Take a look at this breakdown of the different variants to include Microsoft Teams certified models!
Connectivity: Desk Phone + Mobile Wearing Style: Over-the-ear What’s in the Box: Voyager 5200 Headset + Voyager Office D Base + Telephone Interface Cable + Power Supply
Connectivity: Desk Phone + Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Over-the-ear What’s in the Box: Voyager 5200 Headset + Voyager Office CD Base + USB-A Cable + Telephone Interface Cable + Power Supply Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Desk Phone + Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Over-the-ear What’s in the Box: Voyager 5200 Headset + Voyager Office CD Base + USB-C Cable + Telephone Interface Cable + Power Supply Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Over-the-ear What’s in the Box: Voyager 5200 Headset + USB-A Dongle + Charging Case + Small, Medium, and Large ear tips + USB to micro USB charge cable.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Poly-Voyager-5200-blog-twitter.jpg9001600Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-01-26 16:01:412022-01-31 10:08:24Poly Voyager 5200 Office and UC Series – Connectivity Options
The Poly Voyager 4300 UC Series are affordable Bluetooth headsets that provide professional audio quality. They are everything you need to stay productive and connected to all your devices, whether at home or in your office. To learn more about the available features and functions, check out this blog and video!
This blog will share the differences between the sixteen Voyager 4300 UC models to help you make a more informed purchasing decision. Whatever models you select, I strongly recommend purchasing from an Authorized Reseller like Call One, Inc., a Poly Platinum Partner.
Connect to all your Devices
Out of the box, the Poly Voyager 4300 UC headset series provide connectivity to your computer via included BT700 USB adapter and mobile devices via Bluetooth. You can add connectivity to a desk phone via the optional spare Voyager Office Base. The Voyager Office Base is compatible with Poly EHS Cables and HL10 Handset Lifter. Contact an Authorized Reseller to check compatibility with your devices.
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Single Ear Headband What’s in the box: Voyager 4310 Headset + USB-A Bluetooth Dongle + Charge Stand Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Single Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4310 Headset + USB-A Bluetooth Dongle Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Single Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4310 Headset + USB-C Bluetooth Dongle + Charge Stand Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Single Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4310 Headset + USB-C Bluetooth Dongle Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Dual Ear Headband What’s in the box: Voyager 4320 Headset + USB-A Bluetooth Dongle + Charge Stand Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Dual Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4320 Headset + USB-A Bluetooth Dongle Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Dual Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4320 Headset + USB-C Bluetooth Dongle + Charge Stand Microsoft Teams Certified
Connectivity: Computer + Mobile Wearing Style: Dual Ear Headband What’s in the Box: Voyager 4320 Headset + USB-C Bluetooth Dongle Microsoft Teams Certified
Watch and listen to how the Poly Voyager 4300 UC Series performs in real-world scenarios in this video!
Organizations choose wireless headsets for many reasons, including increasing productivity by allowing employees to be hands-free and mobile. Bluetooth and DECT are the most prevalent wireless technologies and operating frequencies in professional-grade headsets. Industries and organizations that share sensitive or private information over voice calls typically opt for DECT wireless headsets due to their increased security. Click here to see a complete list of professional-grade Bluetooth and DECT wireless headsets!
Depending on the brand and model, DECT Wireless Headsets usually include a base station that provides connectivity options to desk phones, computers, mobile devices, or combinations. These solutions typically use cables to connect to a desk phone, computer, and AC power. These were great pre-pandemic solutions as most worked in an office with most of their equipment fixed at a workstation.
The Challenge
The pandemic has shifted where and how people work. Hybrid and remote work models have increased dramatically. The benefits of DECT wireless headsets are substantial; however, their portability is not. It’s not practical to disconnect the cables, AC power, base, and headset to pack up and transport between work locations.
The Solutions
Fortunately, there are a few solutions.
Good
Use DECT Wireless headset as a corded USB audio device. Some DECT wireless headset models support using it as a corded USB headset. This is a good option that allows employees to use their existing equipment in the office and remote workspace with their laptops. While this is an excellent money-saving option, you lose the critical benefit of being wireless. If you have grown accustomed to a wireless headset and then need to go corded, there is a bit of a learning curve. When I’m testing corded headsets, I sometimes forget and try to get up and walk away and am quickly reminded I’m tethered to my laptop. The Jabra Engage 65 and 75 support this option. You can use the included Jabra USB-A Cable – 14201-26 or purchase a spare cable to keep at home.
Jabra USB-A Cable
Better
EPOS Impact SDW D1 USB DECT Dongle
USB DECT Dongles. This is not a new option. Poly (formerly Plantronics) introduced the D100 years ago with their Savi 400 Series. The latest, smaller D200 DECT Wireless Savi Adapter is available in USB-A, USB-C, and UC and Microsoft variants. The D200 DECT dongle will work with Poly Savi 8200 UC Series headsets. EPOS recently introduced the EPOS Impact SDW D1 USB DECT Dongle that works with the EPOS Impact SDW 5000 Series. It’s currently only available in USB-A. EPOS introduced three new SDW 5000 Series models designed for hybrid and remote work and include the SDW 5000 headset of choice, the dongle, charging cable, and carry case.
Complete setups at each location is the best solution; however, budgets may not support this option. A setup at each location is optimal and relieves the worry about transporting equipment to and fro and potentially forgetting an item or breaking something in transit. I am fortunate enough to have solid setups in my dedicated home and corporate office. I have monitors, docking stations, webcams, audio devices, and other peripherals, making it highly convenient for hybrid work. The only thing I haul is my laptop.
Audio is critical
Whichever solution you choose, audio is critical in business communication. Ensure your team members have high-quality, purpose-built audio solutions designed for UC and Collaboration platforms. Do not fall into the trap of ordering inexpensive audio devices to help check a box on your to-do list. Engage a subject matter expert who can walk you through the various solutions that align with your organization’s needs and budget.
Call One, Inc. is an authorized reseller of professional headsets by Jabra, Poly, EPOS, JPL, Logitech, Yealink, Cisco, Shokz, and more. How can we help?
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Call-One-blog-DECT-Dongle.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-01-11 17:11:262022-01-11 17:11:31USB DECT Dongles for Hybrid Work
Jabra was kind enough to send me the Jabra Elite 7 Active true wireless earbuds. Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) sent me a set of their Openrun (formerly Aeropex). My wife, Michelle, decided to go for 100 miles in December. She agreed to wear one of the headphones and share her feedback. Initially, she started with the Jabra Elite 7 Active and I with the Openrun. After the first day, she asked if she could switch.
Like professional headsets, one size does not fit all for personal audio devices like headphones designed for fitness. Michelle has used the Powerbeats Pro and Apple Airpods Pro and assumed she would prefer in-ear earbuds. The ANC in the Jabra Elite 7 Active proved to be too much for her. She said it felt like she could hear and even feel her every step. So we switched.
At the end of December 2021, I logged 127.4 miles and Michelle 100.1 miles. Before we share our thoughts, here are some tech specs and features of each.
Jabra Elite 7 Active
What you get in the box: Elite 7 Earbuds, three sets of EarGels™, user documents, charging case, USB-C to USB-A cable, warranty, and warning leaflets.
IP Rating: IP57 – This means the Elite 7 earbuds are perfect for outdoors and are waterproof, sweatproof, and workout-proof, and come with a 2-year warranty when you register your buds in the Jabra sound+ app.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Powerful adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks distracting background noise instantly, at the touch of a button. Choose one of their five levels of noise cancellation in the Jabra Sound+ app, and stay focused on your workout, no matter what.
HearThrough: When you need to be aware of your surroundings, tap the HearThrough button, and your buds use the internal mics to pick up the sounds around you.
ShakeGrip™ is an innovative material that feels incredibly soft despite its firm grip. Made with a special Liquid Silicone Rubber compound that holds the buds more securely in the ear without the need for ear wings, ShakeGrip™ keeps your buds firmly in place, whether you’re walking, running, or repping.
Battery Life: Elite 7 Active delivers up to 8 hours of non-stop listening with a re-engineered battery. Get up to an hour of power with a speedy 5-minute fast charge. Your buds are good for up to 30 hours with the charging case.
Mono Mode: Mono mode lets you use either bud independently.
What you get in the box: Openrun (formerly Aeropex) Headphones, Carrying Bag, Magnetic Charging Cable
IP Rating: IP67 – An IP67 rating makes these completely sweat and waterproof to welcome intense workouts and extreme weather. A moisture detection alert ensures safe charging. Not intended for swimming.
8th Generation Bone Conduction Technology: Powered by patented 8th generation bone conduction, Bluetooth 5.1, and PremiumPitch™ 2.0+, OpenRun delivers clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass.
Open-Ear Comfort: Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) open-ear design, powered by bone conduction technology, allows for total awareness of surroundings and bud-free, comfortable listening. Available in 2 sizes to maximize comfort and ensure a secure fit. OpenRun Mini has a .5 inch shorter band size.
Battery Life: With 8 hours of battery life and easy commands such as play, skip, pause, and back-a-track, you can enjoy music, calls, audiobooks, and podcasts all day long. OpenRun also features a 10-minute Quick Charge for up to 1.5 hours of battery life.
I asked Michelle, “What do you think about the Shokz Openrun?”. She responded, “I love them!” She elaborated a little more by stating that she loves the fit. Unlike other earbuds she’s tried, the Openrun didn’t hurt her ears after extended use because there is nothing in her ears. The sound quality was excellent, and she loves that she can hear all the sounds and notifications from her mobile phone just fine. As a Director of Human Resources, she receives emails, text messages, and calls all hours of the day and needs to be aware of them to assess and prioritize responses. The only con she had was when we walked on the side of an extremely busy road; she couldn’t hear her music, but she appreciated hearing the traffic. These have become her favorite headphones for when we’re doing our walks. She is also eyeballing the new Shokz Opencomm UC for use on her laptop for work!
Danny’s Feedback on Jabra Elite 7 Active
I’ve been on my fitness journey for much longer, so I’ve tried several fitness headphones over the past ten years. I recently used the Jabra Elite Active 75t and thought they performed well. Jabra was able to make improvements with the new Elite 7 Active. The audio quality of the Elite 7 Active is phenomenal when you consider their small size. The fit of the earbuds seems better and even more discreet. Walking near loud traffic was not an issue with ANC activated; it helped suppress the noise and allowed you to clearly hear the music. Beyond walking with my wife, I also do solo runs and strength training sessions. The new ShakeGrip™ buds kept the earbuds in my ears no matter what activity I was doing. Whenever Michelle and I were having a conversation, the HearThourgh feature was beneficial. I did have a phone call once using them and the other party seemed to hear me just fine. I never had to repeat anything and they didn’t complain about audio quality. I am excited to test the new Jabra Elite 7 Pro!
Conclusion
Many of you have made New Year’s Resolutions that include fitness. Music is a great way to stay motivated and go that extra mile or knock out those extra reps. When it comes to fitness headphones, you have options depending on your personal preferences. Whether you are just starting your fitness journey or are an elite athlete, brands like Jabra and Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) create solutions that align best with your needs.
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/100-Miles-with-Jabra-Elite-7-Active-and-Shokz-Openrun-blog.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2022-01-03 14:41:372022-01-03 16:46:50100 Miles with Jabra Elite 7 Active and Shokz Openrun
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.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-12-14 16:18:512021-12-14 16:18:57Best Bluetooth Headsets for Computer and Mobile Connectivity
I’m not a fan of defining a single thing as “best.” Daily I get asked, “What’s the best headset?” my response is, “What is the use case? What are you trying to do? What are you connecting to? What’s your budget?” What is best for your use case may not necessarily be best for someone else. One size does NOT fit all when it comes to headsets. There are many factors to consider, including:
Connectivity (desk phone, mobile phone, PC, Mac, a combination)
Compatibility with your voice, video, and collaboration platforms (i.e., Zoom, Microsoft, Cisco, 8×8, etc.)
Single or multiple work environments/locations
Personal preferences (wearing styles, corded, wireless, etc.)
Organizational restrictions (i.e., some companies restrict Bluetooth headsets)
Support – Leading brands can offer global support
Budget
I have over twenty years in this industry and test models from all the leading brands of professional headsets like Jabra, Poly, EPOS, and Logitech and less-established and up-and-coming brands like JPL, Yealink, AfterShokz, and everything in between. To help people and businesses make more informed purchasing decisions, we share headset mic performance videos via the Call One, Inc. YouTube Channel. Contact an authorized reseller if you would like to discuss headset options for your business.
Please note there are more categories available depending on your industry, work style, and workspace. I want to get across key points that one size does NOT fit all, and there is no “best” headset. Your individual or team members’ work style and workspace will determine which headset is best for them. If you need help, contact an authorized reseller like Call One, Inc., who has close to 35 years of experience and is a Nationally Certified Women’s Business Enterprise!
https://calloneinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Call-One-blog-best-UC-headsets3.jpg310850Danny Hayasakahttps://calloneinc.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/logo.pngDanny Hayasaka2021-12-06 14:02:592021-12-06 14:03:05Headsets with the best Noise Canceling Mics (For Now)
