Headsets – Making Life Easier
Headsets – Making Life Easier
There was a time when anyone who used the phone regularly, particularly at work, was bound by the inconvenience of having to hold it to their ear, meaning that not both of their hands were left free to do other things such as type, or perform other-office based tasks during the call.
The arrival of cordless phones meant that people were no longer shackled to their desks while speaking, but the ability to walk around is, in some instances, rendered useless by the presence of a handset – how familiar is the sight of someone performing manual tasks while cradling the phone between their head and neck? A cordless handset, no matter how much pacing and leg-stretching it allows for, is nonetheless a hindrance when it comes to using a photocopier while making a call.
Thankfully, the problem had an obvious solution, with designers only needing to look as far as the humble personal stereo headphone for inspiration. While the technology inside is somewhat more complicated, the basic premise of attaching audio output directly to the ears by way of a headband remains the same.
Next came the means of including an input device – in other words, a microphone. Workers in air traffic control and police operations rooms had been using combined input/output headsets for years and as soon as the technology became cheap enough, the mass manufacture of headsets for sale in the general telecoms market began in earnest.
Today, hundreds of thousands of people around the world, working in call centres and offices use headsets on a daily basis, giving them greater comfort and freedom than they ever could have imagined while burdened by a handset. Plantronics headsets, Jabra headsets and others made by manufacturers such as Alphacom are among the most popular used in business communication by workers now thankful to have both hands free during calls.
Elsewhere, advances in mobile phone technology have meant that Bluetooth headsets are now helping people to hold conversations behind the wheels of their cars, something which is incredibly useful and important giving that holding a handset while driving is an illegal offence. These headsets can also be worn while on foot, leaving phone users free to walk around, make coffee or even play video games.
In the case of that last example, a whole new generation of headsets have appeared, popularised by the rise of online gaming and an ability offered by many of the latest online games, whereby players can speak to their competitors around the globe over headsets. Xbox 360 headsets are perhaps the most-used on the planet, with thousands – maybe millions – of gamers using them in games such as Call of Duty to co-ordinate team mates and taunt enemies simultaneously while staying in complete manual control of the game.
With headsets making such inroads into our everyday lives, one begins to wonder how we ever coped having to hold a phone. Can you imagine cradling a mobile next to your ear while trying to play Forza Motorsport? Headsets have made our lives immeasurably more convenient and whether used in the office, in the car or at home, we would be lost without them.
Doro HS125 Headset with Flexible Boom
Doro Headset Monaural Extendable with Flexible Mouthpiece and Mute for Cordless Telephone Ref HS125
More info coming soon.
Addcom Headsets
Addcom
ADDCOM is an Australian based supplier of headsets and telecommunication products.
Whilst based out of Australia, Addcom are an International company with supply partners in most countries. For UK based customers, contact Nicomm on 0844 800 3350.
Alternatively, view Addcom Headsets online.
The Addcom product range includes..
- Headsets
- Amplifiers
- Multi channel digital recorders
- Single channel digital recorders
- Business phones
- Conference phones
A couple of the key products are..
- Addcom Quantum Pro Headset – Noise Cancelling
- Addcom Quantum Pro Headset – Voice Tube
Addcom Headsets
ADDCOM products are constantly evolving and have proved highly successful in many locations around the World, they are however, new into the UK market.
Whilst a new brand in the UK, Addcom headsets are well known in Asia and in many countries, Addcom is the leading headset supplier. This market leading position is apparently down to their product quality. We’ve asked for a sample to find out just how good these products are but in the meantime, reading product reviews from our Asian contacts, it looks like we won’t be disappointed – hopefully!
Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset
Leading headset manufacturer, Plantronics, have announced the launch of a new bluetooth headset, the Plantronics Discovery 975.
The Discovery 975 is intended to replace the current Discovery 925 but probably not until early 2010.
The new headset has dual-mic Audio IQ2 technology to combat noise but Plantronics claim that this will not affect the quality of the users voice. Given their track record, it is safe to assume that this will be true.
The Discovery 975 comes with Plantronics renowned WindSmart technology for enhanced sound quality.
Perhaps the most innovative part of the Discovery 975 is the carrying case. Eh? Yes I know this isn’t normally the most important part but this isn’t an ordinary case, it is a rechargeable case. In fact, Plantronics claim that it’s rechargeable carrying case can triple talk/standby times and also has a LCD display to show the Bluetooth connection status and the battery charge level.
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Plantronics Voyager Pro Headset
New Headset from Plantronics – Voyager Pro
Plantronics have announced the replacement for the much loved Voyager 510, the Plantronics Voyager Pro.
At first glance there does not seem to be any major change with this new headset. But that’s where you’re wrong, so there. The Voyager Pro does indeed look quite similiar to the Voyager 510, which it replaces, but then again, there’s only so much you can do to a bluetooth mobile phone headset. The difference is of course in the technology.
The Voyager Pro boasts dual-mic Audio IQ2 noise-cancelling functionality which significantly improves the sound quality. Plantronics are claiming that the new Voyager headset cuts out up to 80% of any background noise. They claim this to be true whether you’re in an office or even out-and-about in the street, or on the road.
Like the Voyager 510, the Voyager Pro is very comfortable to wear due to it’s lightweight design. You can trust me on this as this is the headset I use – all day!
Battery life is strong at 6 hours and a new feature for the new Voyager is a low battery alert.
Price is expected to be around £79.99 in the UK.
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Plantronics Audio 955 Wireless USB PC Headset
Plantronics Audio 955 Wireless USB PC Headset
The Plantronics .Audio 995, or just plain Audio 995 if you prefer, is a wireless headset for use with your computer via a USB dongle connection. It has a 30 meter wireless range so plenty of roaming ability.
The Audio 955 uses 2.4Ghz wireless technology which is similiar to a standard cordless phone. The wireless feature ensures you are not tied to your PC or laptop.
The Audio 995 is surprisingly lightweight given first impressions, this helps to ensure all-day comfort, should you wish. The large 40mm speakers deliver an impressive stereo sound with decent bass that is particularly effective when gaming and listening to music.
Buy Plantronics Audio 955
Full details of where to buy the Plantronics Audio 955 bluetooth headset coming soon.
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Plantronics Explorer 390 Bluetooth Headset
Plantronics Explorer 390 Bluetooth Headset Review
The Plantronics Explorer 390 is a Bluetooth mobile phone headset aimed at drivers who are looking for good design and sound quality.
The Explorer 390 comes with multiple charging options, to ensure that you can genuinely use it 24/7. You get an AC charger, a car charger and a laptop charger so it doesn’t matter where you are, pretty much, you can always recharge your battery.
Buy Plantronics Explorer 390
Full details of where to buy the Plantronics Explorer 390 bluetooth headset coming soon.
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Jabra BIZ 2400
Jabra BIZ 2400 Headset Review
GN have announced on their US website that they are to launch a new corded headset, the Jabra BIZ 2400.
When I say, a new headset, I actually mean 19 as there will be various boom options and then all will be available in both mono and duo forms. The models are:
- Jabra BIZ 2400 Standard Headset
- Jabra BIZ 2400 IP Headset
- Jabra BIZ 2400 USB Headset
The BIZ™ part is a trademark so I just need to recognise that before we continue.
The Jabra BIZ 2400 headsets are targetted at serious office users or call centre operators, whether used as a corded headset, IP or with a USB connection. These users are generally all-day wearers and need the high level of quality and durability that the Jabra headsets offer. They are also for users who simply want a high degree of audio quality.
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Plantronics Audio 655 USB
The Plantronics Audio 655 USB headset delivers high audio quality from it’s 40mm speakers, which deliver studio quality audio with maximum bass response, perfect for music, multimedia, gaming and PC chat.
The controls are placed conveniently for quick and easy control: volume up and down are positioned on the ear pod and with the microphone mute activated when the boom is stowed.
For internet calling, VoIP, a QuickAdjust™ microphone provides precise placement and noise-cancelling features ensure that Internet callers can hear you clearly.
The Plantronics Audio 655 USB is expected to be available in the UK mid 2009.
Buy Plantronics Audio 655 USB or Click Here for More Info
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Plantronics Audio 326
The Plantronics Audio 326 is a multi-function, headset that delivers stereo sound to a range of media including, music and games, Internet talk, speech recognition, video conferencing, and voice recording. The Audio 326 is the direct replacement for the popular Audio 325.
A noise-cancelling microphone enhances speech accuracy and voice transmission quality. The QuickAdjust telescopic boom adjusts for optimum microphone positioning. A lightweight, adjustable headband and soft, swivel-mounted ear cushions provide exceptional comfort.
Plantronics Audio 326 Features
- Internet calling
- Voice recognition
- Stereo sound
- In-line controls
- Noise-cancelling microphone
- Stowable boom microphone
- Lightweight and comfortable headband
- QuickAdjust™ telescopic microphone boom
Buy the Plantronics Audio 326 from Nicomm.
Buy the Plantronics Audio 326
Plantronics Audio 326 Part Number
- Plantronics Audio 326 – Plantronics Part Number: 80933-05
- Plantronics Audio 326 – EAN Code: 5033588030317
