The Jabra Stealth UC headset weighs no more than a quarter, is shorter than a standard toothpick, yet delivers powerful technology. If you’re looking for a small, lightweight and discreet Bluetooth headset that fits directly into your ear, the Jabra Stealth UC fits the bill. As a Red Dot Design Award 2015 winner, the product’s design has been given the “cool” stamp of approval.

The Stealth headset has been available for about a year; the addition of the USB dongle has made the headset feasible for the UC market. Those who work with their PC and smartphone will enjoy the ability to use either device with this headset. Available in both UC and Microsoft Lync-optimized versions, the Stealth UC is compatible with any major softphone on the market.

A microPOWER battery (typically found in hearing aids) makes this the lightest-weight Bluetooth headset on the market – a mere 0.28 ounce! The small design provides a comfortable in-ear fit for wearing in either the left or right ear. To customize the fit, two sets (3 red and 3 black) of comfort ear gels of various sizes are included (see image). Users who prefer an ear hook wearing style have 2 different sizes of ear hook to choose from, which are also included in the box. The Stealth will stay in the ear, so an ear hook is not necessary.

Wearers get talk time of up to 6 hours; to a fully charge the headset takes about two hours. A micro USB to USB charge cord and car charger are included in the box. A wall charger is available as an accessory purchase; however, most standard mini USB to USB charge cords will charge the headset (the exception is the iPhone 5 and 6 power cords). Talk time is stated each time you turn the headset on, so there are no surprises when you’re in the middle of a call, the battery dies, and your calls gets dropped!

Other features:

1. Dedicated voice control button to communicate with Siri or Google Now (device dependent).
2. Noise Blackout technology with dual mics for noise-cancelling.
3. HD Voice enhances sound quality.
4. NFC connection (if available on your device)
5. Intelligent volume control automatically adjusts the volume you hear in your speaker.
6. Dedicated Apple hardware built-in enables the “Made for Apple iOS” certificate.
7. Bluetooth indicator light flashes blue for Bluetooth pairing; green when turning “on” and red when turning “off.”
8. Voice commands.

MSRP for the Jabra Stealth UC and Stealth MS is $150.00.

To enhance the Stealth UC experience, download the free Jabra app. More information about the apps can be found here: Jabra Apps.

Jabra Assist

Link to Jabra Assist

Jabra Assist helps you pair the headset with your device of choice without hassle, the battery meter warns you when you need to recharge your device, and when you need help using your headset and in-car speakerphone you can check the animated user guidelines in the app.

The GN2000 series from Jabra has been a “go to” headset in contact centers for years … and has many devoted users. After almost 10 successful years on the market, the GN2000 series headsets are going to be discontinued. As of Dec. 31, 2014, the product line will be end of life with limited stock available. As vanguards in the headset industry, Jabra offers headsets with cutting edge technology and the latest style trends.

Jabra debuted the BIZ 2300 series headsets in January of this year, and suggests this series as the replacement for the GN2000s. This durable and reliable headset series is made for your brand ambassadors. Lightweight and ergonomic, the BIZ 2300 is perfect for all-day wear in contact centers, offices and more.

Versions in the BIZ 2300 series include two Quick Disconnect headsets – a mono ear and duo ear option – and four USB versions – two standard UC variants, and two which are optimized for use with Microsoft Lync, available in both mono and duo. The headset design features large conical ear cups that rest lightly on the ear for a lightweight feel. Foam ear cushions are standard; leatherette cushions are available as an extra purchase, if desired. The lightweight plastic and metal headband is easy to adjust and the Kevlar reinforced cords offer exceptional durability and withstand greater abuse.

Noise-cancelling microphones will allow your customers to hear you, and not the background noise of your co-workers’ conversations. The break-proof flex boom can be easily positioned toward the mouth and the 360-degree spin of the boom arm works well for any user. The microphone does not need an outer windscreen because of its unique Air Shock technology. When a microphone is placed too close to the mouth, you are likely to pick up respiratory noise. The Jabra BIZ 2300 microphone is designed aerodynamically, with many small perforations and includes a foam lining that reduces the penetration of air shocks to the microphone, which optimizes the call quality.

The USB versions have inline call controls: Answer, End, Mute and Volume controls with soft touch buttons that light up. Jabra PC Suite (read our blog post) and Jabra Xpress software systems are both available – at no charge – and will keep your headset updated with any firmware changes. Jabra Xpress mass deploys headsets with the correct settings in a matter of minutes. For more information about Jabra Xpress, check out our blog post here.

The QD headsets connect to any standard desk phone with the use of a Smart Cord or Jabra amplifier. We tested a BIZ 2325 headset with a LINK 850 amplifier, and then with a GN1200 Smart Cord, to our desk phones. The sound quality with both connections was crystal clear and callers were easy to understand with the duo ear headset. We found that having both ears covered with the headset helped us to focus on our callers, and not what was happening around us in our office. Oftentimes the headset stayed on our heads as we forgot we were wearing it!

The BIZ 2300 headsets offer a standard two-year warranty. If you are currently using the GN2000 series, Jabra is giving you the opportunity to try a BIZ 2300 headset FREE with this GN2000 Update Offer. This offer expires December 31, 2014, so you’ll want to take advantage of this soon!

Plantronics has updated its EncorePro line with new headsets designed for all-day comfort and reliability. This new generation of headsets is designed for the future, with experience from the past. Balancing cost with best-practices, the EncorePro headsets deliver functionality and reliability at a reasonable price point. Headset wearing style is a matter of personal preference and comfort. With these headsets, customer service staff that spends the majority of their shift talking on the phone will value the comfort and fit of the new EncorePro headsets.

Available for purchase today are the HW530 and HW540 models; in December the HW510 and HW520 will be available. All of the models have a noise-cancelling microphone to ensure background noise won’t be conveyed to your caller.

The Avcomm staff tested the HW540 and loved the versatility of the 3 different wearing styles: ear hook, over-the-head and behind-the-neck. The HW540 will be universally accepted by your staff: it’s like getting 3 headsets in one box! And headset buying will be a breeze with the HW540 because you won’t have to purchase different headsets to match each user’s preference. Your staff will appreciate the changeability offered when they decide they don’t want to wear their headset over their ear and would rather use the behind-the-neck piece. It’s like wearing a new headset every day.

The neckpiece is made of lightweight flexible plastic that remains behind the head for all-day wearing. The ear pieces rest lightly on the ears without squeezing your ears to your head – perfect for eyeglass wearers. It’s a quick change to unsnap and then snap the earpiece into a new wearing style. The ear hook is flexible and can be molded to the ear, for complete wearing comfort and headset stability. And the traditional over-the-head wearing style is always a great choice.

Disconnect the QD cord and you can walk around the office without removing the headset. Plug the QD cord back in when you’re back to your desk, and you’re ready for your next call. You can use this headset with your smartphone, desk phone, an amplifier, or soft phone. The connection cord is personalized to your individual set-up and we help you determine the correct one.

We also noticed:
• Ear cushion is made of soft foam, and rests comfortably on the ear.
• Flexible boom arm ensures the best positioning for the mic. Positioning guides are printed on the earpiece.
• Impressive audio quality for clear calls. This is wideband compatible: if you are updating your phone system with wideband capability, your EncorePro headset is ready!
• Aircraft grade aluminum, laser-welded construction and metal joints keep the headset lightweight and durable.
• SoundGuard technology to protect your hearing.


What’s in the Box? Earpiece, over-the-head, behind-the-neck and over-the-ear wearing styles, Quick Start Guide, Safety Guide, Clothing Clip, White Carry Bag.





Plantronics offers a two-year warranty on the EncorePro headsets. Learn more about the HW540 in this short video on YouTube:


Would you like to try an EncorePro HW540? Which style would you wear the most?

Dave needs to buy headsets for his office staff of 25, and chooses to look on the Internet to get the very best deal. After spending some time researching headsets on his own, he decides to buy them from an online retailer, under the impression he is getting a great deal.

First problem:
The time spent researching on his own. With staffing shortages and budget crunches, we are all doing more at work than we have in the past. The time allocated to learning a new industry (headsets) may be best spent on completing work tasks. Even after spending the time to research and learn about headsets, how can Dave be certain that he bought the correct headsets for his environment?

One size doesn’t fit all. Each environment is unique; choosing by price point or the appearance of a headset is not going to be the right answer. Online searches don’t always reveal the true product being sold (New vs. refurbished, single vs. dual speaker, connection type, etc.).

Second problem:
After placing the order, Dave realized that he had some questions and because he doesn’t have the contact information of a headset specialist at the company, he chooses to send a general inquiry email through the company’s website. Three days later, he still doesn’t have a response, and he really needs to have product in hand within a couple of days. To whom does he turn?

Third problem:
Dave was unaware of existing promotions that could have possibly saved his company thousands of dollars, a value for the customer that goes beyond the initial price tag of the product.

Resolution: Seek Expert Advice and Support from a Dedicated Headset Specialist.
High quality audio devices such as headsets, speakerphones, and USB video cameras are our specialty. As an authorized reseller, we know the wide variety of products available, we know how they work together, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Our trained team with their expertise does the research for you; no need to spend hours on the Internet trying to separate fact from fiction.

While most online retailers have an automated shopping cart and shipping system in place, eliminating the need for a live body, here at Avcomm we personally receive and review each order that comes in, before it goes out the door. This is in an effort to ensure that when our customer receives their order, they have everything they need to install it and begin using it immediately. Emails and phone calls are returned within hours – not days – of being received. All in-stock orders received by 3pm central are shipped out the very same day. Most of our customers’ jobs depend on high quality devices for communication and to go without, means money lost. We understand the importance of getting the right product in our customers’ hands from the start.

And, prompt assistance with warranty repair, set-up, and tech support, continues even years after the initial purchase.

A key benefit of working with an authorized reseller is being made aware of any possible discounts or promotions that either the reseller or manufacturer has available. Authorized resellers, like Avcomm Solutions, maintain close relationships with the manufacturers and make sure that our customers are well aware of all current promotions available.

Conclusion:
Dave could have saved himself and the company lots of time, stress, and ultimately, money, if he had purchased his headsets from an authorized reseller. While the DIY sentiment might be the buzzword at home, when you’re looking for headsets, a specialized expert in the field is the best option. We will guide you through the maze of choices and lead you to a solution that fits. Let us know how we can help!

The wireless headset is a great tool to increase productivity and worker satisfaction. The decrease in neck, back, and shoulder pain and strain has been proven in several studies. On its own, a wireless headset is a great thing. With the addition of a remote answer device you are able to achieve true wireless freedom by being able to answer and end calls up to 450 feet away from your desk!

Remote answer devices come in two different styles: Remote Handset Lifter and Electronic Hook Switch Cable.

What is a Remote Handset Lifter?

A remote handset lifter (RHL) attaches to the top of the phone, underneath the handset, with adhesive mounting strips. It will then connect to the headset base with an included cable.

When the phone rings, the RHL sends a tone into your wireless headset to alert you of the incoming call. Simply press the answer/end button on the wireless headset and you’re connected to the caller. When you answer the call, the RHL lifts the handset up; when you end the call, the RHL lowers the handset into the cradle to disconnect the call.

RHLs are compatible with the majority of office telephones.

What is an EHS cable?

An electronic hookswitch cable attaches to your phone and headset base, and electronically allows you to answers and ends calls away from the desk. It’s important to note that with an EHS cable in place, the phone’s handset does not physically move up or down. There are a myriad of EHS cables, and the one that’s right for you depends upon your office phone’s make and model.

How do remote answer devices work?

Typically, handset lifters respond to sounds within a certain frequency range. The Sennheiser HSL10 has a unique ring tone detection via a high quality microphone. Jabra’s GN1000 RHL (pictured) senses the magnetic field the speaker generates when your phone rings, which means it’s virtually foolproof.

The EHS cable passes predefined signaling to either answer or end the call.

Phone Compatibility

Each of the manufacturers offers a Headset Compatibility Guide on their web site to help determine whether you will need an EHS cable or a remote handset lifter.
Jabra Compatibility Guide
Plantronics Compatibility Guide
Sennheiser Compatibility Guide
VXi Compatibility Guide

If you’re curious about a wireless headset and the true freedom you can experience at work, give us a call at 1-866-998-9991. To read more about why we love wireless headsets, read our blog post here: Why Avcomm Loves Wireless Headsets (And You Should Too!).