The words "Hello BlueParrott" are the beginning of a beautiful friendship ... with a new Bluetooth headset from BlueParrott.

This 5th generation BlueParrott headset, the new BlueParrott B550-XT, is the world's first truly hands-free headset. Use your voice to activate the headset and control calls, use GPS, music, voice assistants and more. This much anticipated headset will be valuable to people who drive for a living - and need to maintain contact with people at home, the office, and use navigation tools to arrive to the right place. Voice Controls such as "Am I connected?" "Redial" "Check battery" "Pair mode" "Call back" and others provide that hands-free convenience with commonly-used functions most Bluetooth headset users need. And, the battery life in this headset is phenomenal: up to 24 hours of talk time!

We like the noise-canceling microphones in BlueParrott headsets; BlueParrott reports that the mics have "96% noise canceling" and what we know for sure is that our customers like the clarity their conversations have. A flexible mic boom allows for precise mic positioning near the mouth. These headsets are found in every major truck stop in the United States, and more often than not, when we see truck drivers, they are wearing BlueParrott headsets. With some of the noisiest office environments in the world (tractor-trailers), this is the seal of approval and assurance that BlueParrott is a top quality brand with loyal customers.


The BlueParrott button on the ear speaker is customizable with the BlueParrott app; there are also volume up and down buttons and in between those buttons, there is a Power and Answer/End button. The app is available as a free download in the Apple App Store and on Google play.

The headset is packaged with a USB charging cable, foam ear cushion, microphone windscreen and a Quick Start Guide.

Call us at 1-866-998-9991 to speak with one of our headset experts today and purchase your B550-XT!

Tough work environments require tough headsets

High-noise work environments can be intense. Whether it’s driving down the road in an 18-wheeler or working in a noisy warehouse – and other similarly loud environments – error-free communication and collaboration is challenging. Most of us are faced with colleague interruptions that impact productivity, but workers in high-noise environments are also faced with interruptions from equipment, or unconventional surroundings. Safety regulations in the workplace are progressively more restrictive and workers in high-noise environments have indicated that easy, hands-free group communication is of the utmost importance.

BlueParrott mobility-focused headsets are solving these challenges for people in a variety of industries: professional drivers, utility technicians, retail floor help, hotel housekeepers and concierge staff, and warehouse order pickers. BlueParrott, a leader in intelligent and rugged headsets, offers microphones with unrivaled noise-cancelling technology and deliver superior call quality in high-noise environments. These headsets connect to rugged smartphones, tablets and mobile computers, land mobile radios, handheld scanners, and other mobile devices.

Professional Truck Drivers

Professional truck drivers have preferred BlueParrott headsets for years. Strong and stable enough for life on the road, the wireless Bluetooth headsets feature long battery life and up to 24 hours of talk time (depending upon the headset). With hands-free call and text bans in effect around the U.S., drivers of all kinds – from local delivery drivers to Over-the-Road truckers – must use headsets for communicating.

Some of the top choices for drivers are B450-XT, B350-XT and the B250-XTS.

Another recommended headset is new to the market: the B550-XT, the world’s first 100% hands-free headset. Simply by saying “Hello BlueParrott,” tell your headset to “Call” contacts within your phone’s Address Book. In addition, the C400-XT is a great choice for people who prefer a choice in wearing style: the C400-XT can be worn behind the neck (over the left or right ears), and over-the-head.

Field Service Workers

Construction workers, foremen, linemen, and others who work on job sites would all benefit from the use of these same headsets.

Retail and Hospitality Staff

The C400-XT is the perfect hands-free, Bluetooth-enabled headset for those who clean hotel rooms, concierge staff, and retail sales floor workers. Its discreet profile, and trio of wearing style options, offer some flexibility and customization.

Warehouse Operators and Order Pickers

The headset needed for these workers depends upon the picking device that’s being used, and so there are 2 categories for the warehouse worker: Corded or Bluetooth Wireless.

Corded headsets include the VR11, VR12, and VR12F, a freezer-rated headset for environments down to -22 degrees. These headsets have been “drop and tumble tested,” having been dropped 8.2 feet onto concrete across the operating temperature range, and tossed 500 times across approximately 3 feet for 1,000 hits.

If the connection type needed is Bluetooth, then these wireless headsets are recommended: B550-XT, B450-XT and C400-XT.

Supported by the latest in headset technology

Keep BlueParrott headsets updated (via USB) with the free software program, BlueParrott Updater. Install the BlueParrott Updater on your computer (either PC or Mac), and ensure your BlueParrott headset always has the latest features and functions. The BlueParrott Updater download is available free, here: BlueParrott Updater.

The BlueParrott App is available in Apple and Android versions, at no cost. If your headset has a Parrott Button, customize the operation of the Button within the app. The headset is configured out-of-the-box with the Parrott Button configured to mute, and will mute the microphone while both off or on a call.

There is a walkie-talkie feature as well. For all Parrott Button questions, refer to the Help page: Parrott Button How-To

Each headset is protected with a one-year warranty for peace of mind.

Contact our headset experts about BlueParrott headsets, today: 1-866-998-9991.

In its continual effort to advance technologically progressive headsets, Plantronics has announced that the SupraPlus series will be phased out in 2019. SupraPlus headsets will be for sale as long as stock is available.

Recommended Replacement: EncorePro 500 Series

Plantronics suggests the EncorePro 500 series as the direct replacement.

The EncorePro series has continued in popularity, with Quick Disconnect, Digital and USB variants that meet the requirements of contact centers and offices around the world.

The EncorePro headband has 6 degrees of adjustment and a super soft foam ear cushion that covers the ear. Premium leatherette ear cushions are available as an optional accessory.

The EncorePro is the benchmark in headset design, winning an iF Design Award in 2015. The single piece, unibody style microphone boom with tactile and visual positioning is virtually break-free. The aircraft grade structural aluminum joints provide another point of strength.

Discontinued	Replacement
HW251N	EncorePro 510
HW251	EncorePro 510V
HW261N	EncorePro 520
HW261	EncorePro 520V

The Plantronics EncorePro 510 is the next generation of our most popular over-the-head monaural headset. Completely re-imagined for the demands of the modern customer service center and office, the HW510 has soft ear cushions for all-day wearing comfort, metal joints that deliver durability and reliability and a flexible mic with visual and tactile positioning guides for precise positioning and clearer conversations.

The Plantronics EncorePro 520 is the binaural version of the all-new 510 design, covering both ears to provide greater focus and concentration by blocking background noise. The 520 also has soft ear cushions for all-day wearing comfort, metal joints that deliver durability and reliability, and a flexible mic with visual and tactile positioning guides for precise positioning and clearer conversations.

Ready to upgrade? Contact our Customer Care Team today: 1-866-998-9991

Jabra has announced that all variants in the Jabra Pro 9400 series of DECT wireless headsets are at their end of life date, and are no longer being manufactured as of October 2018. The Pro 9400 headsets will be sold for as long as stock is available.

Recommended Replacement: Jabra Engage Series

In its place, Jabra is recommending the Engage DECT wireless headsets. The Jabra Engage 65 and 75 Series includes a range of Stereo, Mono and Convertible models to enable an easy migration from the Pro 9400. The Jabra Engage Series is engineered to be the world’s most powerful professional range of wireless headsets. Utilizing new, exclusive technology that gives 3x better wireless density – while still maintaining excellent connection quality – Engage helps deliver better conversations to boost customer satisfaction.

The Engage series boasts better sounding calls, more talk time (up to 13 hours!), and better productivity because of the built-in busylights on each headset. Security features going beyond DECT security Step C providing enhanced protection against eavesdropping. A micro-USB charger in the base makes it easier to dock the headset correctly in one simple action and ensure it is charging. With the fast charge feature, you can power the headset to 40% in just 30 minutes. If the battery gets critically low during a call, Jabra Engage can also be charged using a standard wall charger while you are still on the call.

What is the difference between Engage 65 and Engage 75? Engage 65 connects to desk phones and PCs, and buttons on the base unit are intuitive and easy to use. Engage 75 headsets can connect to five devices simultaneously: 2 USB devices (softphone and/or desk phone), 2 Bluetooth devices and 1 analog desk phone. The base unit is touchscreen.

Pro 9400 Model	Engage Model
Pro 9470 — No longer in stock!	Engage 75 Mono
Pro 9465 Duo— No longer in stock!	Engage 75 Stereo
Pro 9460 Duo— No longer in stock!	Engage 75 Stereo
Pro 9460 Mono — No longer in stock!	Engage 75 Mono
Pro 9450 Duo — No longer in stock!	Engage 65 Stereo
Pro 9450 Midi Boom Mono — No longer in stock!	Engage 65 Mono
Pro 9450 Flex Boom Mono — No longer in stock!	Engage 65 Mono

New to the Engage series are the Convertible models with a smaller ear speaker and 3 included wearing styles: ear hook, neckband and headband. The Convertible model is available in both Engage 65 and Engage 75 variants.

We will continue to sell accessories for the Pro 9400 series for as long as they are available from Jabra.

Call our headset experts today for assistance in choosing the best Jabra wireless headset for you: 1-866-998-9991.

It’s a scientific fact that leading a sedentary lifestyle can be harmful to one’s health.

The job category of “knowledge worker” – people who handle information as their job – can be considered sedentary, where employees remain seated and desk-bound for 8 or more hours each day. This does not include their commute time to the job … which could be an hour or more each way. Your job (and the time it takes to get there) just may be harming you!

What are the harmful effects of inactivity?

According to an article on the Australian government health department web site, some hazards associated with sitting all day include:

1. Weakened legs and gluteals, which could lead to falls, and strains when exercising
2. Weight gain
3. Hips and back – hip flexor muscles shortened, leading to problems in hip joints; sitting for extended periods of time can cause problems in your back, especially if you have poor posture
4. Anxiety and depression
5. Cancer, heart disease, diabetes
6. Varicose veins, Deep vein thrombosis
7. Stiff neck and shoulders

In the United States, it’s estimated that 86 percent of workers have desk jobs. This sitting epidemic could be a national health crisis! So, what can be done about this?

The current official U.S.-government issued Physical Activity Guidelines, in place since 2008, says that adults (classified as ages 18-64) who are physically active are less likely to develop chronic diseases than adults who aren’t active – regardless of gender or ethnicity. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reports that the worst thing to do is to avoid activity – any physical activity is better than none, and has health benefits.

Aerobic activity is best for substantial health benefits. Each week, strive for at least 150 minutes (2 hours, 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity (brisk walking, ballroom dancing, doubles tennis, water aerobics); or, 75 minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (jogging, singles tennis, jumping rope, aerobic dancing or swimming laps); or a combination of these activities. Doing more than these recommended amounts each week leads to even greater health benefits.

At least twice a week, muscle-strengthening activities that are moderate or high intensity and involve all major muscle groups should be completed. This is defined as lifting weights or using resistance bands. Why is strength training recommended? It protects bone health and muscle mass, makes you stronger and fitter, keeps weight off for good, burns more calories, and helps with balance, coordination and posture — to name a few of the benefits.

New government guidelines are expected to be published by the end of 2018.

Of course, these activities will happen either before or after work; however, it is still possible to incorporate physical activity into even the most sedentary of desk jobs.

Tips to Keep Your Office in Shape:
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator

* Walk over and talk to co-workers, rather than sending an email

* Exercise on your lunch break

* Organize “walking meetings”

* Use a wireless headset and walk around the office while on calls

* Park your car in a far away spot to get extra steps to the building; or, ride your bike or walk to work.





Enjoy this quick Sennheiser video about how to get your office in shape (we particularly like the chair lifts!)

Get moving on your job today – even if you are one of the approximately 86 percent of the U.S. workers who sit all day – be creative and find ways to incorporate movement in your daily routine.

Sources:
Victoria State Government Better Health Channel: The dangers of sitting: why sitting is the new smoking
ODPHP: Guidelines for Adult Activity
U.S. News and World Report: Are you suffering from sitting disease?
Everyday Health: 7 Ways Strength Training Boosts Your Health and Fitness