Razer Kraken Ultimate is the new premium gaming headset

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has introduced the Razer Kraken Ultimate, a competitive gaming headset featuring pinpoint positional accuracy greater than 7.1 surround sound.

Source: Razer. The Razer Kraken Ultimate competitive gaming headset.

Powered by THX Spatial Audio technology and custom-tuned 50 mm drivers that produce a more natural sound curve, the Kraken Ultimate delivers a realistic, immersive soundscape that allows users to use any nuance in sound to their advantage.

THX Spatial Audio technology is an advanced positional audio solution that delivers pinpoint accuracy and greater than 7.1 surround sound. Producing sound in a 360-degree sphere allows for better awareness and heightened immersion during competitive gameplay. THX Spatial Audio optimises the unique sound design and engineering of every game and delivers a natural listening experience by adjusting its virtual speakers to match the audio source’s actual distance and location in-game. This can help to reduce brain and ear fatigue, as users are able to decipher where every sound is coming from instinctively, letting them stay focused longer.

Featuring custom-tuned 50 mm drivers, the Razer Kraken Ultimate produces powerful, detailed, super-clear sound and a punchy bass. Tuned to deliver a more natural sound curve, the resulting audio is the richest, most immersive, and lifelike within the Kraken line.  A new Discord-certified microphone and active noise cancelling technology further ensure crystal-clear team communication.

The Kraken Ultimate features aluminum and steel construction with cooling gel-infused ear cushions for lightweight durability and long-lasting comfort. Its ultra-soft padded headband with bauxite aluminum frame is well-equipped to handle the rigours of transport and extensive gaming. Cooling-gel cushions help reduce heat buildup and also contain hidden eyewear channels for gamers sporting corrective or blue-light glasses.

"We have built the Kraken Ultimate to address the needs of gaming audio at its roots,” said Alvin Cheung, Senior VP of Razer’s Peripherals business unit.

“Powered by THX Spatial Audio, its custom-tuned drivers deliver superior sound, housed in signature Kraken comfort. Combined with an active noise cancelling microphone for crystal-clear team comms, this headset has the winning edge that gamers are looking for.” 

The Kraken Ultimate also features highly visible backlit earcups powered by Razer Chroma, supporting 16.8 million colours and a suite of lighting effects controlled from within Razer Synapse 3.

Razer also introduced the Kraken X USB at the same time. This addition to the Kraken X family offers green earcup lighting and 7.1 virtual surround sound via its USB connection – all in a 275 g lightweight design, for all-day gaming comfort and immersion.

Razer Kraken Ultimate

Headphones

● Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

● Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1 kHz

● Sensitivity (@1 kHz): 112 dB

● Input power: 30 mW (maximum)

● Drivers: 50 mm, with neodymium magnets

● Inner ear cup diameter: 65 mm

● Connection type: USB Digital

● Cable length: 2 m

● Approximately 390 g

● Oval ear cushions: Designed for full-ear coverage with cooling gel, for sound isolation and comfort, now with Razer Chroma RGB underglow lighting

Microphone

● Frequency response: 100 Hz – 10 kHz

● Signal-to-noise ratio: > 60 dB

● Sensitivity (@1 kHz): -38 ± 3 dB

● Pickup pattern: Unidirectional electret condenser microphone (ECM) boom

● Click-to-Mute function

On-earcup controls

● Analogue volume control wheel

● THX Spatial Audio on/off toggle

Audio usage: Devices with USB Connector

Audio + microphone usage: Devices with USB Connector

Razer Kraken X US

● Green earcup lighting

● Oval leatherette cushions

● 275 g

● Bendable cardioid microphone

● 7.1 surround sound on PC for accurate positional audio

● Custom-tuned 40 mm drivers

Details:

Razer Kraken Ultimate retails for US$129.99 (manufacturer's suggested retail price, MSRP)
Razer Kraken X USB is priced at US$59.99 (MSRP)

Razer unveils esports accessories

Source: Razer. From left: the BlackWidow Elite keyboard,
the Mamba Wireless mouse and the Kraken Tournament
Edition headset.

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has announced the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset, the BlackWidow Elite keyboard and the Razer Mamba Wireless mouse.

Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan said: “Since founding Razer, we’ve pushed to make products with unprecedented technology to give gamers the greatest advantage possible.

"At the same time, our long history working with the world’s top esports athletes gives us unique insight into what features work best and should be conserved or finetuned.

"Our newest Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset, BlackWidow Elite keyboard and Mamba Wireless mouse are perfect examples of how leading-edge technology combines with time-honoured design for the win.”

David Tse, Global Esports Director for Razer, added, “This next generation of Razer tournament gear enables our @TeamRazer esports athletes to even further dominate the competition through functional superiority. Each of these peripherals are at the top of their family, delivering extreme performance and customisation for our most discerning gamers.”

Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is the world’s first gaming headset to support THX Spatial Audio. THX Spatial Audio creates realistic depth and immersion by simulating 360° sound with pinpoint accuracy. This technology combined with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers provide clarity, and a punchy bass.

The headset also delivers full audio controls via a USB audio controller. The controller allows on-the-fly bass level adjustment, and a customised mix between game and team chat volume through Game/Chat Balance. 

The headset has been designed with cooling gel-infused ear cushions, hidden eyewear channels, and an improved ultra-soft padded headband for comfort.

With its 3.5 mm combo audio jack, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is also cross-platform compatible, working with the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Razer BlackWidow Elite keyboard

The Razer Blackwidow Elite is the first in the BlackWidow line to have Hybrid On-board Memory and Cloud Storage and up to five profile configurations that can be saved for use anywhere.

This is a gaming keyboard designed for peak performance, with improved Razer Mechanical Switches, dedicated media keys, Multi-Function Digital Dial and Razer Hypershift, which allows every key to become a macro key via Razer's Synapse 3 software. 

Beyond gaming, the Razer BlackWidow Elite also features a Multi-Function Digital Dial and three media keys. A USB 2.0 and audio pass-through and wire routing allow for easy cable management. 

Razer Mamba Wireless mouse

This mouse combines a Razer 5G Advanced Optical Sensor with 16,000 DPI and resolution accuracy of 99.4% - the highest available on the market - with Razer’s proprietary adaptive frequency technology, which ensures the most stable wireless connection possible, and battery life of up to 50 hours on a single charge. 

The mouse also comes with Razer Mechanical Mouse Switches, durable up to 50 million clicks, and seven buttons that are programmable via Razer Synapse 3. With Hybrid On-board Memory and Cloud Storage, gamers can save up to five profiles to their mouse for easy access.

Details:

The S$279.90 Razer BlackWidow Elite is already available.

The S$159.90 Razer Mamba Wireless is available September 2018.

The S$159.90 Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is also available September 2018.

Jabra introduces three new members of its Elite series

Jabra launches the Elite Active 65t (right), Elite 65e (left)
and Elite 45e (middle) in Singapore.

Jabra is launching the Elite Active 65t, Elite 65e and Elite 45e in Singapore. The three devices are part of the Elite family of headphones and earbuds, a series engineered for outstanding music quality and strong voice capability.

The Elite family includes true wireless, headband, neckband, and soft neckband variants, with the suffix letter ‘e’ signifying a earbud wearing style, and ‘t’ for true wireless. Key features of the family include Jabra's own microphone technology for calls and voice interactions, as well as one-touch access and support for all major voice virtual assistants.

Wayne Lee, APAC Lead for Product Management and Alliance, Jabra, said that the new products address a number of pain points for time-poor, active people who want to use headsets for both voice and music, such as blocking out ambient noise; effective voice communications, durability and comfort. Chat apps such as WhatsApp and WeChat are particularly popular, he noted. Some 200 million WhatsApp messages are sent daily, while 84.5% of all WeChat messages are voice-based.

"The Elite range has the biggest choice of wearing styles," he said.

With the Elite range, headphone users no longer have to make a choice between great music headphones or a headset designed for voice and calls. All three of the new products are inspired by the best-selling Jabra Elite Sport, true wireless sports earbuds which set the standard for the Elite product suite with advanced audio technology.

Music streaming is a popular activity.

Each new Elite product contains unique microphone configurations to ensure users will always be heard, whether users are speaking to voice assistants such as Alexa or humans, both indoors or outside. The Elite series also features a one-touch access to all major voice assistants, and support customisation through the companion Jabra Sound+ app*.

The new products also come with a two-year warranty against dust and water ingress (the two years for the Elite Active 65t also includes sweat ingress). 

At a glance:

Elite Active 65t

Engineered for active users who want a true wireless voice and music experience while working out. The Jabra Elite Active 65t is for those who want the features of the Elite 65t, while being able to use the earbuds in a sports or training setting. The earbuds have enhanced grip, through a special coating, an integrated accelerometer for tracking features and IP56 sweat, water and dust certification. The Elite Active 65t has five hours of listening time on one charge with two additional charges in the cradle.

Elite 65e

Designed for best-in-class wireless calls and music, and the top-of-the-line device for the Elite range. The Elite 65e provides two levels of noise cancellation, including Jabra’s leading active noise cancellation (ANC) solution. In addition, the Jabra Elite 65e offers premium conversation quality with three-microphone technology that creates a noise-blocking zone for added clarity.

Elite 45e

For the best all-round voice and music experience. The Elite 45e is for users who want the best combined voice and music experience in a headset with a discreet design and a great fit. This soft neckband headset has a lightweight form factor and a box microphone solution that delivers the clearest voice communication on any stereo wireless headphone. The neckband features memory wire.

Lee (right) shows how the companion app registers a connection with the Elite Active 65t, worn by a Jabra representative on the left, and allows personalisation of the experience.

“By introducing the Elite series, we have demonstrated to headphone users that we understand their needs and that we are fully committed to providing the best voice and music headphone solutions. Our new Elite series accommodates three levels of technology in sound, microphone and voice interaction capabilities, different endurance levels, and both True Wireless earbud and neckband solutions,” said René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra. “With the Elite family, we now offer headsets for every choice of wearing style, use case and price point.”

Details:

 The Elite 45e and Elite 65e are available now with authorised Jabra retailers, while the Active 65t will be available from July 2018.

- The Jabra Elite 45e (in Platinum Black) has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$168.

- The Jabra Elite 65e (in Platinum Black) has a MSRP of S$328.

- The Jabra Elite Active 65t (in Navy Blue) will have a MSRP of S$298.

*Jabra app registration required

Jabra Evolve 75 is wireless, has active noise cancellation

- New Evolve wireless headset designed for bustling open office environments

- First headset to receive Microsoft Skype for Business’ Open Office and Outdoor certification

- First Evolve headset to feature both active noise cancellation and Bluetooth capability

Source: Jabra. The Evolve 75 in action in an open office.

Jabra has extended their Evolve range of headsets for modern office workers with the release of the wireless Evolve 75. For the first time in the Evolve line, Jabra has combined wireless capability and active noise cancellation (ANC)* into a portable, compact package.

Taking its cues from the popular Evolve 65 and Evolve 80, Jabra listened to feedback to fill the gap between the two - a wireless model without ANC, and a wired model with ANC. The Evolve 75 has integrated the best features of these two industry mainstays, and also improves on them by offering unparalleled sound quality, portability and noise isolation.

Jabra says the headset is ideal for concentration and collaboration by remote workers, desktop  workers, corridor warriors - the ones who need to make calls in the corridors to avoid distracting others - and flexible hub (coworking space) workers. Patrick Khor, Jabra Country Manager, noted that workplace trends are towards open offices, hot desking, and workers who are out in the field most of the time but who still require a private space at the office when they return. At the same time, companies are doing away with expensive physical phones, adopting voice over IP (VoIP) solutions like Skype for Business or 'soft phones' that work via software instead - but laptop audio can fall short compared to physical phones, Khor said. 

He shared research conducted by Jabra** which showed that 78% of office workers believe their productivity is negatively impacted by on-site noise, while as much as 24 minutes is lost each day due to workplace interruptions. "Concentration and collaboration are not suited for today's open office work spaces. The least productive workplace is the open office," Khor said. "People are struggling to be as productive as they used to be."

Jabra has designed the Evolve 75 to tackle the problems of today’s open offices, by giving users their own virtual private space at the flip of a switch, while still maintaining the collaborative potential that open offices offer. In demonstrations of the Evolve 75 at the media briefing, using the headset as opposed to using the phone alone showed a clear difference in sound quality - vehicle noise in the background could not be heard when the headset was in use. This writer personally tried the headset and with ANC on it sounds like there is a bubble of silence around you.

"The mobile call comes to the headset, the laptop call comes to the headset. (It's) crystal clear sound," Khor explained. "We're blocking noise around you in the office."

Wayne Lee, APAC Lead for Product Management and Alliance, Jabra, introduced the headset as "the best wireless headset for concentration in the open office". The headset shuts out ambient noise, offers a better sound experience for both callers and the called, and can be connected to two devices at the same time. "We think design is one of the things that makes our product unique," said Lee.

Khor gives the big picture on Jabra and why Jabra headsets.

Certified by most major unified communications platforms such as Skype for Business, Cisco WebEx, and Google Hangouts, the Evolve 75 is also compatible with Jabra Direct – Jabra’s cloud-based software for headset customisation.

The Evolve 75 is the only wireless ANC headset to boast Open Office and Outdoor certifications from Microsoft’s Skype for Business Certification Program. Due to the vast number of products endorsed for Skype for Business, the quality of these products ends up varying wildly. This has led Microsoft to introduce a new Skype for Business Certification Program, which brings with it more stringent requirements for certification.

The Evolve line - launched only in Q414 - has been very popular, Khor says, and grew 100% by volume from 2015 to 2016 with this year showing similar numbers to date. The Evolve 75 fits in between the Evolve 60, which is wireless but does not have ANC, and the high end Evolve 80, which has ANC but is wired.

Products seeking to get certified for Skype for Business must now pass two tests in the Open Office and Outdoor categories. To pass the Open Office test, a microphone must not pick up chatter from adjacent users, making it usable in crowded offices like call centres, where multiple people are speaking. Meanwhile, the Outdoor test pits products against several different noise profiles, ranging from a cafeteria to the inside of a car to a railway station. A certified headset should be able to effectively cancel out ambient noise and maintain audio clarity in all of the above situations. The

To achieve this, engineers at Jabra spent over four years developing a software solution that integrates both the boom microphone and ANC microphones to create a noise-free zone around the user, with the boom microphone as the centre point. All noise picked up by the ANC microphones in a 60-centimetre radius is recognised as background noise, and will be appropriately filtered out by the Evolve 75. The software can also recognise and transmit only when the user is speaking, ensuring optimal call quality.

Aside from offering superior noise cancellation, the Evolve 75’s 30m range for laptops (10 for smartphones) also allows for unmatched freedom of movement in the office. Offering dual Bluetooth connectivity, the Evolve 75 can connect to up to two devices simultaneously, letting users have one integrated communication solution for both their laptop and smartphone.

Jabra focuses on the growing unified communications space for enterprise headsets.Research predictions for unified communications include a US$37 billion market by 2018, and 86 million unified communications users by 2021. Khor said that the Singapore business is getting "this type of growth".

Open offices are unproductive. According to Jabra, 78% of open office worker respondents in a survey said that they are impacted by noise and disturbances, impacting productivity.

“The premise behind the open plan office is to foster collaboration and improve communication among employees. But despite their many benefits, they have become breeding grounds for unsatisfactory labour output,” commented Holger Reisinger, SVP, Jabra Business Solutions. “Interruptions from colleagues and the noise generated in these environments are negatively impacting workers and contributing to lacklustre performance. Increasingly, knowledge workers are being forced into isolation to do their jobs. The Jabra Evolve 75 provides businesses with an alternative solution to support an open office philosophy that’s conducive to better performance.”

Lee does a deep dive into the Evolve 75 headset.

Key features include:

• High-definition (HD) voice for crystal clear calls and music
• Superior active noise cancellation (ANC) 
• Integrated "busylight" clearly shows when the user is busy
• Wireless range of up to 30m away from the laptop and 10m from the smartphone
• Flexibility to connect two Bluetooth devices at the same time for calls and music – for example, to both a computer and a smartphone
• Integration with leading unified communications (UC) platforms including Skype for Business and Cisco certification
• Up to 15 hours of battery life
• All-day comfort leather feel ear cushions and an on-the-ear wearing style for all day comfort
• Discreet boom-arm: Boom-arm can be clipped into the headband when not on calls
• Listen-in: Easy to reach button on the ear cup allows users to hear announcements without removing the headset
• Optional charging stand

Jabra, part of the GN Group, is a leading developer and manufacturer of communications and sound solutions. The GN Group specialises in medical-grade hearing appliances, as well as audio devices for enterprise and consumer markets.

Interested?

The Jabra Evolve 75 is available at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$512.53 (inclusive of charging stand), or S$434.42 excluding the stand.

*ANC refers to the ability to switch noise cancellation on and off, as opposed to passive noise cancellation, which is cannot be switched off.

**Jabra knowledge worker survey 2015. 

Plantronics launches VR gaming headset

Source: Plantronics.  Plantronics launches the RIG 4VR gaming headset designed for Playstation VR and DualShock 4 wireless controllers.

Sound is a key element of the virtual reality experience.  and Plantronics, a pioneer in audio and
wearable technology, has launched the RIG 4VR gaming headset in Singapore. As the creators of consumer and tournament headsets,Plantronics knows the value immersive audio brings to gaming. RIG 4VR is a complete audio solution developed for PlayStation VR, with interchangeable cables for use with PlayStation VR and DualShock 4 wireless controllers.

"At Plantronics, we've been working with a variety of VR accessories and game developers to create audio solutions that can be worn comfortably while delivering the positional audio queues critical for VR," said Jack Reynolds, Director of Gaming Products with Plantronics.

RIG 4VR features 40mm drivers paired with low-frequency resonators for enhanced bass while maintaining accuracy of sounds. The removable flip-to-mute boom with noise-cancelling mic can be attached when using the headset with a controller, offering immersive stereo audio and exceptionally clear chat.

Part of the Plantronics RIG 500 series, the RIG 4VR is constructed with an ultra-light, super-flexible frame and modular components for comfort. An oval earcup design means it fits comfortably while in use with wearable displays like the PlayStationVR headset. As the earcups allow in some ambient sound, it helps players maintain natural balance during VR sessions. A vented design also makes it possible for in-room conversations during social VR gaming experiences and provides greater heat dissipation so players stay comfortable when marathon gaming.

Additional features include:

Personalisation: The RIG 4VR can be customised with any RIG 500 series accessories available at Plantronics, such as additional headband designs and finishes, interchangeable earcups, and more.

Flexibility: The 3.5mm audio connector included with the RIG 4VR for PlayStation VR also works with other console controllers (including Xbox One), PC/Mac, portable and mobile gaming devices .

Interested?

The RIG 4VR for use with PlayStation VR and DualShock 4 controllers retails at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$119. The headset is available at all Plantronics authorised retailers.

posted from Bloggeroid

Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC Bluetooth Headset come with Windsmart technology

Source: Plantronics. The Plantronics Voyager 5200.

Plantronics, a wearable technology provider, has announced the new Plantronics Voyager 5200. The high-performance Bluetooth headset is built for use with unified communications applications and connects to PCs, tablets or smartphones for clear, professional phone or PC calls even in challenging situations.

The Voyager 5200 UC features WindSmart technology, a Plantronics innovation that incorporates six layers of technology to detect noise caused by wind and respond accordingly. WindSmart technology combats background noises such as weather, traffic and surrounding conversations so calls come through clearly. The headset also features up to seven hours of talk time on a single charge, HD Voice support over wideband networks, and a design that blends style with all-day comfort.

"Today's workforce is constantly on the move, which means unified communications is really happening from a variety of locations, not just from a desk in an office," said Rich Costello, Senior Research Analyst, IDC. "The Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC is ideal for this mobile user and delivers some terrific audio innovation, most particularly WindSmart technology, that ensures people can make calls from the noisiest environments and still sound professional and be productive even on the go."

Voyager 5200 UC includes the BT600 Class 1 USB Bluetooth adapter and a
portable charging case* with integrated docking stand which serves as both a protective and charging case that provides up to 14 hours of additional talk time on the go, and a grab-and-go dock for recharging the headset.

Features include:

* Four adaptive microphones and proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) work together to reduce
disruptive background noise.

* Multifunction button mutes calls and provides access to Siri and other smartphone virtual personal assistants handsfree when the headset is idle.

* Work across smartphones, laptops, tablets, and Bluetooth-enabled desk phones from up to 30m away.

* Smart sensor technology intuitively routes call audio to your phone or headset, pauses media or rejects an incoming call when removed, and automatically answers calls as you place the headset on your ear.

* Spill, splash, and sweat-proof P2i nano-coating.

* Mute assurance alerts users if they talk when muted, with visual mute indictors shown on both the BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter and desktop screen.

* Manage settings, wirelessly update firmware and activate Find
MyHeadset to locate a misplaced headset with the Plantronics Hub
smartphone app for iOS and Android.

* Use Plantronics Hub desktop software to enable softphone call control
across a wide range of UC applications, to view headset battery metre,
change languages, update firmware, or personalise settings and alerts.

With Plantronics Manager Pro, an additional service, IT can remotely
monitor, manage, and maintain Voyager 5200 UC headsets as well as other headsets from Plantronics company-wide. By using Plantronics Manager Pro, IT can configure the user experience, manage firmware deployments and use predictive analytics to detect compatibility issues
before they are noticed.

Interested?

The Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC with charging case and BT600 USB Bluetooth adapter is available from authorised Plantronics resellers starting at a MSRP of S$339. The Plantronics Voyager 5200 is also available starting at a MSRP of S$199, and the accompanying charging case is available for S$69.

*Available with selected models.

http://www.plantronics.com/asia/.

posted from Bloggeroid

Epson Singapore makes new Moverio Pro augmented reality smart glasses available

Epson, a global projection technology and visual communications provider, has launched the Moverio Pro BT-2000 smart headset. The Moverio Pro delivers a binocular smart glasses experience for augmented reality applications such as inspection or training purposes, or for remote field service support for complex repair assistance and troubleshooting.

Source: Epson Singapore. The new
Moverio Pro BT-2000 smart headset.

Augmented reality smart glasses can improve worker efficiency for various industries in vertical markets such as warehouse/logistics, field service, automotive, manufacturing, construction, and retail. Workers in different locations can see exactly what their counterparts are seeing, get visual assistance and to provide informed support and training, for instance.

Leveraging Epson’s patented optical and precision technologies, the Moverio Pro BT-2000 provides a platform for displaying augmented reality content over the real world environment and 3D images. The Moverio Pro features a 1,350 Candela/mm²* high-resolution display and micro projectors located on each side of the eyeglasses that project transparent overlays of digital content directly in the user’s field of view over the real-world environment. An ambient light sensor (ALS) automatically adjusts the display brightness for each location at work.

The headset also includes a highly sensitive motion sensor unit, the Epson inertial measurement unit (IMU), consisting of high-precision motion sensors such as a gyroscope, accelerometer and magnetometer for accurate head tracking or indoor positioning. A 5-megapixel stereo camera with three-dimensional depth sensing detects the dimensions and spatial positioning of objects in relation to each other.

Designed with an Android operating system, the new Moverio Pro enables enterprises and other organisations to create and share applications that tailor the product to meet their precise needs. The new product also provides Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connectivity with external interface devices such as keyboards, mouses and headsets, voice interpretation and recognition for easier hand-free operation, and two exchangeable batteries that allow work to continue with minimal interruption and downtime. The BT-2000 is also dust and water resistant for durability.

“The Moverio Pro BT-2000 is a result of our discussions with customers in different industries who see the tremendous potential of Moverio smart glasses that can help enhance productivity of their businesses. The Moverio has the potential to revolutionise workflow for onsite or remote operations. It adds a new dimension to professionals for improving their efficiency and accuracy at work, enabling workers to share their experience virtually or provide hands-free movement for hands-on work,” said Tan May Lin, Epson Singapore’s General Manager (Sales, Marketing & Customer Service Division).

Interested?

The Moverio Pro BT-2000 retails at S$4,857 and is currently available in Singapore, Thailand and Philippines.

*Cd/m² is a unit measuring luminance, or brightness.

LG updates TONE INIFINIM around-the-neck wireless headset in time for CES

Source: LG. The TONE INFINIM HBS-910 headsets will debut at CES 2016.

LG Electronics (LG) will unveil its newest LG TONE INFINIM (HBS-910) headsets at CES 2016. The around-the-neck wireless headset has a more contemporary design and superior audio quality.

As the successor to the HBS-900, the new TONE INFINIM inherits the previous model's main strengths such as the retractable earbud function and Harmon/Kardon audio quality. It also features upgraded Quad-Layer Speaker Technology for premium audio experience with better balance across all sound ranges. The frequency response ratio has been enhanced to produce richer bass and crisper high notes.

Dealing with noisy environments such as crowded subways or city streets are no challenge for the new TONE INFINIM with its new dual cancelling microphones, allowing users to conduct calls in any environment. Along with the new HBS-910, LG is updating its free TONE & Talk Android app with two new features — Voice Memo and Find Me — that allow TONE INFINIM customers to record their own voice notes and help locate misplaced smartphones.

"The original TONE INFINIM set a new standard for wireless headset design," said Chung Sue-hyun, VP of Innovative Personal Devices Business Division at LG Electronics. "We delivered an audio solution that offered days of battery life, a comfortable fit that didn't fall off the neck when unused and most importantly, fantastic sound. It's no wonder the LG TONE INFINIM series is the most copied design in this product category."

Interested?

Consumer availability in the US will begin in February, with key markets in Asia and Europe to follow soon after.

Hashtag: #CES2016

Plantronics takes design very seriously

The words sent back in 1969 from the moon came via Plantronics equipment, and the company has not stopped its commitment to innovation ever since. The company is working on devices that deliver contextual intelligence, a combination of hardware, sensors, and software, said Alvin Kiew, Director of Sales & Marketing for Plantronics South-East Asia.

Examples of such contextual intelligence include knowing that a headset has been taken off, and routing an active call to the phone, or pausing the music that is playing, Kiew said.

Plantronics found that its customers can be divided into different categories with different needs at work. 

The customer profiles are very detailed, and headsets are designed to address the challenges experienced by different customer profiles.

Plantronics is also focused on understanding their customers in order to give them what they want. Some of the headset features that cater to always-connected professionals include long battery lives of up to 18 hours a day, battery life indicators, and compatibility with inflight entertainment systems.

When it comes to gamers, customisability is key, said Kiew. Plantronics' RIG corded headsets for gaming are modular and can be modified for ordinary use. In line with the company's contextual intelligence stance, RIG 500 headsets will automatically mute the mike the moment it is lifted.

Christopher Thompson, VP of Enterprise Marketing, Plantronics, said the Voyager Focus UC family is about helping business users to focus, hence the name. The company found that changes in workstyle have changed the work environment significantly, requiring different tools to create a professional experience. "Work is something you do, it's not a place you go," he said.

For 20-somethings just beginning their careers, high quality audio and device compatibility are important, Thompson noted. "We wanted to give them a tool that works with other things that they have... and addresses the activity of the environment that they live in," he said.

Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headsets provide a different experience from standard earbuds bundled with phones, for example. While earbuds typically transmit ambient sounds in the environment, making a conference call noisy for others, Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headsets are designed with three types of noise cancellation technology, Thompson said: passive noise cancellation, which damps down sudden noises; active cancellation, where mikes placed at the outside of the headset capture and then block outside noise, and a noise-cancelling mike that prevents the transmission of the conversation beyond the headset.

Thompson pointing out that today's work environment has evolved from quiet office cubicles to noisier environments. 

The headstrap, below the usual headband, brings the cushions of the earcups closer to the ear for a better audio experience, with more effective noise cancellation. At the same time, weight is redistributed from the head to the head and the earcups. Thompson said that customer feedback has been that headsets with headstraps feel lighter as a result.

Contextual intelligence features for the Voyager Focus UC include no dedicated 'left' and 'right' controls. No matter which way the wearer has put the headset on, features will work the way he or she expects. Turning the mike 'down' or the volume control 'forward' will always have the same effect, Thompson said.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post on the Plantronics Voyager Focus UC headsets

posted from Bloggeroid

Plantronics releases Voyager Focus UC Bluetooth headset with active noise cancellation

Source: Plantronics.

Plantronics, a global player in audio communications, has unveiled the Voyager Focus UC, which it says is the industry's first wireless Bluetooth stereo headset with active-noise cancellation (ANC) technology. 

A premium product for unified communications (UC) and multimedia applications, Voyager Focus UC was designed for enterprise workers in an open office or simply to reduce distraction. The headset provides all-day comfort and includes smart sensor technology, audio alerts, and wideband audio and hi-fi stereo sound. 

"No one can dispute the positive impact a great audio experience has on effective communications and collaboration," said Rich Costello, Senior Research Analyst, IDC. "But audio experiences are increasingly being challenged, especially as traditional office environments expand to include workers in more remote and non-traditional, open-office environments that introduce more external noise factors." 

The Voyager Focus UC headsets feature an immersive on-the-ear design to reduce high frequency noises like office sounds and background voices. Low frequency sounds, like noise from air conditioners, is reduced through ANC. In order to reduce the noise that is transmitted and overheard by others, three precisely-tuned microphones and noise-cancelling algorithms reduce noise caused by keyboard clatter, close-talkers, and movement, while optimising voice intelligibility. 

"We tried to think of every collaboration challenge and built a solution that solves for them. We created a premium design that will convey confidence and competence during a video call. We've used sensors and context to adapt the user experience to the wearing style and state so it just works as expected," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, enterprise solutions management, Plantronics. 

"But our real innovation is in the audio performance. We adapted our best-of-breed microphone technology with improved algorithms to ensure clarity of the user's voice, while suppressing background noises and tuning the audio listening profile to ensure that your favorite playlist sounds dynamic and impressive." 

Highlights include: 

• Class 1 Bluetooth with adaptive power to deliver up to 45m of wireless range while preserving battery life. 
• Dynamic Mute Alert technology - an industry first - senses speech and then alerts that the mute function is still active. Additionally, the headset will automatically mute when a user takes it off and unmute when it's put back on. 
• Leatherette ear cushions wrapped around pillow-soft memory foam deliver all-day comfort, while a cushioned metal headband provides durability and helps maintain a comfortable, secure fit. 
• On-board sensors create an intuitive user experience. Examples include answering a call by simply putting the headset on and pausing mobile audio when the headset is taken off, restarting it when replaced. 
• Rigorous testing of the Voyager Focus UC with the predominant collaboration solutions from Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya, and Huawei ensures the best possible experience when using these applications. 

Interested?

The Voyager Focus UC will be available in Singapore with a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of S$499. Check retail locations in Asia

Plantronics headsets to be controlled from Apple Watches and Android Wear wearables

Plantronics, an audio and wearable technology specialist, announced that the latest version of its Plantronics Hub for iOS and Android now supports the Apple Watch and Android Wear, broadening the company’s reach to include other devices within the growing mobile device ecosystem.

With the new smart watch extension, people can now manage the headset experience directly from their wrist. Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android lets users manage, customise, and control premium Plantronics Bluetooth headsets, including Voyager Legend, Voyager Edge, and Voyager Focus UC. The controls include muting and unmuting the headset, volume control, battery status, and ending calls. 

Interested?

Plantronics Hub v3.5 for iOS and Android with smart watch support is free and available* now..

*Plantronics Hub for iOS requires iPhone 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8.3; Plantronics for Android requires OS v2.3.3 and later

The Bluetooth Plantronics Explorer 500 headset comes with a magnetic USB charging strap

Source: Plantronics. The
Explorer 500.

Plantronics, a provider of audio communications and wearable technology, has launched the Plantronics Explorer 500, a compact, high-performance Bluetooth headset.

 "We know you have better things to do with your hands than hold on to your phone. Whether you're on the road, or juggling a briefcase and a latte on your walk to the office, Explorer 500 lets you harness the power of your smartphone, hands-free," said Jan Caldarella, Category Director, mobile communications solutions at Plantronics.

"We've designed the Explorer 500 to provide clear, life-like voice audio (letting you be more easily understood by your smartphone), even in noisy environments." 

The Explorer 500 combines contemporary design, GSMA-certified HD Voice and dual-mic noise reduction for clearer calls. The included magnetic strap can be fastened onto a keychain, purse, laptop bag or rearview mirror, and doubles as a USB charger.

Explorer 500 is for more than just phone calls. A touch of a button activates voice-control for smartphone assistants Siri, Google Now or Cortana, so users can harness the power of their smartphone hands-free and keep their device safe. With A2DP, stream music, catch up on podcasts or hear GPS directions on the go. The headset can even be customised with one of three included built-in languages for whispered alerts for power on/off, battery level and connection status.

The Plantronics Explorer 500 with USB charging strap is available in white and black for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of S$129 with GST.

Interested?

Here's a list of Asia outlets.

Jabra launches Stealth UC Bluetooth mono headset

Jabra, a manufacturer of intelligent audio solutions, has launched the Jabra Stealth UC Bluetooth mono headset, a unified communication (UC) evolution of its original Jabra Stealth, to support mobile workers.

As the lightest headset in its class at 0.24 ounces (about 6.8 g), the Jabra Stealth UC is both discreet and extremely portable. The headset has Skype for Business certification, and is designed for everyday use with a smartphone, tablets or laptop by inserting the pre-connected USB dongle.

“We strive to help the mobile worker gain the full benefits from both their mobile devices and UC solutions. It is our experience that one of the most important factors for users embracing unified communication is the headset, which bridges the gap between the user and the promise of increased efficiency and flexibility. The Jabra Stealth UC is the perfect device to provide this bridge and allows the user to stay in their conversation zone all day - everywhere.” says Mark Leigh, President, Asia Pacific, CC&O of Jabra.

“Jabra is excited about the announcement of Skype for Business as it aligns with Jabra’s New Ways of Working Vision which advocates using Jabra technology to improve collaboration and productivity. With the transition from Microsoft Lync to Skype for Business, Jabra is also pleased to announce that our entire portfolio of audio devices are certified Skype for Business and set to support the collaboration needs of our joint customers and partners,” said Leigh.

“We are pleased to see Jabra deliver Jabra Stealth UC/Microsoft solutions for Skype for Business to extend the communications experience and connect people everywhere to achieve more, together," said Giovanni Mezgec, GM, Skype for Business Product Marketing at Microsoft. 

The headset is available through authorised Jabra Business Solutions partners. Key features include:

· Bluetooth Class 4.0 provides up to 100 feet (about 30.5m) wireless range

· Dual Noise Blackout 3.0 noise-cancelling microphones to block off ambient background noise and HD Voice for crystal clear sound at both ends of the call

· Up to six hours talk-time

· Custom fit for optimal all-day comfort - changeable ultimate comfort ear gels and ear-hooks in small and large sizes

· Intelligent volume control automatically adapts to the sound environment and adjusts the sound in the speaker throughout your conversation.

· Near field communications (NFC) for easy pairing

· Voice control button to allow for remote activation of Siri, Google Now and Microsoft Cortana

· Available in UC and Microsoft Skype for Business certified variants

Plantronics launches new audio devices for communications, collaboration

Plantronics has announced new unified communications (UC) audio devices designed to deliver audio quality and noise management technology to help people effectively communicate and collaborate, regardless of workplace or location. 

Source: Plantronics. The
Blackwire 725.

"Everywhere is the new workplace. We know office noise is increasingly becoming a concern due to more open working environments that promote collaboration, but workplace noise isn't just a problem for those in the office," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, enterprise product solutions, Plantronics. 

"You can't always control your environment and you certainly can't control your caller's environment, so we help ensure workers have solutions they need to block out the noise, allowing them to have a high-quality communication experience wherever their workplace is." 

"There's been increasing emphasis on the importance of a reliable, high-quality, seamless user experience when communicating and collaborating today, and rightly so," said Rich Costello, Senior Research Analyst, unified communications, IDC. "The new Plantronics offerings not only address these important requirements, but also the surrounding noise factor on both sides of the call." 

Source: Plantronics. The Calisto
610.

The shift to open office environments and hot desks creates new noise challenges for individuals and their colleagues which can often undermine productivity gains. 

The following solutions address the inherent ambient noise challenges and potential audio quality concerns associated with today's smarter working scenarios and environments: 

The Blackwire 725 is the company's first UC stereo headset with active noise cancelling. It combines wideband audio, digital signal processing and a noise cancelling microphone in a corded option that is ideal for managing PC calls and listening to multimedia.

Source: Plantronics. The
Voyager UC
Bluetooth headset.

The Voyager Edge UC is a new addition to the Voyager family of Bluetooth headsets and comes with its own portable charging case. It boasts signature Plantronics audio technology that eliminates background noise and automatically answers calls once it is placed on the ear. The solution includes a small Bluetooth USB dongle that provides seamless wideband audio to a laptop. 

Source :Plantronics. The
Clarity 340.

The Calisto 610 is a corded portable speakerphone for instant anywhere conferencing. The USB speakerphone allows users to create on-the-go conference calls for small groups of people. It enables workers to hear remote participants with high-quality, omni-directional audio, in an easy-to-carry form factor that integrates easily with a softphone of their choice, all at the price of a basic speakerphone. A carrying case is included. 

The Clarity 340 is designed for those who face vision, hearing, or dexterity challenges. The handset-style phone features amplified sound, an easy-to-read screen, large buttons for dialing, and crisp audio. 

All four products are available in March from authorised Plantronics distributors. Manufacturer's suggested retail prices are US$179.95 for the Blackwire 725; US$199.95 for the Voyager Edge UC; US$99.95 for the Calisto 610, and for the Clarity 340, US$149.95. 

New Plantronics headsets address need for high quality audio, safety concerns

Plantronics has announced a new family of headset solutions designed for customer service centres and offices. 

Source: Plantronics. The EncorePro 500 family.

According to the company, customer service centres face new challenges with the trend towards using smartphones and self-service. Customers who call customer service representatives (CSRs) with a problem have likely already tried self-service and may even have much more information than the agent. A call has become an escalation that puts more pressure on the CSR to perform, even though the customer is more often than not speaking in a mobile environment with questionable audio quality.

Businesses are also using over-the-phone routes for complex, high-value transactions, where CSRs must work with high-quality audio and yet preserve the confidentiality of customer information.

The Plantronics EncorePro 500 Series is designed for such challenges. It features new materials and technologies that yield an ergonomic fit that is durable, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wearing. The noise-cancelling technology ensures more focused and private calls, so conversations will be heard clearly with fewer misunderstood words and with reduced background noise from keyboards and close talkers.

There are different designs to suit user preferences: EncorePro 510/520 are dedicated over-the-head models; the EncorePro 530 fits over the ear, while the EncorePro 540 is a convertible model that delivers the same quality of audio no matter what the preferred wearing style is. All models support wideband audio.

Also new are the DA Series of USB digital audio processors for Plantronics headsets, which provide context for every call. The new digital audio processors are designed to connect Plantronics 'quick disconnect' headsets to computers through a USB port. Some incorporate user controls like the ability to answer a call, mute the call and adjust volume. All support Noise @ Work, based on Plantronics SoundGuard digital technology. Not only are CSRs protected from sounds above 118 dBA, but anti-startle protection detects and eliminates a sudden increase in sound. Time Weighted Average (TWA) measurements manage average daily sound exposure for CSRs.

Each device contains firmware that can generate notifications based on hardware state changes. Some models can also generate notifications based on acoustic events or other telemetry that is important to the customer service centre, but which had been previously unavailable. For example, the Plantronics DA-90 will offer acoustic event logging so that customers can be compliant with initiatives like Australia's G.616 recommendation. These events are exposed through APIs within the Plantronics Spokes suite of software solutions.

The combination of the Plantronics EncorePro 500 Series, Plantronics digital audio adapters, and Plantronics Hub means that events and metrics occurring during the interaction with the customer are actionable. This makes possible new activities such as the automation of agent status updates, screen-locking for security when a headset is disconnected, dashboard management of headset
inventory and warranty status, tracking of agent use of physical call controls and supervisor alerts to conversational conflict between agent and caller. 

"This launch covers everyone - usability and personal comfort for the agent, agent monitoring of events, ordering, budgeting, and inventory tracking for the supervisor. Particularly intriguing is the enablement of event tracking for things such as agent status when the headset is disconnected allowing for actions to occur such as screen locking," said Nancy Jamison, Principal Analyst in Customer Contact, Frost & Sullivan.

"We are building on the world's most successful professional grade headset, the SupraPlus, and this is a challenge we did not take lightly. Our deep understanding of the new business needs and role of customer service, and the availability of new materials, design philosophies, manufacturing techniques and core technologies resulted in a new portfolio that is not only state-of-the-art by today's standards, but also future-proofed to adapt as the landscape changes," said Bill Loewenthal, VP, Enterprise Communications Solutions, Plantronics. 

"It's no longer just about a first-class audio experience. With our new portfolio, organisations will immediately see the value that we bring by providing equipment and intelligence which enable operations to be more effective, and create a positive experience for both the CSR and the customer."

The new EncorePro 540 (convertible) and Encore 530 (over-the-ear) models are immediately available. The EncorePro 510/520 (dedicated over-the-head monaural and binaural models) will be available in both noise-cancelling and voice tube* versions in December. The DA-80 USB Digital Audio Processor will ship in December with additional models following a short time later. 

Visit www.plantronics.com/contactcenter for information and pricing. View the associated video here.

*Voice tubes transfer sound more clearly across a distance.