Tag: #speakerphone

Jabra Speak2 75 professional speakerphone review

The Jabra Speak2 75 professional speakerphone is an ideal kit for those who use teams and more not only that it is a great personal speaker.

The Speak2 75 features a sleek, modern “puck” design with a brushed aluminum finish and a premium fabric speaker cover. It feels robust and well-built, giving it a professional aesthetic that fits seamlessly in any office or home setting and a nice upgrade to previous models.  Weighing around 466g, it’s portable enough to put into a travel or tech bag with the included felt carry pouch, There is also an integrated USB-C cable with a built-in USB-A adapter, which makes it highly versatile and prevents the hassle of losing adapters. The capacitive touch controls on the top surface are intuitive and responsive, lighting up when in use which I really like. 

This device is clearly tuned for voice, and it delivers as you will see in the video review compared to the laptops speakers. It features a full-range 65mm speaker and Jabra’s “Super-wideband audio” technology, which is designed to capture a wider range of frequencies for more natural-sounding conversations. For conference calls, voices come through crystal clear and rich. While it can also be used for a personal speaker it sounds good as you will see in the review also.

Microphone Quality

This is where the Speak2 75 truly shines. It is equipped with a four-microphone beamforming array that works with advanced digital signal processing (DSP) to effectively isolate voices and reduce background noise. The full duplex audio allows for natural, two-way conversations without participants cutting each other off. A standout feature is the “Microphone Quality Indicator,” a 360-degree light ring that provides real-time visual feedback on how well your voice is being picked up. This innovative feature is a game-changer for hybrid workers, as it removes the guesswork of whether you’re being heard clearly.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The Speak2 75 offers flexible connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.2 and a dual-connector USB-C/USB-A cable. It also comes with a Bluetooth dongle for a more stable wireless connection to a PC, and supports Microsoft Swift Pair and Google Fast Pair for quick pairing with mobile devices. The battery life is impressive, with Jabra claiming up to 32 hours of talk time making it a reliable device for long workdays without needing a constant charge. It is also IP64-rated, providing protection against dust and water splashes.

Overall Verdict

The Jabra Speak2 75 is an excellent professional speakerphone. Its superb audio and microphone quality, combined with smart features like the Microphone Quality Indicator and full duplex audio, make it a top-tier choice for professionals who need reliable, high-quality communication. It’s ideal for a variety of use cases, from individual use at a home office to small group meetings. While the price might be a barrier for some, its performance and feature set make it a worthwhile investment for those who depend on clear, professional communication.

Jabra Sound Plus App

 

Features of the Speak2 75  

·         Super-wideband audio and full range 65mm speaker  

·         Microphone Quality Indicator  

·         Up to 33% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts) 

·         Easy connection with Microsoft Swift Pair 

·         Plug-and-play straight out of the box  

·         Up to 32 hours of wireless battery life 

·         Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms 

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Other Jabra Reviews 

Video Review

Jabra introduce linking update to Speak2 75 professional speakerphone

Today, Jabra has announced an automatic, over-the-air update to its flagship speakerphone Speak2 75, enabling two Speak2 75 devices to link for enhanced audio coverage, suitable for large and medium size meeting rooms. The devices can be used with platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other UC-certified applications and provide both mono and stereo modes.

This update, driven by user feedback on Bluetooth connectivity, introduces a permanent linking capability that expands the range and functionality of the Speak2 75, meeting both the evolving needs of end users and facility managers.

Flexible connection for superior audio

Linked Speak2 75 devices provide excellent audio coverage for professional collaboration in various sized meeting rooms. For example, if one Speak2 75 has 2.5 meeres of range, then having two could more than double the range overall, depending on placement in the meeting room.

Therefore, with this new update, IT and facility managers now have more flexibility to design rooms with better audio coverage, meaning that whether users are in the meeting room or remote, everyone can hear and be heard clearly.

Furthermore, with the permanent linking feature, the Speak2 75s will remain connected even when turned off and on again. This is a significant improvement from its predecessors, where the linking was only temporary. In meeting rooms, where consistent connectivity is crucial, this feature provides a more reliable, plug-and-play user experience.

Versatile for meetings and music

During calls, the linked Speak2 75 devices transmit a dual mono signal, ensuring that both speakers deliver the same clear, precise audio. So, whether it’s an important business meeting or just a casual catch-up, the dual mono signal ensures that all communication is seamless and effective.

When it comes to sound playback, the two speakers switch to a stereo signal, offering a richer and more immersive audio experience. The devices intelligently and automatically switch between dual mono and stereo modes based on the usage scenario, providing the best audio quality for every situation.

Holger Reisinger, SVP for Video & Collaboration solutions at Jabra, said: “With the new linking feature, the Speak2 75 transforms how users experience sound, offering flexible placement options that adapt to any environment. This enhancement makes the Speak2 75 an ideal choice for both professional and personal use, fitting seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

This update reflects our commitment to innovation that genuinely enhances usability and quality. By expanding the Speak2 75’s capabilities, we are setting a new standard for immersive, adaptable audio solutions.”

This update is available now on all Speak2 75 devices via a firmware update in Jabra+, Direct, Xpress and Sound+.

Find out more information at www.jabra.co.uk/speak2-75

See our Jabra Reviews

IPEVO Launches the VOCAL HUB

IPEVO, a global leader in professional video conferencing, announced today the release of the IPEVO VOCAL HUB Wireless Audio System. This system consists of IPEVO VOCAL HUB and up to six IPEVO VOCAL wireless speakerphones, with two-way AI noise reduction. VOCAL HUB expands the boundaries of the conferencing industry by introducing the highest number of serial connections, quick deployment, and flexible spatial coverage. VOCAL HUB is IPEVO’s reaction to the changing needs of enterprises, allowing them to cover various conferencing spaces, enhance the conferencing experience, and achieve higher productivity during hybrid meetings.

Simple Installation And Quick Deployment! A Wireless System With Flexible Coverage.

Poor sound quality can seriously reduce conferencing efficiency! According to multiple studies, when people process digital audio, the stress on their brains is much greater than when processing ordinary sounds. During video calls, poor sound quality seriously affects productivity, causing people to spend up to 35% more energy to understand the VOCAL HUB is designed specifically to fight this problem.

IPEVO VOCAL received high praise from customers after its launch in May this year. It is a wireless speakerphone with 360° sound coverage and a unique two-way AI noise reduction. It has won awards at ISE (Integrated Systems Europe), InfoComm, the professional audio and video equipment exhibition in Orlando, USA, ISTE, the educational technology exhibition in Philadelphia, USA, and other tech awards. Users can pair up to six of these speakerphones with VOCAL HUB, flexibly adapting the system to their needs. This allows them to cover any conferencing space, with a range of 15 meters, regardless of its shape. All of this without being limited by wires, achieving an engaging and immersive meeting experience.

Seamless Upgrade For Your Conferencing Room
With VOCAL HUB, you can simply upgrade your current conferencing room, or flexibly equip one of your conferencing spaces with an audio system anytime you require. If your company uses shared office space, your team can connect to VOCAL HUB via Bluetooth, effectively expanding the range and quality of sound pickup of their mobile devices. If you plan to relocate your business or add a new conference room, you can easily adjust the number of speakerphones connected to your VOCAL HUB, according to the size of the new conference space. For an ultimate videoconferencing experience, IPEVO designed the TOTEM video camera series that can be used together with VOCAL HUB.

The features of IPEVO VOCAL HUB Wireless Audio System include:

  • High scalability: Up to 6 VOCAL speakerphones can be connected at the same time, allowing flexible spatial coverage.
  • Convenient Wireless: Suitable for any conference room setup and table arrangements.
  • AI Noise Reduction: IPEVO VOCAL is the first speakerphone with two-way AI noise reduction technology.
  • Broad compatibility: Your current conferencing system can be easily upgraded, achieving perfect sound coverage.
  • Convenient controls: After connecting multiple speakerphones, you can easily control all connected devices remotely.

 

Later this year IPEVO is going to launch 2-VOCAL DONGLE, which allows connecting two VOCAL wireless speakerphones simultaneously, as a solution for smaller meeting spaces, expanding the flexibility of IPEVO’s audio solutions even further.

Aaron Lee, General Manager of IPEVO, said, “After entering the conferencing industry, we have observed many common difficulties that people experience, such as sound delay during hybrid meetings. Our wireless audio system minimizes delay, even with six speakerphones connected. This allows users to fully focus on communication, without being disturbed by technical issues. VOCAL HUB is free of wires and allows quick deployment, greatly reducing setup time.

 

The VOCAL HUB is available from https://us.ipevo.com/pages/vocal-hub 

Pricing  US 1999 USD EU 1999 EURO UK 1750 GBP

Tech Review – IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone

The IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is a conference speakerphone that claims to be the first speakerphone with two-way AI noise reduction. The speakerphone has Mic mute/unmute, Power switch, Bluetooth pairing button, volume knob, microphone mode switch – directional/omni, AI Voice for Mic, AI Voice for Speaker buttons on the unit. It is compatible (Plug & Play) with Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks and can connect to PCs, mobile, and Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Package Contents:

  •         IPEVO VOCAL
     USB Type-C cable (3.94 ft / 1.2 m)
     Quick Installation Guide

 

Features:

 

Controls:

 

 

Compatibility and Output Connectivity   USB Type C, Bluetooth 5.1

Compatibility (Plug & Play)   Mac, Windows, and Chromebooks.

Connectivity  Can connect to PCs, Mobile & Bluetooth Enabled Devices

 

Setup:

The Setup is standard in terms of connection to a Laptop via USB C cable or Bluetooth to a Laptop or phone etc  The setup worked as required while when turning on the IPEVO VOCAL this played music but did not advise connect or not. On occasion having connected to 2 phones and 2 laptops, it was hard to distinguish what the IPEVO VOCAL was connected to as does not have multimode technology and was slow to connect even when the other devices were switched off.  The option of Omni-directional: 360° voice capture or Directional: 120° voice capture was the change of a button which worked seamlessly allowing the whole room to talk or filter out to only one person speaking.

Niggles. The IPEVO VOCAL was tested on numerous conference calls, WhatsApp calls, and traditional calls. During the calls, the peak output power of the 5W speaker was low in terms of sufficient volume to hear for one person in a room, or a small group but a larger room would be difficult to hear with the volume turned up Max. The unit while connected to the various technologies via Bluetooth has worked but switching off and on struggles to automatically connect to the specific device, which resulted in manually connecting again. On occasion having connected to 2 phones and 2 laptops, it was hard to distinguish what the IPEVO VOCAL was connected to as does not have multimode technology and was slow to connect even when the other devices were switched off.

Warranty: 2 years from the date of purchase.

Conclusion:

The IPEVO VOCAL came with Two digital MEMS omnidirectional microphones with a Pickup distance of 5 m, which on paper may not compare well to many other brands which have more microphones. The 5w speaker volume is lower than many others tested in the past.

Ignoring all the above niggles, and specs this is a WOW conference speaker, wow in terms of using the best equipment in the past, conference, or earphones this outshines them all, When the AI Mic option was switched on, with a dog barking and a robotic vacuum running in the background, all the noise was drowned out. The other end of the call could not hear the noise through its artificial intelligence noise filter which used distinct data to capture natural sound while removing noise. The Omni-directional: 360° voice capture or Directional voice capture works flawlessly during calls (This can be heard in the video review when enabling the AI features.)

In conclusion, the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is a conference speakerphone that claims to be the first speakerphone with two-way AI noise reduction. While it has some niggles such as low speaker volume and slow Bluetooth connectivity, its AI noise reduction feature works flawlessly during calls.  This is a product that often-marketing teams exaggerate their claims of “It removes background noise on both ends of the call and delivers crystal-clear conferencing free of hassle.”  On this occasion, this statement is correct with a sensation feeling of this technology for the future. This is a product that must be tried /heard to believe it’s so good.

BUY

Video Review 

Jabra launches the Speak2 75, Speak2 55 and the Speak2 40 next gen speakerphones

Jabra, leaders in personal sound and office solutions, today launch the Speak2 range, the newest products in Jabra’s world market-leading Speak line-up of professional speakerphones which include the Speak2 75, Speak2 55 and the Speak2 40.  

Hybrid work has shifted the way we meet, with 80% of all meetings now being either fully remote or hybrid*. The new Speak2 range is engineered specifically to meet the need for an intelligent speaker that is built to handle anything a busy hybrid working day throws at you – whether it be conference meetings, direct calls, streaming media, presentation or other.  

With more than 9 million speakerphones sold worldwide, Jabra has long been leading the speakerphone market. Now, giving more power to the speaker than ever before, the Speak2 range is like widescreen audio for your ears, offering mobile and futureproof professional quality sound so all voices can be heard, wherever they may come from. 

Next generation engineering for each and every voice 

For all meeting participants to not only feel heard, but also listened to, the Speak2 range is engineered to go beyond standard speakerphone performance, and a full duplex audio. This speakerphone allows users who are talking simultaneously to conduct much more natural two-way dialogues, as though each speaker was there in person, without disrupting conversation flow.  

42% say they can’t hear what is being said in meetings*. With the Speak2 75, Speak2 55, and Speak2 40, gone are the days of raised voices straining to be picked up by poor quality speakerphones. Every speaker in this new range features cutting-edge Voice Level Normalisation technology and state-of-the-art beamforming microphones that eliminate background noise for superb voice pick up. 

Built with versatility in mind, the Speak2 range ultimately offers, professional, pocketable, and portable devices packed with the latest technology. All packaged up in a stylish, contemporary design with premium materials including 100% sustainable fabric for the speaker. When in call mode, the subtle user-interface ring lights up and brings use functions with relevant icons to life.  

Advanced professional speakerphone with superior audio  

Jabra Speak2 75 is like a boardroom in your pocket, being the only speakerphone in this range to feature a custom-designed Microphone Quality Indicator. The 360-degree light ring shows users how well their voice is being picked up by the microphones, giving users the reassurance of true professionalism from wherever they may be working. 

In addition, this speakerphone includes an advanced full range 65mm speaker, offering a dramatically more powerful audio experience and ultimately resulting in much more efficient and productive meetings.  

 

Compact speakerphones full of productivity-boosting tech  

With the Jabra Speak2 range, users can be sure to rely on seamless plug-and-play connectivity, so users can focus on what matters most; hosting professional and reliably brilliant meetings. For those who like choice, use the USB cable for a direct line with the Speak2 40 or go wireless with the Speak2 75 or Speak2 55.   

Finally, each Speak2 product is designed to work with all leading virtual meeting platforms, meaning users can participate confidently in calls and meetings from any location, without the worry of poor audio quality or connectivity issues. There’s even no need to be concerned about durability, since all of Jabra’s Speak2 products feature IP64-rated protection from dust and water. 

Aurangzeb Khan, SVP for Collaboration Solutions at Jabra says, “Sound clarity is fundamental when looking to ensure all employees feel included in hybrid meetings. Therefore, Jabra decided to take on the challenge of re-engineering the world-leading Jabra Speak series for better performance and optimised experiences. Engineered for the hybrid worker who wants to hear and be heard in the most productive way, the new Speak2 range demonstrates to those working flexibly between home and office, that their voice matters too. So, get ready to speak up.” 

Key shared features of the Speak2 range: 

·         Four beamforming noise-cancelling microphones with innovative background noise reduction technology 

·         Advanced full duplex audio  

·         Voice Level Normalisation technology 

·         Designed to work with all leading virtual meeting platforms, like Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and Zoom 

·         IP64-rated protection from dust and water 

Speak2 75 only: 

·         Super-wideband audio and full range 65mm speaker  

·         Microphone Quality Indicator  

·         Up to 33% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts) 

·         Easy connection with Microsoft Swift Pair 

·         Plug-and-play straight out of the box  

·         Up to 32 hours of wireless battery life 

·         Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom Rooms 

Speak2 55 and Speak 40: 

·         Plug-and-play for ease of use, with Jabra Speak2 55 boasting up to 12 hours of wireless battery life  

·         Contains more than 50% sustainable materials (from mechanical parts) 

Speak2 will be available from end of March 2023. 

Speak2 75 MSRP £297/€339 

Speak2 55 MSRP £144/€169 

Speak2 40 MSRP £127/€149 

 Find out more about Jabra Speak2 at www.jabra.co.uk/speak2 

Tech Review – Konftel Ego bluetooth speakerphone #Konftel #Tech

Having the right tools be it in the office or on the move is an important factor for many folk including myself and being in the tech space I consider myself lucky to have that equipment and get to test such out. Over the years I have tried many conference speakers and as expected they are getting better, more compact and more features and of course the price is getting better too which is a win for the consumer.

The Konftel Ego is the latest to drop on my desk and this is ideal for home use and indeed the office and with the work from home trend boom it is an ideal kit to have for more than just work duties this can be used in a personal capacity too for playing music on so you are not just buying a product for one use case scenario but two and to top it off it is portable and it is one of the slimmest ones I have used and the shape and design of this speaker is something different compared to the circular models which are popular and it stands out, several people have asked what it is here in the house and they all agreed with my thoughts on it. You can see the unboxing over on our You Tube

You get a travel pouch to store it in and the required cable to connect to your pc/laptop to charge up then you have the bluetooth connection of course keeping things wireless which I like and if you are one to be doing lots of zoom calls etc and you have the Konftel Cam 10 you have the ideal kit be it at home or if you are travelling and so on you have the ideal kit right here. It also works with works seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Zoom, Avaya IX Workplace and many other collaborative tools.

There is a cool LCD screen underneath the grille on top that shows status/function alongside the LEDs on the side in different colours to indicate the function and then you have the simple controls on the left and right which makes it a non complicated tool to have at your disposal.

You also can connect to a smartphone or tablet so it is not just a pc based product it can be used almost anywhere, the sound that comes from the speakerphone is omnidirectional so a meeting with up to six people in a room is a breeze for this and you can hear crystal clear and the sounds pack a punch too when playing music and if you want you can connect your headphones so overall it is a win win for both office and home use and then the portability factor just tops it off for having such a compact tool that looks good and gives a great audio experience for you or anyone in your meetings.

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