Tag: #workfromhome

Now Available: PanaCast 50 video bar for insight driven collaboration in the hybrid world. #Jabra #PanaCast50

Following its announcement in April 2021, Jabra today confirms that the PanaCast 50 is now shipping and is certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom rooms. Engineered to be the world’s first new-normal-ready intelligent video bar, the PanaCast 50 reinvents meeting room video, audio, and intelligence for the ‘new normal’ workspace.

Jabra collaborated with Intel to provide a computer vision solution to help facilitate more engaging and productive meetings. The PanaCast 50 has been engineered to help businesses navigate the flexible hybrid way of working. Combining immersive video, world-leading audio technologies and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence, the PanaCast 50 completely reinvents meetings and collaboration.

More natural and productive collaboration 

Jabra leveraged Intel technology to deliver intelligent zoom, active speaker detection, and other innovative capabilities – all to streamline and optimise the conferencing experience. This technology powers the Virtual Director feature to automatically adjust the frame according to what’s happening in the meeting, allowing Jabra PanaCast 50 to detect active speakers and the flow of conversation, thereby delivering a remote meeting experience that’s fully immersive and responsive.

Three 13-megapixel cameras create an immersive 180° field of view in Panoramic-4K that covers the whole room. Patented real-time video stitching technology uses advanced algorithms to decide exactly the right way to live-stitch the video streams together in real time with ultra-low latency. From single person calls to full team meetings, this intelligent technology always includes everyone in the most optimum way.

The PanaCast 50 also features eight beamforming microphones with precision voice detection which are backed up with intelligent algorithms that remove disruptive noise. Four powerful Jabra-engineered speakers – two 50mm woofers and two 20mm tweeters – in a zero-vibration stereo setup fill the room with premium, high-definition audio, while the latest 2-way audio technology delivers more natural conversations.

Enhanced workplace safety

Businesses need to ensure the safety of their employees in the workplace. Jabra uses Intel-powered AI to deliver real-time people detection and counting that helps promote compliance with infectious disease protocols. Because of its 180° field-of-view, PanaCast 50 can achieve 100% coverage of the meeting room and provides the best opportunity to count everybody in the room.

Additionally, through the network interface, longer-term analytics data is available for IT administrators, enabling the business to make data-driven decisions about how they’re utilising their meeting spaces. Organisations will have an overview of how many rooms are being used, even when there is no active meeting, helping inform decisions on office space.

Data security 

Security and privacy are top concerns for organisations. The Intel Edge AI processing capabilities within the PanaCast 50 help keep sensitive data secure by eliminating the need to transmit video and audio data to the cloud. By performing the analysis directly on the device, cloud security and data-in-transit risks are removed from the collaboration experience. Additionally, because the experiences are powered on the device, not only are the risks of security breaches significantly minimised, the accuracy, speed, and overall quality of the experience are maximised.

Aurangzeb Khan, Senior Vice President of Intelligent Vision Systems at Jabra, says, “We are so excited to announce that the PanaCast 50 is now available for shipping. Without our partnership with Intel, we would not have been able to make our vision of an effortless collaboration experience become a reality. Their outstanding Edge AI technology has enabled us to deliver the first video bar of its kind, and we hope that the intelligent features we have created together will make meetings in the hybrid world of work as inclusive and collaborative as possible.”

Brad Haczynski,Vice President and General Manager, IoT Sales at Intel says, “Jabra is delivering a smart, more secure, and more natural collaboration experience with the PanaCast 50, powered by the Intel Movidius VPU. The AI technology enables more engaging and productive meetings which can lead to increased collaboration and innovation in the hybrid workplace.”

More at https://www.jabra.co.uk/panacast50

Jabra PanaCast 50 Key features and specifications:

  • Astounding sound from the world leaders in professional audio
  • Unique 180° field of view keeps everyone in the picture at a safe distance2
  • Virtual Director intelligently adjusts the video in real time for more immersive meetings2
  • Safety Capacity and Room Usage Insights generates anonymous room occupancy data for all your meeting rooms at once
  • Network-connected system enables easy remote management and data delivery
  • Real-time whiteboard streaming for more inclusive remote collaboration
  • Uniquely advanced system architecture and built-in dual Edge AI processors powers a range of intelligent features
  • Plug-and-play for fast setup and maximum ease of use
  • Easy installation, with a choice of wall mount, table stand and screen mount (VESA)3
  • Certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Zoom Rooms, and works with Microsoft Teams Rooms as well as optimised for all leading UC platforms

Jabra PanaCast 50: Now available in Black and Grey, MSRP: £945

Find out more at https://www.jabra.co.uk/panacast50

Tech Review – Konftel Cam10 webcam. #Konftel #Webcams

Webcams are back on the scene in a big way these days thanks to the pandemic but even before this the work from home debate was leading toward it being a new way of life and probably better for most and also it offers workers a dual format to split being at home or in the office and it was heading this direction anyway for some time due to better infrastructure with WiFi which in Ireland is debateable particularly in rural areas where business lack good internet and only now we are seeing a development here, the problem for years is all big corporates want to move into the city centre and the docklands where I have been saying for some years why not split up around the country into smaller hubs an bring life back into country settings and create high tech jobs there which is why we have a shortage of such talent in Dublin because people are not willing to travel hours a day which again is costly here.

Moving back on to this webcams they are seeing a rise in popularity again due to the fact we are working from home and in most instances your laptop or desktop PC webcam is generally brutal especially in a professional capacity and we now use the likes of teams and zoom more than ever with a massive hike in use since the pandemic began they are now pretty much an every day platform to use even for me who never used either until I started working from home two years ago. I have tried several webcams and more here to review and this one is really nice, well made looks well and has a shutter/privacy slider which none of the other have and this is important for those with privacy issues but you can just unplug too.

The Konftel Cam10 combines big performance with compact styling and has been designed for today’s hybrid working trends – where more and more business critical meetings take place online. The stylish device features a wide 90° field of view, two built-in microphones, 1080p (30fps) full HD picture quality and a 4 x digital zoom. It’s a perfect home and traditional office companion, or for wherever people are working.

 

The Konftel Cam10 uses a standard damping bracket for easy and stable installation, whilst there’s the option of tripod mounting for alternative camera placement. You can basically use this camera anywhere in any position rather than having a fixed perspective an it is a simple plug in and go with no software required. The webcam’s two built-in microphones deliver impressive audio pick-up, supported by noise suppression technology. In a common scenario the screen speakers often perform as audio output but an improved option is to complement the Konftel Cam10 with the professional speakerphone Konftel Ego, creating an enhanced experience through Konftel’s renowned OmniSound audio technology.

BUY HERE 

Poly announces the launch of the Voyager Focus 2. We take a first look. #Poly #VoyagerFocus2

Poly recently announced the Voyager Focus 2, the latest addition in Poly’s best-selling line of stereo Bluetooth headsets. The Voyager Focus 2 is a smart, wireless headset with amazing audio that’s intuitive and easy to use, combining Poly’s next generation Acoustic Fence technology with Advanced Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to help you concentrate on what matters most.

“In this work-from-anywhere era where background noise comes at you from all sides, we saw an opportunity to build the next closest thing to a virtual sound wall by creating a literal ‘focus zone’ with the new Voyager Focus 2 headset,” said John Lamarque, vice president and general manager of the voice collaboration & professional headset business unit at Poly. “The Voyager Focus 2 is packed with three levels of hybrid ANC so all you hear is your call, while on the far end, all they hear is your voice because of our high-performance microphones and Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology. This headset is the best of the best, with the all-day comfort you need to stay focused.”

Crazy good sound

Callers are guaranteed to hear you clearly – not your surroundings – when you’re using the Voyager Focus 2 headset. Poly’s pro-grade noise-cancelling microphones with Acoustic Fence technology provides Poly’s best noise reduction yet, delivering crystal clear phone calls. Poly’s Advanced Digital Hybrid ANC comes with three settings: high, mid, and off so you can set the right level for your surroundings. A convenient carrying case is also included, so you always have a headset to use wherever you go.

Pro-grade performance

While the Voyager Focus 2 is smart, you’ll never have to worry about not being heard. The Dynamic Mute Alert feature lets you know if you’re speaking while on mute, and an online ear cup indicator flashes when you’re on a call for a visual cue to others that you’re busy. Additional smart sensors will help you answer calls and play or pause music, and the smart microphone boom will automatically switch left and right audio no matter which side the headset is worn. The headset intuitively mutes the headset when the boom is in the up-right position to make sure you are always in control of your call.

Longer talk time 

Poly has supersized its most popular Voyager Focus headset by not only extending the battery life in the latest model, but by also providing the option to use it as a corded device, with audio over USB mode. The battery alone will offer longer talk time, with up to 19 hours.

Works the way you do

The Voyager Focus 2 headset is available in two different options to meet users’ complete connectivity needs. The VoyagerFocus 2 UC headset connects to mobile phones and PC/Mac via Poly’s new BT700 USB adapter that ensures a more stable audio connection and extended range in an ultra-compact form factor for when you need to step away from your device while staying connected. It also has a convenient desktop charging stand option to ensure one is always charged, plus serves for easy desktop storing. For those who need to connect to multiple communication devices throughout the workday, the Voyager Focus 2 Office headset connects with desk phones, mobile phones, and PC/Mac. The Office version continues to charge in the base when the headset is not in use, so you are always ready to take a call. It can also be used as a wired headset when plugged into the computer’s USB port.

Microsoft Teams Open Office certification 

The Voyager Focus 2 headset has earned the Microsoft Teams Open Office premium microphone specification with its noise-cancelling microphone that’s enhanced with Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology, ensuring nearby conversations are always kept private. It is Microsoft Teams-certified and comes with a dedicated Teams button for instant access to the app. It’s also compatible with Zoom right out of the box to seamlessly support all your collaboration and communications needs.

“As employees look for more flexibility in the way they work with a greater need to focus and work from anywhere, the Voyager Focus 2 aims to please,” said Mohamed Alaa Saayed, ICT industry director & fellow – connected work, Frost & Sullivan. “Poly’s Acoustic Fence technology and Advanced Digital Hybrid ANC technologies are premium features that improve not only the user’s experience, but also the experience on the far-end – providing an all-around amazing pro-grade, audio experience.”

Poly+ and Poly Lens supported 

For added convenience, the Voyager Focus 2 supports Poly Lens, a personal device support service, making it easier for IT teams to troubleshoot and manage devices while working remotely. The Voyager Focus 2 comes with a two-year limited warranty and access to Poly’s standard support. For additional peace of mind Poly+ is available, a paid subscription service that offers 24/7 technology support for personal devices around the world and a third-year warranty.

Availability

The Voyager Focus 2 joins Poly’s ever popular Voyager Focus UC line, which will continue to be available for purchase worldwide. The Voyager Focus 2 headset is available today on Poly.com and with authorised resellers worldwide.

For more information on pricing and availability of the Voyager Focus lineup, please visit: Voyager Focus 2 and Voyager Focus UC.

Pith & Stem launch DropTop. World’s first fully-integrated, plug-and-play, wall-mounted workstation.

Pith & Stem, Hertfordshire-based sustainable furniture makers, today launch DropTop.™: the world’s first fully-integrated, plug-and-play, wall-mounted workstation – marking one year since the UK first entered lockdown.

Beautifully designed using sustainable materials, DropTop.™ was created in response to three key ways in which our lives have changed since 23 March 2020:

  • We are spending more time than ever working from home
  • We are all relearning what it means to be productive
  • We are seeking a healthy work-life balance more than ever.

DropTop.™ is an easy-to-install, customisable workstation for productive, efficient and comfortable home-working. Comprising a pair of sleek, smart panels, it folds away easily and discretely at the end of the day. DropTop.™ looks to the future where hybrid working is the norm. It’s there when you need it, and out of sight when you don’t.

The unit is practical (ergonomically designed to promote healthy posture), strong (constructed using the toughest grade hardwood ply, with custom-made hinges), sustainable (made with FSC® certified birch plywood) and stylish (with customisable colours and finishes – you can even add your own favourite photos or artwork to the face).

Built with DisplayLink® technology, DropTop.™ is compatible across all major operating systems. It also features single cable USB charging connectivity and comes plug-and-play ready with energy rated A, flicker-free, LowBlue mode and full-HD monitors.

Sustainability sits at the heart of Pith & Stem. For every DropTop.™ sold, Pith & Stem plants ten trees through its partner Tree Nation – a global non-profit focused on afforestation, agroforestry and reforestation.

“Working from home comes with many environmental, social and economic benefits,” said Stefan Husanu, Pith & Stem CEO and DropTop.™ designer. “Nonetheless, many people have come to dislike it over the past year, even though it was once their dream! Factors behind this include it being uncomfortable, the lack of correct tools or workspace, and the inability to find that work-life balance. We can’t let these be an obstacle to something that has such a positive environmental impact, however. That’s why we created a home-working solution that fits every space and makes productivity fun, comfortable and stylish.”

Our world has fundamentally changed over the last twelve months in ways that are likely to long outlast the coronavirus pandemic, from hybrid working patterns to climate consciousness. DropTop.™ was built to match this changing world, becoming a future-fit, go-to solution for conscious citizens working at home.

Tech Review – The Edifier K815 headset. #Edifier #WorkFromHome #Tech

The Edifier K815 over-ear headphones have been professionally developed to be used for online activity, including home working and educational purposes and they do this with simplicity in mind too with no buttons on the headset itself. Ideal for the likes of Zoom and Teams etc this headset is lightweight and also what I like has some bass built in although you can fine tune some more through your EQ on the desired device you might use, this is not limited to just laptops or your pc either you can plug into your smartphone or tablet if you have an adapter at hand too which makes it more versatile.

The headset is light a made with plastic with a gloss looking finish with a retractable mic and really soft padding on the cups which makes them a real comfortable experience even for long periods of use plus they do not clamp onto your head either and even  testing for several hours on my end they did not sweat the ears either so overall a great experience to be had.

 

 

Using for music is also acceptable here with really nice bass to be found given they are not targeted for music they can be used in this manner and sound pretty good overall and can be use in tandem with work and a personal capacity and a great listening experience is possible, there is no music controls on the headset however you can either use your PC/Laptop or mobile to manually change tracks and so on…

 

Main Features:
  • Professionally developed for online learning with detachable, 120° adjustable, noise-cancelling microphone.
  • Highly tuned sound pressure levels to protect the user’s hearing.
  • The large black voice coil diaphragm unit delivering outstanding sounds.
  • Independent external sound cards and shielded wires with large magnetic rings for crystal clear and uninterrupted communications.
  • Adjustable headbands for comfortable fit.
  • 3.5mm jack connection.

Edifier sent us these to review with no compensation or copy approval and are seeing this review the same time as you.

 

The Edifier K815 is available for £44.95 on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-K815-Gaming-Headset-Microphone-White/dp/B076BW4D4Y

 

Tech Review – The Poly Blackwire 8225 . #Poly #Blackwire #Tech #WFH

The Poly Blackwire 8225 headphone are lightweight yet powerful with features and can be used as a pair of normal headphones too offering great sound with options to customise to your liking too via software you download onto your PC or Laptop and overall can be used in a hybrid manner for office, business or a personal capacity with music too which is really nice, lightweight as mentioned this is important and these can be used for hours on end with no sweating or head fatigue noted during my testing and I have been busy doing lots of virtual events and calls here at home and found these a good buy if you are in the market for something new as we are now in a massive move to working from home these are a pair of headphones to check out to cover all aspects at hand.

 

 

The build quality is good too and always is from Poly and they look well and of course that familiar orange cable is present with a control box offering features on the fly which is really useful. Again I must point out with such a product these can be used on your tablet of smartphone too and not only PC enabled as many of us would use our mobile to conduct our work on too these days and all you need is an adapter to use them so if you do not have one invest in one as they work really well on mobile too and it is something I do quite often rather than been stuck at my laptop all day I can move around with the headphones on me and swap rooms in the house with no hassle. Sound  quality is great overall and with ANC present it seals the deal on this headset..

 

 

The Blackwire 8225 is easy for IT to deploy and manage and is designed to drastically reduce the noise and distraction that comes with every style of workplace – from the home office to the traditional office. Three settings of advanced hybrid active noise cancelling (ANC) technology allow users to adjust to fit their work environment and seamlessly tune out distracting household noises such as vacuum cleaners, or workplace chatter from colleagues. A noise-cancelling microphone enhanced with Poly Acoustic Fence technology ensures users sound crisp and clear from wherever they work by automatically reducing distracting background noise, like nearby talkers or dogs barking, so that the only sound heard on the other end of the line is clear, premium audio of the speaker talking.

 

BUY 

 

 

 

 

Tech Review – The Poly Voyager 4245 office. #WFH #Office #Tech #Voyager4245

The Voyager 4245 wireless headset system is an office type headset which can be used on a variety of applications or Computer, Desk phone or Smartphone.  The box came in a plane brown box with limited information available. Inside the box came a variety of accessories, from earplugs, wearing style, desk mount, charging cable etc

Features

  •       Comfortable for all-day wear, it is the lightest Bluetooth® headset for contact center use, weighing in at .75 oz/21 g
  •       Wearers can collaborate on the move, with a wireless range up to 328 ft /100 m
  •       Bluetooth 5.0 with BLE technology allows for seamless and easy global wireless deployment
  •       The connection with the customer is never lost thanks to continuous battery* life with high-quality wideband audio
  •       Any distracting noise surrounding the speaker is blocked by the noise-cancelling microphone
  •       Visual and audible alerts indicate battery level
  •       Microsoft Teams certified with dedicated Teams button for instant access

 

Customise headset option

This is one of my favourite features, allowing the choice to use the headset in 3 different styles as required by the individual user.

 

Battery & charging

Continuous battery, this is achieved using a spare battery which is charged when not in use, with the battery swapped while a call is in progress, given unlimited talk time. This is my number one gripe with this product. During teams calls. The battery voice prompt will advise fully charged, medium or low. To change a battery during a team’s video call, the video would have to be turned off, the audio muted, headset removed, the battery changed and then await the Bluetooth to connect back to the phone or laptop.  This may work for internal video calls but not practical for business calls. Traditionally other brands have a USB C charger leads socket which would allow a portable charger brick or charging lead to be plugged into the headset. The option of changing the battery works but reminds me of the original mobiles that came with 2 batteries to ensure you got a day’s use.

The charger plug is an odd shape, (can be used with a 3 pin or 2 pin plug) with the lead crossing over to another plug with the potential of being damaged.

 

Audio:

The Microphone as expected from Plantronics is a noise-cancelling microphone which is of excellent quality, background noise is filtered out effectively resulting on another end of the call / video getting extraordinarily little background noise.  The headset has the usual volume up and down button but observed the max volume is lower than many other earphones used. This may be a design feature to ensure not to distract / allow other users in the office to overhear the conversation and prevent the user from shouting when the volume is turned up to a high level.

 

Overall.

The Voyager 4245 office headset has great features / compatibility in terms of the ability to use the headset in 3 different styles. I would expect to lose a lot of the accessories within 3 months.  The Multipoint Technology which allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously is a must in any product which is expected to improve efficiency. ( If looking to purchase a new product that does not have Multipoint Technology , Techbuzz Ireland would ask you reconsider your choice for future proofing) Albeit a personal  niggle is the battery charging, swapping option which is my number one gripe on the product, minors others on the charging plug, high volume level but nothing major.

Overall, the Poly Voyager 4245, is light for all day use, excellent build, and call quality which a variety styles to allow superior call quality and use and certified by the major Collaboration & Meetings call providers.

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poly-Voyager-Bluetooth-Cancelling-Microphone-Black/dp/B08BLY4SZ2

Price: £239.53

Tech Review – The Jabra Speak 750. #Tech #JabraSpeak750 #Jabra

With working from home or smaller office environment a new trend you will need the latest and greatest at hand and the JABRA SPEAK 750 is an ideal fit for this and not only that it can be used as a personal speaker too so you are getting several use cases from one product which is great.

It is a familiar shape with a circular look with touch sensitive buttons atop and of course those cool lights that come up when turned on. Connecting to the 750 speak is simple and three ways to do so by USB, and Bluetooth and you can also connect this to your smartphone and your PC you are not tied to your laptop or home PC and can work from a phone which I tend to do but tested this in both capacities.

The build quality is also a strong point here and the in-built cable management as seen on previous models and also features DSP which stops distortion or echo however if on a phone you might want to be standing away from it rather than beside you will see in video below..

On the front you have all the commands at hand by a simple touch and access to your Microsoft teams and other controls which all work well and for calls it was excellent and on the few teams calls I tried the result the same with great clarity in the calls and people the other end could hear me no problem at all and clear at that with no lag or distortion.

On a whole this is an ideal product though some might find this expensive but if you want the latest tech there is that delivers this is an investment especially if you are working from home and of course can be used in offices to hold small gathering meetings and you can pair two of these together for a more cohesive result for all in the room though now with things the way they are that may be limited but going forward it is an ideal kit.. Also to note this is very portable and comes with a carry case so it is not restricted to just one home or office and lightweight.

Jabra sent us this product to review with no compensation or copy approval.

BUY HERE

Ergotron’s New StyleView Pole Cart Brings Technology Anywhere #Ergotron #Tech

Ergotron, a global company focused on improving how people work, learn, play and care for others, has today announced the introduction of the StyleView® Pole Cart. This compact and mobile cart solution brings tablets, technology, supplies and more to wherever they’re needed in healthcare, education, industrial and other environments. An optional LifeKinnex™ hot swap battery keeps power available for the cart even if an outlet is not.

The cart is designed with a modular architecture to make customisation simple, with a built-in T-slot and VESA plate that fit a variety of accessories. A convenient handle improves ergonomics and offers precise movement. Three-inch, heavy-duty casters facilitate easy moving from room to room or across floors of various surfaces.
“One of the many hospital applications for the StyleView Pole Cart is connecting isolated patients to others,” said Richard Guy, Country Sales Manager, UK & Ireland. “With a tablet mount, this solution can be positioned next to a patient’s bed, providing an easy way to communicate with hospital caregivers or with family.”
The StyleView Pole Cart’s simple, slender design can easily fit in tight spaces in healthcare environments. In a classroom, teachers can mount a tablet or other small device and position the cart by a student desk or at the front of a classroom for remote learners. In industrial applications, the StyleView Pole Cart can be manoeuvred anywhere on a busy manufacturing floor.
With a thermal imaging camera attached, the cart can also be deployed in offices or public spaces to detect body temperatures and support efforts to help maintain safe, healthy teams and communities.
The StyleView Pole Cart is now available from resellers globally. For more information, visit https://www.ergotron.com/en-gb/products/product-details/24-818.