Tag: #workfromhome

Jabra launches the Speak 750. Powers Your Meetings from Anywhere with Seamless Premium Sound. #Jabra #Tech #JabraSpeak750

Jabra, the leader in personal sound as well as office solutions, announces the next model in its portfolio of professional speakerphone solutions – the Speak 750. The new addition to the Speak series is engineered to support conferencing needs in the ‘new normal’, elevating meeting room experiences no matter what shape they take. The premium audio system is able to pick up sounds seamlessly, allowing everyone in the room to speak and be heard simultaneously even while social distancing, while the portability of the device means it can turn any area into a meeting room within a matter of seconds.

Owing to full duplex (allowing natural communication in both directions), the Speak 750 ensures both sides of the conversation are being transmitted at the same time. This mean that conversations are able to flow as they would in person, helping elevate audio experience and mitigating any worries of missed important information. With fewer interruptions and better conversations businesses can enjoy more effective collaborations, while boosting UC adoption through enhancement of sound.

 

Plug-and-play for instant collaboration

According to research, 10% of the average 60-min meeting is being wasted on technical difficulties[1]. Thanks to the plug-and-play capabilities of the Speak 750, businesses can achieve connectivity instantly through plug-and-play to a laptop, smartphone or tablet via   USB and/or Bluetooth.

The Speak 750 is not limited to just one device either, as it can pair with up to eight devices and can connect to two devices at the same time – enabling peak connectivity at all times.

The versatility doesn’t stop there as the Speak 750 Microsoft Teams variant, certified for Microsoft Teams, has a dedicated Microsoft Teams button which allows instant connection to colleagues. Notifications alert users when it’s time to join a call or when someone is trying to reach them. Tapping the button takes users directly into an ongoing Microsoft Teams call so the connection to colleagues will always be just a click away.

The Speak 750 UC variant is compatible with all leading Unified Communications platforms and has a Smart Button that can be programmed for Siri, Google Assistant or Speed dial.

Nigel Dunn, Managing Director, Jabra EMEA North, said, “As the world of work changes, collaboration continues to remain a key priority for global businesses. The Jabra Speak 750 is suited to every meeting room scenario imaginable and takes flexible working to the next level – whether it’s a socially distanced call in an office room or a make-shift conference in your living room, the premium quality full duplex setting makes calls easy and collaboration simple.” 

 

Key features and specifications

  • Plug-and-play connectivity to PC Softphone/UC systems via USB cable or Bluetooth adaptor
  • Full duplex audio offers fewer interruptions, better conversations and a more effective collaboration
  • Easy Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones and tablets
  • Wireless range of up to 30 metres (between speakerphone and Bluetooth Adapter) – up to 10 metres (between speakerphone and smartphone/tablet)
  • For the Microsoft Teams variant, interact with the dedicated Microsoft Teams Button for seamless collaboration.
  • For the UC variant, integrate your smartphone digital assistant using, Siri or Google Assistant or customise your Speak 750 for speed dial using Jabra Direct Software
  • Seamless integration and call control with leading UC system’s/PC softphones
  • Hi-Fi grade speaker for outstanding voice, music and multimedia experience
  • Digital Signal Processing technology gives crystal clear sound without echoes or distorted sounds
  • Up to 11 hours battery life
  • Wireless linking option with an extra Speak 750 device for full stereo and true immersive sound for calls and music
  • Omni-directional microphone for 360⁰ pickup range

 

Pricing and availability: 

Available from authorised Jabra resellers. Jabra Speak 750: £255 MSRP

Find out more at www.jabra.co.uk/speak750

Edifier launch the K815 headset.. #Edifier #WorkFromHome #Tech

The K815 is equipped with 40mm NdFeb drivers to produce a strong bass and clearer sound and developed with precisely adjusted sound pressure level. Ideal for working or learning from home or the workplace.

 

Edifier® International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets, has developed the K815 headphones. 
These over-ear headphones have been professionally developed to be used for online activity, including home working and educational purposes. The K815 are equipped with 40mm NdFeb drivers to produce a strong bass and clearer sound, ideal for hearing every important sound when engaging on online learning courses or having that zoom meeting with colleagues.
The precisely adjusted sound pressure levels ensure that the user’s hearing is protected, thus producing a safe, yet outstanding sound quality. These headphones are ideal for use by children due to these safeguarded measures. 
The on-ear microphone can be adjusted through 120°, and includes a highly sensitive, noise cancelling microphone, removing external noise for minimal interference on voice calls. The wire also has a built-in volume control for ease of use, allowing the user to make adjustments without turning away from their screen. 
The large black voice coil diaphragm units deliver outstanding sound quality, while the independent external sound cards provide crystal clear communication. The shielded wires and large magnetic rings also reduce interference when being used for calls.
Delivering on sound and style, the headphones feature a silver-plated siding on the ear cups. This striking detail is paired with a high gloss black or white finish for effortless style. The soft, cushioned headband and ear cups ensure comfortable fit for all-day wear. 

 

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.

Specifications:
Frequency response
20Hz – 20kHz
Impedance
40Ω
Sound pressure level
91+/-3dB
Sensitivity 
-42dB+/-3dB
Microphone direction
Single point
Connector
USB-A plug
Price & Availability:
The Edifier K815 is available for £44.95 on Amazon:

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

Review – The Jabra Evolve2 65. #Jabra #JabraEvolve2 #Office #Home #WFM #Tech

The Jabra Evolve2 65 came in the standard colours with their marketing giving clear details of the features of the earphones.  The packaging as with the product looks professional with the packing also defined as crafted with 100% recyclable material. The internal packing was set up as a quick user guide on the features of the individual buttons.

The headset is made of ultra-soft foam cushion covered in colour-matched silicone, ear cushion soft audio foam covered in colour-matched leatherette,  with an aluminium slider arm. The headset connects to multiple devices wirelessly simultaneous, e.g. laptop and phone,

 

Contents:

  •         Headset,
  •         Desk stand
  •         Jabra Link 380 BT adapter, 1.2m/3.9ft
  •         USB-C to USB-A cable,
  •         soft pouch for the headset (not for the stand)
  •         Warranty and warning (safety leaflets)
  • Weight – Stereo 176.4g/6.22ozThe weight is important in terms of wearing for hours, which is comfortable.

 

 

 Key features

  •         Noise-isolating design for ideal concentration: Keeps external sounds out for better work collaboration and listening experience in any environment
  •         Long battery life and improved busy light: Keep interruptions to a minimum with up to 37 hours of battery life – the integrated red LED light shows ongoing conversations
  •         Be heard and understood, wherever you are: 3 microphones, an enhanced digital chipset and the boom arm offer you the best possible audio quality
  •         This Evolve2 65 headset is MS Teams-certified with a dedicated Teams button and meets MS Teams open office requirements
  •         Warranty 2-year warranty

 

The plug-and-play experience includes these benefits:

  •         Automatic selection as the default audio device.
  •         A dedicated Microsoft Teams button to Notifications of Microsoft Teams LED flashes purple when. Microsoft Teams meeting ready to join. Microsoft Teams missed call. …
  •         Voice prompt when the user is wearing the headset.

 

Battery, Charging

The unit came with a Desk stand charger USB A which can be plugged in a standard USB charger or direct to a Laptop.  The headset has 2  gold contacts for the desk stand, alternatively, a USB C charging lead  ( as supplied with most modern Android phones ) can be used. A full charge can provide 37 hours of battery life in 90 minutes. A fast charge of 15 minutes can provide 8 hours of battery life.  While the Desk stand charger is ideal to store and charge the headset, this is an item not used as on the few occasions when the battery was getting low ( as advised on the phone app ) connecting to a power brick with a standard USB C charger cable meant the headset did not need to be removed from its primary purpose. The battery life of 37 hours is great with the option to shut down if not used within the app functionality.

 

Setup:

On the Jabra Evolve2 65, slide and hold (3 seconds) the on/Off/Pairing switch in the “Pairing” position until the LED flashes blue and the Jabra Evolve2 65 announces pairing mode. On your Android device, go to Apps, Settings, Connections, Bluetooth. Ensure Bluetooth is turned On. Your Android device will automatically search for available devices. When the name of your product appears on-screen, tap it to start pairing. When pairing is complete, your Jabra Evolve2 65 is ready to use with your mobile device. If you need to pair a second device, or if the initial pairing fails, restart the pairing process from the beginning.

 LED colours and behaviours.

 

App

Download the Jabra Sound + app for the phone as the setup in the standard for android,

 

Laptop / PC

The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter can be plugged directly into the USB port as Jabra device is pre-paired in the box. The Jabra Link Bluetooth adapter supports plug-and-play functionality, without needing to install separate software drivers on the computer.

 

Teams calls

The Evolve2 models that are certified for Microsoft Teams support Microsoft Teams as a plug-and-play experience. The plug-and-play experience includes these benefits:

  •         Automatic selection as the default audio device.

A dedicated Microsoft Teams button to:

  •         Notifications of Microsoft Teams LED flashes purple when
  •         Microsoft Teams meeting ready to join
  •         Microsoft Teams missed call
  •         Microsoft Teams voicemails
  •         Microsoft Teams LED flashes green with an incoming Microsoft Teams call
  •         Invocations
  •         Answering incoming Microsoft Teams calls
  •         Opening the meeting “pre-join” screen
  •         Open missed calls screen
  •         Open Microsoft Teams voicemail screen
  •         Bring up Microsoft Teams client from the background
  •         Voice prompt when the user is wearing the headset

 

 

Niggles

Slight niggles were noticed on the boom mic which can be obtrusive when not in use listening to music, the boom mic cannot be disconnected or removed. On receipt of 2 calls e.g. from a laptop teams call and mobile call, the answering can be confusing in terms of the buttons to press, this takes practice to become familiar with the buttons like any other new product I guess.Most modern products as such are the same be it on one side or the other and no removable or detachable. 

 

Overall:

The Jabra Evolve2 65 is quality in the physical feel of the headset, the software is tried and tested from previous models and works well. The core function of making and receiving calls via your phone or Laptop worked easily, The added featured of mute, physically moving the mic to mute or unmute, other standard features we typically expect worked well. It is also a viable product for personal music but Jabra excell here in other areas with the 85H Evolve 2 85  which Jim is testing right now and so far has been more than impressed with these as a hybrid answer or their latest True Wireless the elite active 75t which is tough to beat, with Jabra products they both suit our needs in the environments we both work in which sees different scenarios and some similar and Jabra products fit the bill perfectly and fulfil our needs and more when it comes to quality and features. 

The software provides options for bass depth and clear treble for music, the office functionality in terms of  Microsoft Teams and the consistency in call quality and connection provides a  seamless experience. The Jabra does the simple thing right, connection to multiple devices simultaneously, provided clear call quality and audio experience,  another quality product from a quality company,  A pearl of audio communication experience.

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jabra-Evolve2-Wireless-Headset-USB/dp/B086KBXB3G

The Jabra Evolve2 65 was supplied to us by Jabra with no preview or copy approval and no compensation was provided. You see our reviews the same time the brands we work with do. Additional text and unboxing video by Jim O Brien.

First look at the Jabra Evovle 2 65. #Jabra #JabraEvolve2 #Office #WFH

Recently Jabra announced a fe wnew products to the market to cater for home and office and now with nmore of us working from home than ever before it will become a norm to some extent for many going forward and with that we need the technology to help us out and Jabra are one company that has always excelled in this department.

 

The Evolve 2 has three microphones of which two are located in the boom-arm and one in the right ear cup. The headset offers up to 37 hours of battery life and three times better real wireless range than the existing Evolve 65. This headset is part of their new range which we covered here and you can read up some more on them, Today we take a first look at the product and unbox them and if you have any questions feel free to ask as always. Full review will be ready soon.

BUY HERE

 

Dell Technologies Provides Top Tips to help Businesses Make the Transition to Remote Business Model. #Dell #Business

Dell Technologies has today unveiled tips to help businesses make the transition to a remote business model successfully at this time highlighting that the successful management of a remote workforce will be key to a positive outcome. With many businesses now working in the new reality that their entire workforce is operating from home, Dell Technologies has outlined the critical importance of connecting technology, security, workforce flexibility, data and leadership to help build a remote business model that remains competitive at this time.

Jason Ward, Vice-President and Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland said: “The future of work is transforming before our eyes. In a matter of weeks, businesses have found themselves in a position of having their entire workforce operating from home. With no time for on-the-job learning, this transition can pose a major challenge. 

“Remote working and flexible working have been fundamental elements of our business and culture at Dell Technologies for over 10 years. Over that decade of our teams working in a remote capacity, we have learnt some important lessons that others can benefit from to create a workforce transformation strategy fit for our new reality. 

“Technology is the foundation stone for large-scale remote interaction and engagement and must be at the centre of a remote working strategy and business model. But successful remote working takes more than the right technology. It requires a security-first approach, rooted in data, with flexible HR policies and leadership from the very top. 

“It will take time for companies to find the right approach to shape the supportive culture that meets the needs of every member of the team. Today we’re are sharing some tips that we believe can help businesses to safely navigate the move to remote working now and into the future.”

Technology

  1. Put employees first and make sure that applications and devices meet their needs so they can be productive.
  2. Provide the right technology – devices, applications, security, and connectivity – so colleagues can collaborate regardless of where they are.

Security

  1. Security must be an integral part of business strategy connected to the people, processes and technologies with an organisation so that data and IT assets are secure and available.
  2. Put in place collaboration and communication tools that can be used from anywhere, at any time on any device.
  3. Ensure your security policies accommodate new technology and working approaches.

Human Resources

  1. Partner across the organisation to help develop workplace policies that embraces flexible culture and enables every team member to give their best
  2. Listen to your employees – what’s working for them and what needs to be adjusted to enable them to be more productive.
  3. Provide training on connectivity tools, platforms and equipment so employees can get the most out of their remote workspace.

Data

  1. Root decisions in data by looking at trends in when employees are logging into their systems to work and what evolving external forces may require temporary or permanent shifts in your workplace policies.

Leadership

  1. Prepare managers and leaders for this new world of work by coaching them to support their teams and help them feel more connected.
  2. Leaders should listen to employees and understand what is working for them and what needs to be adjusted to enable them to be more productive.
  3. Maintain effective communication. Virtual coffee chats or open office hours are a good way to create “water cooler” moments which build and maintain relationships across your business.

Successful remote working has been a multi-year journey for Dell Technologies. As many Irish businesses look to keep their remote workforce connected for the coming weeks and months, it is important as a first step to identify what capabilities are already in place in your business which can be scaled, what transformations you have started that can be accelerated and identify smart investments that protect the health and safety of employees.

For more information on these tips and supporting resources create a remote workforce, log onto: https://www.delltechnologies.com/en-ie/connectedworkplace/index.htm.

Tech to make working from home a happier and healthier experience. #Tech #WorkFromHome

With the majority of us now working remotely here is some ideas rounded up to make the home office more bearable. Whether it’s creating the optimal desk set up to help with productivity or suggestions of things to do during regular breaks to help keep you energised and focused, these tools should be considered.

Twelve South Curve

Price: £54.99

Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

Many people suffer from neck pain caused by poor posture and too many hours spent looking down at a screen. Having a good laptop stand like the Twelve South Curve will make working instantly more comfortable and healthier. Stylish with an improved ergonomic design, the Curve means users no longer have to hunch over and tilt their heads downwards towards a screen. They can elevate their MacBook to a more comfortable height, relieving neck and shoulder strain in the process. Whether you want to use your MacBook as a second screen or add a keyboard and mouse and use if more like a desktop, the Curve is the perfect option.

Groov-e Apollo  

See our review

Price: £29.99 Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

 

Having the right lighting when working can make all the difference. Not only can it reduce eye strain but it can boost productivity levels and invigorate you. The Groov-e Apollo is a stylish desk lamp packed with all the latest features to make work life easier. Not only is it a flexible lamp with three LED light modes, it also features wireless charging which means no more hunting around for chargers as users can simply place their mobile device on the base to charge instantly. What’s more users can connect to the Apollo via Bluetooth to hear their favourite tunes around the room using its 3W speaker. USB powered, users can take the Apollo and plug in wherever they are working.

Groov-e Zen

Price: £54.99 Available from: www.groov-e.co.uk

The Groov-e Zen Active Noise Cancelling headphones are perfect for those working from home and wanting to block out some of the ambient sound in order to concentrate. Whether it’s a partner working in the same space or kids playing in the next room, the Zen headphones will make it easier to work. With over 10-hours of wireless playback the Zen headphones are ideal for taking calls or listening to music when connected to a Bluetooth device.

Twelve South HiRise Wireless

Price: £79.99 Available from: www.amazon.co.uk

See our review

If you’re looking for a desktop charger to stay fully powered while working in the home office then the Twelve South HiRise Wireless is the perfect choice. Not only is it an upright desktop stand for mobile phones, keeping your device charged while holding it in position for Skype and FaceTime calls, messages and calendar alerts, it’s also a wireless charging pad for AirPods and a USB-C portable wireless charger for travel. All this in one stylish chrome and leather package.

Evernote

Price: From free – Available from: https://evernote.com

Evernote allows you to work from home easily offering users a number of packages to either work solo or collaborate with teams. Evernote lets users save notes, ideas, lists and reminders which can be accessed via app when needed. Evernote Business offers Spaces which allows for teams to manage projects, deadline, clients and meetings with ease.

Activ5

Price: £129.99

Available from: Amazon.co.uk, Harrods and Smartech Selfridges See our review

It’s not all about work when working from home, it’s also important to focus on mind and body health and take breaks throughout the day. Studies show that physical activity not only improves your physical health but your mental health and productivity as well. You could get outside and go for a walk or run, do a free online exercise or even use a device such as the Activ5 which can be used for five minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening for an effective workout.

Dubbed ‘a tiny gym in your pocket’ Activ5 is a portable fitness device that enables anyone with a smartphone to exercise anywhere, anytime.  Activ5 helps to:

-Tone and strengthen muscles with results showing that users can increase strength by 30% in just 6 weeks

-Personalise 100+ exercises to your fitness level, track progress and exercise while playing games

-Do full body isometric exercises and workouts – 5 minutes of isometric exercise can be the equivalent of 25-minutes of gym machine exercises

-Track results on the companion Activ5 app, available on iOS and Android

Senstroke

Price: £145

Available from: www.senstroke.com

There’s plenty of research that says we work better by taking short breaks in between bursts of activity. Rather than just grabbing a cup of tea and watching You Tube for 10 minutes why not play a musical instrument – it’s the perfect way to unwind.  Senstroke is the first connected solution that allows you to play drums anywhere. Perfect for seasoned drummers or even those who’ve never played before, simply attach the Senstroke Bluetooth sensors to the included drumsticks and begin playing on any surface – a desk, cushion or even on your knees.

The Senstroke app features a new learning mode that is perfect for beginners allowing them to have in-app lessons as they play with a drum track that scrolls across the screen to aid learning. Quick and easy to use, drummers can choose between a pre-configured drum layout to get going straight away or customise it to suit their needs.