Help your Jabra headset become smarter.

While you may be familiar with high-quality devices from Jabra, such as Evolve headsets and Speak speakerphones, you may not know that Jabra also provides innovative, AI-enhanced software that supports its USB (and Bluetooth with Link 360/370 adapter) products. Jabra Direct 2.0 is available now — and, it's free.

Core functions of Jabra Direct:

•Automatically get firmware updates so that your headset is always updated and secure.

•Personalize your headset settings according to personal preferences, or company requirements. Functions such as ringtone, sound optimization for music, audio protection level, sidetone level, and many more areas can be controlled.

•Remote call control (answer/end/call, mute, redial, etc.) for UC platforms.



Jabra Direct has an intuitive, user-friendly interface that provides overall status of each connected device, and notifications of updates. To receive firmware update notifications, go to Settings and switch Update Notifications to "On." This alerts you to open Jabra Direct, and run updates as they are available.

Key updates in Direct 2.0: Enterprises that use a proxy server, and those who prefer on-premise deployments, are now supported. Jabra Direct 2.0 will be able to connect to the Internet and receive settings and firmware in proxy-based environments. For enterprises that prefer not to be connected to the Internet, change settings or firmware updates on Jabra devices can be managed and controlled by the enterprise, within their firewall. Another update: Direct 2.0 provides data about end-user name and PC/Mac name, which is also then added as a service in Xpress 2.0. Additionally, Jabra announced that it has certified the handling of customer data in the Jabra Cloud with the SOC 2 declaration. Jabra is committed to protecting customer data against unwanted usage by a third party.

Download Jabra Direct 2.0 for Windows or Mac, from the Jabra Direct page.

Jabra Engage 50

Jabra Engage 50 is a new generation of digital headsets that provide additional call analytic metrics. The Engage 50 is the first Jabra corded headset to have the chip in the headset itself, making it a true digital headset. The Engage 50 uses the very latest chipset, and this, along with the positioning of the chip, delivers enhanced functionality and user experience.

No longer are headsets an accessory to a phone system, simply transmitting human audio; they are now a "business critical element of the whole infrastructure," according to Jabra SVP Holger Reisinger. These digital devices provide call analytics that in some cases can listen to how people say things, extracting human sentiment from the human voice. Reisinger says that Jabra is providing proof of concept with new KPIs for the contact center, such as measuring agent friendliness against customer anger, in real time. Rather than recording calls and doing transcription analytics, this information is measured in real time and shown as a graph, in front of the agent who is on the call, so that the agent can adjust tactics, mid-call.

Jabra Xpress 2.0 Now Available

For organization-wide updates and inventory management, we recommend Jabra Xpress, a free online tool. Read all about Jabra Xpress on our blog, here: Jabra Xpress: Mass Headset Deployment Made Easy. This program allows IT staff to create software packages for remote updates, configurations and asset management of Jabra USB devices. Jabra Xpress has also been updated to a 2.0 version. To create an account to begin using Jabra Xpress, or update existing Jabra Xpress to the 2.0 version, go to the Xpress microsite: Jabra Xpress 2.0.

Jabra Direct 1.0 and Jabra Xpress 1.0 will be discontinued June 30, 2019. We recommend updating to the new 2.0 versions today. Please reach out to us with any questions you have about these updates, and let us know if you need any assistance: 1-866-998-9991.

With 10 years in the headset business, headsets are our bread and butter. Of course, it makes sense that we see value in, and appreciate the use of, headsets. We came up with a (brief) list of reasons why we love headsets; and we are curious why others love their headsets. Share the reason why you love your headset on the Comments tab, above.

Headsets increase productivity. Studies show that workers using headsets are up to 40 percent more productive than those who don't. Headsets, especially those with integrated busylights, or used with external Busylights displayed on monitors or cubicle walls, are a clear notifier of status ... red means "do not disturb." Productivity increases without interruption.

Headsets produce clear conversations. Headset microphone technology has been designed to cancel background noise and focus on human voices, for the best possible audio experience.

Headsets protect hearing. Each headset brand has its own patented technology, providing hearing protections that guard against sound spikes and other sound hazards.

Headsets provide quiet work spaces. If we can't erect walls and a door around our desk, we can put a headset on our ears and block background noise. To really get the benefits of a quiet work space, we suggest an Active Noise Canceling headset. Read a round-up of all of the ANC headsets we offer here: Active Noise Canceling - The New Trend in Office Headsets.

Headsets support correct body alignment and good posture. One of the most important things about body mechanics and posture is alignment: how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles line up with each other. Proper alignment of the body puts less stress on the spine for good posture.

Headsets reduce stress. Noise can cause stress: ringing phones and conversations affect the rhythm and rate of our hearts. Interruptions cause stress. Open offices and the noisy environments they produce cause stress. By sealing yourself away from the noise with a headset, stress levels are lessened.

Headsets are a fashion statement. Headsets can represent a certain cool, edgy, "don't bother me, I'm busy" vibe. And, with all of the wearing styles available today, there truly is a headset for everyone: from ear buds to headbands, and everything in between, you can choose your look.

If you're not feeling the headset love, it may be time for a new, high quality, professional headset. We offer the top brands: Jabra, Plantronics, Sennheiser, BlueParrott, and VXi, and work with our customers to ensure the best fit for each environment and connection type. Give our headset experts a call today at 1-866-998-9991.

Hearing loss statistics are staggering: 30 million Americans age 12 and older has hearing loss in both ears. The Better Hearing Institute says that a large number of people wait up to 15 years from the time they know they have hearing loss until they purchase their first hearing aid, usually around the average age of 70 years old.

It is easy to blame loud music, headphones and ear buds as the cause of hearing loss; in fact, it is more complicated than that. According to Healthy Hearing, illnesses, head trauma and tumors, prolonged exposure to excessively noisy environments, genetic factors, and some medicines, can all play a part.

Aging is another factor that contributes to hearing loss. Currently, we are seeing an aging workforce: Workers are staying in the workforce past age 65. This is the highest it’s been in 55 years. And, by the year 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 36 percent of 65-to-69-year-olds will be part of the labor force.

Regularly, we are asked for headset recommendations for hearing aid wearers, and people who are having difficulty hearing calls. Through testing of our own, and daily use of the professional high quality headsets that we sell, we have some tips that will help you find the best set-up for clear calls.

Tip #1: Headsets must be designed for phone calls, not music or gaming. Taking phone calls all day on a headset not designed for human voices can cause problems. And with all-day wear, hearing fatigue can occur over the course of long work days. Beware of consumer-grade headsets that are tuned for music, rather than speech. Proper acoustic tuning in high quality, professional headsets removes noise that is not audible to the human ear, and simultaneously boosts higher frequencies that make fricatives* easier to discern.

Tip #2: We always recommend a dual ear headset. A mono headset covers one ear, leaving the other ear exposed to background noise. With a dual ear headset, both ears are covered, providing Passive Noise Canceling. The amount and degree of Passive Noise Canceling depends upon the shape and size of the ear cushions, and we recommend headsets with ear cushions that completely surround the ear.

Tip #3: If you choose a corded headset, we recommend the purchase of an amplifier, too. Amplifiers are designed to enhance voice quality and call clarity for headset users, boosting the headset's performance. They make sound louder. This technology enables headsets to be used with corded phones and phone systems. In addition to amplifying sound, amplifiers usually include additional features to enhance communication, including mute and volume controls.

Tip #4: Active Noise Canceling headsets may be an option. Active Noise Canceling technology uses one sound to reduce another sound, and is the latest office headset trend. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the ANC headsets from all of our brands: read the ANC Headsets blog post for more information.

We look forward to working with you on finding the best headset for your hearing needs. Our headset experts can be reached at 1-866-998-9991, or by email. After all, Communication Is Our Business!

*Fricatives are consonants that are formed by impeding the flow of air somewhere in the vocal apparatus so that a friction-sound is produced. For instance, the "f" in fine or the "ch" in Bach.

Source:
Are Americans Working Past Retirement Age? Jim Probasco, RothIRA.com

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

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

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


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

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

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

Are you trying to solve an echo problem? Trying to maximize security in your conferencing? To answer customers' needs, Yamaha designed a new tool, the Conference Product Finder, to identify the right Yamaha Unified Communications product with ease. Answer a few questions, and immediately your recommendations pop up.

Yamaha recognizes that conferencing needs are unique; even within one organization, there may be different connection types and room arrangements. A huddle room does not require the same type of coverage that a large board room would, for example.

The first series of questions asks what you're trying to do: Enhance sound quality? Record voices? and other options. The next screen is about Compatibility: Bluetooth, VoIP, USB and Microsoft Skype for Business, or other UC platform? Next up, how many people does this system need to cover? It could be for as few as one person, and as many as 20+ people.

Depending upon your answers, the product(s) that best match your requirements, will populate. The Product Finder will ensure the best fit for device and environment, connection type, and more; we will work with customers further on pricing, availability, and delivery status.

Or, if you prefer to speak with someone directly, our staff will be happy to discuss the various conference products offered by Avcomm Solutions, and help you determine the best fit. Call us at 1-866-998-9991, or send an email.