If you’ve even been on an airplane with a crying baby and found solace by slipping on your headphones and turning on the noise cancelling feature, you know just how great this technology can be.
Plantronics Inc. is of the opinion that noise cancellation technology isn’t just good for airplanes and noisy commutes, but for in the office as well. People are working in open concept offices these days, or even setting up shop and turning a bustling cafe into a makeshift workspace. Those environments are prone to be loud and it can be awkward to make calls with that din in the background.
In February, Plantronics launched the Blackwire 725, a USB stereo headset that came complete with noise cancellation technology. It called it the first headset geared for business communications to harbour the technology, and now it’s releasing the first wireless stereo headset with active noise cancellation meant for work. The Voyager Focus UC was unveiled on Monday and will be available to buy in mid-July.
The headset provides noise cancellation not just for the person
wearing it, but through the microphone as well. That means the person you have on the other end of the line will also have the illusion that you’re speaking to them from a nice, quiet cubicle even if you’re actually in the midst of a coffee shop during the morning rush.
It uses Bluetooth to connect to your various mobile devices or laptops and is rated as Class 1, giving you 300 feet of wireless range. Its adaptive power also preserves battery life when possible.
A new Dynamic Mute Alert feature will warn if you if you start talking despite being muted. If you’ve ever got through half a presentation only to realize no one can hear you, you’ll appreciate the use of this feature.
The headset itself has leatherette ear cushions wrapped around memory foam so you can wear it all day long if needed. The metal headband is adjustable.