It’s never been more important, and perhaps more difficult, for people to be engaged in their work. Things move fast. People have the flexibility to work when they want, often outside 9 to 5. And they’re working everywhere: in the office (where it can be noisy and filled with distractions) and out of the office (where it’s often even harder to focus). But when people are engaged, it usually means they’re happier. Plus, engaged employees outperform their peers in terms of productivity, sales, energy levels, healthcare savings, and lower turnover rates.

SMARTER WORKING HELPS PEOPLE BE AT THEIR BEST

The Smarter Working approach can help an organization enhance some of the factors that contribute to employee engagement and happiness.

First, it’s essential that people have a choice of workspaces within their workday such as places to collaborate, unassigned desks, quiet spaces, or touchdown areas. Second, they need the right communication tools—those designed for them—to use seamlessly throughout their day. This has a wonderful effect. People can embrace their own work style, the way they work best. They feel like the company is listening to them, they’re more satisfied with their job, and they are more likely to stay. So, there is a greater sense of belonging, which promotes a culture of trust. This means they enjoy more independence and have more control over their day. This kind of supported autonomy breeds engagement for employees and creates a company others will want to join.

WITH SMARTER WORKING, THE TALENT POOL WIDENS

When companies adopt a Smarter Working approach and provide an array of workspaces and communication tools, there is an additional (and big) advantage: the opportunity to recruit the best people, wherever they may be in the world. Because just like a great idea can come from anyone, great talent can come from anywhere.

A MORE SATISFIED WORKFORCE CONTRIBUTES TO BOTTOM-LINE PERFORMANCE

With Smarter Working, people have the tools and freedom to contribute to the company’s success in their own unique ways. This is gratifying and provides a real sense of fulfilment. And that matters because employee satisfaction and productivity are closely tied to financial success.1

In South Africa, Plantronics promotes Smarter Working concepts through its team members, authorized distributors and partners. Read more about Smarter Working https://www.plantronics.com/za/en/smarter-working  

About Plantronics
Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth? headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit  www.plantronics.com/za

1 ”When the walls come down,” Oxford Economics, page 9. 2 ”The Engaged Workplace,” http://www.gallup.com/services/190118/engaged-workplace.aspx.

Patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial enables Xbox One and PS4 gamers to keep hands on their controllers while changing volume.

Santa Cruz, Calif. – June 5, 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced the RIG 500 PRO Series of gaming headsets, created to deliver high-fidelity audio in an ultra-lightweight design for the truly competitive gamer. RIG 500 PRO Series are the first gaming headsets to feature an exoskeleton earcup design with isolated inner acoustic chambers to reduce distortion, creating the ideal audio solution for today’s high-resolution gaming platforms.

Premium 50 mm drivers deliver wide-range frequency response while dual-material ear cushions provide the combination of noise reduction and comfort competitive gamers need for long, focused sessions. In addition, the console editions come with the patent-pending RIG Game Audio Dial, a 3.5mm connector with integrated volume control for wireless game controllers. Console gamers can now adjust volume directly from the controller without lifting their hands. PC models feature an inline volume slider.

“The new RIG 500 PRO Series takes the innovative modular design of the RIG 500 to the next level,” said Gregory Morquin, Category Business Manager, Gaming Products, Plantronics. “And, it continues the impressive number of firsts we’ve brought to competitive gamers, including the first VR-focused headsets, Dolby Atmos® activation and now, the RIG Game Audio Dial for Xbox One and PS4 wireless controllers.”
RIG 500 PRO Series, available in Console, PC and Esports editions, builds upon the lightweight, modular design of the original RIG 500 with performance-boosting features including:

• Premium 50 mm drivers for expanded frequency response
• A removable noise-canceling microphone boom and flip-to-mute feature
• Removable audio cables that can be easily swapped or replaced
• Snap-in ear cushions that come in full fabric for maximum breathability or in dual material that balances comfort with ambient noise reduction
• Isolated acoustic chambers for reduced distortion
• An easy-to-reach RIG Game Audio Dial for fingertip volume control for Xbox One and PS4 models
• An inline volume slider for PC models
• The ability to unlock three-dimensional sound with a prepaid Dolby Atmos for Headphones activation code

Availability:

The Plantronics brand has been present in South Africa for more than 20 years alongside authorized local distributors. Select RIG 500 PRO Series headsets will be available soon in South Africa and across designated regional retailers. For more information on the variety of features of the RIG 500 PRO Series and the RIG range, visit www.plantronics.com/za

About Plantronics
Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com/za.

The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
###

Discerning, informed, and connected.

With a multitude of choices in the marketplace, multiple buying channels, and instant access to information, today’s customers have never been more empowered, or more demanding. They’ve come to expect the ability to deal with a company on their own terms, very often opting for the convenience of self-service. So, when they do take the time to call a company, it’s usually because they have an immediate need—an issue they want resolved right away, and to their complete satisfaction.

An effective customer service representative (CSR) plays a critical role in meeting those expectations. No detail—from the CSR’s speaking voice to the quality of the sound on the line—is too small. And, the CSR must possess a certain kind of temperament, professionalism, and skill—but these alone are not enough. Answering the phone is just the start. Today’s customer service representative (CSR) listens, understands, and acts upon a customer’s needs with skill, rigor and thoughtfulness. Every minute, every day, the CSR needs to demonstrate that they have the customer’s best interests in mind, while presenting the company in the best possible light.

In fact, for the customer, the CSR doesn’t just represent the company, they are the company. Their job is to completely engage with the customer to provide the most informed advice, support, and guidance.

Problem-solver, diplomat, expert, empathizer: a CSR needs to be all these, and more. How can you help equip them for success?

A headset is a vital tool to the CSR. When it’s performing as expected, it’s barely noticeable. But if a setting needs to be adjusted or updated, it’s immediately noticed—and IT needs to handle it, right away. For companies with hundreds or even thousands of CSRs, it has meant a lot of effort for IT to manage their needs efficiently—until now.

Plantronics has a solution that helps IT monitor, manage, and maintain headsets. Plantronics Manager Pro is a cloud-based management tool that results in effortless management for IT, helping ensure users always have well-maintained headsets that enable them to confidently engage with customers, and ultimately improve the customer experience.

Now available in South Africa, find out how Plantronics Manager Pro can help make headset management effortless. Learn more here.

About Plantronics Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com.za 

Music lovers will enjoy dual EQ modes, exceptional comfort and hands-free convenience.

Johannesburg, South Africa – 1 May 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, recently announced its Plantronics BackBeat GO 600 Series: wireless, over-the-ear immersive headphones featuring unique capabilities for people who put music first, at an economical price point.

To ensure music lovers can create the listening experience they prefer, BackBeat GO 600 comes equipped with dual equalization (EQ) modes, to allow the listener to easily alternate between ‘Bass Boost’ and ‘Balanced’ EQ. Balanced EQ mode is Plantronics’ signature sound, which is tuned to be the most accurate possible representation of the source audio across all genres of music. Listeners can move between modes with a single push of a button – a feature not typically found on headphones in this price range. BackBeat GO 600 is slim and lightweight with an over-ear design and soft memory foam ear cushions that provide the ideal balance of comfort and isolation resulting in deep, rich sound with minimal distraction.

“Our core expertise in headphones, wireless and premium experiences make Plantronics uniquely qualified to give music lovers the best possible immersive stereo experience at an affordable price point,” said Greg Miller, director of portfolio business management, Personal Solutions, Plantronics. “Plantronics’ baseline standard in all of our products is to provide superior audio, consistent with that found in our premium products.” 

Additional BackBeat GO 600 Series features and benefits include:

• A rechargeable battery that delivers up to 18 hours of wireless listening time on a single charge.
• Remaining connected at up to 33 ft/10 m from Bluetooth® compatible smartphones and tablets.
• Ear cups that fold flat for easy storage and transport; ensuring comfort when worn around the neck.
• A carrying pouch, a USB cable for charging and an audio cable for direct connection for listening to music anytime, even if the battery is dead.
• Dedicated on-ear controls that make pause/play, skipping tracks, adjusting volume and taking calls easy.
• A wide band-enabled microphone that ensures voice clarity; answers calls or accesses Siri, Google Now, and Cortana hands-free via voice command. 

Pricing and Availability:

The BackBeat GO 600 Series will be available in South Africa soon through local distributors and partners. To find out more visit www.plantronics.com/za 

About Plantronics

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com.za  

Plantronics and BackBeat are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. Plantronics, Inc. registered in the US and other countries. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. Siri is a trademark of Apple Inc. registered in the US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What's all of this that we have been hearing about Active Noise Cancelling? It is not new, but more business owners are connecting the dots about the terminology that aligns to the technology already being used every single day in business centers across the globe. Below is excerpt from a simple, informative article written by one of our global directors, Frank Timmermans, and it certainly applies to technology readily available in the South African region. 

"Silence sometimes feels like a warm bath. Spending time alone works wonders for your concentration, productivity and the quality of your conversations. But finding peace and quiet in the hectic environment of a busy open-plan office space seems to be extremely difficult because there’s always some form of background noise. Luckily many headset suppliers have found a solution for this: noise cancelling.

What is noise cancelling?

To start off: by noise we mean external sounds that don't come from the headset. Just think of buzzing appliances at the office, talking colleagues, traffic noise, ringing telephones and noises from incoming app messages and reminders for meetings. Noise cancelling technology is the method for reducing these undesired sounds. There are two forms: active and passive. Passive noise cancelling actually means nothing more than a good seal. You’re probably familiar with the malleable foam earplugs and hearing protection that road workers use. These are examples of passive noise cancelling. Headsets with this function work in the same way, they make sure that the ear is well sealed.

Active noise cancelling (ANC) on the other hand, is much more advanced. It works by adding sound to the sound coming from your headset. Contrary to what you might expect, this ends disturbing background noise.

How does it work?

Sound is vibrating air and it moves in waves. These waves of sound have an amplitude (which determines the volume) and a frequency (which determines the pitch). Think for example of the constant buzzing noise that comes from a plane engine which moves like the blue line.If you run precisely the opposite sound wave (anti-noise – the orange line) through an existing sound wave, you’re left with silence. This physical process is known as destructive interference. And this is exactly what headphones with ANC use. They are fitted with both a microphone that records ambient noise and the technology that ‘turns around’ these sound waves. These reversed waves are then added to the sound that comes out of the speakers in your headphones, and voilà: ambient noise disappears for the user. 

Noise cancelling in the microphone

The ANC technology not only ensures that you can work in your own bubble of silence. The person you’re talking to can also take advantage of it, by implementing the technology in the microphone of a headset. For the best sound, several omni-directional microphones are built into our newest products. Each microphone calculates where the sound of your voice comes from and focuses on that point in space. In this way the headset can already ‘ignore’ a lot of irrelevant background noise. In addition, the headset also lays several digital filters over the sound: one algorithm detects non-stationary sound like speaking colleagues, and another algorithm checks whether there are stationary sounds like buzzing printers or the air-conditioning. All of this combined means that it feels just like you’re alone in the office, wherever you are!

Why is ANC so great in a headset?

Noise in the workplace is not only the biggest enemy of efficiency, it’s also really bad for your health. So it’s no surprise that headsets with noise cancelling functionalities are popular in the workplace. We now have four different ANC products in our portfolio. This is our way of contributing to the whole world’s productivity!" You can view a demonstration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpgOVTtn0eQ 

Noise and managing it in the workplace is a popular topic which we will discuss across the South African region over the coming months. Including technology options within business strategies for helping workers have clear conversations is certainly something to consider, amongst other ideas for adapting to modern work styles. To read more about products available in South Africa which are strong ANC contenders for helping office workers, visit https://www.plantronics.com/za/en/category/office-worker 

About Plantronics

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From unified communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information or to find authorized distributors in South Africa, visit https://www.plantronics.com/za/ 

Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, today announced it has extended the management and reporting aspects of its cloud software solution, Plantronics Manager Pro v3.11, to include Plantronics unified communications (UC) headsets connected to mobile devices running iOS and Android. This extended reach is enabled through the Plantronics Hub mobile application. By deploying Plantronics Manager Pro v3.11 and Plantronics Hub, IT managers can now see, manage and gather valuable insights from the entire line of Plantronics enterprise communications devices that are on the desktop and attach to tablets and mobile phones.

“More than 53% of organizations have interest in ear-to-ear diagnostics that would enable IT leaders to manage voice performance from the user perspective, and more than 35% of companies are increasing deployment of mobile UC clients,” said Irwin Lazar, vice president and research director at Nemertes Research. “These realities make it more important than ever to ensure IT and line-of-business managers are equipped with solutions that can help them obtain analytics and actionable insights from across their company’s entire communications ecosystem."

Plantronics Manager Pro is Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) designed to manage Plantronics communications devices. With its easy-to-use tools, IT professionals and their managed-services partners are able to proactively manage the performance of every supported Plantronics headset across the enterprise, ensuring best user experience by accessing actionable insights. Plantronics Manager Pro is available through authorized resellers in most countries around the world. 

New offerings in Plantronics Manager Pro v3.11 include: 

• The ability to see, manage and gain actionable insights from the complete line of supported Plantronics business communications devices, including all Plantronics UC headsets attached to Mac OS and Windows desktops as well Android and iOS mobile devices.
  
  
• Northbound API access to the Plantronics Manager Pro dataset. This means it is easier than ever for customers, developers and partners to embed this data into pre-existing enterprise applications or create new service offerings.
  
  
• Streamlined reports. Asset Management and Adoption now includes all the reports IT professionals need to successfully deploy and drive UC and soft phone adoption.  

“For an IT professional to be able to gain valuable data from our full line of enterprise devices, even mobile ones attached to Plantronics UC headsets, is game-changing,” said Tom Wesselman, vice president and general manager, Software, Plantronics. “Now, IT can really have a complete view of all the information available to them, which will arm them with the knowledge to make much more informed decisions based on this data.” 

About Plantronics Manager Pro

Modern communications and collaboration systems are built on open operating systems and soft phone platforms that are frequently updated. In order to deliver high-quality experiences, these updates often necessitate settings and firmware updates for associated devices. With hundreds and sometimes thousands of headsets to manage, keeping the headset estate up-to-date is a daunting task. But failing to do so leads to poor user experience and declines in adoption. Plantronics Manager Pro is a subscription SaaS that allows IT or a managed service provider to configure settings, update audio device software and firmware, analyze call quality and ensure policy compliance. The cloud-based architecture utilizes agent software on the device, Plantronics Hub, as a relay to the cloud tenant. The cloud tenant is accessed through a web browser and offers IT Managers and their partners a single interface through which to manage the headset installed base. Plantronics Manager Pro offers predictive reporting tools as part of three analysis suites, including: 

-Asset Management and Adoption: To manage headset inventory, push firmware updates, plan and deploy UC and Collaboration (UCC) and drive UCC adoption

-Call Quality and Analytics: To improve conversation quality and troubleshoot issues

-Health and Safety: To ensure acoustic levels are within acceptable range and monitor compliance

Pricing and Availability: Plantronics Manager Pro is currently available in 143 countries, including South Africa, as an annual or three-year subscription service, from Plantronics Authorized Distributors. For a list of Plantronics Manager Pro authorized distributors in South Africa, visit http://www.plantronics.com/za/

About Plantronics

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments.  Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From unified communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit https://www.plantronics.com/za/

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

In the era of communication and collaboration, noise reaches everywhere, including your bottom line.

In today’s open offices, noise is the biggest distraction to getting work done. Modern work spaces promote collaboration but in increasingly crowded spaces, the sounds created by hard surfaces and fewer walls can make it hard to focus. Plantronics brings immersive headsets along with an intelligent multisensory experience that uses natural sounds and complementary visuals to dynamically adapt to distracting speech and ever-changing noise to keep an office in tune.

Hero Solutions: Voyager 6200 UC, Voyager Focus UC, Blackwire 5200, Savi 700 

For on-the-go workers, which we’re seeing more and more of, even in South Africa, noise in mobile environments makes it difficult for them, and their teammates back in the office, to hear, be heard and connect to what matters most. For this type of work style, Plantronics has solutions that easily connect to multiple devices and cancel out noise on both sides of the conversation.

Hero Solutions: Voyager 8200 UC, Voyager 5200 UC, Voyager 6200 UC  

In contact centers, noise is a huge problem. With so many conversations happening at once, focus can sometimes falter, employee comfort can drop, and the security of sensitive customer information could potentially be compromised. Plantronics has purpose-built headsets designed for the Contact Center, but with hundreds – even thousands of headsets to manage, dealing with individual needs can be labor-intensive. Through SaaS, Plantronics delivers insights, simplifies headset adoption and lets IT respond to needs without interruption to the CX, all from one place.

Hero Solutions: Encore Pro 500/700, Manager Pro

Wherever work happens, noise stands in the way. With Plantronics’ portfolio of collaboration solutions it doesn’t have to. For more information or sales questions, contact one of our authorized local South African distributors which are listed on www.plantronics.com/za

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike, and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com/za

©2018 Plantronics, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

We’ve all been there: you’ve stretched, your running shoes are on, you’ve lined up the playlist that will help you more fully enjoy your workout, then…your headphones are nowhere to be found.

A wave of disappointment washes over you. You’re left with two frustrating choices: the poorly sized set that came free with your phone and you’re pretty sure you stuffed in the junk drawer (your rhythm disrupted as you push one tinny-sounding headphone back in your sweaty ear), or the simple sound of your breathing in your ears and your footfalls on the road.

Purists might love the latter. Sometimes you need more.

As more and more South Africans focus on fitness, it does not matter whether you’re a hip-hop fan or a classical music buff, a custom soundtrack is your own secret weapon when it comes to running. Whether your poison is Raekwon or Rachmaninoff, science knows: music makes you run faster and for longer.

A 2015 study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that “music was able to activate the pre-frontal cortex area, minimize perceptions, improve performance and accelerate recovery during 5 km of running.”

Runners averaged 27:33 when running in silence; 26:00 when listening to slow motivational music; and 26:06 when listening to music with a fast beat. They all got out of the gates faster with music playing, with the first 800 meters particularly impacted.

As Dr. Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University in London, a leading expert on the psychology of exercise music, has written, music can be thought of as an “a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.” However good your playlist though, it’s only as good as the headphones you play it through. Tiny sounding and poorly fitted headphones can impact your performance as badly as the wrong running shoes.

At Plantronics, we think we’ve nailed it with Plantronics BackBeat FIT and our BackBeat FIT 300 Series and BackBeat FIT 500 Series. Plantronics BackBeat FIT is specifically designed for a high-motion outdoor workout, such as running, while BackBeat FIT 300 and 500 are more indoor gym companions. Sweat-proof and with a battery life of up to eight hours, these are a perfect companion to your training, whether you’re braving the elements digging in for that ultra-marathon or lifting and working your core at the gym.

They’re all very comfortable, completely wireless and lightweight and durable owing to their nano-coat. The added functionality of easy to access on-ear controls means no more interruptions to dig out your phone when that playlist goes awry.

If you’re looking for the perfect workout companion, check our local authorized South African distributors and partners for more information www.plantronics.com/za

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike, and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com/za

© 2018 Plantronics, Inc. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

WHY DO YOU NEED GOOD PASSIVE HEADSET DESIGN COMBINED WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELING (ANC) TO ACHIEVE OPTIMAL NOISE CANCELING PERFORMANCE?

Passive Noise Reduction
Any stereo headset or headphone will provide some level of passive noise reduction. In fact, any device that provides a physical barrier to your ear canal will limit your exposure to noise. Industrial noise canceling headphones fit over the ear and are specially constructed to maximize noise filtering. They are packed with layers of high-density foam or other sound-absorbing material, which makes them heavier than other headphones but reduces the background noise by about 15 to 20 dB. This level of noise reduction is essential in workplaces with extreme noise levels, such as airport ground crew areas or factories. Not every work environment requires that level of noise canceling, however. For office workers, a more lightweight, over-the-ear or in-the-ear headset typically provides the required passive noise reduction more comfortably.

Active Noise Canceling (ANC)
Beyond passive noise canceling, which involves physically blocking sound, ANC is a technology built into many of our products that further enhances the user experience. This technology uses additional microphones on the back of each speaker that respond well to low-frequency (80 to 700 Hz) background noise.
These microphones pick up the background noise, feed it into the ANC circuitry, invert it, then direct it into the same audio path. This happens very quickly, <500 milliseconds, which is not perceptible to the user.
The result? The original background noise and the inverted noise cancel each other, leaving just the audio the user wants to hear.

WHY ARE THERE TWO LEVELS OF ANC ON VOYAGER 8200 UC (MID AND HIGH)?
The Voyager 8200 UC features two levels of ANC. The first one, “mid,” is set at a similar level to the Voyager Focus UC, optimized for typical office noise. The second level “high,” is about double the intensity of the mid level. The high-level ANC is very useful for noisier environments, such as airports or coffee shops, but may be fatiguing for long periods of use in an office environment depending on how sensitive the user is to the effects of ANC. The option to adjust ANC intensity settings allows users to choose their own individual comfort level.

Wherever you work, noise can be distracting. So whether you’re in an open office or on a crowded flight, taking calls or listening to music, the boomless Voyager 8200 UC Bluetooth® headset with active noise canceling lets you focus on what’s important, in comfort and style. Hear music and conversations with complete clarity. All tones, from high to low and everything in between, sound full and natural. Need to tune out distractions? The hi-fi stereo sound and dual-mode active noise canceling cut background noise while the dual-paired microphones keep the focus on your voice. Information about ANC and the Voyager 8200 UC is available at www.plantronics.com/za or by contacting a local South African authorized distributor. 

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike, and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit www.plantronics.com/za

© 2018 Plantronics, Inc. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Company now offers the industry’s widest range of stereo Bluetooth devices with active noise cancellation 

Johannesburg, South Africa — 23 January 2018 – Plantronics (NYSE: PLT), an audio pioneer and communications technology leader, introduced today the Voyager 6200 UC, the company’s latest addition to its flagship Voyager family of enterprise headsets. The new neckband wearing style features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a boomless design with comfort-fit earbuds, active noise cancellation (ANC), and integration with major UC applications.  With the addition of Voyager 6200 UC to its line-up, Plantronics is now offering professionals the widest range of stereo Bluetooth devices with ANC of any vendor in market.

“Accommodating individual employee work styles is becoming increasingly important, especially when it comes to retaining millennial and Gen Y talent,” said Alaa Saayed, ICT Principal Analyst, Frost & Sullivan. “By offering a wide choice of headsets and letting people choose their preference, IT and line of business managers can create a solid win-win scenario; optimizing the UC and collaboration experience overall for the company, and engendering goodwill with highly valuable personnel.” 

“We continue to hear that noise and distraction are the number one pain-points for office professionals,” said Gavin Sear, Global Product Marketing at Plantronics. “The best way to get people to embrace technology that can help them communicate and collaborate better is by offering choices that speak to their individual work style as well as their lifestyle, whether they’re in or out of the office. The Voyager 6200 UC delivers this versatility with business-grade audio to a new group of users that find existing headset and headphone offerings too limiting.”  The Voyager 6200 UC offers a unique combination of features and benefits unlike any other neckband headset with earbuds in market, including:

• Four omni-directional microphones that listen to sound from all directions and deliver a professional-grade audio experience on both sides of the call, without a microphone boom, via Plantronics “clear talk technology”
• Active and passive noise cancellation, ensuring focus when surrounded by noise and distractions both in and out of the office
• Wide band audio delivering clear PC calls and premium hi-fi stereo, which is especially important when listening to music
• Versatile design, allowing users to listen to calls or media in stereo or simply drop either earbud for single ear use and to be more aware of their surroundings; the neckband discreetly vibrates to indicate an incoming call or alert
• Certification for Microsoft Skype for Business; compatibility with Cisco Jabber, Microsoft Teams and numerous software apps
• The ability to pair up to eight devices and connect to two simultaneously for easy audio management
• Class 1 Bluetooth, providing a wireless range up to 30 meters/98 feet Dynamic mute alert, ensuring optimal productivity by sensing and alerting users via an in-ear whisper if they talk while muted
• Up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 16 hours of listening time, to communicate and collaborate all day
• Compatibility with Plantronics Manager Pro™, an additional purchase, that enables IT teams to gain insight into every compatible Plantronics headset being used company-wide

Voyager 6200 UC and Plantronics Manager Pro

Voyager 6200 UC is fully supported by Plantronics Manager Pro, which allows IT managers to monitor, manage and maintain devices company-wide, including usage and acoustic analysis. This includes the ability to configure the user experience, manage firmware deployments, and harvest predictive analytics to detect compatibility issues before they become critical. Plantronics Manager Pro is available as a subscription service, sold separately from the Voyager family. 

Voyager 6200 UC will be coming to South Africa soon and will be available in black and sand colours through Plantronics authorized South African partners. More information about features offered within the Voyager Family, and Plantronics Manager Pro are available at www.plantronics.com/za/en   

About Plantronics

Plantronics is an audio pioneer and a global leader in the communications industry. We create intelligent and adaptive solutions that support our customers’ most important needs: experiencing and facilitating simple and clear communications while enjoying distraction-free environments. Our solutions are used worldwide by consumers and businesses alike, and are an optimal choice for open office environments. From Unified Communications and customer service ecosystems, to data analytics and Bluetooth headsets, Plantronics delivers high-quality communications solutions that our customers count on today, while relentlessly innovating on behalf of their future. For more information visit plantronics.com. The Bluetooth trademark is owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of the mark by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. More information is available at www.plantronics.com/za/en