Plantronics integrates headsets with IBM Sametime and Skype for improved comms

Audio specialist Plantronics has refreshed its range of enterprise-oriented headsets, and integrated the hardware with Skype, IBM Sametime and Microsoft Lync software.

Leading the announcements was the premier Savi 700 Series, a 21g headset that allows workers to manage calls from PCs, mobile devices and desk phones.

Key features include a wireless range of 350 feet and an auto-answer pickup feature that allows users to answer phone calls by picking up the headset from the cradle.

A hot swappable battery delivers "unlimited call-time", explained Bill Loewenthal, vice president of unified communications at Plantronics, during the firm's launch event at the New York Stock Exchange.

Additionally, Savi software allows the headset to synchronise with Skype and Microsoft Lync, so that contacts can see when a user is on a conference call, for example.

Plantronics also announced the release of the Savi 440, a USB wireless headset system that can manage PC calls up to 300 feet away.

The Savi 440 comes with a dongle that lets staff carry out calls using an internet connection "allowing a completely mobile office wherever you go", Loewenthal said.

Meanwhile, business users prefering to wear in-ear headphones can now opt for the Blackwire 435. This USB corded headset offers mono and stereo playback and can be used for multimedia playback.

Rounding off a busy day, Plantronics unveiled a software plug-in designed specifically to work with IBM's unified communications and collaboration software.

The integration of Plantronics with IBM UC2, Sametime and Sametime Unified Telephony provides high quality, audio and call control across multiple devices, according to Ken Kannapan, director, president and chief executive of Plantronics.

Key features include the ability to control Sametime calls remotely, and the software automatically changes Sametime presence status to ‘on phone' when on a mobile call.

Voice communication is crucial and people will not accept the latency that comes with other forms of communication such as email, Kannapan said.

"Nowadays, people need to be connected almost every waking moment using a PC, smartphone or tablet," he said.

"Connections need to be simple and intuitive, but this is becoming harder as people are increasingly working remotely."

By using unified communication devices such as these, workers can be more productive whether working in the office or remotely, he added.