In recent months, Microsoft Teams has seen substantial growth as one of the go-to communication tools of the COVID-19 pandemic. As more people turn to Teams for remote work, Microsoft wants people to have the best experience possible. With that in mind, the company has announced new partner devices.
Specifically, a range of new certified personal peripherals that are aimed at making the most from Microsoft Teams video and voice.
Aimed at appealing to remote workers and organizations that use Microsoft Teams, the new hardware fall under the Microsoft device Certification Program. This means each product is compatible with Microsoft services, but they will also work on other platforms and tools.
All new devices are headset and speakerphone products. Microsoft says the range of new headsets provide excellent audio and integrated call control. However, what makes the devices special in the context of Microsoft Teams?
Well, each features a Teams button that provides instant integration with the platform. Pressing the button opens Teams on a PC. Furthermore, all the new products have a premium microphone that Microsoft says works in an open office.
Below are the new products
Teams headsets
“EPOS – Part of Demant Group, has announced that its range of wired IMPACT headsets, which were previously certified for Skype for Business, now offer a firmware upgrade to be certified for Microsoft Teams. This upgrade brings richer Teams integration, with the call answer button and LED now acting like a Teams button. Users can now receive alerts and engage with Teams by pressing the button to quickly join meetings or check missed calls.”
“Jabra – introduces Evolve2, the new standard of professional headsets. A dedicated Microsoft Teams button alerts users of notifications and allows them to take quick actions. The certification for premium microphone for open office provides confidence that you will be heard clearly. With a more visible busy light and an advanced digital chipset, concentration and communication is better than ever.”
“Logitech – Zone Wireless and Zone Wired headsets are designed for busy workspaces and are certified for Microsoft Teams. Launch or join a Teams meeting with a single touch. Both deliver premium audio and reliable call clarity. In addition, Zone Wired meets Microsoft’s premium microphone for open office requirement.”
“Poly – A selection of headsets with different wearing styles, including corded and Bluetooth wireless, are now available with a dedicated Teams button. Some of these models have also met Microsoft’s premium microphone for open office requirement. For some existing Skype for Business certified devices, customers can expect a firmware upgrade to enable Teams integration using the hook switch.”
Teams phones
“Lenovo – ThinkSmart View features an 8? HD display and high-quality microphone and speaker. Upgrade any personal or common area space with a dedicated Teams device designed to consolidate the meeting and calling experience. ThinkSmart View reduces downtime in meetings with one-touch join, supports face to face interaction in portrait or landscape layout, and assures conversation privacy with a camera shutter and a microphone mute switch.”
Teams rooms and room accessories
“Yealink – The Yealink MVC900 Room System delivers a native Microsoft Teams Rooms meeting experience. Designed for extra-large meeting rooms and training spaces, the Yealink MVC900 Room System is a complete solution and includes a touch control console, content sharing unit, audio and video peripherals, and mini-PC.”
“Bose and Sennheiser – Clear the table of microphones and speakers, for better collaboration. The Bose ES1 Ceiling Audio Solution combines the premium performance of the Bose EdgeMax in-ceiling loudspeaker and Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling 2 microphone — along with a Bose amplifier and DSP — to deliver a seamless meeting experience that empowers productivity while removing clutter from the conference room table.”
“Logitech – Logitech has introduced the Logitech Room Solution powered by Lenovo ThinkSmart Edition Tiny, for Microsoft Teams Rooms. Available in small, medium, and large configurations, these pre-configured systems also include a Logitech conferencecam with RightSense™ technologies, a PC mount with cable retention, and the Logitech Tap touch controller.”
“Poly – Introducing the Poly Trio C60, the newest and best Trio of the Trio conference phone family, delivers a powerful Teams audio experience. Poly audio ensures every inflection is heard, without the distracting background noise.”
“Shure – With versatile mounting options, the Microflex® Advance™ MXA910 ceiling array microphone delivers speech that is naturally intelligible. With no mics or cables in the way, you’re free to speak, and clear to connect. Deliver natural voice quality with the Microflex Advance MXA910 ceiling array microphone and the IntelliMix® P300 audio conferencing proces….”
“The Microflex® Advance™ MXA310 provides versatile and adjustable coverage areas in elegant, low-profile table-top solutions. Enhance every aspect of conference audio with the MXA310 table array microphone and IntelliMix® P300 audio conferencing processor. Precise sound capture and automatic mixing keep the agenda on track with clear communication.”
