Plantronics releases call control software for Sametime

This past week, Plantronics released its call control software for Sametime.  It's available as a free download at:

www.plantronics.com/ibmuc.

 The software interfaces with Sametime in several ways:

• allowing you to hear Sametime rings/alerts in the headset
• answer calls from the headset answer button
• adjust the volume, and mute your mic from the headset.

There are several Plantronics headsets that will work with this software, from corded headsets to bluetooth headsets.  I haven't used the Plantronics headsets with the remote control software for Sametime yet, but I have been fortunate enough to have been provided with several of their headsets in the past for evaluation.  My favorite was an earlier version of the Voyager Pro (current version shown below).

You can pair this headset with your mobile device, as well as your PC by using the USB dongle.  With it you can answer a call through the same headset no matter where it originates, your cell phone or through Sametime.

Plantronics gave out a similar headset to attendees at the recent UC Summit conference, except that version didn't contain the USB dongle.  It does, however, allow you to pair to multiple cell phones.  I gave it to my wife who has a cell phone for work and a personal cell phone.  My wife loves gadgets, but I would not put her in the category of a "power user".  I was driving home from work this past week when she called.  I answered, and the first thing out of her mouth was, "This is the best thing EVER!"  I had to chuckle.  She loves how easy it is to answer calls on either phone simply by clicking the toggle button on the headset, without touching anything on either phone.

If you're using Sametime for audio calls, or using Sametime Unified Telephony, you should definitely check this out.  Not only does it provide a convenient way for answering all calls, but it provides great audio quality so the people on the other end of the call have no idea you're not on a typical desk phone.