Since 2011, Shokz has used its proprietary technologies and signature bone conduction headset design for endurance, lifestyle, and communication applications, priced for everyday use. After the first models with more reliable Bluetooth made it to market, Shokz bone conduction headsets have proven to deliver the comfort of an open-ear design even though the audio quality is not enough to convince music enthusiasts. There's simply no comparison with on-ear, over-ear or in-ear designs. Also, the Shokz design never proved to be very compatible with users who need prescription glasses and long or thick hair styles that get in the way of proper contact with the skin.
But its also true that Shokz' bone conduction technology improves situational awareness and keep users connected to their surroundings - exactly what is needed for work situations. In 2020, the company launched the Opencomm headset, in a brilliant move that combined its previous generation model (Aeropex) with a microphone boom. Bone conduction is proven to work very well with voice frequencies (the reason why it's used for military and fighter pilot helmet applications), and since workplace situations and working from home (usually) offers less noisier environments, the combination results in a great alternative compared with convention communication headsets that isolate the user. The device’s adjustable DSP noise-canceling boom microphone also eliminates background noise in loud environments to ensure clear voice transmission in various work settings.
Exactly the same as the Opencomm model, the new Opencomm UC headset is engineered with Shokz’s 7th generation bone conduction transducers, delivering what the company calls PremiumPitch 2.0 audio through the user’s cheekbone, leaving ears open to environmental surroundings. This specific headset model adds a USB-A wireless adapter to provide computer-friendly connectivity on all work devices, given that many PCs in the office don't even have Bluetooth (or if they have, it's a clumsy and unreliable feature to configure, particularly when users need to switch frequently from Zoom to Teams or something else). The USB dongle ensures a stable, relatively plug-and-play connection in those machines, even though both Opencomm models only use the default SBC codec. But that is more than enough for a bone conduction stereo headset.
The headset is extremely lightweight, at just 33g, is coated in soft silicone (IP55 water-resistant) and has a flexible wraparound frame, making it comfortable for all-day wear. The Qualcomm QCC3024 chip with Bluetooth 5.1 establishes a strong reliable connection to all Bluetooth devices once paired. The headset can even be paired to up to two devices at a time and offers easy switching capabilities for seamless connection. Battery last up to 16 hours of talk time or up to 8 hours of music listening time on a single charge. Recharging takes just one hour. The Quick Charge feature provides up to 2 hours of use with 5 minutes of charging, making it ideal for professionals on-the-go.
For users working from home, or using only smartphones, tablets, some modern Windows laptops, and Macs - which all have reliable Bluetooth - the standard Opencomm is perfect and should be the choice. For those who have to deal with variable conditions in the office, work-from-anywhere situations, the Opencomm UC model adds the wireless Shokz Loop 100 USB-A adapter for quick and convenient configuration. For those that already have the Opencomm headset and now need to return to the office knowing they will find 10 years old PCs below the desk, Shokz also sells the Loop 100 USB-A adapter separately to achieve a similar level of connectivity. Wireless coverage range is up to 33ft (10 meters) in both cases, if the devices' antennas are in line of sight.
"We revolutionized workplace productivity when we debuted Opencomm and brought our open-ear bone conduction technology to the workplace," says Kim Fassetta, CMO of Shokz. "Now we are bringing that flexibility and comfort to even more professionals with Opencomm UC. This new headset provides exceptional sound and audio quality with all-day comfort in a more adaptable design that easily works with every type of device people use at or away from their desk. With our open-ear design and superior technology that increases connection among colleagues, Shokz has designed a workplace experience that keeps you plugged in all day long."
The new Shokz Opencomm UC is available now in Black at shokz.com for $199.95 USD. The Shokz Opencomm sells for $159.95 USD.
www.shokz.com
