The ongoing pandemic has truly changed the way most workplaces function. Most organizations and companies have adopted the hybrid work setup—which allows people to work from home or from anywhere some days of the work week and back to the office on specified workdays.
A quiet conference room may not always be accessible, especially on days when you are working remotely. Thus, there is a need to find an audio solution that can block unwanted noise complemented by a microphone that can minimize (or eliminate) other sounds except your voice during important conference calls. This is how POLY Voyager Focus 2 could be of help.
To begin with, POLY Voyager Focus 2 is strategically designed to address the issues that are commonly encountered by work-from-anywhere professionals these days. It is apparently unique for its features that cater to hybrid workplaces, whether at the office, at home, or at any other remote places (like coffee shops or hotels).
Pairing with a smartphone or a PC
Pairing the POLY Voyager Focus 2 headset with any compatible smartphone is fast and easy. Just switch the power button on, put the power slider up for Bluetooth and hold for 2 seconds. The headset instantly pairs with the device via Bluetooth (POLY Voyager Focus 2 name pops up on the smartphone screen and the “phone connected” notification gets audible.
There are two ways to pair the headset with a laptop or desktop. First, plug the provided USB-A adapter into the PC USB port and you’re all set—the “PC connected” notification gets audible. If the USB-A adapter is lost, an alternative way to pair is to simply do so through Bluetooth, more like how to pair with a smartphone.
Simple, yet strategic design
POLY has skipped the opportunity to go fancy in terms of external design and aesthetics. But any user can easily appreciate the way Voyager Focus 2 is designed. For a start, the headset generally exudes a strong and sturdy look. Don’t expect to find an indicator to tell which ear cup is for left or right. That’s because you can use the headset either way. The boom microphone can easily be rotated to swing on any side.
The ear cup with the retractable boom mic is also the one containing the micro-USB port and power switch (and Bluetooth pairing button). At the top is a switch toggling through three Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) modes. There are three buttons for volume up, volume down, and multipurpose (center), which conveniently facilitates playing or pausing music, skipping tracks, or answering a phone or video call.
The ear cups are also designed to bring about comfort instead of uneasiness, especially during long hours of continuous usage. The headphones are on-ear rather than over-ear—the cups are gently pressed on the ears. Thus, your ears will not feel sweaty or hot after hours of use. The cushioned sling on the headset does not bring much clamping on the head for overall comfort.
Key features
The POLY Voyager Focus 2 is best known for being effective when used in noisy external environments. The headset is equipped with advanced features that make it an easy standout whether you are using it for work, play, or leisure activities. Here are those:
- ANC
- Noise-canceling microphone with Acoustic Fencing (eliminates unnecessary noise from the surroundings)
- Dynamic Mute Alert
- Automatic Mute (works when the mic boom is put in an upright position)
- Smart Sensors (for playing and pausing audio)
- Microsoft Teams Certification (also works well with Zoom, Google Meets, and other videoconferencing applications)
Because the headset is wireless, battery performance is also important. POLY Voyager Focus 2 lasts from 16 hours to 19 hours with each full charge. You can charge it during the hours that it is not in use. Take note that the device comes with its own stand, which serves not just as an ideal holder of the headset when not being used but also as a charger. Alternatively, it can also be charged using a micro-USB cable provided.
Verdict
POLY Voyager Focus 2 can be considered a significant investment for every professional working in various types of environments in the new normal. With all its amazing features, we can easily agree that its ability to reduce or eliminate noise in any type of environment makes it a standout especially if you usually get into highly important and critical virtual meetings or videoconferences.
As an all-around stereo headset, it also functions best when used as an accessory for gaming or for entertainment. Being wireless has its perks and being able to function continuously for more than an entire workday makes it worth the investment.
POLY Voyager Focus 2 is available for ₱21,890.
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