The mission here at the Plantronics Developer Connection is to help developers build headset apps that run on Plantronics headsets.
The next question is always “Well, which Plantronics headsets are we talking about anyway?”
Before we answer that, let’s take a step back. As far as the Plantronics Developer Connection is concerned, we are talking about contextually aware Plantronics headsets. What makes a Plantronics headset contextually aware? For purposes of our discussion, that would be two things: 1) Sensors and 2) Software. Sensors combined with Plantronics Spokes software help deliver additional information about the user that goes way beyond audio. Our contextually aware headsets can tell if a user is currently wearing their headset or not. Our headsets can tell if a user is near to, or far from their computer workstation. Our headsets even know who is calling and can pass that information to developers to use in their app. For the full headset feature set developers can use, read this excellent post by Lewis. --> So you wanna hack something with Plantronics support?
Moving on, let’s take a closer look at six of these contextually aware Plantronics headsets that developers can integrate into their apps. For the record, we do have more than six headsets developers can integrate with, so for the full list of headsets and all the features, click here --> Feature Matrix by Device (PDC Membership required)
Savi® 700 Series:
The Savi 700 series has multi-device connectivity, up to 350 feet of wireless range, and you can easily manage desk phone, PC and mobile phone calls with the most intelligent wireless headset system on the market. Using the Spokes SDK, developer are able to tell if the phone is docked or un-docked, get the unique device serial number, get data logging about each call, perform high-level call control, and get information on which line is being used . (multi-line support). For a full product description, click here
Blackwire® 500 Series:
This is our latest wired USB headset with Smart Sensor™ technology. What this means is the headset can tell if it is on or off the users head. Developers can listen for the HeadsetState Don or Doff returns and act on them. Examples of apps that take advantage of the headset state change include iMeet and Sococo. With the Blackwire 500 Series, developers are also able to get the headset’s unique serial number, perform data logging, and have high level call control. For the full product description, click here.
Blackwire® 700 Series.
The Blackwire 700 Series is a unique headset that has both a USB wire and can also be paired to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth. (see video at end of post) This headset also incorporates Smart Sensor™ technology so it knows the wearing state of the user. Just like the Blackwire 500 Series, developers can tap into the On/Off, unique headset serial number, data logging and high level call control to create unique solutions for today’s UC customer. For the full product description, click here.
Calisto® 620
From the website… “The Plantronics Calisto 620 is a portable wireless UC speakerphone that instantly transforms your laptop or smartphone into a high-quality conferencing device.” While this device does not employ our Smart Sensor™ technology, developers can still tap into some nifty features to power their apps. One of the more powerful features is Mobile Caller ID / call management. This allows developer to get access to the incoming Caller ID from the mobile phone and pass it to the computer. Check out our Application partners Threewill and Datahug to see how they have used this feature in their apps. For the full product description, click here.
Voyager Legend® UC
When you look at our technical documentation and meet us at events, you know that we talk the most about the Voyager Legend UC. This is not only because it is an excellent and highly rated product, but it is because this headset has the largest feature set developers can use. Developers can determine availability via the Smart Sensor™ technology (On/Off) or via proximity to the PC (Near/Far). Developers can also take advantage of Incoming Caller ID, as well as the unique device serial number, data logging and high level call control. Make sure to scroll down and watch the video to see all the other nifty things this headset can do out of the box. For the full product description, click here.
Voyager Pro UC
We also have to mention the Voyager Pro UC. While this headset is no longer manufactured, there are still a ton of units out there. The Voyager Pro UC has same feature set as the Voyager Legend UC when it comes to what developers can tap into. While it is a bit older product, it can still run any Spokes app you can create. For the full product description, click here.
Finally, don’t miss these product videos for even more gadget goodness.
Blackwire 700 Series.
Calisto 620
Voyager Legend UC
Voyager Pro UC
Until next time… Cheers!