Jabra SPEAK 810 MS vs UC – The Comparison and Review

For this review, l will try to answer some of the frequently asked questions comparing Jabra SPEAK 810 MS vs Jabra SPEAK 810 UC.

What Is Product Jabra SPEAK 810 MS?

The Jabra SPEAK 810 MS is the company’s next-in-line product replacing their successful 710 model. This particular variant is pre-configured for use with Microsoft’s Lync or Skype for Business.

Skype for Business is a UC (Unified Communication) solution like any other supplier, e.g. Cisco. Now, you might be wondering why Jabra produced Microsoft compatible versions instead of sticking to the generic UC?

One major reason, I think, is button implementation. The buttons on the speakerphone respond differently depending on how they were set up. While the standard buttons for volume up or down will work as expected, it may not be the case for special buttons. There are buttons on the equipment that can only be utilized by Skype for Business.

Another factor is proper sound device detection. As mentioned, the MS variant of the Jabra SPEAK 810 will always be the preferred device when Skype for Business is used. Why is this important? Well, the end-user might plug in different devices for other functions such as playing, but when you launch Skype for Business it will automatically default to the Jabra SPEAK 810 speakerphone.

What Is Product Jabra SPEAK 810 UC?

The Jabra SPEAK 810 UC is the company’s speakerphone variant for communication tools other than Microsoft’s. Call it generic, if you will.

UC stands for Unified Communications. In the context of headsets and speakerphones, a UC certified device is optimized for use in softphones or other computer applications that connect to the enterprise phone system, imitating a real, physical phone. The functional differences between MS and UC variants of certified speakerphones and headsets should be minimal if any.

In my opinion, this is more of a marketing strategy than anything else.

How Are They Different? How Are They Similar?

As per Jabra, the Jabra MS optimized and Jabra UC optimized models are identical with regards to hardware. The only difference is that the MS variant has been configured to automatically set the speaker as the default device in Lync and Skype for Business applications.

What’s Better About Jabra SPEAK 810 MS?

If your organization uses Microsoft’s enterprise messenger, Skype for Business (previously Lync), you will be better off buying Jabra SPEAK 810 MS since it’s preconfigured to set itself as the communication tool’s default device.

What’s Better About Jabra SPEAK 810 UC?

If you are using a communication tool other than Microsoft’s, the Jabra SPEAK 810 UC is a better option since you don’t need the automatic configuration feature anyway.

Specifications

Now that we’ve put the differences and similarities aside in our comparison of Jabra SPEAK 810 MS vs boom UC, here are the full specifications for Jabra SPEAK 810 MS/UC:

The Speak 810 is a meaty pill-shaped speakerphone with its 14.17 in. x 7.09 in. x 1.56 in. dimensions. It houses an impressive speaker and 6 Jabra ZoomTalk mics designed to focus on the voice of the user for enhanced call quality. The 810’s Digital Signal Processor or DSP processes the ‘Wideband audio / HD voice’ feature.

The 810 speakerphone is ideal for mid-sized calls and can accommodate 15 people or less. Connection via USB is generally hassle-free and it also has a built-in 3.5 jack if you want to connect your smartphone or tablet.

Jabra SPEAK 810 is completely plugged and play and takes only seconds to set up. That’s a big plus considering that setup issues waste around 15% of the meeting time.

Located along the rim of the SPEAK 810 are the control (answer/end/reject call, volume rocker, mic mute toggle), Bluetooth connectivity, and NFC or near-field- communication zone buttons.

Connecting to the device can be assisted by a voice guidance system, but you can disable it if you want to. A 2.1 ampere USB socket is included if you want to charge your tablet or smartphone.

Jabra has always been known for excellent sound quality, and Jabra SPEAK 810 is no exception. The Jabra patented ZoomTalk mics do a great job in minimizing distortions, background noise, and echoes which can be annoying during business calls. The mics can also capture sounds coming from up to fifteen feet away using a ‘focusing’ method.

If you need to charge your phone during a conference call, the 810 has a USB port so there’s no need to worry about running out of juice. This speakerphone plugs directly to the A/C outlet, yet it’s lightweight and portable so you can move it from room to room if needed.

Highlights of the Jabra SPEAK 810 Speakerphone

• Completely plug & play. Connect to any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone in seconds.
• Various connections are available including a 3.5 mm jack, USB, NFC, or Bluetooth.
• Comes with a built-in USB charge-out port so you can charge your mobile device during a long conference call
• The Jabra patented ZoomTalk is an intelligent directional mic that can pick up human voice from up to 15 feet away, and even with ambient room noise.
• Digital signal processing or DSP is utilized to remove or reduce echo or background noise for clearer calls.
• High-definition (HD) sound for vibrant, life-like conversations
• Full compatibility with industry-standard UC/MS solutions, as well as Bluetooth enabled tablets or smartphones.
• The Jabra SPEAK 810 will fit your conference room and doesn’t require IT support to set up.
• For theft security, the 810 comes with a Kensington lock secure port
• Comes with a 2 – year limited warranty

Who Should Buy Jabra SPEAK 810 MS?

As we have discussed and mentioned in this review, I’ll highly recommend the Jabra SPEAK 810 MS if your organization is using Microsoft Skype for Business or Lync as a tool for Unified Communications. Why? Skype is fully compatible with this variant and will select the device automatically when the program is launched.

Who Should Buy Jabra SPEAK 810 UC?

For those who use a different Unified Communications tool, I’ll recommend buying the generic Jabra SPEAK 810 UC instead. It will be compatible with your communication system as long as it’s also UC certified.

Conclusion

We recently purchased the Jabra SPEAK 810 and I can say this is a great improvement over our old 710 models. The meetings in my organization can get large, reaching 20 to 30 participants in one room. I know that the specifications recommend limiting the number of users to 15 or below but still, the 810 performed quite well. It picked up the voices of the participants near the device and from across the room.

I used to pair a couple of 710s together to accommodate a bigger audience, which worked pretty well. I don’t think that’s possible with the 810 model. Even then, this conference speakerphone works great alone.

We’re currently using Microsoft Skype for Business as our Unified Communication tool, so the IT department purchased the MS variant. The automatic detection works well, and the Skype application can detect the Jabra SPEAK 810 automatically and quickly.

Would I recommend the Jabra SPEAK 810 MS/UC? Definitely. If you have used Jabra products before, you know that they produce high-quality audio communications products. The 810 is their latest release, and it lives up to the legacy of its predecessor.

I hope we’ve covered everything you need to know in this Jabra SPEAK 810 MS review / Jabra SPEAK 810 UC review to help you decide if the product is right for you or not.