UC and MS Headset versions
What are the key differences between UC (Unified Communications) vs MS (Microsoft) Certified Headsets?
Functionally, the MS and UC certified headsets are almost identical. The main difference lies in the pre-configured settings of the headset.
The MS models are certified for Microsoft Teams and support it right out of the box. These models support features for answering and ending calls, adjusting the volume and muting without the need for additional configurations or settings. You can simply plug-and-play the headset.
If you or your business is not using Microsoft Teams, choose the standard UC model
How do the Microsoft Teams variants differ from the UC variants?
The UC variants and the Microsoft Teams variants both share the same audio quality and basic functions.
In addition, the Microsoft Teams variants feature a Microsoft Teams button that supports interaction between your Jabra device and Microsoft Teams on your computer. This feature is useful if you are using Microsoft Teams as your computer softphone.
How can I tell the difference between a UC Certified Headset and a Microsoft Certified headset across the Jabra and Plantronics range?
The naming conventions used by Jabra is denoted by having UC or MS in the product title.
For Plantronics products these are usually distinguished by whether a product is denoted with an -M after the model number.
How do I use the Microsoft Teams button on my Jabra device?
When you are connected to your Jabra device and you sign into Microsoft Teams, you can use the Microsoft Teams button to interact with Microsoft Teams on your computer in the following ways:
- If the Microsoft Teams window is minimized, press the Microsoft Teams button to maximize the window and bring it to the foreground on your computer.
- The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash when a scheduled Microsoft Teams meeting becomes active (when another participant joins the meeting). Press the Microsoft Teams button to join the active meeting on your computer.
- The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash if you have missed a Microsoft Teams call. Press the Microsoft Teams button to see the notification in Microsoft Teams under Calls, History.
- The Microsoft Teams LED(s) will flash if there is a Microsoft Teams voicemail. Press the Microsoft Teams button to see the notification in Microsoft Teams under Calls, Voicemail.
Understanding Microsoft certification categories
Users don’t need to replace previously certified devices when upgrading to Teams from Skype for Business. All certified devices are supported for both Microsoft Teams users and for Skype for Business users, with a few differences in functionality. Additionally, certification provides further designation for certain device categories.
- Skype for Business certified with Teams upgrade Devices certified at this level were initially certified for Skype for Business. To deliver as much lifetime value to users as possible, Microsoft has worked with device manufacturers to deliver as much Teams integration as possible with these existing devices without any changes to the original hardware. The hook switch button acts as a Teams button when not in a call and may include additional functions over time. Devices in this category may carry the Teams certification badge on marketing materials.
- Certified for Microsoft Teams Devices certified at this level indicate the newest devices certified, for a no-compromise Teams experience. These devices offer all of the benefits of prior certification and also include a dedicated Teams button with LED indicator. With most form factors, the Teams button will be an easy-to-find tactile button with the Teams logo. Microsoft continues to work with device manufacturers to deliver new value via firmware updates over time.
Special usage designations
- Premium Microphone for Open Office All headsets are tested to provide clear audio, but open office and other noisy environments fulfil a greater challenge: to pick up clearly the voice of the headset user but not transmit the sound of their neighbours.
- Meeting room size Shared devices such as speakerphones and cameras have a supported usage distance and recommended distances may be reported differently by different manufacturers. To give customers clear guidance, all shared devices are tested at certification against well-defined rooms sizes and noise environments.
For Microsoft Teams
End-user experience
Certification benefits
- Dedicated Teams button and LED indicator light.
- User notification of events and alerts from the Teams client (e.g., meeting starting, voicemail or missed call).
- Ability to activate the Teams client or respond to notification with a press of the button (e.g., to join a meeting).
- Certification designed for extensibility (new device/client features to be delivered via firmware update).
- Automatic selection of default audio device and prioritization if multiple audio peripherals are present.
- Devices automatically register with the Teams client and are ready to use.
- Audio devices (e.g., headsets, and speakerphones) offer:
- Basic call control across when used with a PC or a Mac device. Basic controls include answer/hang-up, mute/unmute, and volume control.
- Wide-band audio with no echo, distortion, or excessive glitches. Echo cancellation is also supported across devices.
- Video devices meet requirements for noise, colour, image detail, jitter, latency, frame rate, and field of view.
Administrator Experience
- No provisioning required
- All devices support firmware updates to allow new features and performance improvements.
For Skype for Business
End-User Experience
- Automatic selection of default audio device and prioritization if multiple audio peripherals are present.
- Plug and play: once connected, a device registers on the Skype for Business client and is ready to use.
- Audio devices (e.g., headsets, and speakerphones) offer Basic call control across when used with a PC and or a Mac device including at least with answer/hang-up, mute/unmute, and volume control.
- Audio quality (embedded in the device): no echo or excessive glitches, echo cancellation across devices, wideband audio with no echo or distortion or glitches.
- Video quality: Noise, colour, image detail, jitter, latency, frame rate, field of view.
Administrator Experience
- No provisioning required
- Firmware and fixes. All devices support firmware update to allow new features and performance improvements.
Reference Information
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoftteams/devices/usb-devices
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/skypeforbusiness/certification/devices-usb-devices