DECT has an established history as a headset technology in the business communications space, offering reliable wireless communication for large and crowded workspaces. However, its limitations made it less of a favorite with businesses since the onset of the pandemic and the rise of hybrid work.
“After the pandemic, the fastest growing types of UC headsets were Bluetooth and USB, since they’re typically the easiest ones to take home and travel with,” explains Gerry Chen, Product Marketing Manager at Yealink.
“However, DECT actually has some substantial benefits compared to other types of headsets, and we believe business should not be forced to give those up,” he notes.
Enter Yealink’s new WH64: A DECT-Bluetooth hybrid wireless headset tailored for both in-office and remote work.
DECT Headsets: Benefits and Limitations
As far as benefits go, DECT offers plenty.
Compared to Bluetooth, it allows a greater range and better deployment density, which is preferred for crowded offices with multiple headsets deployed simultaneously. This is because DECT devices are significantly less likely to be affected by other devices, operating in a separate frequency range.
DECT headsets are also more secure, following advanced encryption standards that ensure maximum call privacy.
So… what kept them from flourishing during the pandemic like their headset counterparts?
Traditional DECT headsets have one main limitation: Flexibility.
“DECT headsets have a base that they need to be close to for them to work, which is not very practical to take home,” Chen explains.
But what about DECT-Bluetooth headsets? These already exist in the market, but while the presence of Bluetooth is an improvement, it still doesn’t thoroughly solve the flexibility issue.
“These headsets include Bluetooth technology, but it is integrated into the base – not the headset itself. So, in effect, it limits the inherent flexibility that true Bluetooth can offer,” Chen says.
How can you enjoy DECT’s pluses as well as the full flexibility of Bluetooth? Well, Yealink has just launched the answer.
Yealink’s WH64: A Work-From-Anywhere DECT
Let’s go back a little bit: Yealink experienced notable success with their previous wireless DECT models, WH63 and WH62, both based on a decade of DECT and audio research and development, as well as rich experience in IP phones.
“Three years after launching those, we looked at the situation of hybrid work and tried to come up with a way to make DECT hybrid as well,” Chen shares.
What Yealink did sounds simple, but it makes all the difference compared to both their previous models and competing headsets: They moved the Bluetooth from the base directly into the headset.
“It’s a seemingly small step, but in fact, there’s a lot of engineering behind it,” Chen says.
“This effectively means having two chipsets and managing battery life, signals, etc. – all from within the headset.”
Chen notes that the market was already inquiring about a hybrid DECT headset as far as seven years back; but back then, the technology to make it happen was still limited.
“We finally made it work, and we believe this launch will benefit many businesses and hybrid workers who have been expecting it.”
Some key benefits to look out for in Yealink’s new WH64:
- DECT-Bluetooth hybrid wireless technology
- Work-from-anywhere, adaptable to all working scenarios – office, remote, or hybrid
- Plug and Play triple connection from the base – PC, IP phone, and mobile phone
- Optional laptop dongle for work-from-home scenarios
- High-quality audio and improved noise cancellation thanks to its three microphones and Acoustic Shield Technology 2.0
- Teamd and other UC platform certifications
- All-day wearing comfort with an ergonomic earcup design
- Busylight feature for reduced distractions
“This small adjustment allows users to enjoy DECT benefits like greater range, high density, and enhanced security, while maximizing Bluetooth flexibility,” Chen concludes.
“The WH64 headset is designed to enable seamless communication not only in the office, but also on the road and when working from home.”
Meet Yealink Face-to-Face at InfoComm
Yealink is currently showcasing their products live at InfoComm 2024!
Join them from June 12-14 at booth C5141 to experience their full range of headsets, including the WH64 and the BH70 (pure Bluetooth version launched earlier this year).
To learn more about the new Yealink WH64, visit their website here.
