The full Plantronics .Audio 920 Review

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP as it is more commonly known is becoming an increasingly popular tool, particularly as our circles of friends and family spread themselves around the world. Services such as Skype allow free calls to other Skype users, no matter how many thousands of miles apart they are. Even calls to mobile phones and landlines can be made at a reduced rate. Bluetooth pioneer Plantronics’ new headset caters for all you Skypers out there by enabling wireless conversations through both your mobile and PC.

While many Bluetooth manufacturers have placed a degree of emphasis on the size of their headsets, vying to produce the smallest and most discreet, Plantronics has always shied away from the tiny tots. The Plantronics .Audio 920 is no exception. Measuring in at a weighty 16g, the .Audio 920 is even bulkier than the Plantronics Voyager 855. However, thanks to the attached ear hook, much of the weight is taken from your lughole and the device fits comfortably around the ear. The ear hook can also rotate 360° so the device can be worn on either ear. The headset is predominantly black with a nicely decorated metallic front fascia.

.Audio 920 - simple to use

Plantronics has opted to kit out the .Audio 920 with just one button on the front, which actually makes the mechanics of the headset easier to manage. When receiving an incoming call, simply press the button once. You can also alter the volume by simply pressing the button up (louder) or down (quieter).

When making phone calls, Plantronics’ award-winning noise cancelling microphone and WindSmartÒ technology keeps the audio clarity clear and crisp, even when walking down the busy streets of Soho. The .Audio 920’s multipoint connectivity allows you to connect to both your mobile and computer at the same time, and a press of the headset’s key will switch from one to the other.

Feature wise, the Plantronics .Audio 920 has got some neat additions. Press the button on the front twice and the device will call the last number dialled, The headset also supports voice-activated dialling, as long as your handset does.

.Audio 920 - VoIP calls

VoIP calls can be made from the headset straight from the box. Simply plug the USB Bluetooth adapter into your PC and your headset will pair automatically. Unfortunately, we did receive some static through the headset when making Skype calls. There were no complaints from the other end, however, and the interference was not enough to disrupt the conversation. When you’re calling the other side of the world for free, you’re likely to let a bit of static slide.

.Audio 920 verdict

The fact that services such as Skype provide free calls around the world, Plantronics has entered a market that is sure to become increasingly popular. While the call quality on the .Audio 920 might not be perfect, it’s more than satisfactory.

With its one-button control, the .Audio 920 is simple to use and, despite its somewhat bulky size, the device feels secure and not too heavy around your ear. The .Audio 920 is another addition to Plantronics’ admirable range of Bluetooth headsets.