Essential holiday gear for the hybrid worker

With the holiday season fast approaching, we are once again faced with the challenge of coming up with interesting and practical gifts for friends and family.

Here are some suggestions for technological bits and bobs that we think can help the Hybrid Workers among your family, friends, and colleagues to get work done more effectively, whether from home, the office, or anywhere in between.

SIMPLE BUT EFFECTIVE: POLY EAGLEEYE MINI HD VIDEO CONFERENCING CAMERA

POLY EAGLEEYE MINI HD VIDEO CONFERENCING CAMERA (MSRP: US$159.95)

You may have heard K.I.S.S. or Keep It Simple, Stupid before. It is a design principle that means that any designs or systems should be as simple as possible. In that vein, the EagleEye Mini is about as simple as it gets: Installing the device is as easy as plugging it in; no drivers required for installation means you’ll be ready to start conferencing in just seconds.

This handy little USB-powered HD video conferencing camera connects to your laptop or home computer, and features 1080P HD video to bring clarity to your meetings, while 4x electronic zoom and 74-degree field of view makes conference calls feel like in-person meetings.

BLOCK OUT DISTRACTIONS: POLY VOYAGER FOCUS UC

POLY VOYAGER FOCUS UC (MSRP: From US$279.95)

Even though you may be working from home, your favorite café, or even the office, distractions are everywhere. A headset like the Voyager Focus UC comes in handy with its ability to filter out the background noise, while projecting your voice clearly and confidently so your contribution to the meeting can be heard. When it’s time to take a music break between a back-to-back call, the Voyager Focus UC delivers rich bass, crisp highs, and natural mid-tones to let you enjoy your favorite tunes.

PERFORMANCE MEETS COMFORT: POLY VOYAGER 6200 UC

POLY VOYAGER 6200 UC MSRP: From US$299.95

Here’s a headset for those that want something professional yet versatile. The Voyager 6200 UC neckband delivers professional-grade audio performance for mobile and PC calls and features an immersive stereo for the music lovers. The earbud is comfortable, stable, fits nearly all ear sizes and shapes and is easy to put on and take off, while the neckband contours to any user while remaining lightweight.

 And if you’re afraid of missing calls because it is so comfortable you forgot you are even wearing a neckband headset? Fret not, the vibrating neckband signals you to incoming calls and alerts. Bring your voice to the forefront and minimize distractions with its four omnidirectional microphones – the person on the end will thank you for the hyperclarity audio (you’re welcome).

Finally, let’s face it, as digital natives, none of us work on one device at a time – switching between the computer, the tablet, the phone. The Voyager 6200 UC can pair with up to eight devices, connecting to two at a time. You no longer have to fumble with pairing and unpairing your devices just to get a discussion, or some music, going.

GOES WHERE YOU GO: POLY VOYAGER 5200 UC 

POLY VOYAGER 5200 UC  MSRP: From US$219.95

Yesterday’s idea of an office job is likely going to be hugely different from what office jobs will likely look like in the years to come, as employers and corporations are starting to consider shifting a larger proportion of their workforce to a Hybrid Working model. Hence, the ability to effectively communicate with customers and colleagues will be more important.

Enter the Voyager 5200 UC, a mono Bluetooth headset which lets you work from wherever your like, and with all-day comfort. Six layers of WindSmart technology and four omni-directional microphones work in tandem to reduce distracting background noise, letting nothing get in the way of a clear connection. A pocket-sized design also makes this handy headset a compact addition to your mobile arsenal, without cramping your style.

Stock up on practical presents and visit this directory to know where to buy these items. Happy gift giving!