beyerdynamic has announced a firmware update for its Phonum wireless Bluetooth and USB speakerphone that serves as a tool for conferencing tool, including improved button synchronization using Microsoft Teams that’s desgined to optimize joint operation the two when a USB connection is active (including easier answering/hanging up calls and synchronous mute function).
There’s also now a USB auto power-on — as soon as Phonum is connected to a powered-on laptop via a USB cable, the device starts automatically and is ready for operation. When connected to a charging device, an automatic announcement of the battery status is made.
In addition, there are several audio enhancements, including volume levels set to maximum sound with minimum distortion, with the last used volume saved for the next session. In the voice call routing engine, the voice output has been prioritized (over music), independent of the connection source — if Phonum is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth in addition to an active USB connection (laptop), the existing voice application is prioritized. Secondary voice calls are now also possible; the device will provide user notifications with blinking LEDs. Active calls via the communication platform will not be interrupted by incoming calls via Bluetooth anymore.
A notable bug fix is that there is no possible distortion noise from Bluetooth devices during voice call via a USB connection.
beyerdynamic’s Phonum combines three capsules in the microphone with proprietary technology designed to capture all spoken words and eliminate echo sound or background noise. Designed for mobile conferences over the internet, Phonum operates through Bluetooth with a PC, laptop or smartphone, and for increased functionality, it includes a USB port for applications with poor radio communication. The microphone modes including omnidirectional, cardioid and beamforming, the latter designed to automatically adjust the microphone in the direction of the person speaking.
Phonum is powered by a lithium ion battery stated to last for up to 12 hours and can be charged through the USB port. Users can operate Phonum through touch sensors, allowing the user the accept or end calls, increase or decrease the volume, select polar patterns, and mute or active the microphone. The unit includes a hard case for conferencing “on the go” and a USB-C cable designed for quick charging and conferencing.
The firmware update can be downloaded via the beyerdynamic website.
