Jabra Eclipse Headset: Non-Budget Futurism

    How often do you think about changing a headset or buying one? I am sure that among the readers of this resource, as well as in a wide range of users, many prefer to use wireless or, in some cases, wired headsets for communication. And in the Russian Federation, even the state traffic inspectorate offers to use this type of communication while driving. Welcome to the iCover Blog . Today we look at one of the promising models in the line of Jabra, namely Eclipse . Jabra has been operating for quite some time, both in the domestic market and in foreign markets. First of all, it has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and interesting solutions in the field of headsets, and of other products in the sound industry.




    What do we usually expect from a headset? Most likely, the wearing comfort, size and sound quality will be the motivating factor. The operating time of the device, as well as its versatility, will also be important. It is possible that the design itself will determine the leading role in 2015/16 and will become the main landmark of the new business style. The headset on the official website of the company is positioned as the lightest and smallest headset for successful people. This is evidenced by the cost, about 10,000 rubles. However, Jabra products have never been of low price. The manufacturer promises the buyer support for HD Voice, the ability to play music. Convenient “connection” through its own application for mobile devices, cross-platform (supported devices on iOS and Android), as well as 10 hours of talk time and up to three days of standby time. All this reinforces the beautiful and compact design, as well as the lack of physical buttons. Agree, it looks quite “tasty”? But is it all worth the stated price? Let's get it together.

    Contents of delivery



    When you buy a non-budget item, most likely it will be packed accordingly. In the case of Jabra Eclipse, such expectations are fully confirmed. The packaging of the headset is quite compact, while it looks bright, thanks to the graphics and gamma.



    The lid of the box opens in one fell swoop, and a single magnet in the center holds it on the side. Under the transparent plastic cover you can immediately see the headset in the dock cradle. In addition to the cradle headset, a USB cable for charging, interchangeable ear tips and documentation are hidden inside the box. There are no complaints about the quality of manufacturing accessories.



    Appearance and design features



    The headset and the complete dock are made of high-quality matte plastic. In our case, the color is black. The white version is also on the market. On the black version, after short use, fingerprints are clearly visible, but despite this, it looks premium. Almost on the entire plane of the outside of the headset, it is decorated with an insert made of plastic with the effect of brushed aluminum (yes, there is no real metal here).



    The designers of Jabra during the development of Eclipse clearly inspired the theme of futurism. The headset looks very unconventional and beautiful. The same applies to the dock. However, among the range of Jabra headsets there are already models with a similar style in design, they are present in different price ranges. The question arises rather when comparing with competitors who prefer the use of more standard and familiar design touches. The docking station is made in a teardrop shape. Inside the "dock" a pair of magnets holds the headset, and to remove it you will need to make a light effort. Below the cradle is a disguised key. When you press it, you can check the charge of the headset and battery in the dock - the LEDs light up on both devices. Charges the "dock" using a conventional Micro-USB cable. The headset in the dock, from zero to the last value, charges about one and a half hours. It takes about one and a half to two hours to charge the dock. The promised headset working time is 3 hours. The cradle promises to support headset power up to 10 hours of its operation. That is, it will charge about a little more than three times. But in standby mode, the whole bunch can last up to three days.



    Let's take a closer look at Eclipse. In addition to the already mentioned mounting magnets, the headset has an LED indicator, and in fact, a microphone with a speaker. The nozzles on the speaker are standard, so in case of loss, you can easily pick up any others. On the case there was a place for a touch key. It is located on the outside, in the area of ​​the inscription Jabra. There is also an NFC sensor on the dock. Speaking of size, the headset is very compact, and weighs only 5.5 grams. A complete dock at the same time weighs 35 grams.



    Given that the headset does not have any additional hooks for a hook on the ear, most likely it will suit most buyers. At the same time, it definitely will not create discomfort with its shape or size. However, you must not forget that you can only wear the device in the right ear, thanks to the same anatomical shape of Jabra Eclips.



    Software and connection with a smartphone



    To pair with the headset via Bluetooth, the proprietary Jabra Assist application is used. There is a version of the application for iOS and Android. The most striking difference is that when paired with an iOS device, the headset will support working with Siri, and on Android with Google’s voice assistant.



    The application itself is made quite high quality and has a simple, but nice to the eye design. The logic is clear, the Jabra Assist is simple, and even a child can figure it out. Screenshots of the interface and settings for review can be viewed below.

    The first connection to a smartphone occurs either through the standard procedure for finding a device via Bluetooth (up to version 4.1) or by pairing using NFC. This method, in the presence of NFC in the mobile device, in my opinion, is the most convenient. After all, what could be easier than bringing a smartphone to the back of the dock, after which the connection will occur almost instantly. The headset remembers up to eight previously connected devices. The only thing that I noticed was that once every couple of days I had to pair the devices again, since the smartphone lost sight of the headset and refused to automatically “hook” to it.



    There is such an opportunity as updating the headset using the application. To update the headset does not require a computer and proprietary software, everything is combined in one application. The update process is as follows. The package of files is downloaded to your mobile device, and subsequently transferred via Bluetooth to the headset. In time, the whole process does not take 10 minutes. There are also their voice prompts on the headset, for example, such as a caller ID. True, in the case of the chosen Russian language, sometimes the internal “assistant” finds it difficult to pronounce the name of the caller. Also supported by A2DP headset.

    As such, there are probably no more chips in the device. But let's not forget that the gadget is rather highly specialized and geared towards a certain number of tasks. As for the most important, namely ease of use. Actually, what are the options for answering a call and their implementation?

    The most advanced, but not the most reliable way is voice control. Having said “Answer” or “End call”, the headset will execute the corresponding command in the room with one hundred percent probability, but on the street and, especially in noisy places, for some reason the operation does not happen the first time or the command is not recognized at all. The second way is to double-touch the touch key on the case. The easiest and most intuitive method. There’s nothing to even say. Except, perhaps, because of the compactness of the device and the surface location of the keys, accidental pressing is possible, especially when trying to put on a headset. In this regard, you will have to get used to taking and holding the Jabra Eclipse in places where there is no contact with the key. This item is customizable, that is, you can two touches, for example, replace with one. Third,

    At the end of the section, I want to mention the possibility of finding a headset in a standard application. In case you put it somewhere and went quite far, but remembering is not possible. Although, in my opinion, the practical benefits are still doubtful.

    Voice quality



    I always tried to avoid sound topics ... It's not that I can not describe emotions or sound characteristics, rather this process is extremely subjective and it is quite difficult to evaluate sound quality. After all, what sounds good to one will seem irritating to the other with an irritating creak and crackle, like what the old wooden floor in the house emits at night, when everyone is sleeping, thereby causing great discontent. In general, no claims have been identified regarding the Jabra Eclipse. There is support for HD Voice. The speaker clearly conveys the timbre of the voice and intonation of speech. The voice remains recognizable even in the presence of decent noise in the background. On the microphone, the situation as a whole is similar, except that in noisy places the interlocutor complained of illegibility of speech and had to raise his voice. But being indoors or just in a quiet place, According to the interlocutor, the speech quality was above all praise. The noise reduction system, by the way, is present and working.

    In custody…



    The Jabra Eclipse headset is certainly a viable device. Its characteristics and appearance make it possible to compete in the specialized market in this area, as well as within its own production line. Perhaps the most sensitive issue remains cost. At the time of the release of the material, the headset is on average sold at a price of 10,000 rubles. On the other hand, for this money, the buyer receives a high-quality, stylish, reliable and generally functional product in its class. Although there are a number of disadvantages. For example, a headset can only be used with the right ear - this is not the most convenient implementation of the touch key. Marked plastic in the black version of the gadget. But, however, this soiling will not be noticeable to anyone because of the dimensions of the Jabra Eclipse, so the disadvantage is reset.

    The headset is small and comfortable, it doesn’t work for a long time without a “cradle”, only three hours, but already with it the working time is extended to 10 hours, but it is unlikely that you will go around all day with the headset in your ear. Definitely will appreciate the quality of voice transmission, thanks to HD Voice it is especially noticeable. Of course, it won’t work with the headset in winter - the maximum operating temperature varies from 10 to 55 degrees according to the manufacturer. Should I recommend this headset exclusively for selection? It is unknown, since each one still makes his conscious choice, using personal preferences. Someone doesn’t care about the sound quality and appearance, but it’s more important that the headset works without any “docks” for more than three hours, and someone is ready to close their eyes to the time of work. I think that everything, as always, will be determined by the consumer’s wallet and sales statistics.

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