When comparing some of the best Bluetooth headsets around earlier this year, we had good things to say about the last high-profile Plantronics offering, the Voyager PRO.
Our sole strong reservation was that the form factor was a little too…utilitarian to get the pulse racing.
My goodness, have they fixed that with the new Discovery 975.
The Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth headset simply oozes cool, with innovations in design and form that send this device into the stratosphere.
Forget the fact that they have managed to improve on market leading AudioIQ and Windsmart noise cancellation technology. Ignore the new weight of 8 grams (less than half that of the Voyager Pro). Even sidestep the fact that it comes in its own leather carry case that doubles as a charger.
It just looks good. Really good. From estate agent to secret agent with their latest Bluetooth headset, the transformation from the PRO to the Discovery 975 is incredible.
It is small, sleek, unimposing, and is now the subject of envious glances rather than snorts of derision. The instant we saw it, we knew that Plantronics had achieved the impossible and finally made Bluetooth headsets sexy.
The tech was always there, we knew that the Voyager Pro gave the best performance, but the issues of comfort and weight were the only factors holding us back from heaping more praise upon it. The 975 has it all.
The Discovery 975 retains the dual-mic AudioIQ² technology, which uses an outward-facing microphone to process cancel out background noise, instead enhancing whatever the inward facing microphone picks up and regulating the voice on the other end of the line to remain clear.
Compatible with the lion’s share of mobiles (our bevy of test subjects had no issues hooking up), the Plantronics 975 is an exercise in minimal design, with maximal performance.
The comforting soft white light informs that the 975 is powered and ready for action, and the single key on the earpiece offers full control over almost every facet of the device. Pairing, answering and ending calls, transferring from handset to headset, all at the press of a button. A selection of contoured ear pieces are included and ensure comfort when wearing the Discovery, regardless of size or shape.
The vocal cues we loved from the Voyager Pro are present again in the 975, with the dulcet tones of a lady informing when the headset is connected, muted and even if the power is low, instantly and effectively.
We have never been so happy for a product to run out of juice, as the carry case / charger is nothing short of ingenious.
This tiny pouch poses not only as a handy place to store the Discovery 975 when in transit, it also acts as a portable charging unit, complete with LCD display that informs of charging levels and remaining power stored in it! Considering the 975 can go for about four hours on a charge, this additional connectivity means it will never let you down. There’s even a handy eject lever to pop the headset from its snug resting place whenever you need it.
A brilliant touch, and one that is sure to be aped by the competition soon enough.
Coupling the peerless call quality from a Plantronics headset to such a gorgeous design is a no-brainer. The extra mile that they have gone to take the Discovery 975 from novelty to necessity is why we think so highly of it.
The carry case is portable and practical in equal measure, and the ultra-slim and simple form factor of the Discovery 975 finally puts to rest those demons of Bluetooth headsets being uncool. We recommend it without reservation.
The Plantronics Discovery 975 is available now, at a price of £74.99.
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