IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone Review

Welcome to our in-depth review of the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone. In an era where remote communication is more prevalent than ever, the quality of audio office accessories can significantly impact user experience. In this article, we explore the IPEVO VOCAL AI wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone, looking into its design, features, functionality, and performance. Whether you are a professional seeking a reliable conferencing solution or work from home office looking to enhance your communication desk setup, join us as we evaluate how this desk gadget fares in real-world usage scenarios.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The package includes: 

• IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone
• USB Type-C cable, 1.2 meters in length
• User manual 

As we unpack this cool desk accessory, its build quality immediately stands out. USB Type-C cable ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, while the user manual simplifies the setup process.

Design Features and Build Quality

The design of the IPEVO VOCAL follows the familiar style seen across all IPEVO products. It features a long triangular base and a rounded cylindrical top like their wireless webcam for conference rooms, but without a webcam, equipped with a microphone instead. Its sleek black color gives it a modern aesthetic that seamlessly fits into any setting, be it on a home office desk or in a corporate environment. Notably, the circumference of the cylindrical microphone cleverly integrates the volume knob for the speakers. 

The IPEVO VOCAL is built with great attention to detail, exhibiting solid construction. The use of plastic material provides both a premium feel and a matte texture. When handling it, no instances of creaking or flexing were observed, highlighting its robust nature. Additionally, the buttons and switches are responsive and tactile in operation, including the prominent red mute button on the front for easy access. 

To ensure stability, there is a thick rubber ring around the base that firmly grips any surface it is placed upon. Moreover, its slim size and shape contribute to portability as it can easily be transported in bags or briefcases.

Battery and Connectivity

This portable Bluetooth speakerphone offers two connectivity options, via USB-C or Bluetooth. For seamless integration with your laptop setup, utilizing the USB-C connection is recommended, eliminating concerns about battery life. Alternatively, if you prefer a wireless setup, the VOCAL provides an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours on a full charge. This extended battery duration ensures uninterrupted usage for an entire month before requiring recharging, making it a reliable companion for extended work sessions or on-the-go usage.

Functionality

Two-Way AI Noise Reduction

Described as "two-way" by IPEVO, this feature entails noise reduction applied to both your speech and the audio you receive from the other party. Utilizing advanced AI technology, IPEVO claims to have trained its system with over 500 million data points to effectively filter out ambient noise during conversations. This innovative approach ensures clearer communication by minimizing disruptions caused by background noise, enhancing the overall audio experience for both users.

Omnidirectional and Directional Modes

The Omnidirectional mode of the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone allows for sound capture in a 360-degree range, making it perfect for situations where participants are seated across from each other during a call. In this mode, users can choose to enable or disable the AI noise reduction feature based on their preference.

Alternatively, the Directional mode utilizes only the front-facing microphone and captures audio within a 120-degree range. AI noise reduction is automatically activated in this mode and cannot be turned off. However, it's important to keep in mind that when using Directional mode, maintaining close proximity to the microphone is crucial. Moving too far away may cause the AI noise reduction processing to interpret low volume as 'noise,' leading to voice dropouts. To ensure optimal vocal pickup while utilizing this mode, it is recommended to position the IPEVO VOCAL close to your mouth.

IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone

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Downside

Like any product, the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone does have its limitations. In larger spaces or noisy environments, some users may find the volume output to be somewhat inadequate. Although the built-in AI technology helps optimize sound, it may not fully meet the expectations of those looking for extensive customization options. It's worth mentioning that while the maximum volume exceeds that of a regular cell phone, it is important to understand that this device is not meant to function as a primary speaker but rather performs suitably for business use scenarios.

FAQs

How do you set up the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone?

The setup process for the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is straightforward and follows standard procedures for connecting to a laptop. Users have the option to connect via a USB-C cable for a direct connection to their laptop or utilize Bluetooth for wireless connectivity with laptops or smartphones.

What is the output power of the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone?

The IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone has an output power of 5 watts. This output provides sufficient volume and clarity to effectively convey speech and audio content to all participants involved.

What is the audio pick-up range of the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone?

The company specified audio pickup range of the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is 16 feet or approximately 5 meters. If you move too far from the device, the AI noise reduction processing might mistake low volume for background noise, resulting in voice dropouts.

Does IPEVO offer any warranty on this speakerphone?

IPEVO provides a generous 2-year warranty starting from the date of purchase.

Conclusion

To summarize, the IPEVO VOCAL AI Beamforming Bluetooth Speakerphone is a reliable choice for individuals in need of a speakerphone with impressive audio capabilities. Its modern design, stable connectivity, and AI-driven sound enhancement make it a competitive option in the conference room speaker market. While it may not introduce groundbreaking features, its blend of convenience and audio quality positions it as a practical addition to any business setup or home office essentials.