Gigaset ION: The unified communications revolution

25. March 2021 Published by Raphael Doerr

Gigaset is presenting its first dedicated solution for the unified communications market in the shape of its new DECT handset ION. The lean portable device works with any PC/UC client via USB and can be used flexibly thanks to the DECT dongle. Despite its pared-back design, the ION offers top HD voice quality. It is the ideal alternative for small telephone conferences or users who prefer a headset to hands-free use. It has already been certified with the UC solution from Swyx, which is to be followed by certification of further VoIP clients and softphones.

If they were not already clear before, the coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the advantages of professional VoIP communications solutions. Millions of people are working from home and can be reached under their usual office numbers thanks to call forwarding or keep in touch using the many unified conferencing and communication applications available on the market.

“We have been developing mobile DECT devices for the high demands of the professional segment for many years,” says Joerg Kruse, Product Manager Professional at Gigaset. “The bar is high – which is why we are always guided by the needs of companies. Their employees have faced completely new challenges over the past year. To make sure that productivity at home does not suffer, communication must not only work smoothly, but also be as convenient as in the office. With the new Gigaset ION, we are focusing on the requirements in the modern UC application arena in a working world marked by disruptive change.”

Plug & play via standard USB

The Gigaset ION unites the convenience of a DECT handset with broad connectivity to existing unified communications solutions. Thanks to the DECT dongle, it can be connected to Windows, Mac OS and Linux devices via the standardized USB interface and used as an audio input and output device on installed softphones and UC clients.

The ION is already certified by Swyx and fully supports the SwyxIt! UC client. It is about to be certified for the UC client Circuit by Unify and is already fully compatible with Microsoft Teams[1]. It is also compatible in principle with Zoom, Cisco WebEx and various softphones, such as Zoiper, Bria, XLite and Juggler.

Thanks to standard USB driver functions, the ION can already be used with various UC clients[2] – regardless of any dedicated certification.

The DECT stick means the Gigaset ION also works on desktop phones with a USB port for headsets. “We have uncompromisingly developed the corded desktop phone into a mobile communications unit,” adds Kruse. “As part of that, we felt total flexibility to be important so that it could be used at the office, from home or even on the road.[3]”

The DECT dongle can be used either directly on the terminal device’s USB port or in the slot on the ION’s charging cradle, which comes with the product and is likewise connected to the terminal device via USB. The ION is recharged either in the cradle or via its USB-C interface.

The Gigaset ION is ready for use in the office, home office (left) or on trips (right) thanks to the DECT stick

DECT beats Bluetooth for range

Apart from excellent voice quality, DECT offers a range of up to 300 meters. “Corded headsets or even Bluetooth headsets mean you have to stay close to the computer. But the ION expands your radius of movement significantly,” states Kruse. “And it’s easy to take with you from the office to home or for working flexibly from anywhere. That means an incredible increase in convenience, also with new office concepts with desk sharing or open-plan workspaces.”

Intuitive choice of audio mode

ION can be used on the desktop as a conference phone, or as a high-quality hands-free solution when it is placed next to the PC or in its charging cradle – in both cases, it can also be used as a loudspeaker for playing media.

When held to the ear, it automatically switches to handset mode thanks to its integrated proximity sensor – without the need to touch a button, it then acts like a normal cordless phone. That is practical for confidential talks or to avoid disturbing other people nearby. The reverse happens when the device is moved away from the ear again.

Sustainable and secure

The ION is equipped with cutting-edge ECO DECT technology and is completely radiation-free in standby mode – its transmitting power is automatically adjusted to reflect the distance to the DECT stick. The Gigaset ION also has a surface that is resistant to disinfectant and thus helps employers comply with the strict hygiene requirements necessary for shared desks, for example: The device can be rid of bacteria and viruses quickly and easily, allowing it to also be used by multiple employees.

Availability and specifications

The data sheet with all technical details on the new Gigaset ION can be found here. Gigaset markets its Professional portfolio through a network of qualified partners, who include IT and telecommunications providers, value added resellers (VARs) and providers of enterprise systems. The partners offer advice, sell and install the Gigaset Professional solutions, and offer customers other services. The Gigaset retailer search can be used to find a local partner. You can find more information on the product here.

High-definition photo material can be found here.