Anker PowerConf Conference Speakerphone review
It is difficult to imagine a workflow without audio or video conferences. Even if it is a small office, in the current conditions of remote work, it is much more convenient to solve work issues by voice through calls or Skype and others like them. Every high-ranking boss in the office must have a large table and a speakerphone for conferences. Today, the speakerphone does not have to take up a lot of space, but it must be functional and convenient to use. Today we will consider the Anker PowerConf - a modern model that can be used both stationary and portable, and connected not only to a smartphone, but also to a computer.
Anker PowerConf
The device is delivered in a small package made of thick cardboard with very colorful printing. The package includes the speakerphone itself, a transport case, a USB Type-C cable and a stack of waste paper. We should immediately note an excellent zippered case-it is covered with velvet inside, which protects the speakerphone case. One bad thing is that there is no place for a cable in the case, but the use of the popular and promising Type-C port somewhat eliminates this annoying moment – today many people will have the appropriate cable.
The device is such a small flying saucer, although the shape is closer to a square with strongly rounded corners. The device is about 15 cm on the sides and about 6 cm in thickness (height). The weight is about 700 grams, it feels very solid and solid in the hand, although the case is entirely made of plastic. On top there are speaker holes (with a power of 3 W) and a touch control panel, which is framed by a backlight, which acts as an indicator of operation. There is everything here – volume control, call reception/end, play / pause and quick microphone mute. Two more control buttons (enabling and activating the Bluetooth module) are located on the end. Also, there are as many as six microphones located around the entire perimeter of the case. There is a rubber foot at the bottom, it does not allow the device to slide on the table.
On the other side of the pair of buttons there is a Type-C port for charging and connecting to a computer, an AUX audio output for connecting external speakers and a full-fledged USB port for charging gadgets. Let's just say about the autonomy – from the built-in battery with a capacity of 6700 mAh, the speakerphone works up to 24 hours in talk mode. This means that if you spend 3-4 hours a day talking, you will have to charge the device no more than once a week. At the same time, the gadget can also act as a powerbank, charging smartphones, tablets, or any other devices with a current limit of 2.1 A from the USB-A port (that is, the output power is 10.5 W, the proprietary Anker PowerIQ technology is used). The speakerphone is charged with a current of 2 A, it takes about 4-5 hours to fully charge.
As we mentioned above, the device can be connected via both Bluetooth and USB. In the second case, you do not need to install drivers on the computer – the device is detected automatically and is seen in the system both as a sound source and as a microphone. This allows you to use Anker PowerConf both for calls from a smartphone and for communication via Skype and other audio/video messengers.
Now let's talk about quality. The microphone quintet provides 360-degree coverage, that is, Anker PowerConf can be placed in the center of the table and arrange a meeting of eight people (as the manufacturer claims) and everyone will be clearly heard. The manufacturer notes the use of a special DSP algorithm for their digital technologies, which equalizes the voice volume, suppresses the echo in real time up to 70 dB and reduces the noise level by 20 dB. In practice, the situation is as follows – the interlocutor can be heard perfectly, the maximum volume of the speaker is more than sufficient. The interlocutor did not complain about the quality and volume, provided that the distance to the speakerphone is 1-1.5 meters and you are talking at a normal volume (the same as you are calmly talking on the phone). If the distance to the speakerphone is longer – we have to raise our voice slightly so that the interlocutor continues to hear us well. External noise is really very well extinguished at the same time.
Conclusions
At the time of writing the review, the cost of Anker PowerConf was slightly less than $ 120. In general, the Anker PowerConf is a good modern speakerphone. It is made of very high-quality materials, and it feels great in the hand, and looks no worse. Convenient touch control, 6 microphones with echo cancellation and external noise, excellent autonomy and the ability to connect to a computer, as well as the powerbank function – all this makes Anker PowerConf an excellent gift for a boss or a person who spends a lot of time talking on the phone or audio/video communication.
Lutovinov Maxim (aka. Kok)
15/07.2021