Jabra launches retail headset & cloud management platform

Jabra has introduced Perform Plus and Perform 55 for retail communication and device management, aimed at multi-shift store operations.

The launch combines a cloud-based management platform for headset fleets with a new retail headset for shop floor staff. Together, they are designed to give IT and operations teams centralised oversight of shared devices across stores while enabling hands-free communication for staff.

Perform Plus is a remote management system for deploying, configuring, securing and monitoring Jabra headset fleets from a single platform. It is intended to help retail operators manage firmware updates, approved settings, compliance checks and performance monitoring with less reliance on on-site support.

Perform 55, the accompanying headset, is designed for store associates who need quick access to colleagues, managers and information while serving customers. It includes push-to-talk functions and voice-led workflows, and Jabra says its microphones block 99% of background noise in busy retail environments.

Jabra positioned the launch against growing operational pressure in stores, where rising numbers of connected devices are increasing management demands for IT teams. It cited research showing that 88% of store associates report difficulty getting timely assistance or information, while 90% say the right technology helps them complete tasks faster.

The company also cited separate industry findings showing that 81% of frontline workers experience device or app issues that stop them working at least once a month. Nearly 60% face work-stopping mobile issues weekly or more often, according to those figures.

Retail focus

According to Jabra, the headset was developed using feedback from retail teams. It is compatible with Zebra Workcloud Sync, Zello and Zoom, allowing retailers already using those tools to add the device to existing communications setups.

Other features include an over-the-head design, IP54 protection against dust and spills, and battery life of up to 20 hours of talk time or 50 hours of push-to-talk time. A 10-minute fast charge provides up to 10 hours of talk time or 25 hours of push-to-talk use.

The device also includes what Jabra calls Face2Face mode, which mutes calls and audio when the boom arm is lifted. It supports one-touch pairing with Android devices, a feature intended to simplify handovers in shared-shift environments.

Alongside the new products, Jabra is releasing a Perform 5-Bay Universal Charging Base for five compatible headsets. The accessory is intended to help stores keep shared devices charged, organised and ready between shifts.

Management platform

Perform Plus will support Perform 55 at launch, with support for other Jabra Perform devices to follow. The platform will initially be released as an early access version.

The management software includes reporting and analytics on device performance, role-based access controls and audit trails. It also supports single sign-on and application programming interfaces for integration with existing IT systems and workflows.

Jabra said the platform reflects a broader shift in retail technology as operators seek more consistent ways to manage shared devices across multiple locations. The launch also comes as voice interfaces attract more attention from retailers considering how artificial intelligence might be introduced into frontline work.

According to research cited by Jabra, 96% of retailers expect investment in artificial intelligence to increase, while 71% expect voice AI to be deployed at scale within two years. Jabra said the new headset and management platform could form part of that shift by supporting future voice-led workflows.

The launch expands Jabra's retail range, which already includes Perform 10 and Perform 45 SE. With the addition of Perform 55, the company is broadening its range of communication devices for store staff and retail operations teams.

Perform 55 is available now at a recommended price of USD $229.99, while the Perform 5-Bay Universal Charging Base is priced at USD $249.99. Perform Plus will be released as an early access version later this year.

"Retailers are under pressure to keep store associates connected while making growing technology deployments easier for IT to manage across locations. With Jabra Perform Plus and Jabra Perform 55, we are bringing together the retail communication endpoint and the platform behind it for scalable, voice-led store communication. Our goal is to help associates stay connected in the moment, give IT and operations teams greater control and prepare retailers for future AI-assisted workflows," said Andrew Doyle, Vice President for Frontline Solutions at Jabra.