Stardust Global Ventures

We sometimes get the opportunity to test the most interesting new devices hitting the market. A few days ago we received a new one that we’re growing more impressed with as we use it. We’re using the new Yamaha PSG-01S SoundGadget.

We’ve both been active Skype users for years. We’ve used it on every computer and mobile device we have. Some days we simply live on the phone, and Skype is our office choice for conference calls, podcast interviews and more.

I’ve used more Skype speakerphones than I can count. Most have been mildly interesting, but not much more. I’ve tried them, tested them, then set them aside or given them away. They simply haven’t been much better than the speakers and mic in my laptop.

That all changed with this Yamaha product. It is simply the best speakerphone for Skype I’ve used. This SoundGadget is marketed for the small room environment, and it’s perfect for our home office. Yamaha has already announced an awesome looking small conference room solution coming soon, but for the typical home office or small office use, this device is fantastic.

It’s got solid echo cancellers built it. They’re tuned for Skype and it does a great job of eliminating echo and dropouts.

Setup was simple – Plug&Play that really works. It’s powered via USB so no extra power adapter cord to tangle up our limited desk real estate.

One feature we found absolutely delightful is the wideband stereo playback. there two embedded, high-efficiency speakers with the new surround formats that provide powerful wide-band stereo audio. Being highly mobile laptops users, audio quality for listening to music or podcasts while we work is always an issue. The volume obtainable from laptop speakers is always a limitation.

Yamaha has a history of delivering audio gear with the highest fidelty and superb quality. The PSC-01S SoundGadget delivers everything we might have hoped for from Yamaha’s reputation for quality. And the physical quality of the device are apparent too.

One interesting feature that I’m still trying to figure out is the embedded acceleration sensors that detect the position of the unit and automatically switch the mode by itself. When the unit is positioned vertically, the unit is ready for Skype communication as a speakerphone. When it is placed horizontally, it is ready for music playback as a stereo speaker. In my case, it works as stereo speakers standing up. When I lie it horizontally, it seems to shut all audio off. I need to play with it a bit more as speakers for music. I suspect there’s even better quality than I’m getting right now in this little box.

Here’s a picture to give a sense of scale.The PSG-O1S is sitting next to a coffee mug with a box of Kleenex in behind.

What is clear is the feel of quality. It has a metal case, and some weight and heft. This is clearly not a plastic toy.

Two points aren’t as positive. It has buttons on the side to initiate and terminate a Skype call. I can’t make them work. I don’t know that I’d use them, and I will fiddle around until I figure out what I’ve done wrong, but a button to hangup a call should just work and it doesn’t. I’ll RTFM. I suspect user error in some way.

Where I think Yamaha will struggle with this small room speakerphone is in the US$249/€199 price point. True audiophiles may be inclined to spend that kind of money for a speakerphone device. I’m not one. Skype users tend to be people looking for convenient solutions that don’t cost much money. I think it will take very focused marketing to a specific target market that will spend that kind of money.

While it’s a small room device, we took it out on the patio while talking to a friend. It worked great. The speakers made him easy to hear. The mic picked up voice just fine, and it did pick up the furnace pump sounds across the yard. According to our friend, it worked great on the patio. He could hear background noise, but it was clearly in the background with our voices in the foreground.

All in all, from a couple of days testing, we’re pleased and impressed. Several of our friends and colleagues are also reviewing the device, and we’ll be watching to see what they think. If you’re looking to buy one or learn more you’ll find it under Phones at your local country Skype Store.

Amendment – After a quick peek at the manual, the call and hangup buttomns work perfectly. And now I have to change my view and say I probably will use them. Interesting handy feature.