The release of the Poly’s updated Savi 8400 series comes with some important questions to answer: “Is this new unit for me, and how do I know??” Read on to find out whether the new Poly Savi 8400 is right for you.
Overview of the Updates
The Savi 8400 series is the replacement for the Savi 8200 series, including the W8210, W8220, and S8240/45 office models. The main difference in this new update is the LED base station, but there are some smaller quality of life updates that accompany the fancy new base that should be mentioned as well.
New features include:
- DECT™ 6.0 and Bluetooth® v5.2 connectivity
- Compatible with Poly Lens device management software
- Color screen for device status at-a-glance!
- Integrated Microsoft Teams button for opening the app on your PC (Microsoft versions ONLY)
- Designed to meet DECT Forum Security Step C
- Military level FIPS 140-2 listed 256-AES encryption
- 128-bit AES Authentication
What’s Stayed the Same
If you currently have the Savi 8200 series, you’ll recognize most of the features of the new unit. Poly hasn’t reinvented their connectivity so much as they’ve reinvented the formfactor.
Features that have stayed the same:
- Conferencing up to 4 headsets together. You can still conference together multiple headsets to the same base for training!
- Multi-channel connectivity. The new base still has the same connectivity available: Bluetooth to connect to a mobile device, USB connection to PC, and interface or EHS cable to desk phone.
- Base modularity. The charge cradle on this base can be swapped out to fit the W8200 and W8400 headsets, as well as the S7300 and S7400 headsets.
- Default line setting. You can set your base to prioritize the line you use most, whether that’s mobile, PC, or desk phone.
To Upgrade or Not?
So, who is this update for? While in general I don’t recommend upgrading for the sake of upgrading, this base station does offer some updates that would be worth making that purchase for the following reasons:
- Upgraded security. This base is one of the most secure units on the market currently.
- That Microsoft Teams button! If your organization uses Teams regularly, having that dedicated Teams button to be able to quickly answer Teams calls is a game changer.
- Reduced desk footprint. This base takes up about a third of the space that the Savi 8200 series office base did.
- If you’ve already waited to upgrade. Your office might still be using the older Savi 700 series of headsets, in which case the upgrade makes perfect sense. This new unit will seamlessly integrate into your communication landscape as it moves forward much better than the older 700 units.
- Easier to see device statuses. Thanks to the upgraded display, seeing the line you’re using, call and battery time, and other base settings is easier than having to figure out the combination of lights flashing on the base.