Snom’s latest firmware update offers improvements: Ad-hoc Conference calls, which can be set up with fewer steps; a Quick Redial functioninitiated with a simple two-button press; the Silent Mode, which mutes the ringtone but indicates the call on the display of the Snom phone; the Quick Lookup, which provides contact suggestions after entering the first three characters of a number or name; and Smart Labels, which displays button functionality in better detail when needed or activated via proximity sensor (model D735 only). Version 10 also offers the Smart Transfer feature, which makes transferring/redirecting calls, for example to a mobile number, much easier.
The new user interface (UI)
Version 10 Snom phones present a completely new user interface. The new UI boasts a modern look, including numerous Smart Labels and icons. Using the interface is now far more self-explanatory and intuitive, therefore reducing the need for external support.The Graphical User Interface (GUI) can be customised with a background image, allowing elements such as colour scheme to match the brand identity of the company. This means all Snom phones can be seamlessly integrated into various business environments, e.g. a hotel, an airport terminal, a hospital or an office.
Snom QuickLookup
With version 10, searching for a specific contact from a large telephone book/call list is now simpler and faster. When a user enters the first three characters of a number or name, the phone will scan all available directories and suggest the results to the user, listed by the likelihood of the match.
Snom Smart Labels
Snom users are already accustomed with customisable function keys around the phones’ display. Now, the functionality of these buttons is presented to the user in a much clearer and more concise way. With Smart Labels, the buttons’ functions can be displayed either by filling the display, or in a short mode with an icon at the edge of the display, whilst also able to be completely deactivated, too.Snom phones that include a proximity sensor, such as the D735, can activate these when users move their hand close to the phone.
Adapting to the environment
The Snom D735’s light sensor detects movement to activate various features. However, with the firmware version 10, the D735 also has an “ambient light sensing” feature. This means the phone will adjust the brightness of the display according to the current ambient light. In a sunny, bright environment, the brightness of the display increases automatically for improved readability. In dark environments, the phone dims the display’s backlight, therefore consuming less power. Especially in larger installations with Snom D735, the energy savings could really add up. This is helping businesses reduce their impact on the environment as well as lowering costs.
Silent Mode
In a chaotic business environment, even hearing the ringtone of one’s phone could be a potentially nerve-racking distraction to a meeting or similar situation. Snom phones already offer DND (Do not Disturb) mode, in which the calls can be automatically redirected to selected contacts. However, if a user does not want to use DND mode but wishes to mute the ringtone, this can be achieved by the Silent Mode button available via firmware version 10. In this mode, incoming calls are displayed on the phone’s LCD display and users can decide whether to accept the call.
The Snom firmware version 10 also includes complete integration of the new Snom A210 WLAN Stick. This handy adapter is connected to the USB port of the Snom phone and configured via the phone’s interface. This allows the phones to be used without an Ethernet port, utilising the VoIP functionality by connecting to the WLAN instead. This brings a completely new level of versatility and flexibility with regards to where the phones can be placed.