UPDATE! Lync for Mac 2011 gets improved device support with hotfix 14.0.3

[Originally posted Fri Aug 24, 2012. UPDATED Tue Sep 18, 2012. Snom UC600 and Plantronics Calisto 800 series added to supported devices.]

One of the most requested features for Lync for Mac 2011 is better device support.  In the Windows client, any device that has been Optimized for Lync will be automatically set as the default device in Lync as soon as it is connected.  In the Mac client, users must manually set the audio device as default in Mac System Preferences and then restart Lync.  This resulted in audio from all programs routing through the Lync device, and even when setup properly, some Optimized device still did not want to play nice with the Mac.

This changes with the availability of the Lync for Mac 2011 hotfix 14.0.3.  This update provides improvements in device support and audio quality for a select group of devices.  The devices supported by this update are:

  • Polycom CX300 – USB Desk Phone
  • Plantronics Calisto P540-M – USB Desk Phone
  • Logitech B530 – earbud-style headset
  • Jabra Pro 9450 – Wireless headset
  • Sennheiser DW Office – Wireless headset
  • Microsoft LifeCam Studio – webcam
  • Snom UC600 – USB Desk Phone
  • Plantronics Calisto 800 series – USB Speakerphone

These device are now automatically set as the default audio device when connected to a Mac.  There are also a few new features in the Lync client for managing audio devices.

A drop-down menu in the main Lync client that allows users to quickly select their default audio device:

 

A drop-down menu in the Call Control window that allows users to switch audio devices mid-call:

 

An Audio tab in Lync Preferences that allows users to configure their audio device as well as a Secondary Ringer:

 

HID commands from these devices are also supported now.  This means the Answer/End, Volume, and Mute buttons on the devices will now work.  On the Polycom CX300 and the Plantronics Calisto P540-M USB phones, this means the Display, Presence status light, Dialpad, Redial, and Hold buttons will now work as well.

It is important to note that this update is only intended for those that are using the devices listed above. Users that are using devices not on the list should wait until the next Lync for Mac 2011 update.

Additional information about hotfix 14.0.3, including how to acquire the update, can be found here: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2726395