How to set up devices for ServiceM8 Phone

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All team members who work in the field and use ServiceM8 with their iOS device (iPhone/iPad) will need to: 

1. Download the ServiceM8 Phone app, available on the App Store, and login with their ServiceM8 credentials; and
2. Update to the latest version of the ServiceM8 app, available on the App Store. 

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All team members who work in the office (or remotely) and use the ServiceM8 online dashboard on a desktop Mac or PC will need to:

1. Install and use the Google Chrome web browser with ServiceM8 & ServiceM8 Phone (download here);
2. Install the ServiceM8 Phone Chrome Extension (download here);
3. Configure a microphone input & audio output for ServiceM8 Phone (see the guidance below); and
4. Pin the ServiceM8 Phone extension icon to the Google Chrome toolbar (see how in the video above). 

Note that in an office environment, phone calls are made and received with ServiceM8 Phone through the ServiceM8 online dashboard, enabled by the Chrome Extension i.e. you make and receive calls through your computer, using its microphone & speakers, or a headset. ServiceM8 Phone does not work with desktop phones i.e. you can not configure it to ring your existing desktop handset/s. 

Office staff making & receiving calls through the online dashboard will need audio and a microphone. Depending on each staff member's role, working hours and environment, in most cases the practical solution is a quality headset with a built-in microphone. ServiceM8 does not recommend a specific brand or type of headset, but considerations in choosing a headset should include:

• Corded vs. wireless: cordless headsets are more ergonomic and offer more freedom to move around without taking the headset on & off. Corded headsets are more restrictive but aren't as susceptible to audio/microphone interference, and don't require recharging the headset's battery.
• Comfort: how long the wearer is typically on the phone each day should inform how comfortable & ergonomic their headset needs to be. Team members who are responsible for answering business calls throughout the day will likely need a more comfortable headset. 
• Battery life (for cordless headsets): team members responsible for answering business calls throughout the day will likely need a headset with a battery life that can last at least a full business day before recharging. 
• Bluetooth: when considering cordless headsets which use Bluetooth technology, it's recommended that only headsets with an option to transmit to a dedicated Bluetooth USB dongle or cradle/base station are considered (rather than depending on the computer's built-in Bluetooth connectivity to connect to the headset, as audio quality and consistency issues are common with this type of setup).  
• Ambient noise & noise cancelling: consider the working environment and whether the wearer will need to block out background noise, and/or interact with clients/team members in person. Some headsets have noise-cancelling features, while others only cover one ear, providing more freedom to hear and interact with people in person when they're not on the phone. 
• Built-in speakers with ServiceM8 Phone: note that if the computer being used has built-in or external speakers, these speakers will still ring when a call comes in via ServiceM8 Phone, even when you have configured ServiceM8 Phone with a headset. This means you don't need to wear the headset at all times in order to hear the phone ring.