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SuperTooth 3 Car kit

The Doctor's Findings

1-10 quality scale

Rating 8.8

Performance: Very Good

Ergonomics: Excellent

Design: Excellent

Ease Of Operation: Excellentx

BlueAnt's newest SuperTooth 3 just arrived. It is smaller and more fully featured than it's predecessors. Since most of our readers are familiar with the previous SuperTooth Lite, I will be focusing on the differences between the two. We did earlier evaluations on all three previous SuperTooth models. Aside from the $20 in price, the new ST3 has a very cool Voice Command and Text-to-Speech feature that announces the incoming caller's name, or number if the name has not been previously stored in your contacts.

Not one to read instructions, I was getting a bit frustrated until I figured out that the on/off button was not the logical red "end button". Turns out, BlueAnt decided to utilize the green "send " button for turning the device on/off. This is done by holding down the button for 4 seconds. A verbal confirmation is then given. The previous SuperTooth Lite model utilized a spring loaded pop-out microphone which I personally liked. This is how the ST Lite was powered on and off. Pushing the microphone in, was how you moved the call from speakerphone to handset. Pushing it out, transferred the call back to the ST Lite. The ST3's microphone is built into the housing which is probably a good idea since it reduces the amount of moving parts. The only downside is the green button needs to be held down for 3 seconds on the ST3 to accomplish the same thing. Not quite as simple.

One of the most interesting experiences during set-up was turning the SuperTooth 3 on and having it prompt me to choose British English or American English. Once that choice was made, the device walked me through the entire pairing process. Once successfully paired, if you are lucky, the device then automatically downloads your entire phone's contact list into the SuperTooth's memory. This is what allows this device to actually say who is calling. I tried pairing it twice. I was told the address transfer was not supported each time. When I highlighted the ST3 in my BlackBerry BlueTooth menu, I saw the command, "Transfer Address Book". I clicked on it and over 2,800 contacts began to move over to the device.

While I was successful, my ST3 still would only say the number of the inbound caller, not the name. I spoke with BlueAnt's tech support and they indicated that they had early reports of this issue. Apparently it was a glitch with the newly implemented TTS (Text-to-Speech) technology in the first batch. BlueAnt's newest shipments have the new and improved software.

Before being able to use the voice answering feature, it was necessary to activate the feature. This is done by holding down the Volume + for 5 seconds until the device confirms this mode. I was able to easily answer calls by simply saying any of the following commands: "OK", "Accept Call", "Accept", or "Answer". While I love my SuperTooth Lite, I get tons of inbound calls and was constantly getting ambushed by copier salespeople, etc. The voice dialing and incoming voice prompt announcing the callers name is a must-have feature for people like me.

One of the most amazing things about all of the BlueAnt SuperTooth devices is their incredible battery life. I only need to charge my ST3 about once a month.

Once again, BlueAnt sets the industry standard for BlueTooth portable car kits. To sum it up, get this product, or it's predecessor, the SuperTooth Lite. They are the two best performing portable visor-mounted car kits on the market at this time.

Update 6-17-08
Finally swapped my original ST3 for the new version. The voice answering now works awesome. The callers voice is announced followed by a chirp. After the chirp, I can answer by saying answer, or okay. If I don't want to take the call I can say reject or just ignore it.

Update 6-26-08
Supertooth 3 with iPhone
For whatever reason, the iPhone does not currently support voice dialing. I was curious how it would work with the ST3. Surprisingly the iPhone not only paired easily, but actually loaded the contact list into the ST3 automatically which my Blackberry would not even do. While i was not able to make outbound calls by voice, as with my 'Berry, I was able to receive them by voice, which was quite unexpected. Apparently, since the ST3 has built in Voice dialing and Text-to-Speech capability, the feature works with incoming calls. This is great news for iPhone owners. There is talk of a new 3rd party voice dial app which would solve the voice dialing issue.

Surprisingly, fickle PALM devices that are notorius for bad BlueTooth connectivity have been working well. I have even discovered how way to successfully transfer the contact list.

Product Evaluation

6-02-08

www.drwireless.com

BlueAnt's Supertooth 3

The device requires no installation and is quickly and easily installed and connected to your cell phone. Simply slide the metal clip onto your sun-visor and attach the Supertooth 3 via the magnets on the rear of the device.

The voice prompts provide guidance and assistance to help pair the device and upload your cell phone's address book. When a call is received, the Supertooth 3 announces the incoming caller's name or number. Simply say 'OK' to accept the call. There is no need to take your hands off the wheel or remove your eyes from the road, making the Supertooth 3 a safer and legal alternative to driving while on the phone.

Incorporating a choice of 6 languages including American English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and British English, the Supertooth 3 can be easily programmed to suit your individual needs. I personally preferred the British English to the American English which was not quite as pleasant sounding. The Supertooth 3 can be paired with up to 8 devices and supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject (mobile phone setting dependent).

Bluetooth v2.0 General Specifications

> Up to 10 meters coverage
> CE, FCC, BQB, RoHS
> Headset Profile, Hands-Free profile with automatic detection
Frequency 2.4 GHz
Battery Type Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery Talk Time Up to 15 hrs
Standby Time Up to 800 hrs
Charge Time 3 hrs
Weight 115g
Dimensions 18.2 x 60.2 x 122 mm

> TTS Text to Speech - a voice announces incoming 'callers' name or Caller ID
> Announces device status, call status and setup instructions for use
> Voice Answer - answer calls with your voice. No button press needed
> Automatic Vibration Sensor Reconnection
> Choice of 6 languages (British English, American English, French, Italian, Spanish and German)
> Full DSP Noise Cancellation/Echo Cancellation
> Full Duplex, high performance speaker
> Automatic connection and reconnection with notification
> Digital Volume Control
> Can also be charged directly from a PC via USB Cable (not included)
> Fix to the sun-visor via a two sided magnetic clip - no installation costs
> Supports voice dial activation, redial and call reject
> Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices
> Includes 1 x AC Travel Charger
> Includes 1 x Car Charger
> 2 Year Replacement Warranty

Only BlueAnt offers a 2 year replacement warranty on all of their products.

So far everyone has indicated that I sound great to them which is always the biggest challenge for these speaker phone devices. About the only downside I could find was the verbal prompts when accidently touching the volume controls on the device. I was actually a bit startled the first time since I had the volume set a bit too loud. One of the cool things about the voice command system is hearing the SuperTooth 3 announce that it is connected to the phone within seconds of entering the car. It has a built-in shock sensor which detects the vibration from closing the car door. BlueAnt claims the ST3 has the same battery life as their earlier SuperTooth Lite model. I personally found the ST Lite to last a bit longer between charges than the ST3. I was previously getting about 3 weeks between charge. With the ST3, about 2 weeks. That is still pretty remarkable though.

The SuperTooth 3 is slightly smaller, lighter and a bit more stylish than the earlier models. It comes with two visor clips, a car charger, home charger and owners manual. Like all BlueAnt products, it features their exclusive 2 year replacement warranty.

While the previous SuperTooth I and II models were "Pair'n'Play", the SuperTooth 3 is a bit more sophisticated. This is one model where the user should follow the detailed instruction sheet that BlueAnt provides or contact . We sell this product and offer complimentary setup to insure all of the settings are correct for optimum performance. Once set up properly. this device is almost totally automatic and just requires a charge every couple of weeks.. There is an excellent product simulator on BlueAnt's site (MyBlueAnt.com) that shows exactly how this product works. The BlueAnt MSRP is $129.99. We are currently selling this product for $109.99 and currently have plenty in stock.

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