8-26-08
Just returned from my Costa Rican vacation to find BlueAnt's sample
V1 finally arrived. I did the first review using a NOKIA 6301 UMA
Wifi phone on the T-Mobile network. I will also be doing another
review of this device with a BlackBerry Curve 8320.
As
usual, I stupidly did not read the instruction manual or quick setup
guide. I could not understand why the V1 would not enter the normal
"pairing mode" when I held down the button. Just as I
was getting ready to give up and open the manual, I heard a very
faint voice coming from my desk. Sure enough, once I picked up the
V1 and put it to my ear, it actually voice prompted me through the
entire setup process which was pretty amazing.
When
I pressed the button on the device, it said "Say a Command!"
I said "Teach Me". The V1 then explained to me how to
train the voice dialing setup and the various commands which I did.
The only thing I was not crazy about is the fact that it is necessary
to store the 1-touch dial numbers in BlueAnt's specified order.
This meant changing many of the 1-touch locations I was already
using. After doing all this, it still did not work properly. Apparently
not all phone models support this type of speed dialing set up.
Fortunately, BlueAnt gives another technique for non conforming
phones. It involves having the number you want to save, call you.
Once hanging up, I would then hold the volume minus key for 3 seconds.
The V1 would then prompt me by asking for the appropriate name tag
for the number I wished to store. After doing this 9 times, I tried
it again and it worked fine. The voice answer feature still did
not work though.
The sound quality was
excellent on my end and everyone seemed to think I sounded terrific.
I tested it in both "Voice Isolation Standard" and "Voice
Activation Max". While the people I called couldn't tell the
difference between these modes, I could. The Max mode sounded a
bit muffled compared to standard which yielded excellent sound.
The V1 is supposed to
work as BlueAnt's SuperTooth 3 allowing the user to hear the caller's
ID and then answering by voice (saying "answer" or "ignore".)
If the V1 cannot hear you properly because of high noise, it will
actually ask you to press the button once to answer, or twice to
reject. Again, maybe the V1 did not like my NOKIA 6301 because the
voice answer feature did not work whatsoever even though it was
turned on.
Interestingly, unlike
the BlueAnt Z9i, the V1 is not Multi-Point capable. This means that
while you can pair up to 8 devices, it is only possible to use one
at a time. For those who have both a personal and business cellular
phone, consider the Z9i.
Review Update 8-28-08...
I Re-evaluated
the BlueAnt V1 again with a BlackBerry 8320 UMA Wifi Curve on the
T-Mobile network. I was thrilled to find that this time, everything
on the V1 worked flawlessly, as advertised. The voice answering
and voice dialing features are remarkable. My guess is not all phones
will work initially with the new BlueGenie Voice control feature.
I would expect BlueAnt will eventually offer a software download
for phones like my NOKIA 6301. In the interim. I would certainly
highly recommend the BlueAnt V1. Even with the voice control feature
disabled, the V1 is as good, if not better than anything I have
evaluated to date. To take full advantage of this device requires
memorizing it's voice commands and doing some minor speed dial pre-setup.
If you are willing to spend a few minutes on this, you will be rewarded
with a wonderful experience.
Check out the following YouTube video demonstrating the V1
Rating
8.8
Sound
Quality Excellent
Ergonomics:
Excellent
Design:Excellent
Ease
Of Operation: Very
Good once set up
Product
Evaluation
www.drwireless.com
V1 Voice Control
Headset Specifications
General Specification
> Bluetooth v2.1
> Up to 10 meters RF coverage
> CE, FCC, BQB, Ctick, RoHS/WEEE Compliant
> Headset Profile, Hands-Free profile
RF Spec
> Carrier Frequency 2.402 ~ 2.480GHz
> < 0.1% BER at -80 dBm
> 0 ± 4 dBm (Class 2)
User Interface
> Blue color LED for operation indication
> Red color LED for Low battery indication
> Mini USB for Charging battery or F/W upgradeAudio 3GPP with DSP
solution
Battery Type
3.7V Lithium Polymer battery
Talk Time Up to 5 hrs
Standby Time Up to 200 hrs
Weight 0.35 oz/10 grams without ear hook or 11 grams with ear hook
Dimensions
> 1.5 x 0.69 x 0.44 (inches)
> 41 x 17.5 x 11.2 (mm)
Unique Features
> Voice Control with the BlueGenie™ Voice User interface
> Revolutionary Noise Suppression & Echo cancellation
> Innovative metallic tie/shirt clip for storing when headset not
in use
Package Contents
> V1 Voice Control Bluetooth Headset
> 1 x Rubberized, metal ear hook
> 1 x Translucent ear hook
> Small and Large rubber ear gels
> Small and Large Comply™ Foam Tips
> Gooseneck USB Cable
> USB Adapter
> USB Car Charger
> AC Power Adaptor
> Quick Start Guide
> V1 User Manual
> Warranty Card
