BlueAnt Bluetooth Headset with Voice Control - Retail Packaging - Black

by BlueAnt

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.3 x 2 inches ; 1.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002NLTVZO
• Item model number: BLUEANT_Q1
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (148 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,506 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)
  • #95 in Cell Phones & Accessories > Accessories > Headsets

Product Description

The BlueAnt Q1 uses advanced Voice Recognition software to allow you to easily control the headset and many phone functions just by using your voice The BlueAnt Q1 incorporates dual microphones and BlueAnt's Superior Voice Isolation Technology - an advanced software solution that separates the user's voice from all other sounds resulting in outstanding call quality, no matter where you are.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Gizmo! Don't try to upgrade Firmware on VISTA!, August 15, 2009

By 

Micah J. Lennon "Itinerant Philosopher" (Walden, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I purchased this item via eBay but I thought people should know a few things.

Summary:

PROS:
Good sound quality, voice recognition is fun and effective.
Comfortable and easy to control.
Simple design.
Firmware Upgradeable (see below)

CONS:
Voice Control doesn't work with my iPhone 3GS (though that's Apple's issue, not BlueAnt's)
It can be a hassle to learn all the commands initially.
Phone can be set up to learn up to 8 quick-dial numbers but does not appear to be able to recognize names in Contacts. Hoping that changes in the future.
The headset is "brand new" so all the kinks haven't been worked out yet.
Firmware update can lead to heart attack/stroke if you don't read this review.
-----------

First of all, it's a great headset. The ear gel is about as comfortable as eargels get and the earhook is unobtrusive.
Sound quality is good and people can easily hear me even with the wind blowing due to some good noise cancellation.

The headset is firmware-upgradeable through the BlueAnt website.

This leads me to a significant problem:
The Firmware Updater DOES NOT WORK ON VISTA. That is, you'll need a 32 bit XP machine to upgrade the firmware. You'll also need .NET Framework 2.0 installed but the updater will do that for you if need be.
I tried it first on my Vista 64 notebook and it said "Sorry, you need to be on a 32 bit OS." So I went to my Vista 32 bit machine and tried again.

Well, the updater downloaded the firmware and then started to install it .. and then froze. Nothing happened. I waited an hour. Finally called tech support and apparently there are "issues" with the updater software that make it incompatible with Vista.

Even worse, now the headset was living in some kind of limbo - the original firmware had been successfully backed up, but the new firmware wasn't installed. I was afraid the headset was "bricked". I went to an old XP laptop and ran the firmware updater - I'm pleased to say that it DID work and everything's set. Scared me.

Again: FIRMWARE UPDATE ONLY ON AN XP MACHINE.

Other than that scare, good stuff.

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice little BT headset for the enV2! UPDATED 12/28/09, November 6, 2009

By 

RSV (Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: BlueAnt Bluetooth Headset with Voice Control - Retail Packaging - Black (Wireless Phone Accessory)

Not sure why other users had problems with it the earbud base breaking because I used it with the default rubber earbud and it pops in with little effort. I've had mine about 2 weeks, and even dropped it onto the concrete floor at work and no damage. I've had several Motorolas, a Jabra, and tried the Jawbone II. I have to say the Q1 is the best balance of these so far. It fits comfortably and the sound quality very good. The noise reduction is not nearly as good as the Jawbone, but I never was able to have the Jawbone stay in place with the sensor against my face for very long.

Pros:
- Pairing and setup couldn't be easier.
- Clean design that is comfortable to wear (lightest unit I've had).
- Voice control and recognition is great and I don't know how I lived without it before!
- Firmware upgradeable via the internet!

Cons:
- Wish it had a little more on the volume range. With the headset all the up, and my enV2 all the way up, I can just hear over the noise of my early 90s diesel truck at highway speeds (it's loud). However, those on the other end say I'm loud and clear.
- Sometimes when talking in a space that echoes, those on the other end complain of a tinny reverb.
- Charger is terribly clunky. A slick magnetic base charger like Motorola's would be ideal BlueAnt!
- Cannot announce caller names, only numbers, at this time. It would be great to have this feature as I can't remember numbers and have to look at my enV2 to screen calls. BlueAnt has the technology (I also own an ST-3 speakerphone, so how about it? Hoping for a future update for that.)!
- PC-only updating

Also, I am currently running Firmware v.8.14, and there's a newer version that is listed to have improved volume. Unfortunately, I'm a Mac user and will have to wait to I get to a PC to update it. I'll edit my review as appropriate afterwards.

UPDATE (12/28/09): Continue to thoroughly enjoy this headset (so much that I've been moved to post my review information here as the Q1 blows everyone I've had before away). I bought my wife one too. I've updated our Q1 firmware regularly, including the newest V8.19 - the changes have been user-oriented and all for the best with the exception of automatic reverting to the standard voice isolation after each call. Volume sync to phone change was spot-on, and the subsequent tweaks have made the Q1 more than loud enough over my diesel truck at highway speed now! Also, I no longer got any comments from people I was talking to about tinny reverb after firmware v.8.17. Going A2DP was the perfect feature for turn-by-turn directions! Now if BlueAnt would only integrate TTS for caller names, this would be the ultimate headset bargain!

Food for thought: 1) more talk and standby time available if you simply go to the settings menu and turn off the LED light. 2) For those looking for repair service, keep in mind BlueAnt DESIGNS these ONLY. They are manufactured in Asia to contracted companies. BlueAnt is an Australian company with only a US "closet" address. They're helpful with technical support, and will actually get back to you, even if it is months later, when they solve a problem that matched yours (had one with my ST-3), but they don't do repairs beyond spare parts. 3) Fits nicely with the earpiece into a micro-size digicam hard shell case for protection. 4) Firmware updating doesn't take much more than a few moments from start to finish (though would be easier for me if BlueAnt would support Macs).

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Blue Tooth Headset I've Ever Used., November 9, 2009

By 

M Miller (VA) - See all my reviews

I have used 4 blue tooth headsets since I have been using blue tooth enabled phones. One plantronics, two motorola, and the Jawbone. The plantronics was ok and my first (I didn't have anything to compare to). Both motorolas were just horrible. The jawbone did not deliver at all as promised and was the most expensive out at the time. I think it was worse than the motorolas just because of the hype about how awesome it was. I just recieved my BlueAnt Q1 today and have used it so much I had to charge it. It is really fanstastic. I was reluctant to try another blue tooth headset with my track record, but I went for it. Man, I am so pleased. One friend I talked to wanted to know where I got it because on his end, our conversation was perfect. I even talked to him outside while my neighbor was blowing leaves, and he didn't hear it until I pointed it out. Even then, he said it was barely audible. I finally feel like I got a product I can use that didn't over hype itself. I don't mind paying for a product that delivers. This one does. I will be recommending to everyone. I have to say the voice commands take some getting used to, but you can use it easily right out of the box.