Customer Reviews

BlueAnt Bluetooth Headset with Voice Control - Retail Packaging - Black

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(35)

 

 

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.
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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.

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).

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.

This product is the newest most pricey bluetooth headset. I have been using and buying headsets since the dawn of time. I know how to use them. I owned the earlier Blue Ant model, as did my partner, and it fit pretty well, but failed, losing its charge capacity in very short order. The I got the premium, newest Jawbone (I had used the earlier Jawbone too and it worked well but fit poorly) , and it works fine but still fits poorly, never seeming to sit firmly in the ear. But at least it did not fall apart when being placed into the ear.
I got the newest Blue Ant and it cracked along a smooth line within the first two weeks, when I was merely placing it into my ear. I had the receipt, the warranty, and the device which clearly evidences a manufacturing defect. I figured, having spent about 500.00 in the past year on Bluetooth alond I would get good treatment. However, the manufacturer denied the warranty request. Then the seller Blue Harbor Online, denied the request, apparently they are glad to take the money then disclaim any responsibility for the goods they sell. So I turned to Amazon - its SO CALLED "A to Z Guarantee." And they declined to help. How amazing. I thought A to Z indicated "comprehensive." My claim that a product should last more than 2 weeks in normal use is evidently the letter "Theta" or "Upsilon" or something outside the A to Z realm.
What have I learned? Buy with a credit card from a reputable brick and mortar store, a local merchant who cares whether you ever come back.
And, that there are letters aside from A to Z.
Seriously disappointed ciastomer.

Warning, don't buy! I bought this headset twice. The first one was defective and I had to send it back. The second one only lasted 2 months. Blueant claims that they have a 2 year warranty bla bla bla. Try phoning their tech support number and you will see that the line is busy all the time. I even filled out a RMA request on line and was supposed to get a reply with in 2 business days. It has been 4 business days now and now reply and phone line busy all day. I must say that when the unit it working it works very well. Very clear sound. Too bad it broke down so soon. (won't hold a charge).

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. In this case, the shame is mine. I purchased a Q1 Blue Ant earpiece from an internet electronics supplier, which turns out
to sell, unacknowledged of course, gray market products of dubious origin. The Blue Ant headset was real and certainly looked brand new. For several weeks, I was in love with this well-designed and intuitive product. The sound quality was outstanding, the voice controlled interface simple and direct. After three weeks, however, the headset refused to recharge. I contacted Blue Ant support, who informed me that they didn't support the retailer I purchased the product from. Ok.

Now it was my turn to be a fool. I decided the problem was the retailer, not the product, and came to Amazon to pay full freight for a fully-supported product. The product arrived in a shiny, artfully designed package, (unlike the unpackaged headset in the padded mailer from the first company) and for three weeks, I was in love again. Then, the headset again refused to recharge, and the run-around with the email support team began. Had I reset the product using the computer? No, that was impossible since I couldn't raise even the faintest sign of life from the sleek little critter. Had I updated the firmware? Again, nice suggestion, except my tech support didn't seem to be reading my emails before proceeding to the next item on their checklist. Again, no charge, no firmware update. Did I try charging it directly from the computer? Yes, again, no sign of life from my glossy but definitely deceased Blue Ant. Days followed each of my responses to these decidedly unhelpful exchanges. I wonder if they are stringing me along until the warranty is up, at which point they can again politely decline to offer me any real assistance. So now I've spent roughly $160.00 for two very stylish but very dead Blue Ants. Perhaps I could order more and start my own dead Blue Any colony.

I almost didn't buy this headset because of the multiple negative reviews, but took a chance anyway and now couldn't be happier that I did. (I learned long ago that the opportunity to be an Amazon critic brings out the perfectionist in many people.) I purchased a Q1, immediately updated the firmware to V8.19 without any difficulty,(using a 32-bit WIN 7 computer), and have used the headset coupled to an iPhone 3GS for about a month and couldn't be happier with it.

Call quality is excellent -- most people don't know I'm on a headset. Haven't had a single dropped connection. I don't use voice commands so I can't comment on that, but unlike other reviewers, I'm not detecting any problem whatsoever with the quality or durability of the device materials or construction.

The real value of this headset for me though, is the ability to listen to my books and podcasts with the same headset that I use for telephone calls. I wouldn't recommend this for music, but for spoken media, the single-ear, BT a2dpd wireless connection makes the whole set up significantly more convenient to manage and use as I go about my daytime activities than earphones. I waited a long time for this capability and find it incredible that BlueAnt seems to be the only company that's figured out how to deliver it, but now that they have, I'm sticking with them. If I lose or break the Q1, I'm purchasing another one immediately.

The Good:
* Good audio quality, both outgoing and incoming.
* Comfortable fit.
* Noise cancellation works well even in windy or very noisy conditions.
* Comes (semi-)pre-charged, so that you can plug it in and go immediately upon opening the box.
* Voice commands work well, even with lots of background noises going on.
* The firmware is upgradeable, so as they fix things and come out with new features, you can get those.
* There is caller ID, or as good as it can get on a headset -- it tells you which number is calling.

The Bad:
* The firmware updating software isn't yet compatible with 64-bit flavors of Windows.
*After going out of Bluetooth range for more than a few seconds, it won't automatically re-connect when you're back in range (you have to restart the phone). This could be fixed in later firmware, I haven't yet been able to upgrade due to the above issue.
* Whenever any audio stream cuts off, it says "call disconnected." This also happens when, for instance, you're listening to a voice mail, and the voice mail ends.
* Charges via proprietary connector, instead of mini-USB (why do companies do this?).

These are only the things that stand out. Its battery life is about average. It paired up with my iPhone 3G with no problem (actually it didn't even require the "0000' password like older Bluetooth units do). Its weight feels about the same as a Jawbone, packaging was similar to that of a Jawbone. Basically, it seems like they took the Jawbone, tweaked it a bit, and used their own noise cancelling technology. Which is fine by me.

Voice Isolation Technology

This is really one of the two headliners for this unit. The BlueAnt headsets boast background noise cancellation technology as good as that of the Jawbone. It actually works better for me. The Jawbone uses an induction technology -- basically, it has a little nub that sits on your cheek and senses the vibrations. However, it doesn't have a good fit and I have a somewhat thin face, so it never rested on my cheek... which meant that unless I used one hand to hold it there, it wouldn't pick up my voice and I was effectively on mute.

The Q1 uses a different strategy. It has 2 microphones, one facing your mouth and the other facing outward. I'm not 100% sure of the details, but my engineering mind imagines it works thusly. First, it boosts noises that are significantly louder on the primary microphone (that faces your mouth) than the outward-facing one. Second, it filters out frequencies that are outside of the human vocal range. Third, it precisely times the difference between when a sound reaches the two microphones. Using this time difference, it can tell the general direction of where the sound came from, and can therefore filter out sounds that don't come from the direction of your mouth.

With a previous BlueAnt (the Z9), I was once in O'Hare airport talking to a friend, trying to coordinate transportation. She said that she couldn't hear me because of the background noise, and I realize I'd forgotten to turn on the voice isolation. So I turned it on, and her response was, "Wow. It sounds like you just walked into a quiet room." I've also tested while walking by a construction worker using a loud saw, in traffic, etc. This technology does what it says.

Voice Recognition

This is the main shtick of this headset. When you first turn it on, it walks you through some instructions telling you how to pair it up, and how to use it. You really never do need to even look at the instruction book. When someone calls you, you can say "answer" to answer it, or "ignore" to ignore it. (You can also do this via the headset's buttons as a failsafe.)

Before giving any voice command, press the multifunction button once and it will prompt you for a command. If you want to go into pairing mode, say "pairing mode." If you want to dial the 4th number in your phone's speed-dial, say "speed dial 4." If you want to check the battery, say "check battery" and it'll tell you the status (high/medium/low) of the headset, and of the phone. And whenever you give an instruction, it confirms which instruction you gave it, which is nice.

And if you're not sure what you can say, just ask, "What can I say?" and it will tell you.

All of the voice commands have worked spectacularly for me, with a one caveat: you do have to say the exact voice command, or it will misinterpret you. If you say "battery status" instead of "check battery," no telling which command it'll do. Actually, for me that makes it activate the phone's in-built voice commands (of which the iPhone 3G has none).

Other Stuff

The overall design of this unit is nice. The multi-function button depresses easily but with a nice click letting you know you've pressed it. The volume buttons are easy to feel by touch and press, and you get auditory feedback as to which way you've turned the volume. It comes with a variety of ear buds and an optional ear hook, so you can customize your fit. You can pair it with multiple phones simultaneously, so if you have one work phone and one personal phone you can answer calls from either on it.

Conclusion

I recommend this headset for anyone who needs good background noise cancellation, and anyone who doesn't like having to remember what pressing a button for 3 seconds vs. 6 seconds does. If you just need a basic headset though, I recommend getting something cheaper -- I've always had good luck with the Plantronics Voyager series, myself.

I would have rated this item a "1" if it weren't for its ABSOLUTELY SUPERB voice quality (both sending and receiving). Even when I'm in the car (a 10 year old Volvo with considerable road noise), the sound isolation is such that people think I am in my office or at home and on the hard-wired telephone and I am not exaggerating! And this is true even while driving with a window cracked open! You can switch between "normal" and "high" noise rejection and it is simply outstanding. It is comfortable to wear and it looks great too. BUT ... that said, just like everyone else on this board, I must report the ear piece has broken on 3 different units so far. BlueAnt has been responsive and willing to replace the unit, but with the first three, I just returned them to the AT&T store for a full refund and re-purchased the item to get a new unit and a new receipt. Now, I have needed to deal with BlueAnt directly on my 4th unit. No hassles ... they're really easy to deal with, but it's a hassle and it's frustrating, which is why I'm venting here now. I don't know that I can recommend this unit to anyone despite it being the single best performing unit on the market with the absolute best appearance. And I forgot to mention the really slick voice control:
I press the main button and say, "Call Speed Dial 1"
It confirms, "Did you say, "Call Speed Dial 1?"
I say, "Yes!"
It says, "Dialing"
How slick is that??? Well, not slick enough to buy one. Wait until they replace it with a more sturdy design.

Dont like it.
Doesn't fit ear very well. Can't get comfortable with it.
Low volume

Final straw is when it just broke, fatiged plastic behind the ear jell piece, and blue ant support told me that because i purchased it from internet dealer, no warranty.

Will not buy anything from Blue ant again.