BlueAnt Q2 Voice-Controlled Pure Conversation Bluetooth Headset (Black, in BlueAnt Retail Packaging)

by BlueAnt

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4 x 2 inches ; 8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0043AJD9M
• Item model number: USEN-BAW-Q2
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (462 customer reviews)

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Smart Bluetooth Headset With HD Audio

Smooth Rich & Mega Loud Audio

With rich audio, unsurpassed call clarity and industry best wind noise reduction the BlueAnt Q2 is the best sounding Bluetooth headset ever built.

This smart Bluetooth headset comes packed with more advanced features than any other headset on the market today. The Q2 includes a comprehensive voice recognition command set, text to speech technology that announces the names of incoming callers, voice access to a world of information and incoming SMS readout.*

Superior Sound

When BlueAnt engineers designed the Q2 they selected the best audio components available for a Bluetooth headset. The Q2's high quality speaker is precision tuned and tested in a professional sound studio, with advanced equalization to sculpt the sound and provide incredibly smooth incoming audio. Combined with state-of-the-art noise elimination and intelligent adaptive controls, the Q2 offers mega clear, mega loud sound without distortion. The dual high-performance microphones have been optimized to provide the highest integrity signal and ensure that your voice is heard clearly and accurately under almost any conditions.

Extremely Easy To Use

BlueAnt is aware of the inherent frustrations that typically go along with using a Bluetooth device. It starts with the setup process and goes all the way through to saying good night to your daughter as you are on your way to your big presentation on the other side of the world. You don't have time to be bothered with reading a manual so the instructions are built right in to the technology. It's our passion and focus on delivering the next level of Bluetooth innovation that will always allow you to Simply Connect.

* if supported by your phone

Voice Control. Voice Dial. Voice Answer

The Q2's comprehensive command set allows you to pair, configure, and control your device, as well as make and receive calls, all using your voice.

When the phone rings, responding is as simple as saying the words "Answer" or "Ignore", and to make a call you simply say "Phone Commands" and the Q2 will activate your phone's voice dialing feature. *

The Q2 even provides help and support along the way. It talks you through the pairing process to get you started, and if you forget the voice commands you can just ask the device "What Can I Say?" to hear your options.

Caller Name Announce with TTS

When you receive a call from one of your contacts, the Q2 will use its integrated Text to Speech (TTS) engine to announce the caller's name, so you will always know who is calling without looking at your phone.

The Q2 accomplishes this by automatically transferring a copy of your mobile phone contacts after pairing. It can store up to 2,000 phonebook entries for each paired device.

Hear Your Messages On The Go

We are constantly striving to enhance the integration between your phone and your BlueAnt device. For that reason we have developed an Android™ application that you can download for free to any Android 2.0+ handset.

Once you have installed the application on your phone, you will hear your incoming text messages read out automatically through your connected Q2 headset.

Alternatively, BlackBerry® and Android users can install the Vlingo SafeReader application to hear email and SMS messages read out automatically on their connected BlueAnt device.

A2DP Audio Streaming

The Q2 integrates with Bing-411 to provide voice access to a world of information.

Just by saying the words you can hear stock quotes, movie times, directions, weather forecasts, sports results, news and traffic updates. **

Voice Access to the World

The Q2 features integrated A2DP streaming audio functionality, so you can listen to music or podcasts, and hear turn-by-turn direction information from a GPS application on your phone.

You can also use this feature to stream audio from a Bluetooth-enabled computer to the Q2.

Voice Control Not Working For You?

At BlueAnt we know everyone is different. That's why we've included configuration options for the voice recognition, so you can get your Q2 working just right for you.

If you have trouble getting the voice control to work for you every time, simply use the Sensitivity Level command to adjust the voice recognition setting so that the it works best for your voice.

It's as simple as that...

True Multipoint Technology

True multipoint technology means that you can connect two phones to the Q2 at the same time and answer whichever one rings.

With true multipoint, both phones remain connected to the headset at all times, so if you have calls on both phones at the same time you can use the Q2 buttons to switch between calls and phones.

* if supported by your phone
** access to this feature depends on your location and mobile carrier; call charges may apply

Product Description

BlueAnt Q2 Voice Controlled BluetoothHeadset.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

248 of 253 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect - But The Best So Far! (Comparison to Voyager Pro+) December 11, 2010

By EuroDriver

Pros:
+Excellent Speaker/Mic/Noise Cancelling Sound Quality
+Voice Controls!
+Caller ID Announce! (Using Phone's Contact Names)
+A2DP (Streams Music, Nav Directions, Skype Calls, PC Sounds, etc.)
+Voice Activation
+Upgradeable & Customizable
+Vlingo Integration (enables speech-to-text sms readout/sending, emails, news/weather/social media svcs, etc.)
+Works With Phone's Voice Commands/Google Navigation (via Vlingo)

Cons:
-Long Charging Time (3-4 Hours)
-A2DP Only Works With 1st Device It Connects To
-Too Easy to Misdial With MFB
-No Mute Buttion
-On/Off Switch Hard To Access While Worn
-A/C Charger Not As Nice As Older Ones (clip-on prong instead of previous fold-out)
-USB Cable Extremely Short

I have owned numerous bluetooth headsets over the years (Plantronics, Motorola, Samsung, Nokia, Generics as well as BlueAnt). I purchased the BlueAnt Q2 to use with a Motorola Droid X, and hoping to also use it on my PC for Skpye calls. although there are other devices that offer many similarities and strong competition to the Q2, My review makes a direct comparison to the Plantronics Voyager Pro+, because 1) it's in the same price range, 2) very similar in features, and 3) it's the only comparable one that I actually bought. Obviously, my review comparison is mostly due to #3, above, so if you are curious as to how it compares to other models, such as the Aliph Jawbone Icon, I can't help you there - although there are plenty of reviews and comparisons on the web.

After having bought the Plantronics Volyager Pro+ and using it for about a week (which replaced my 2-yr-old BA V1). I much prefer the Q2, although the Pro+ has a couple features that I really wish the Q2 also had. I was a little put off with the almost 4 hours it took to charge the Q2 (Pro+ charges in 60-90 mins) but after it was fully charged, I was immediately blown away by the strength and clarity of the speaker quality. Pairing was a snap and after pairing, it immediately uploaded my phone contacts. My all-time favorite feature is the Caller ID announce by contact name, which eliminates the need to pick up the phone to know who's calling. This feature, backed up by the ability to answer or ignore the call by spoken command, truly puts this headset at the top of the "hands-free" category. Voyager Pro+ only beeps, and does not offer voice controls. Whether driving or walking in crowds, no one has complained they can't hear me. At first, the Q2 would make my ear sore after about an hour or 2, forcing me to take it off several times during the day. However, after experimenting with the ample variety of earpieces included, I found one that fit me quite well and made it much more comfortable.

The Q2 can hold up to 2,000 contacts per connected device (can connect with 2 devices - each phone number counts as a contact (i.e., contact name "John" has home, work and mobile number = 3 contacts for Q2)). Next favorite is integration with Vligno application (android market) which enables text messages & emails to be read to you, speech-to-text sending of sms, emails, directions to Google Navigation, and other cool features like listen to news, weather, movie times, posting social media, google searches, and on and on... It's free and highly customizable, including different settings for standard use and InCar. The Pro+ offers a similar service called Vocalyst, which requires you call into the service. It is much more limited, cumbersome to use, and has tiered services subscriptions of 24.99/59.99 per year, or monthly at a higher cost.

The Q2 also works very well with my phone's Voice Commands Feature, and I can speak directions to the Google Navigation through the headset. I could not accomplish either with the Pro+ (I even contacted Plantronics re: spoken directions to Google Nav, and they confirmed it could not be done). Big plus for the Q2.

The Pro+ had an edge on the Q2 in the following areas:
The On/Off and volume buttons and very small and placed closely together. The Pro+ has larger buttons that are placed well apart from each other for easy access by feel. The Q2 has enough room to add a little spacing. I'm not sure why they felt compelled to condense things to much. Especially the on/off switch, that besides being tiny and flush with the frame, is placed behind the charging jack. They could have simply designed it with a little tab or bump for easier access.
No Mute feature. Pro+ has Mute Function
A2DP Streaming only works on the first device the Q2 connects to. This was very disappointing since when I want to do a Skype call, I have to disconnect the Q2 from my Droid X, then connect to PC, and repeat the process when I'm done on the PC to enable A2DP services on the phone. Also, the Q2 often does not automatically reconnect once the connection is lost. The Pro+ automatically reconnects, plus although it can handle streaming to two devices (one at a time, of course), and automatically does so when it receives a signal. As a result, I ended up having to keep the Pro+ for use on the PC and dedicate the Q2 only to the cell phone. This was very disappointing, considering the cost of each of these devices.
As mentioned before, the Q2 charges very slowly compared to the Pro+. Also, it gives about an hour's less talk time.
The Pro+ has a long mic boom that swivels, thus keeps the mic much closer to the mouth. Another favorite of mine with the Pro+ is the unibody design that wraps around the ear. I'm not very fond of the thin, removable earloop the Q2 has. the Pro+ is indeed much more comfortable to wear. Along those lines, the Q2 has a knack for attracting lint, which contrasts loudly with its black plastic screen. The velvet bag is rather useless as a protector. For the Pro+, Plantronics offers a sturdy leather holster with integrated clip (sold separately for about $10, but well worth it. Too bad the Q2 didn't fit in it).
The included USB cable allows you to either plug it in to the included A/C adapter, or directly into a USB port. However, as mentioned earlier, it's very short - practically useless. I'm using the charger cord from the Voyager.
A final disadvantage is the fact that once the Q2 is paired with 2 devices, an attempt to re-pair will require you to reset the device ad re-pair all over again. The Pro+ allows you to re-pair without needing a reset.

Both devices are very nice, perform well, and are similarly priced. I have pointed out the tradeoffs, but the but Plantronics' heavy subscription costs for their Vocalyst service, lack of caller ID announce and voice controls really pulled it far below the Q2, especially considering it's not as well-developed or as easy to use as the free Vlingo app that supplements the Q2. Overall, I am much happier with the Q2 for use with my mobile phone, mostly thanks to the Caller ID feature, voice controls and Vlingo. It would have been ideal for use with my PC as well, but the need to disconnect/reconnect every time I change from one device to the other is exremely unworkable. As mentioned, the Voyager Pro+ is also a lot more comfortable for wearing long periods at a time. such deficiencies are minor, and I look forward to seeing them added in future models of this awesome little device. Given they are practically the same price, the Q2 offers much better value for the money to me.

Since the Q2 is advertised as muliconnect, but it can't truly multiconnect via A2DP, I can't give it 5 stars. I think it rightfully deserved 4.5 stars but since that's not possible, I give it 4 stars.

76 of 78 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good headset. decent fit September 3, 2010

By Ben Hudson

I purchased this headset based on my past experiences with a Blueant T1 and Q1. The Q2 seems to be a combination of the two, with the advanced voice control of the Q1 and the Wind Armor technology from the T1. As with all the Blueant devices, the fit is decent but not perfect. I use the earloop with the smallest gel possible for my small ears. The headset stays in place, but there is some movement.

One of the additions to the Q2 design is a small rubber bumper that keeps the headset microphone off your cheek during use. I don't know that it makes a difference in call quality, but it takes a little getting used to - the feeling that something is resting on your face all the time.

Call quality is excellent, the people I talked to said they couldn't tell I was on a headset. I haven't used it in windy conditions yet, however. I was able to hear everyone loud and clear, possibly better than my phone speaker. The speaker in the Blueant products is excellent. I was able to place the headset 2 feet away from me on the table and still hear the voice prompts while pairing the unit to my phone.

Blueant products sometimes have range problems. My Q2 was restricted to about 3 feet range as soon as I opened it and paired it with my phone. When I called Blueant support, they instructed me to do the following steps to troubleshoot: 1. Delete the pairing information from the phone. 2. Remove the battery from the phone, with the phone powered on. 3. Replace the battery and restart the phone. 4. Reset the Blueant unit by pressing all three buttons at once and releasing. It will tell you the unit has been reset. I had to try 5-6 times to get the timing right, but it worked. 5. Re-pair the headset with the headset and phone separated at least 1.5 feet.
Once I completed that procedure, the connection clarity was improved and the static problem went away. I also updated to the latest firmware as soon as I got the headset.

Blueant support was helpful and the wait time at 8:30 AM was about 2 minutes. The agent who helped me spoke clearly, with just a slight Midwest accent. If you do call, I suggest calling from a phone other than your cell, since you will need to perform activities with the cell phone to complete the troubleshooting.

Voice control is nice to have. I tend to use only the voice answer and "Phone Commands", though once you know the menu structure you can do anything you want with the headset voice control. The headset uploaded my phonebook and when I received a call, told me the name of the caller clearly and understandably. It actually took me by surprise, since the headset told me about the call before I noticed it on the phone. I probably wouldn't use the voice control in public, but then I try not to use my headset and generally not my phone in public either.

The status light on the Q2 and T1 are very subtle, tiny LEDs. They are the first headsets I have used that the status LED is not obtrusive. Some of the blue lights I have had on Motorolas, etc. are distracting when driving due to the brightness. The Blueant flashes white in two very short strobes. If you don't watch for it, you will miss it.

The charger cable is very short, as with all the Blueant devices. The charger is small and efficient, but I prefer the fold-up prongs on the Q1 charger to the clip-on prongs used with the Q2 charger. The Q2 takes a standard MicroUSB, so you should be able to use any MicroUSB car charger with it. I have not tested the battery life, but with 1.5 hours of talk and 2 hours of standby, the battery is reported at "Medium".

The headset connects automatically with the phone when powered on and seems to do so without troubles. The power switch on the headset is tiny and smooth. I find using a fingernail is the easiest way to turn it on. I do prefer the larger switch on the T1 to this tiny little switch.

Build quality seems excellent. I do not foresee the strength problems that were inherent in the Q1 models. The joints are all nice and tight, the seams between halves are tight, though on the microphone end there is a tiny amount of play if the two halves of the unit are pressed together.

There are five earbuds included - small, medium and large with a loop to help stabilize the unit in your ear and medium and small without the loop. Between the earbud and the earloop, I find I am able to get a comfortable fit. I would like to see a little more adjustment in the earloop, though. It is incredibly rigid, as was the earhook in the Q1. Also included is a small velor drawstring bag, though I have no idea what I would use this for.

The packaging on the Blueant products is very efficient, as usual. Other than the clear display top on the box, everything else is packed with very little room to spare. The packaging is all just as minimal as it can be and much of the paper looks recycled.

While my long-term use may change my opinion, my first look at the Blueant Q2 is very positive. I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for a high-quality, high-technology Bluetooth headset.

I have not used the Android App at this time, I am waiting for Android 2.2 to be released before I upgrade to an Android powered phone. I use a Sony-Ericsson Xperia X1i at the time of this review.

49 of 53 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Make sure your phone has Android 2.2 before you purchase this headset. November 7, 2010

By Charice

Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought my first BlueAnt two years ago and have been very impressed with their sound quality. When they introduced the Q2 I decided to upgrade so that I could get all the new features. The sound quality remains good, but unfortunately I can't use most of the features I bought it for. The caller announce uses weird pronunciations so it's hard to understand sometimes. My phone, although only a few months old, does not have the latest version of Android, which is version 2.2 (beware of the Android version when you purchase an Android phone). The text to speech feature on the Q2 only works on Android 2.2. The voice dialing also does not work with my phone (Motorola CLIQ). So, I could have purchased a less expensive BlueAnt headset to get the sound quality without the features. I definitely recommend this brand but if it's features you want, then I strongly urge buyers to make sure it's compatible with your phone.