BlueAnt V1 Voice Control Headset - Closer Look at the V1 and Features

Closer Look at the V1:

Even though the V1 may have a long list of features, it really doesn't matter what it is capable of to most people if it has a horrible design, bad styling or is just plain ugly.  The overall shape and feel of the V1 is pretty much identical to the Z9 and Z9i, but the V1 only comes in a two-tone grey striped version.  I'm not impressed with the color choice as I liked the black or red Z9i was a lot sleeker choice.  That being said, I refuse to judge a book by its cover but we still have to look at the cover and have it hanging out of our ear.

V1 Profile

Bottom View

Even though the V1 is voice controlled, it still comes with the three traditional buttons just like the Z9 series.  On the top of the device is the volume up and down buttons as well as the larger BlueAnt Multi-function Button on the rear of the device.  It comes equipped with the heavy-duty ear hook, clip, and dual mics that have been fine-tuned and tweaked for better performance.

Earpiece

Charging Connector

The actual earpiece on the V1 is quite a bit different that the previous headsets from BlueAnt.  It seems to fit more securely, and it provides some measure of passive noise reduction all by itself.  The problem I have with that idea is that it makes it hard to hear actual people on your headset side.  It doesn't dampen noise like an earplug, but it does take the volume of the world on your right side down a few dB.

The new USB connector that BlueAnt uses is not in fact new at all.  It's new to their headsets, but it is a well-used mini-USB connector.  As mentioned previously, BlueAnt included an adapter so that you can use a standard mini-USB cable or you can use the included gooseneck cable.

Features:

The following information has been pulled from the V1 page and posted below for your convenience.

BlueAnt's V1 Voice Controlled Bluetooth Headset introduces the revolutionary BlueGenie™ Voice User Interface, letting you control most functions with the sound of your voice. Amazingly, the headset will actually talk back to you too!

Pushing one button activates the voice recognition technology and gives you control of all the functions of the V1, just by talking. If you need assistance, ask for it and the headset will verbally help you get the commands you want.

• Revolutionary BlueAnt Voice Control User Interface
• Voice Isolation Technology™ provides outstanding noise suppression, wind noise reduction & echo cancellation
• Incorporates 'Voice Isolation' Standard & Max settings adjustable to surrounding noise environments
• Dual microphones enable crystal clear communication in the noisiest of environments
• Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices
• Innovative tie clip
• Firmware upgrade via USB on your PC
• Up to 5 hours talk-time or 200 hours stand-by
• 3 charging options including USB, car & wall chargers
• Includes Comply™ Foam Tips & rubber speaker gels plus 2 optional over-the-ear hooks
• Locally based Customer Support Centre
• 2 Year Replacement Warranty
  

Specifications:

On the next page we'll look at pairing and testing the V1.