BlueAnt V1 Voice Control Headset - Pairing and Testing the V1

Pairing - Installation:

Installation of the BlueAnt V1 Voice Control Headset is really very simple.  You've got two ways to pair the headset with your device.  The "analog" way is to put the unit into pairing mode by simply hold the MFB (Multi-Function Button) for six seconds when the unit is off.  This will turn the indicator LED solid blue to let you know it is ready to be paired with.  Once this is done, you can search for the device with your favorite Bluetooth enabled phone, PDA, media player or laptop.  You will then be prompted for a passkey which is 0000 by default.  The new "digital" way is to turn on the headset with a quick push of the button and once the unit is on, quickly press the MFB and say "Pair Me".  The headset will then walk you through the pairing process - which is identical to the "analog" way - except you don't have to waste energy by holding the button down for so long.  Pair mode is initiated by your voice instead.

Testing the V1:

So we see that the V1 has a ton of features and lots of functions and capability according to the "Button Function Matrix" that is pretty much identical to the Z9 series.  The real question is regarding the Voice Control that we'll touch on below.  Keep on reading as we dive into testing.

Function, Features & Comfort:

As we mentioned earlier this device is long on features and functions.  The headset will allow you to answer/end a call as well as reject callers if you're busy - all with your voice.  It will also allow you to redial the last number you call, the last number that called you, transfer calls from the headset directly to your mobile device - all with your voice.  This headset also supports call waiting and conference calling as well as the obvious volume controls.  You can even turn off the blinking LED.  Lastly, by clicking the MFB while you're in a call, you can change the Noise Isolation Technology mode from standard to maximum settings.  Keep in mind that the Noise Isolation Technology control has changed from a long press on the Z9 series to a click on the V1.  This is important to remember so you don't hang up on your wife.  (Sorry, honey I was confused - honest!)

As far as comfort goes, the BlueAnt V1 takes the comfort of the Z9 series and cranks it up a notch.  It has set the bar for comfort as it is the most comfortable headset I've used.  I've used the Plantronics Voyager 510 and Explorer 320 as well as the Jabra JX10, BT620s and BT325s as well as the IOGear GBE201W7 and a couple of Logitech headsets.  The only headset that I've found as comfortable as the BlueAnt products is the Plantronics Voyager 510 - and the larger size of the Plantronics headset may make it less appealing than the BlueAnt V1.

Sound Quality:

Regardless of the functionality or the comfort of a headset, all would be totally lost if it didn't sound good.  While I don't expect this to be hi-fi by any means, the voice quality should be clear without undue hissing or popping.  I'm pleased to say that the BlueAnt has continued their tradition of good sound quality in the V1.  I could hear voices clearly and distinctly and the volume range is excellent.  It can be turned up to an uncomfortably loud level for use in noisy environments and turned down whisper quiet for use in more peaceful surroundings.  On the mic side of things, it is a similar story.  The mic seems to work well and pick up voices nicely.

You don't have to take our word for it though; you can download a recording of the mic in use when connected by Bluetooth to my Thinkpad T61 Laptop.  Get the MP3 file here.  Overall, I was very pleased with sound quality of both the mic and the ear piece on this headset.  I believe that the headset quality offers slightly better microphone and speaker quality that the previous headsets from BlueAnt.  I've used this headset in a variety of situations and have been very happy with it in all tested scenarios.

Range & Battery Life:

BlueAnt claims the Bluetooth v2.1 standard will provide range of up to 10m (30ft.).  This seems to be pretty standard and the V1 lived up to those claims.  At 25 - 30 feet there would be some static if a wall was between the phone and the connected V1.  The range of this headset seems to be a bit better than the Z9i as I could use this headset anywhere in my house when the phone was placed at a central location.  Regardless, it does reach 30' in unobstructed conditions.  The headset with the best range that I've ever used is still the Logitech Mobile Freedom, but that headset was very bulky.

BlueAnt claims that the V1 will last around 5 hours of talk time and 200 hours in standby.  From my experience, this is very close as the headset easily keeps up with my Nokia E71.  I've used this headset for many Skype calls and it's always connected to my phone and I've only charged it twice in the weeks that I've used it.  Charging the headset may take up to 2.5 hours, but in my experience it only takes 2 hours when charged with either the USB cable or the standard wall charger.

Voice Control:

One of the big added features to the V1 is the voice control feature.  While no voice recognition is perfect - especially one included on an $80 headset, it works pretty good in most situations.  There is a list of commands that the V1 recognizes and if you stick to those, you'll have great success.  If you aren't sure of what you should say, and simply guess, you'll find yourself calling voicemail, last number dialed or some other function.  Instead of asking you to try again, it will usually try and guess at what you mean and initiate that command.  I suppose this is better than some voice telling you "I don't understand - please try again" over and over.  Overall, the voice control is a pleasant experience and a feature that I use quite often to see if I'm connected to my phone and to check battery life of the headset.

Conclusion:

This is our third BlueAnt headset that we've looked at now and I'm glad to say it keeps getting better and better.  The V1 ups the ante with voice control as well as better noise isolation and adds wind suppression to the mix.  The voice control feature is great as the headset announces the name and/or number of the person calling and gives you the ability to answer the call without pressing a single button.  Even though the button matrix on the V1 can get complicated, almost every function can be accessed by simply using your voice.  This takes the V1 to the next level as it is the most advanced headset we've looked at yet.  The V1 can connect to a total of 8 devices, giving it an incredible device array to work with.  I've connected it to a Sonim XP1, Sonim XP3, Nokia E71, HTC S40, Acer Aspire One and Lenovo T61 Thinkpad and still had room for two more connections.  Although it's very small, the dual microphones provide very good voice quality and noise cancellation in loud environments.  With features like this and a price tag that is much less than many other headsets with half the features, the BlueAnt V1 is great value.

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Good Noise Isolation DSP
• Good battery life
• Pairs with eight devices
• Attractive price
• Voice command reminders can be accessed by pressing the button then saying "What can I say".

Cons:

• Voice recognition is not accurate in noisy environments.

Currently the V1 is my top choice for a headset that does it all.  Good noise suppression, voice control, battery life, range and style - all are excellent features that work very well.  It earns an Editor's Choice award without question.

 

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the forum at the "Comments" link below.  We'd love to hear your feedback.