Blueant Q2

[CA]

Today, BlueAnt Wireless introduced an upgrade to it Q1 Bluetooth headset with the predictably-named Q2 for $129. The new model is voice controlled for hands-free dialing and answering (or ignoring), and features wind-reduction [COLOR=#006400 ! important][COLOR=#006400 ! important]technology[/COLOR][/COLOR] for speeds up to 22 mph. But the real news is BlueAnt’s addition of the first integrated Text-to-Speech feature, which announces the caller’s name from your phone’s [COLOR=#006400 ! important][COLOR=#006400 ! important]contacts [COLOR=#006400 ! important]list[/COLOR][/COLOR][/COLOR]http://konac.kontera.com/javascript/...rey_loader.gif
of up to 2,000 entries. The headset also can convert your text messages into audio if you download the free [COLOR=#006400 ! important][COLOR=#006400 ! important]Android[/COLOR][/COLOR] 2.0 app. Plus, the company is claiming “tight integration with Bing 411,” which means when you’re searching for stock quotes, sports scores, traffic, weather, movie times, and more, your headset will convert the data into audio. The Q2 is rated for up to five hours talk time and 100 hours in standby mode, and is being sold at AT&T stores nationwide.

http://blog.laptopmag.com/blueant-wi...=Google+Reader

Is it time for a new BT Headset?

[bennyhill5]

Just checking to see if anyone has picked up the Blueant Q2. Just wondering if it's better than the Q1 at noise reduction

[WirelessAndy]

Threads merged. Continue...

[WirelessAndy]

http://myblueant.com/images/products...e_contents.jpg

[bennyhill5]

I went out and purchased the Q2 today, so far I must say it's a keeper. I had been using the Q1 and Jawbone Icon. I never was able to get the Q1 two work correctly using both of my phones. Although it was always paired to both I could never get it to answer a call when I was on one phone and the other phone would ring. No such problem with the Q2 multipoint works as it should. Also as BlueAnt states I must say it's the best sounding headset I have (incoming) and I have quite a few. I am using both the Droid X and the HTC EVO and the Q2 downloaded and synced both phone books with out a problem. When ether phone rings it announces the names as it should. I also tested it while driving with both windows open and the air condition blowing full blast. Everyone I talked too did not even notice any wind noise. Just wanted to give a short review.

[jeremyr]

Thanks very much for the quick review. Sounds promising. Of out curiosity, please let us know if anyone says that you sound far away. I'm saying this because I tried a couple of the BlueAnt T1s and the biggest problem, aside from the fit for me, was the fact that I sounded clear yet distant. I'm wondering if they ported the same basic software on to the Q2 and I'm hoping the Q2 doesn't have the same problem.

I can't wait to give this thing a try. If Plantronics' battery life wasn't so bad (less than 3 hrs talk time for me) then I would keep it. Hopefully this Q2 will be a keeper.

Thanks again,
Jeremy

[WirelessAndy]

benny,

Can you try calling the Plantronics test number and tell us how you sound?

415-408-5288

[bennyhill5]

I've called the test number on several occasions using the Icon, Q1 and Q2. I can say that the out going sound has improved quite a bit. The Q2 sounded more natural when compared to the Q1 and Icon. The Q1 has two settings normal and Max for background noise the Icon still relies on the sensor touching your cheek. The Q2 goes not have two setting as on the Q1`but supposedly automatically adjusts for both incoming and outgoing calls. I have called the test number with music, tv and windows down while driving the Q2 does a much better job than the Q1 did even with it on max. I would compare it's noise cancellation with the Icon but more natural sounding. The noisier it gets the more it blacked out the noise. Everyone I have spoken to has stated I sound like I'm on a new phone.

Hope this helps

[bennyhill5]

One thing I forgot to mention is the Q2 has a rubber pad on the side that faces your cheek. Not sure why it's there but I use the Q2 as I did the Q1 without the ear hook. The Q2 is more comfortable.

[TravelMate]

Does the Q2 works well with the iPhone 4 like no intermittent disconnect issue, sound 'far away'/hollow/in the tunnel/tiny etc?

[cmorty]

So far I like what I'm reading about the Q2. My only question is this.... are the ear pieces the same as the ones used on the T1? And also, does anyone know if one can use a Jabra Mini Eargel in it's place?

This was my major issue with the T1. No matter what I tried, I just couldn't get a proper fit.

Also, does anyone know if Frys is carrying the Q2 as well (after all they were carrying the T1 when it first came on the scene)?

[jeremyr]

Here's my quick "preliminary" feedback for the Q2, as I have only been using it for a couple of hours (I will provide a comprehensive summary in a few days after testing it). First of all, the incoming sound is pretty impressive (they mention it in their marketing materials). It's extremely clear and very natural. I put a couple of calls into people and thus far I have received very positive feedback. It's also very loud, which is important to me, as many headsets aren't loud enough for me.

If you haven't tried a T1 yet (with the honeycomb "wind armour") then you'll be amazed how well it shields the wind noise. It's a great design. I'm guessing the Q2 does the same, as the design is the same. My experience with the T1 vs Plantronics 975 is that the T1 actually did a slightly better job with the wind (believe it or not), especially with "medium" strength gusts.

My long-time headset was the Z9i and I'm still trying to get used to the fit of the Q2. Unfortunately I can't compare it to the Q1, as I never used one. I can say that it fits very snug but my ear was hurting slightly after the first 30-60 mins, with slight pain from the ear hook and ear gel. But, in all fairness, I will really have to try a few combinations before I come to any conclusion.

The sliding power button is a little tough for me to access while the headset is on (but not impossible). They didn't a better job with the power button on the T1, as it has groves and is much easier to use because you can get a good grip (which is tough to do with the Q2 power button). The being said, you can at least access the power button on the Q2 while it is on your ear.

In summary, it's looking good based on my first try. At this point I will be comparing it to a Plantronics 975, which is what I have been using for a couple of weeks. If the Plantronics had an extra 30-60 mins of talk time then I probably wouldn't have bothered with the Q2. My hope is that the Q2 is as good as the Plantronics 975 + an extra 60 mins of talk time. I use it for business for 3-4+ hrs talk each day so natural sound + long battery life + solid wind noise cancellation + comfortable are the key aspects for me. We'll see...

I'll post a more detailed summary in a few days. I'll need to get through a few works days before I can truly pass judgment and provide an accurate review.

Hope this helps,
Jeremy

[cmorty]

^ Nice little write up there Jeremy.
Just picked up my Q2 at a local Corporate AT&T.
Really haven't had much of a chance to put this puppy through it's paces..... but one of the big things that I really do like about this device thus far is it fitment in my ear. By far a way better experience than what I had with the T1. I'm really impressed on how snug it feels in your ear canal.

Given the coming week, I'm sure that I'll be given opportunity to see how well the Q2 performs.

[TravelMate]

Someone over at another forum said the Q2 works well with iPhone 4

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=982100

Can someone here confirm it?

Thanks

[ant1pathy]

Works great the iPhone 4. Just can't do A2DP reliably with multipoint pairing, which isn't a big deal for most people.