• BlueAnt's patented Voice Isolation Technology provides outstanding noise reduction and echo cancellation • Can switch between two Voice Isolation modes-- Standard and Max • Multipoint functionality allows you to connect to two phones at the same time; pair with up to 5 devices • Up to 5.5 hours of talk time, up to 200 hours of standby • Includes: Bluetooth headset, AC charger, USB cable, 2 ear gels (small, large), 2 earhooks, user manual
Award Winning BlueAnt Z9 Dual Microphone Headset is the latest in Bluetooth headsets, combining cutting-edge technology with stylish design. Incorporating Bluetooth version 2.0 and BlueAnt's revolutionary Noise Cancelling Solution, ?Voice Isolation Technology', the Z9 cancels out almost all background noise while preserving the clarity of your voice. The Z9 can be paired with up to 3 Bluetooth devices, allowing you to switch ?on-the-fly' between them. You can upgrade the firmware via your PC and with BlueAnt's 2-year replacement warranty you have peace of mind. Different ring-tones for known and unknown contacts Innovative tie clip for attaching to shirt or cuff, when not in use Firmware upgrade via USB on your PC Stylish, translucent ear hook Improving on the original Z9, the enhanced BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth headset incorporates a number of new features and packaged accessories with a focus on comfort and wearability. BlueAnt has refined its Voice Isolation Technology software to improve the Z9i's noise suppression, echo cancellation and wind noise reduction capabilities.
Thanks to BlueAnt's Voice Isolation Technology, the Z9i provides outstanding noise suppression, echo cancellation and wind noise reduction.
It comes with both large and small interchangeable ear gels, as well as two types of ear hook.
The Z9i includes both large and small interchangeable ear gels, as well as two types of ear hook: the original translucent style and a more ergonomic, rubberized metal ear hook. It also offers an innovative tie clip lets you attach the V1 headset to your shirt or cuff when not in use.
The Z9i incorporates dual microphones allowing for BlueAnt's patented Voice Isolation Technology, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) software solution that uses advanced techniques to separate the user's voice signal from all other sounds, enhancing and isolating all frequencies that affect voices coming into and out of the headset. This results in outstanding environmental noise reduction, echo cancellation and wind noise protection. You can choose between dual Voice Isolation modes: Standard for use in normal environments to remove mild background noise, and Max, which provides superior voice clarity for use in extremely noisy environments.
The BlueAnt Z9i works with Bluetooth version 2.0 and its multi-point technology allows you to connect simultaneously to two phones and answer the one that rings. The Z9i can now connect with up to five Bluetooth devices (instead of the Z9's three). Automatic reconnect also finds the last cell phone or device paired, and automatically reconnects.
Features
Two microphones for pure speech
Multipoint technology allows connection to two phones simultaneously
Automatic connection and reconnection with notification
Different ring-tones for known and unknown contacts
Innovative tie clip for attaching to shirt or cuff, when not in use
Choice between a stylish, translucent or ergonomic, rubberized metal ear hook
Firmware upgrade via USB on your PC
Small and lightweight (just 1.5 inches in length and weighs only 0.35 ounces)
Up to 5.5 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby
Bluetooth v2.0 with Headset Profile, Hands-Free profile
Two-year replacement warranty
What's in the Box Z9i Bluetooth Headset, AC wall adapter, USB cable, earbuds (1 small, 1 large) two earhooks, user manual, quick start guide
Customer Reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: Great product, extremely poor customer service Comment: The Z9i's functionality is second to none, however BlueAnt's customer service harkens back to the Stone Age.
My Z9i's multi-function button failed after a couple months of use. After several emails, I was granted a RMA, but told that I would have to ship the old one back before I could get a replacement. Since my unit's rudimentary functions were still ok, I didn't want to be without a headset for the several weeks it would take to get a replacement, so I asked about securing the replacement with a CC. I've done this before with companies ranging from Samsung to Browning with no problems. Alas, BlueAnt does not have this capability. The ONLY way to get a replacement is to wait for them to receive the defective unit and ship a new one.
Eventually, my unit died completely, prompting me to complete the RMA process. A week after shipping my unit back, I called to ask if they had received it and when to expect my new one. The friendly CSR informed me that she didn't have the ability to check on my RMA but I'll probably get my replacement in about 3 weeks. Hmmmm, Strike 2.
A little miffed that they can't even check the status of a RMA, I asked if this correspondence could be noted in my account...again, no dice. Apparently they don't keep track of RMAs or customers. Strike 3.
If I get my replacement by Christmas (6 weeks from shipping it back), I'll update this review, but I'm not optimistic. I will not be buying anymore BlueAnt products until the company demonstrates elementary customer service skills.
Customer Rating: Summary: Average sound, poor ear bud material Comment: I've used the earset with and without it's extra noise-cancellation feature and in many different situations including on noisy streets and in cars. The sound transmission, as determined by people on the other end of my calls, is no better than my other plantronic earset, which I purchased a few years ago. So for that "averageness" I give it 4 stars.
However, I subtract one star for the miserable design of the ear bud, and another star for Blue Ant's failure to acknowledge their warranty. The rubber of the ear bud disintegrated within 3 months of using the product. When I asked Blue Ant to replace the accessory they did but said that it wasn't covered by their warranty: "In the manual it states that it is a 2 year Hardware warranty. Hardware excludes the accessories (ear buds, chargers etc). However, we will in this instance send you one complimentary ear bud when they arrive in the office."
Well, Blue Ant, sending me one extra ear bud when they disintegrate every 3 months ain't gonna cut it. Customer Rating: Summary: Excellent wireless headset, very comfortable Comment: After backing over my old Aliph Jawbone headset in my car, I took the opportunity to try the BlueAnt z9i headset and have been very pleased. Quick summary:
Pros
- Great design/form factor make it easy to put on (much easier than Jawbone)
- Small and light making it very comfortable to wear
- Good sound quality
- Good noise reduction in not-so-noisy environments
- Easy set-up
Cons
- Base setting noise-reduction not quite as strong as Jawbone but still very good, haven't tried the Max setting yet Customer Rating: Summary: A comfortable lightweight solution Comment: I have had the Z9i for about a month now and it works as advertised. The
voice isolation feature is wonderful and very easy to activate.
I would have given it 5 stars if the talk time was longer. I use mine on a daily basis for hours and have to recharge it between calls. If you are going to be using it constantly, you may want to get a car charger or have electrical access for charging.
It comes with the large ear gel attached to the device. I needed the small one and it was very simple to change. Just unscrew one and screw the other one back on. As I said in the title of the review, it is extremely comfortable and I have it on all day (except for recharging) from Monday through Friday.
Th range is not the greatest. I have to carry my phone with me while using it. Seems to be about 10 feet before starting to break up.
I have this paired with a Palm Treo 750 with AT&T service. Customer Rating: Summary: Decent headset Comment: The sound isn't as good as my Plantronics 510, but this is a much sturdier, smaller device that is very easy to pair.