BlueAnt Q2 Review

BlueAnt introduced the V1 a couple of years back which employed the company’s proprietary voice user interface. A year back, BlueAnt launched the Q1 which is an improved version of V1. It is also based on the same voice user interface and but with a different design. Now the company has released the Q2 headset which is the successor of the Q1. It is known as a smart headset as it is designed to be used with most of the smartphones. It has advanced features that convert the text to speech and also has voice control options. The sleeker headset is similar to the T1 in its features while it is available at a cost of $129.

Features

The Q2 handset measures around 2.17 inches in length, 0.63 inches in width and 0.27 inches in thickness. It works with two different Bluetooth profiles namely, the Headset Profile and the Hands free Profile. The headset supports a couple of built in microphones that operate in the Mono mode. It has supports Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity, the BlueGenie voice user interface, the Noise suppression and the echo cancellation technology and the Multi point technology. The RF coverage is possible up to 10 meters and the headset has the ability to be paired with up to eight devices. As the device uses the multipoint technology, it can be connected with two devices simultaneously. It has a USB port for charging and includes an AC adapter and a USB cable.

Design

The Q2 has a unique design that differs when viewed side by side with the Q1. the headset has a large plastic mesh on the front side rather than the sleek gunmental design as the Q1. this behaves as a wind guard protecting the two microphones of the headset. There is a small LED indicator under the mesh and it glows when the device is turned on. The front side has a thin multi functionality button. The right side has the volume control keys and top part has the charger jack. The buttons are all thin but they are well raised to provide easy pressing. There is a power slider switch behind the charger jack to turn on the headset.

The earpiece of Q2 is the same as the ones used in the other headsets of the company. The package includes a set of three differently sized ear buds to fit the individuals. The earbud that has the stable loop can be used without the plastic ear hook. The earbud can be adjusted to fit either ear. The fit is quite snug and comfortable but it requires some maneuvering before fitting it.

Voice Interface

The Q2 has the BlueGenie voice interface which is extraordinary requiring no tutorial. It is capable of recognizing the user’s voice instantly. The user will just have to say some commands and the headset will perform the action. The Q2 does not require any mobile to put translate the commands into action because the voice control feature comes embedded in it. The user has to just press the call key and the device will ask for the voice command.

The ‘Teach Me’ command provides assistance in case it is required. ‘What can I say?’ displays the list of voice commands and the ‘Phone’ command activates the voice commands on the user’s mobile that is connected. The ‘Answer’ command allows the user to answer an incoming call while the ‘Ignore’ command rejects the incoming call. The Redial and Check Battery commands are also available. It includes new commands such as Favorites, Call Information, Movies, Stock Quotes, Navigate, News, Weather and Information.

Performance

Once the Q2 is paired with a mobile, it automatically attempts to download almost 2000 contacts from the mobile. This feature will enable the headset to announce the name of the caller when there is an incoming call.  This feature is very useful but it could have been little louder and slower for easy understanding. The voice controls do not function properly if the alignment of the hands free is not proper. The commands should be loud and clear if it has to function accurately. The call quality is fabulous and the noise is also suppressed. The noise cancellation technology reduces the noise and cancels the echoes. The standard mode of operation eliminates the background noise to some extent while the maximum mode of operation suppresses the entire background noise.