Talk to the (Bluetooth) headset
(Credit:
BlueAnt Wireless)
Since most people wearing Bluetooth headsets already look like they're talking to themselves, it won't seem that much odder when they start talking to their actual headsets.
They'll now be able to do that (and get something out of it) with BlueAnt Wireless' new V1. The device, which the company calls the first voice-controlled Bluetooth headset, lets users sidestep the buttons and instead control functionality with phrases like "pair me," "call home," "call favorite," "call Goog-411," and "accept or ignore call."
Driving alone? Now you can chat with your headset.
(Credit: BlueAnt Wireless)But this is no passive Bluetooth headset. The BlueGenie Voice Interface software on the V1 talks back to consumers, alerting them of settings like battery power level and connection status. The software also tells users how to set up the device and contains an instruction manual and menu options, all accessible via preprogrammed English voice commands.
BlueAnt says the V1 incorporates "voice isolation" technology so you and your headset can chat in peace.
The $130 peripheral offers up to 5 hours of talk time, or up to 200 hours of standby, and can be charged via USB, and car and wall chargers. It pairs with up to eight Bluetooth devices.
But voice commands may be on their way to other headsets, as well. Sensory, which makes the Blue Genie Voice Interface app, has released a "BlueGenie Lite" version for lower-cost headsets that don't have the memory or processing power for the full BlueGenie getup.
Leslie Katz, senior editor of CNET's Crave, covers gadgets, games, and most other digital distractions. As a co-host of the CNET News Daily Podcast, she sometimes tries to channel Terry Gross. E-mail Leslie. 
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Thanks!
Every time I call my wife I have to say, "Call Voice Mail" because she's set to speed-dial #1, and BlueAnt/Sensory failed to consider that some users don't have or want speed-dial #1 set to voice mail.
And plopping the GOOG-411 speed-dial present at #5 is completely presumptuous... they should have used slot #9, if at all. I have an iPhone 3G with Google Maps and Google Search, why would I want to pay for a call to GOOG-411?
Hopefully wisdom will prevail and BlueAnt/Sensory will provide a firmware update that makes the V1 the terrific headset that it deserves to be, changing the speed-dial presets to 'Call Speed Dial 1', 'Call Speed Dial 2', etc., and either moving GOOG-411 to speed-dial 9 or better yet, leaving it out.
1- you can not say a full number to be dialed
2 - the incoming number is said and not the persons name even if the person is in your speed dial.
If so, can either of these things be switched somehow by using the headset a different way?
Thanks for any help!
- by kokano October 7, 2008 4:49 AM PDT
- To clarify -
- Reply to this comment
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(4 Comments)The v1 headset provides voice command capabilities IN ADDITION to those already in your phone. I have a Blackberry 8820 and its built-in voice commands provides the capability to select a phone number by name or say a number to be dialed. I can access these functions by saying "phone command" which activates the Blackberry voice command functions.
In addition I have 10 presets whose voice prompts are hard coded to the speed dial numbers 1 through 10 on the phone. The presets are 1 for voicemail, 2 for home, 3 for office, etc. So if I say "call home" it dials the number I have set for speed dial 2 on my phone. It is a little clunky, but can be fixed.
For me most of the voice commands are gimmicky but reasonably useful. The one I like best is "check battery" which lets me monitor the battery life of the headset.
My last headset was a JB2. The BlueAnt v1 fits me better and seems to have the sound quality and noise filtering abilities as that headset.