Bluetooth technology is growing in popularity as cities around the world ban cellphone use while driving. But novices and experts alike are hungry to know all the details about this wireless tool. In this episode, Digital Journal TV has all the answers.
Digital Journal TV — If you use a cellphone, you have likely heard about Bluetooth: a wireless tool that lets you make and receive calls hands-free. And if you like in a major urban city, you have probably seen Bluetooth in action: cellphone fanatics talking as if they’re chatting with ghosts, hands flailing, a small device tucked into their ear.
But as well-known Bluetooth has become, people still have questions over how they can connect their headset to a cellphone, camera or printer. How does it work? Are all gadgets compatible with Bluetooth? What are some of the top headsets to buy? What’s a quick way to find out if two devices are compatible without having to spend hours searching the Internet?
Digital Journal TV tried out several headsets, and we were most impressed with noise-cancelling features. When we were driving down a highway with the windows open, for example, a few Bluetooth headsets completely cancelled out blowing wind.
In this episode of Digital Journal TV, we look at how Bluetooth is perfect for drivers who want to be hands-free on the road. Also, we recommend a high-quality headset and showcase the ultimate guide for Bluetooth beginners and veterans.
Find out Digital Journal TV‘s perspective on why Bluetooth can benefit wireless mavens and what devices offer the most bang for your buck.
DigitalJournal.com Recommends:
For those of you who are looking to buy a Bluetooth headset, Digital Journal tested out five devices. Here are the pros and cons of each, and our top pick:
Top Pick: Samsung Bluetooth headset WEP700
• Price: $50
• Bluetooth 2.0, 6 hrs talk/200 hours standby, Range: 33 feet/10 metres
• Pro: Noise and echo cancellation is decent, simple design and easy to use.
• Con: Smaller volume buttons.
Runners Up
Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset
• Price: $139
• Bluetooth 2.0, 4 hrs talk/8 days standby, Range: 33 feet/10 metres
• Pro: “Noise assassin” technology for noise cancellation and sound quality improvement is great. Includes voice activation sensor that rests on your cheek, a jawbone trademark. It senses vibration from the voice and amplifies it. If you’re in a noisy environment, the device will automatically adjust and boost volume.
• Con: Pricey
Motorola Motopure H15
• Price: $119
• Bluetooth 2.0, available in Canada late November, 4.5 hrs talk/ 5-7 days standby, Range: 33 ft/10 metres
• Pro: Excellent noise and echo cancellation using dual microphones. Filters out wind noise very well. Better sound quality than H12.
• Cons: Fitting of earbud can take awhile to get used to
Morotola Motopure H12
• Price: $119
• Bluetooth 2.0, 6 hrs talk/8 days standby, Range: 33 feet/10 metres
• Pro: Good fit in ear, easy to use.
• Cons: Noise cancellation doesn’t always work well, sound quality inferior to Motopure H15 (listed above).
Blue Ant X3 Micro
• Price: $49, Bluetooth 1.2, 7 hrs talk/180 hours standby, Range: 33 feet/10 metres
• Pro: Inexpensive compared to competition
• Cons: Large, clunky and doesn’t snug ear as well.
And finally, for anyone who is looking to buy a Bluetooth headset, DigitalJournal.com recommends the following basic tips for shopping:
• Go in store to see the size and fit of Bluetooth headsets. Some are very clunky and don’t fit an ear well.
• Read reviews online before buying
• Get a device that is Bluetooth 2.0; this standard is faster and reduces power consumption by about half over previous generations. The standard also allows users to run several Bluetooth devices at the same time, and sound quality is improved.
