Product Description

The BlueAnt Z9i is the follow up to the award winning and highly successful Z9 Bluetooth Headset.The device includes additional box contents and enhanced features. Incorporating BlueAnt's revolutionary Digital Signal Processing solution - Voice Isolation Technology, the Z9i provides outstanding noise suppression, echo cancellation and wind noise reduction. The 'Voice Isolation Max' feature of the headset further enhances the user experience in extreme noise environments.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #138 in Cell Phone Accessories
• Color: Black
• Brand: BlueAnt
• Model: BA-Z9i-BLK
• Dimensions: 3.10" h x 4.25" w x 7.50" l, .45 pounds

Features

• 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

Amazon.com Product Description
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

Light weight and works great.
I have used and reviewed the Blueant Z9 which I really liked. However, now I am giving my opinion on this new upgraded version which is the Blueant Z9i.

Both versions are extremely lightweight and small. This makes them very comfortable, feels secure and does not flop around. The sound is loud enough that you do not have to increase the volume. The voice quality is clear and consistent. However, the new Z9i seems to have slightly better sound quality. I have the Z9i paired with the 3G iPhone.

There are three buttons. The function button handles most features. There are two volume buttons for up and down. The volume buttons also have functions such as holding down the volume up button for three seconds actives the redial feature. This may sound confusing, but it really is not. You just need to read the instructions. The buttons are easy to press with little resistance.

Compared to the Jawbone, which I used for a while, the Blueant Z9i is far superior in noise cancellation. When set to maximum the voice quality is clear and does not breakup on the Blueant. The noise cancellation defaults at minimum. In noisy environments, simply hold the function button for 1 second. A voice tells you that it is set to maximum noise cancellation. That is really a cool feature because you do not have to figure out what the beeps mean.

The range is as advertised. Of course, range and a clear connection is dependent on the brand and model of your cell phone.

Helpful hint: To get the best sound qualities, speak in a normal voice, not too loud. In addition, update the firmware to the latest version when they become available.

What is new and improved on the Z9i.
Pairs with 5 devices instead of 3.
Connects with 2 phones instead of 1.
Includes 1 small and 1 large ear bud instead of 1.
Includes 1 translucent and 1 rubberized ear hook instead of 1 translucent.
Choice of 2 colors in red or black instead of just black.
Improved noise cancellation software.

So, if you think these differences and upgrades are worth it, then give it a try. I did and I am glad that I went with the new Z9i.

Better than any other headset out there, in every way!
I tried a bunch of headsets before discovering that: This one takes the cake in all these categories: Fit, Sound, Sound Isolation, Pairing, Looks, Warranty, Technology, Simplicity.
The sound and fit are perfect, you can even adjust the fit with a bendable ear hook. Pairing is easy as 1-2-3, and you can even pair up to 5 phones (or computers) with it!
It's way more responsive than the Jawbone, the sound isolation is just as good, it looks much better, the fit is a million times better, u even forget it's on you after a while.
Simply stunning.
If you're tired of phony bluetooth headsets that have annoying flaws that drive u nuts. Buy one of these and you'll never complain again.

Feels right
The law in California is about to change. Begining next month its going to be illegal to use a cell phone in the car, unless its hands free. Otherwise I'd never have bought this, or any other headset. In principle I don't like the idea of using a phone when driving - its just too distracting. So, I generally only use the phone to say 'I'm stuck in traffic, gonna be late...bye'. So, I'd hate to use my phone without a headset and end up getting a ticket for that!

Needless to day, I therefore don't have experience of any more that a couple of other headsets.

- A cheap non-branded bluetooth headset that was given as a corporate 'gift'. Horrible. It felt like it was going to fly off if I move my head to check the rear view mirror.

- A Jawbone - nice design, good sound quality but fragile. It doesn't feel like something you can grab and pull on when you get a call without risking breaking something off.

In comparison to those the blueant z9i feels very nice when its in my ear. It feels very secure, and can be fitted quickly using one hand. Its not the most robust thing in the world, but it feels like it will last reasonably well. Its light and really small. Consequently, I feel I'm much more liable to loose it than break it! The sound quality is really nice. It linked to by Blackberry Curve easily. The voice activated dialing works well. The buttons are well placed, and operating them doesn't leave you feeling that you will pull the headset off your ear.

The cons? Well there aren't too many. I guess it would have been nice if the USB cable had the same connection plug as my Blackberry - this means one more cable to carry and potentially loose when I travel. I've not had the headset long enough to test the battery life. But there is a nice feature - press the master control button and say 'status' and you hear the batter life, signal strength, etc. A really useful feature.

In summary. I think it would be difficult to find a significantly better headset. Its small, fits nicely, and has some really neat features (like the tie-clip that lets you 'store' the headset clipped to your shirt when you are not on a call.)

Highly recommended whether you are an occasional user like me, or a 'power user' and can take advantage of features like being able to switch between multiple devices). I've not tested the noise reduction at anything other than the default setting. This was good enough to hear, and be heard while I was driving at 40 mph in a convertible with the roof down. Again, it didn't bother me on a really short call, it might be a different story if you plan on talking in a windy location for long periods of time. All in all, a great buy.