Effective July 1, California law prohibits drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. Instead, motorists 18 or more years old may use a hands-free device. While wired headsets and earpieces still exist, I suspect most drivers will use a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone to comply with the hands-free requirement. Of course, some cars (like my wife’s) has built-in Bluetooth. However, most cars (like mine) don’t. (Starting to see a pattern here?).
I mostly use Bluetooth devices in my car. I’m as geeky as anyone, but walking around with a flashing Bluetooth headset in my ear make me feel too much like a Borg from Star Trek Next Generation. And in retrospect, telling that L.A. Metro policeman “resistance is futile” probably wasn’t a good idea. But I digress.
I’ve been using both Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones in my car for a long time. Recently I’ve been using the Jabra SP5050 speakerphone, mounted on my visor. It’s good as far as speakerphones go. However, the sound quality of a speakerphone, both hearing and talking, just never seems as good as the corresponding sound quality of a headset. Maybe that’s because a headset is a lot closer to your mouth and ear than a speakerphone. Additionally, I find myself craning my neck towards the speakerphone to speak or hear. Finally, if I have a passenger in my car, they can hear the conversation, which isn’t always desirable.
The picture is of my latest Bluetooth headset: the BlueAnt Z9i, one of the “latest and greatest” Bluetooth headsets.
The Jawbone 2 is another “latest and greatest” Bluetooth headset. Its claim to fame is its “NoiseAssassin” technology, which originally was developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Basically the Jawbone 2 excels in noisy environments. You could be in the middle of a disco (boy am I dating myself) and the person at the other end of the phone wouldn’t know it (no I haven’t tested that). The Z9i doesn’t do a bad job in noisy environments, but the Jawbone 2 is in a class by itself.
I considered the Jawbone 2 but ultimately bought the Z9i instead. One reason was price. The Jawbone 2 lists at $129.99 and is difficult to find for much less. By contrast, the Z9i cost me $79.99 at newegg.
But price really wasn’t my main reason, especially considering how much money I spend on gadgets. Another reason was fit. I had the original Jawbone. It simply didn’t fit well, and the earhooks were brittle. The earhooks on the Jawbone 2 are improved, but they are fit remain a concern. By contrast, the fit of the Z9i is very comfortable. It’s a small and light device, and fits securely with the earbud and earhook.
Additionally, the Z9i has a mini USB connector for charging. By contrast, the Jawbone 2 has a non-standard USB connector. The less USB connectors I have to lug around, the better. See update after next paragraph.
But probably the decisive factor for me was the Z9i was Multipoint, whereas the Jawbone 2 was not. Multipoint means the Bluetooth headset can be connected to two phones at once. You can’t use the headset on two phones simultaneously. But you can initiate a call on phone A using the headset, end that call, phone B rings, and you can answer the call on the second phone using the same headset! Pretty convenient when you have 2 Bluetooth phones, such as your cell phone and an IP phone that also uses Bluetooth. Or in my case, a Windows Mobile phone (HTC Advantage x7500) and a BlackBerry phone (8700c). By contrast, with the Jawbone 2 and most Bluetooth headsets, you can pair them to multiple phones, but the headset can be connected only to one phone at a time.
Update: I called BlueAnt tech support to get answers to Geoffrey’s questions. Getting through was difficult. For the first several tries, I got a message that I either was calling outside normal hours (I wasn’t) or all representatives were busy. I then was disconnected. Not good. However, eventually I got through. The person I spoke to seemed knowledgeable. Here’s what I learned:
- The reason I could not find a firmware upgrade on their website was because there is no firmware upgrade available yet. However, he believes one will be available in a few days. He did not know if or how it will be publicized on the website. He took my email address and promised to email me when the firmware upgrade becomes available. When I know, you’ll know here through another update. Update: I received an email from support on June 27 which said: “There is not currently an upgrade for the Z9i which is why you cannot find a link. There should be an upgrade in the next week or so which will be clearly linked on the website you visited.” I just checked on July 4 and saw no upgrade yet.
- The USB connector is not mini as advertised on the website. I thought it might be micro. He wasn’t sure. He thought it might be proprietary. So this is still an unknown. I’ll try to find a 4 pin micro USB connector to test. I’ll post an update here if I learn anything further. Update: I received an email from support on July 1 which said: “Its is a proprietary connection, so it would need to be a BlueAnt cable that is used. Our parts retailer is a company called www.mobilecityonline.com.”
Hi there. I hate to tell you, but the Z9i uses a proprietary charging connector. I’m looking at mine right now. It does include a USB cable for charging and firmware updates, but the end that plugs into the Z9i is not USB.
I haven’t been as wowed by my Z9i as I had expected. I’m hoping this can be changed by a firmware update. For example, I don’t find the sound that great–ingoing or outgoing, and I cannot get it to pair with more than two devices, although it should allow for five. I do love the multipoint with my two mobile phones.
Hi Geoffrey. I *think* the connector is the relatively new micro USB rather than mini USB. I’ll check with BlueAnt support when they open later and then update here.
I have not yet tried to store pairing information for more than 2 devices. Per the FAQ, you should be able to do so for 5, though you can’t be connected to more than 2 devices at a time.
The sound seems OK to me, but of course that issue may vary from person to person.
I cannot find the firmware upgrade instructions and file on their website. Again, I’ll check with BlueAnt support when they open later and then update here.
Forgive me for being out of the loop here, but is there now a third USB connector? I have the mini, the micro (Motorola Q), and now another? Oy! That’s the beauty of standards–there are so many.
As far as I can tell, there is no firmware update yet, but I’ll be glad to see what you find out.
Geoffrey, I finally got through to BlueAnt support. See the update to the post.
Thanks for the additional information. If I stumble across an updated firmware in the next few days, I’ll let you know.
Anyone else have this problem. My z9i will not pair with more than two devices. It will not even enter pairing more after the second device is paired. Blueant said I have a DOA device. Not only that the rep tried it on her devices and hers was DOA as well. Seems kind of wired. The device works fine otherwise, but for example I have it paired with my pantech duo, paired with my blackverry, and I try to enter pairing mode, like I did for the other two devices, to pair a third, and it will not enter pairing mode. It is supposed to pair with 5 devices. My z9i pairs with 3, like advertised, just fine and I am doing the same steps on my new z9i. Anyone else have this issue?
I paired my Z9i with my Blackberry 8700c and it works just fine, with one annoying exception; the entire time it’s on, it loses and re-establishes the connection to my phone. I end up listening to the beeping tone of “connection lost” and “connection established”, over and over. Just as soon as it’s lost, it picks it back up. Is anyone else having this problem?
ILeana, I having the same problem as you and the constant beeping as my phone (755p) and the headset disconnect and reconnects incessantly. If not for this I am very pleased with it. I hope the upcoming firmware update addresses this issue.
Ileana, and C. Scott, I’ve noticed the same issue with my 8700c. Actually the beeping was driving me (more) nuts until I figured out what was happening. However, it hasn’t affected my actual use, e.g., no ongoing calls lost.
Byron, I have been able to pair with 3 devices. Though of course MultiPoint will only work on 2 at a time.
Re firmware upgrade, I received an email from support on June 27 which said: “There is not currently an upgrade for the Z9i which is why you cannot find a link. There should be an upgrade in the next week or so which will be clearly linked on the website you visited.” Though I just checked and saw no upgrade yet. I’ll update my post on this.
Re the USB connector, I received an email from support on July 1 which said: “Its is a proprietary connection, so it would need to be a BlueAnt cable that is used. Our parts retailer is a company called http://www.mobilecityonline.com.” I’ll update my post on this also.
Thanks for the quick update on the z9i
Hi,
The connector may be a microUSB to USB connector. I have seen the same type on another device, although I can’t remember what I saw it on. It is definitely smaller than a Mini USB.
I was very excited to get this device, but honestly it is the worst I have ever used. My Jabra BT250v has been working well for 2+ years, but I wanted the blueAnt because I wanted something I could wear around all the time. (The Jabra looks kinda like a hearing aid…) I considered a Jawbone, but it looks very “cyborgish” and weighs more. I read that the BlueAnt Z9 was as good or better with noise cancellation. I needed that for my car, since I live in CA and am always blasting the AC. When I saw the Z9i, I thought that it would be great to be able to connect up to 5 devices (I have a laptop, desktop, cell phone and PS3 that I wanted to use it with). Too bad I can’t even get it to work with my cell phone. Some issues I have are: It disconnects randomnly, not during calls though. When I first connect it to my cell phone, it takes quite a while, 35 seconds or so, from the time I press the call button to start a call. Thereafter it is somewhat better. Also, sometimes when I call someone, they can hear me, but I can’t hear them, whether directly from my phone or through the Ants earpiece. I try hanging up and calling them several times and it simply doesn’t work. I eventually just get frustrated and disconnect it and reconnect my Jabra, which has never been a problem. I guess I only NEED bluetooth in my car. I’ll wait intil new firmware comes out before I use it with my phone again. Or, I may just return it…
Paul, I’m not positive either regarding the connector. I just passed on what support said. Perhaps some brave soul can try with a microUSB connector, making sure no pins bend or break.
I really haven’t had any issues with the Z9i. However, a number of you have. I wonder if there was a QC problem with a batch from the factory. Perhaps a firmware upgrade may help. Though I just checked and there isn’t one. I’ll keep checking and update.
Ilean & Scott: I too have the same beeping issues with the Z91 and my Palm Treo. It’s making me crazy. Because of that I can’t wear the headset. I only use it when the phone rings, causing a lot of missed calls because I cant find the darn thing 1/2 the time.
Genghis, you say you figured out what was causing it, can you enlighten me please before I throw the thing out the window!!!!
Most definitely i would appreciate the information as well .. the constant beep is annoying, and my Palm Treo keeps turning on and off when it does that, so it’s wearing down the phone battery faster, too.
My phone is always within three feet of me and the headset, so it’s not as if it drops connection
PME and MrsDotOne, I just pressed the call answer button (on my BlackBerry 8700c) even though there was no call. That seemed to restore the connection and stop the infernal beeping.
That being said, I’d strongly suggest you call (not email) BlueAnt technical support (866) 891-3032, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Pacific time. They do answer the phone, and they are knowledgeable (you’re not talking to a script reader). Apparently the Z9i beeps for various reasons. Some issues may also be phone specific. For example, one BlackBerry user forget to change Trusted from prompt to yes.
I encourage you to share here your results, good, bad or indifferent. I’m not a BlueAnt cheerleader. I have no financial interest in the company. The device just works well for me. But it is a concern that so many of you are reporting problems, particularly when (ostensibly) independent reviews are so positive.
Thanks for the response and tip .. i will definitely give it a try and i will call them to see if they have any info on the cause.
I read through so many reviews and have tried so many different headsets. The z9i seemed to have good reviews so i’m hoping i won’t have to go looking for another one for a while.
Thanks again!
MrsDotOne, it is puzzling that the reviews have been positive yet the feedback here has been relatively negative. Not sure my tip will help — beeps occur for so many reasons and there also could be a phone specific issue — but I hope tech support can resolve this. Let us know!
Ok, I called support, and they had me delete the device and then re-pair it with the phone.
I did that, and it is still exhibiting the same behavior – the constant beep.
So i called support back again, and was told to wait for the upgrade which should be released in a few weeks. In the meantime, there’s no choice other than to not use it, or put up with the beep
I did try pressing the button once, but it just continues to beep…arghh
MrsDotOne, did tech support give any indication that this problem had been previously reported? And now that upgrade is supposed to be released in a few weeks. Per my prior post, it was supposed to be by now. If your problem is previously reported, perhaps it will be addressed in the upcoming firmware upgrade?
My only other thought is if the issue is phone specific. Probably not, but you never know. If you have another and different type of phone to pair, you might want to see if the same problem exists. Just a thought.
Anyway, thanks for keeping us posted!
No, tech support did not mention anything at all about other complaints even though i asked whether this was a common occurrence with the headset.
She just tried to give some kind of explanation regarding cell providers and how they all differ as to how their phones work in connection with headsets and for example, how T-Mobile may have one thing, while Verizon may have the same thing disabled, etc.
She did say, however, that even if the headset was to be exchanged, it would still have the same problem until the upgrade has been released.
My guess would be that they are aware of the problem, although not admittedly, and are working on the upgrade. Unfortunately, my husband and I have the same phones, so i don’t have ready access to a different phone to try.
I did notice, however, that the beeping only continues until the headset goes into ‘standby’ mode and then remains quiet. At least that makes it somewhat bearable until the upgrade is released, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.
I suspect you’re correct that BlueAnt is aware of the problem. That’s good news as it makes it more likely that the coming firmware upgrade will fix the issue.
Tech support’s differentiation of the different cell phone providers sounds like a smoke screen. Verizon may disable GPS on some phones. But Bluetooth is local, not relying on the network.
Now, different phones can implement differently Bluetooth and its profiles. That’s why I suggested trying a different type of phone. But the bottom line is the Z9i should work on your phone. A Palm Treo is a mainstream device.
Thanks again for keeping us posted!
Just got this thing today. Mine will not pair with more than 2 devices either. It will not even go in to pairing mode. I tried reseting it twice. Still no luck.
Jerry, it’s relatively painless to call BlueAnt technical support (866) 891-3032, Monday – Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Pacific time. As I said above, they do answer the phone, and they are knowledgeable (you’re not talking to a script reader). Your issue is different than the incessant beeping experience by MrsDotOne, though is one reported by at least one other comment. If you go this route, I’d appreciate if you could report back here, as MrsDotOne did. Thanks!
Just got off the phone with them. The gentleman I talked to spoke with another there who had heard of this. Obviously this is not a common issue they are aware of. He hoped the the firmware update, which he had little info about”, would address it. He said he hoped it would be out by the end of July or sooner. He did tell me to try turning both phones I have paired off first then the Z9i, and then next hold down the Z9i button for 8 seconds. This of course is what you would normally do. It didn’t work as far as getting the phone into pairing mode. I had the impression they are surprised there are people out there who want to pair more than 2 devices.
So far it works great with the 2 phones but since I have 4 well you know…
The last thing he said was don’t try to flash the Z9i with a Z9 firmware update! Honestly it wasn’t my first thought haha!
So I guess we wait.
Thanks Jerry for reporting back. I also was told not to try to flash the Z9i with a Z9 firmware update. I guess someone in desperation did try that. Ouch!
I only have my Z9i paired with 2 phones, since I only have 2 phones. However, I may try later pairing my Z9i with my wife’s phone, and then report back.
What’s interesting is that you’re not reporting the incessant beeping reported by others. Makes me wonder if it is phone specific. Though it still shouldn’t happen.
In the meantime, it seems that the firmware update release date is slipping. Perhaps it’s our fault for reporting all these problems
I’ll stay on this one, my friend is getting a couple of Z9i’s this week. I will try them both and see if they have the same issue. I definitely do not have the beep issue.
I just got my Z9i today. I haven’t used it enough to write an informed opinion but I’m a little disappointed. The fact that I spent 20 minutes searching around on their website for a non-existent firmware update is lame. If it doesn’t exist they should state that in bold letters on their site considering that all of Blueant’s marketing material mentions the “firmware”. Also, I too, have been having problems getting through to their technical support.
Lastly, does anyone know if I can use the volume controls on my Blackerry Curve to control the volume on the Z9i? I can’t get this to work and all of the other, much less expensive headsets, had this capability.
I’m just curious. I am one of the one’s that have the problem with the constant beeping. I have a Treo 755p which does not have Bluetooth 2.0. I know that the Z9i is a bluetooth 2.0 device. Could this possiably be part of the problem. Jerry you are not experienceing the problem does your phone have Bluetooth 2.0 or version 1.2, as my Treo. The Z9i may not truly be backward compatable as advertized.
I was just told by Blueant tech. support that the z9i upgrade will be available in 3 weeks. I do not know how this headset gets rave reviews!
Well I am using the Q9 h, which is BT version 1.2, and the iPhone which I believe is version 1.2 as well.
I have previously owned the Z9 and now the Z9i, I can honestly say they are both the best BT headsets I have ever owned. I have used about 10 other brands and models in the past. These problems I and others are having are indeed disappointing. I am hopeful Blueant will address them in this upcoming upgrade.
Is anyone experiencing a crackling or static on the receive side only. My transmit is fine. Also when I an in a quiet room and the headset is not in use, I hear the faint sound of processing. Like a faint modem.
C. Scott, backwards BT compatibility *shouldn’t* be a problem, but given the other reported issues, you never know I guess.
Jonathan, the firmware update issue is discussed in several of the preceding posts. I agree that BlueAnt should be more clear. Their FAQ is written as if the update already exists. I haven’t tried using the volume controls on my BB 8700c. I’ll report back.
Al, I’m not experiencing the static/crackling, or the beeping for that matter.
It is surprising that other reviews are rave and don’t mention the problems reported here. I’m not sure if the problems are general QC or phone specific. Either way, they shouldn’t be. I guess we have to wait and see if the firmware update addresses problems you’d expect more in a beta.
Jonathan, to follow up on your question: “if I can use the volume controls on my Blackerry Curve to control the volume on the Z9i?” On my 8700c, I can’t either. In other words, with the Z9i connected, moving the jog wheel doesn’t move the volume. When I switch the speakerphone, moving the jog wheel does move the volume. I’m not sure if this is a bug or a “feature”.
Thanks to everyone who replied. Like others of you have expressed, I have no idea how this headset has gotten so many rave reviews. I spent about 20 minutes looking for a non-existent firmware upgrade, which was tremendously annoying. If the upgrade doesn’t exist yet, then the website should say so!
I also paired the headset with my dad’s Razor, and it is having the exact same connect/diconnect issue. Customer service is so overloaded that I constantly get the “call back later” recording and my email has gone unanswered, even though they were supposed to reply within 2 business days. HORRIBLE customer service.
I’ve replaced the Z9i with a Motorola Pure H12 and it works beautifully, which proves the Z9i is the problem, not the phone. Good luck to the rest of you!
Ileana, I’m wondering also about all the rave reviews and the absence of any negative ones. Given all the disparate reports — some OK like me, some with connect/disconnect like you and others, some with incessant beeping like MrsDotOne — BlueAnt may not have done a thorough enough testing. This thread reports on the inaccurate information on the availability of the firmware, and the slippage on when it will be available. Perhaps the slippage is due to all the new problems they are finding. Hopefully the firmware upgrade will fix them. Though I wouldn’t be the ranch on it.
Thought those of you with the connect/disconnect issue would like an update… I waited over a week to get the following email from BlueAnt tech support:
“I would first suggest that you attempt to reset the phone as this is the most likely resolve to the issue that you are having. Ensure the Blackberry is on and then remove the battery from the back of it. Once removed, put the battery back in the phone and allow it to reload. This process may take a little while as Blackberries are not the fastest devices to power up so don’t panic. Reconnect it to the phone and test to see if the issue remains,”
I was annoyed halfway thru the email since these are all things I’ve already tried AND I hate when companies start to fingerpoint instead of taking responsibility for a faulty item. I called tech support (again) and actually got a human voice on the other end…hallelujah!
The guy on the phone said the issue must be unique to my headset because he hasn’t heard of such a problem with the Z9i (they obviously have not read message boards such as these). This particular tech guy didn’t even suggest a firmware upgrade, so I didn’t bother asking about it. They will send me a replacement Z9i, so I guess the only pro is that if the new one has the same issue, I can use the packaging to return it to the retailer where I bought it.
*the guy on the phone was very polite and quickly offered a replacement, so I can’t fault them for that part.
Again, good luck to the rest of you and thanks for allowing me to vent!
[...] told you about one month ago in BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset about my purchase of the BlueAnt Z9i. This unit had rave reviews. My comments were more restrained. [...]
Ileana, first, thanks for filling us in on your discussion with support. This thread actually is becoming a valuable resource for the beleaguered community of Z9i owners. Second, I just posted “BlueAnt Z9i – Truth or Fiction?” In it I summarize this thread and mention yet another rave review on the Z9i.
Wow, so I just got this sucker today and WOW, WOW, WOW. I am soo happy, and not only that but the new firmware is out and they emailed it to me. Before I flashed I had issues after the first pairing, but I now have 3 devices paired and multipoint works perfect. I have a desktop for my gizmo5/gizmo project VOIP, my cingular 8125, and a macbook with gizmo all setup. Call tech support for the firmware.
greenail, thanks for the update. Do you know if the new firmware is on the site yet? If not, did tech support indicate why not, or when it will be?
greenail,
anyway you could upload the file? I called any the lady couldn’t send me the file. I did however did get the instructions surprise! it looks alittle more involved then I would of thought.
I called them today and they (dave) recognized the problem. He said that he had the firmware and took my e-mail address but never sent it. I called and they said that they could not e-mail it.. they were having difficulty and went on to say that it would be on the web site today.
Please see the comments on my later post BlueAnt Z9i – Truth or Fiction? regarding the availability of firmware upgrade 1.1
I, too, am having the same issue with the incessant beeping of disconnect and reconnect. I have to carry two phones, one for work and my personal one, they are a BB Pearl 8100 and HTC Touch Cruise. I have had the Z9 in the past and thought it was a great headset, but it didn’t have the multipoint, which is what i was looking for. The Z9i seemed to work fine for the first day and then the beeping set in, so i am waiting for a firmware upgrade as well.
I got the firmware upgrade -still didn’t fix static issue. I’ll be calling next week to ship it back. I use with bb8310 and v9 razr.Jawbone sound MUCH better. I work at airport bagrooms and could be heard clearly with jawbone but not blueant- frustrating. Blueant comfort is far better than jawbone. Wish z9i came with different ear gels. Mine reason I purchased product was the ability to pair two phones and use at the same time. Maybe i got a bad product hopefully when I exchange it things will gey better. If not it will just go in the pile with my other useless headsets. I have the red one in case that makes a difference,Firmware 1.1.
Today I got mt Z9i..
First impression: Sounds great with my RAZR V9 (no static), fits well in mt ear, but will like to upgrade the firmware from 1.0 to the new one.
Anissa, or someone can email me the new firmware ???
Thanks – itzikman@gmail.com
Got my replacement and it works great! So there was something wrong with my other one. Only minor complaint is that I returned a red one and they replaced it with a black one. Color doesn’t matter to me the red one was the only one available at store when I purchased and thought it would be nice to have something different. However if the color matters to you then be aware if you send it in under warranty you may not get the same color back.
Hi Folks,
I just got my Z9i and noticed a few of you stating that you could not use the volume control on your Blackberry when the Z9i was active. I am experiencing the same exact thing. I even just downloaded the firmware update and that did nothing. Does anyone have any more information on this issue? Is it a bug?
Thanks!
Patrick, it’s not a bug, it’s a feature. MY BB 8700c works the same way. The Z9i requires you to regulate volume through the Z9i for whatever reason.
Thanks Genghis!