| | |  | Cordless Headsets | Home » » » » BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset (Black) [Retail Packaging] | | | | | | | 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. | | | 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 device
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 7.25 inches | | Product Width:
| 4.25 inches | | Product Height:
| 3.0 inches | | Product Weight:
| 0.32 pounds | | Package Length:
| 7.1 inches | | Package Width:
| 4.4 inches | | Package Height:
| 3.2 inches | | Package Weight:
| 0.55 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 284 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
 ( 284 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
100 of 103 found the following review helpful:
 Light weight and works great.Aug 13, 2008
By D. Dell
"Dell"
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.
49 of 51 found the following review helpful:
Feels rightJun 21, 2008
By Platofish
"Platofish"
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.
42 of 43 found the following review helpful:
Better than any other headset out there, in every way!Jun 13, 2008
By Anthony Chirco
"Chirco Man"
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.
19 of 19 found the following review helpful:
Way better than the Jawbone for many reasons:Aug 21, 2008
By Mediahound
This Bluetooth headset is way better than the Jawbone (1 or 2) for many reasons such as:
-It doesn't require the unit to be touching your jaw bone or cheek at all
-It's a lot easier to put on and take off
-It's more comfortable and doesn't fall off as easily
-It' has two selectable levels of noise cancellation
-It's firmware update-able
-It has wind noise suppression
-It's cheaper yet audio quality both to callers and to you are about the same. Noise cancellation is about equal
-It has a full 2 year warranty
I'm quite happy with the Blue Ant Z9i and definitely recommend it over the Jawbone. This would be the headset to get if you want background noise to be very minimal or non-existent.
My only issue is that BlueAnt only provides the firmware update software to Windows users. This is a stupid move on their part because I'm sure a large portion of purchasers are iPhone users who have Macs. That said, I haven't updated mine and don't intend to since it seems to perform fine as is.
Note-the packaging is absolutely terrible.
49 of 56 found the following review helpful:
 Initial assessmentJul 03, 2008
By Curious John
Pros: lightweight, overall sound quality
Cons: connectivity issues, limited range (not 10m), some echoing, quirks
I bought a couple of these today. Great headset but has a few misgivings that should be noted. I didn't see these cons from the many reviews I've read prior to buying the Z9i. Perhaps I wasn't as diligent as I'd thought. My initial thoughts are as follows. First, I've experienced some connectivity issues with the Z9i being on the opposite side of where my phone is located (i.e. pocket, purse, etc.). My Razr kept disconnecting and reconnecting throughout the day whenever my phone was on the opposite side of the Z9i. I decided to hold my Razr in my right hand while walking and wearing the Z9i on my right ear. It still kept disconnecting and reconnecting but only a couple of times. These devices were only 3+ FEET apart with no obstruction. Occassionally, I experienced hearing feedbacks/echoes of my own voice through the earpiece after I'd spoken. On 2 separate outgoing calls, the phone connected and the minute counter on my phone showed such but the Z9i remained silent. I had to redial on those 2 calls and the other party said their phone connected but they could not hear me. I did not mute the phone (pressing and holding the - volume button for 3 seconds). Max isolation reaction was "Wow" from the person I called after informing them my window was halfway down while doing almost 70mph on the freeway.
The 2nd Z9i was for my wife who was with me. She was experiencing connection quirks and issues but didn't want to blame the Z9i until she performs her own controlled evaluation of her unit. Needless to say, the incoming sound quality appears to be very good for both of us. Clarity a plus.
I didn't feel the need to rehash 'Pros' & 'Cons' already mentioned in other reviews. I just wanted to share my own experience and hope that others may have another insight into this product to help them with their own purchasing decision. Perhaps I'm being a tad critical to only award the Z9i 3 stars instead of 4 but with many rave reviews to its credit, I didn't expect these shortcomings that I experienced. Maybe I got a bad unit?
My assessment was made after 7 hours of usage (active and standby) and 37 incoming and outgoing calls in total from my Z9i only.
UPDATE: July 4, 2008
Assessment after a few days of usage.
The range appears limited as explained in my initial post. When my Razr is in the pant pocket on the opposite side of the ear wearing the Z9i, Bluetooth disconnects & reconnects about every 1-2 minutes. Very annoying because you hear beeps every time this happens.
Additionally, my Razr has indicated weak Bluetooth signals and suggested using the handset at least 8 times in the last 3 days during calls. This occured a couple of times when I was driving my car and wearing the Z9i on my right ear with the Motorola Razr less than 2 feet away near the gear shifter.
The problematic silent connection (as mentioned initially) still persists. I had to redial a couple of times because the other party could not hear me even though both parties' phones showed a connection.
One of my friend is also mentioning these problems with their Z9i to me. Their phone is a Sony Ericsson Z610i.
I will begin troubleshooting (i.e. checking for software updates/compatibility issues with my Razr, etc) and issue another update in a week, if not sooner. These problems are becoming a hindrance.
UPDATE: July 14, 2008
After almost 2 weeks of daily use, I am still experiencing all the problems I've detailed above. However, the disconnect-reconnecting issue is not consistent. In some areas (outdoors & indoors) it is frequent while at other times it behaves normally. It still occurs when I wear the Z9i on the opposite side of the phone. I did not have access to any other phones to test other than our Razr & Samsung T629.
My biggest issue is the 'Bluetooth signal is weak. Use handset?' prompt. It is very frustrating to be driving when all of a sudden, my bluetooth connection is lost and I have to pick up the phone and try to switch it over to speakerphone. Sometimes when I'm not quick enough, it will re-connect with the Z9i again and the party I was speaking to would ask what happened. This has occured all too frequently for me and is posing a safety risk while I'm driving.
My wife is also experiencing similar problems with her Z9i/Samsung T629 combo and doesn't use it (Z9i) as much since she hates to deal with these issues.
My friend who owns the Sony Ericsson Z610i only experienced similar problems but they were very limited and she is 'satisfied' with her Z9i.
As for my and my wife's Z9i, I will repack them and auction them on ebay as soon as we find a better alternative. This is only our experience. It may be our phones, frequency interference, etc... any number of factors we may not know about. Apparently several users are very happy with their units. It would be nice if those who posted positive reviews would come back & provide updates so we could better assess this product. Good luck everyone! Drive safely.
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