 Bluetooth Without the "Blues" |
| Review Date: October 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Barrett Benton, New York |
As a cyclist, I've been keen for *serious* enhancement in Bluetooth headsets, but frustrated by just about all I've tried. Either the headset was unstable in its ear-placement (always threatening to fall out in whatever thing other than a vertical, semi-sitting position) highly susceptible to external noises, or (ordinarily) both at once. In addition, SO many headsets don't allow voice-dialing, which is rather weird given all the other touted benefits of wearing the things. Up to now, Motorola was hardly better at this than the other usual suspects, but with the HX-1, in my opinion, they've shot to the head of the class.
There are the matter-of-fact-but-nice touches, starting with an on/off switch that's a *real* switch, and perfectly unambiguous in its operation and status. Volume control is via a rocker switch with up/down actuation easily discernible by touch. The Send/End and stealth buttons are both simple to actuate, but (at least as far as I'm concerned) offer just enough physical resistance to not be activated by industrial Industrial accident.
In-ear fit is super-secure (irrevocably!). Motorola offers four interchangeable earpieces, two each of two designs, which will likely cover most users' decent issues; I've found that the "earspring" for the right ear works best for me. Comfort is very excellent, but (as I've stressed in other reviews regarding headphones and earbuds) the care with which you adjust the fit of the device will figure largely in how comfortable-or not-the headset will feel, both small- and long-term. (I read a small user-review of the HX-1 claiming the unit was all but unwearable in terms of comfort...after trying it on for a whole ten summary. Not quite what I'd term "in-depth.")
Now, for the juicy bits: Cutting to the chase, the stealth (bone-transfer) mode absolutely, positively works. Cycling along at a decent clip, I've had headsets become perfectly a waste of time without having to slow to a crawl and head for the curb, my words, even at a near-shout, being perfectly indecipherable to the other party. With the HX-1, I simply hit the stealth button, wait for the voice confirmation ("Stealth mode on"...wow, now all that's missing is a rocket-help and retractable machine-guns;-), and the *only* sound heard on the other end is that of my voice, thanks to bone-transfer technology. Right, my voice isn't as untreated-sounding as owing to the normal CrystalTalk microphone, but highly understandable. (One person commented that I sounded a bit like Stephen Hawking; although I'm not much of a gamer anymore, if you've ever played Counterstrike, you'll get an thought of the sound, but it's a bit better than that.)
Language of CrystalTalk: The defaulting mode on the HX-1 is with the CrystalTalk mic activated. The reason is simple: under most conditions, CT works just fine, even in relatively noisy environments. (On the bike, I've tested the headset in CT mode up to 15mph with no tribulations.) Stealth mode, then, is for those times when noise conditions get particularly hairy. You may end up not using stealth mode all that much, but when you need it, it's just a click away.
Other fine points: Battery life appears to be as advertised. The packaging of the headset is a bit of overkill (really, a cast-aluminum case? I reckon they need to learn a bit from Apple on this...it's about the candy inside, guys, NOT the wrapper!); Bluetooth Bonus: since the HX-1 can be paired with up to two devices at once, I also paired it with my BT-equipped PowerBook G4, which now allows me to use Skype both hands-free and untethered (as well as with a degree or privacy).
End: I reckon this is the best BT headset around at the moment. Yes, at its current selling price, it ought to be. Casual users of headsets doubtless won't be too interested in popping for this, but for those who spend a lot of time wearing a headset, *mainly* while in commission a vehicle, do physically a huge favor and check the HX-1 out. From a safety standpoint alone, it's absolutely worth it. |
Pretty Excellent 1st Iteration
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| Review Date: October 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: bob, Colorado Springs, CO USA |
Pros: fantastic controls and pointer; excellent build quality; clear noise-abandonment; decent bone-transfer, excellent battery life
Cons: stealth mode could work better; hard to maneuver to place on or wear for extended periods
Synopsis: The military applications of bone transfer mics has been proven in the spec-ops convergence for years, providing clear, understandable communications even under very demanding conditions. Motorola's version of Invisio's Q7 has been keenly awaited and feared as vaporwear. But the wait appears to be worth it. The HX1 is a very credible (albeit imperfect) version of right bone-transfer technology for wireless BT.
Motorola got it right to boot the HX1 into CrystalTalk, its version of noise-cancelling mic. It is clear and loud, and perfectly fine for most applications. As the defaulting mode, this works. But for noisy or windy environments, Stealth mode, using bone-transfer, is a revelation. Standing near loudspeakers with both music and voices at high levels, callers just couldn't hear it. I could hear them perfectly (the earpiece sits in the ear canal, shutting out lots of ambient noise) and they could hear me honestly visibly as I spoke in a normal voice (though not as well as owing to CrystalTalk).
The trick is in the fit. I found the HX1 did not stay tightly in my ear canal. It has a tendency to work its way out to sit more loosely in my ear than is optimal for Stealth. Switching to Stealth would be frustrating for callers because I had small volume and sounded very barely audible. But if I repositioned the earpiece, callers reported 50-60% for volume and simplicity. But, if I held the earpiece (finding the sweet spot took a small time at first), callers reported 80-90% volume and clarity. That's pretty excellent. Of course, nobody really wants to be holding the earpiece for optimal sound, but it sure beats approaching my ancient BT to my ear, a finger in my other ear, and shouting as loud as I could to be heard. I'm more than pleased to use a headset that in fact WORKS in noisy environments. This is the best BT I've tried in this regard, bar none (and I've tried plenty). And if the earpiece fits snugly into your ear canal, you might not even need to hold the earpiece in place.
The controls are very visibly laid out and simple to find and activate without inadvertently approaching a touch else. The audio chimes and pointer are very nice (it even gives you the battery level upon startup), and pairing is simple for up to two phones. The on/off switch in fact toggles, which I find much less prone to accidental power-ups or shutdowns in my pocket. And it's simple to locate and turn on unless you have very large fingers. Talk and stand-by times are pretty excellent, and the earpiece, while not as sleek as some, is not heavy.
Putting the headset on was a challenge at first. The earhook, necessary to keep the unit in place, was hard to maneuver to place on. I irrevocably found that if I keep the earhook tip vertical to the speaker, and pushed the earpiece into my ear, I could take a finger and lift the earhook up and over my ear, and push it into place. With a small practice, it wasn't too hard to place on, but certainly not as simple as other headsets I've use.
The earpiece is not the most comfortable to wear for long periods, although it seems to be less of an irritant now than when I first ongoing using it. YMMV depending on how well the earpiece fits you.
This is an brilliant first try for Motorola. If I had to rate it only for its Stealth ability, I'd give it 5 stars in that it in fact works. There's room for enhancement, and I'm excited to see where Motorola takes this in the future. At this point, I'm done looking for my ideal bluetooth, at least until the next bone transfer headset comes along. |
HX1 not all it's advertised to be
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| Review Date: January 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Michael D. Vanderbos, |
| I've had this headset for about one month and am finding it does not work reliably in either normal or 'stealth' mode. People that I'm discussion to either can't here me because there is too much social class noise or I sound like I'm far away. Both modes are like this but, 'stealth' mode is 'barely audible'. The HX1 seems to be clear to people only about 10% of the time, NOT excellent enough for me. The sound quality on my end is very excellent, with plenty of volume. I like the size, ease of use and voice prompting. The battery holds up for a long time between chargings. I don't know if Motorola could get together with Blue Ant (their microphone is outstanding but their earbuds stink- HX1's is much better) this could be an brilliant manufactured goods. Additionally I found Motorola's website of no help, it was more of an advertisement than any help. If these tribulations could be fixed with a software/firmware upgrade I'm all for it! |
fantastic but no one can hear u
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| Review Date: November 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Rene Quiroga, |
| this blue tooth headset is fantastic with only one flaw. no one can hear me :( the only time ppl can hear me well is when i turn on the bone conducting thing, but then i sound odd. if u leave it turned off (say in a silent room ) one would reckon u dont need it, but then you are so silent no one can hear me. with all the fantastic reviews i nearly feel mine is a dud. ill be taking it back tomorrow. |
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