The BlueAnt V1 is the world’s first voice controlled Bluetooth headset and is destined to appeal to those looking for something a little more sophisticated from their Bluetooth device.
First announced last January 2008 at CES in Las Vegas, its first initial release date was last April 2008. The V1 distinguishes itself by replacing buttons with voice commands, bring simplicity to a normally complicated genre.
BlueAnt has scrapped the myriad of button combinations normally needed to activate headset functions and replaced them with the BlueGenie Voice Interface from Sensory, Inc.
Using the BlueGenie Voice Interface from Sensory, Inc., the BlueAnt V1 allows users to easily control their headset with voice commands rather than pressing multiple buttons or even looking at the phone. Unlike other headsets that only support voice dial capabilities through q mobile phone’s voice features, the V1’s voice control is embedded in the headset itself. Beyond voice dial capabilities, the V1 enables the user to control all headset features such as pairing, volume and connection status using only their voice.
The V1 supports such commands as ‘Pair Me,’, ‘Redial,’ ‘Call Back,’ ‘Answer/Ignore Call,’ and ‘Call GOOG-411.’ Users can even ask the V1, “What can I say?” and the headset will verbally list all features available on the device. And say ‘Teach Me’ and the device will talk users through its functions.
The BlueAnt V1 is the first standalone headset on the market to incorporate the Bluetooth version 2.1 + Enhanced Data Rate specification.
“The V1 is by far the most advanced headset on the market today with the superior sound quality and wearability you expect from BlueAnt, enhanced by new and unique voice control capabilities.
The intuitive voice interface not only appeals to technology power users, but also first-time Bluetooth headset users looking for a simple yet effective hands-free solution.”, BlueAnt CEO, Taisen Maddern said.
Like the Z9, the V1 incorporates dual microphones which allow background noise to be filtered via BlueAnt’s patented Voice Isolation Technology™, a proprietary Digital Signal Processor (DSP) software solution.
Using advanced techniques to separate the user’s voice signal from all other sounds, the Voice Isolation Technology™ enhance the voice and remove external noise coming into and out of the headset.
The result is outstanding environmental noise reduction, echo cancellation and wind noise protection.
Sensory Inc.’s CEO, Todd Mozer says, “BlueAnt is a true innovator in this industry and we are happy to see our BlueGenie Voice Interface technology introduced to consumers in this cutting-edge Bluetooth headset.
We expect users to embrace the voice interface of the V1 as an intuitive and much easier and safer means of interacting with a headset, allowing the user to not only go hands-free but also eyes-free in the car.”
The BlueAnt V1 weighs about .35 ounces without the ear hook and offers to its user up to 5 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby time.

The BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth headset offers a range of advanced specifications making it the most innovative Bluetooth headset on the market today. Its features include:

– Voice control, using the BlueGenie Voice Interface

– Dual microphones enable crystal clear communication in the noisiest of environments

– Voice Isolation Technology™ for extreme noise, wind and echo cancellation

– Firmware upgradeable via USB connector

– Three charging options - car, phone & USB chargers

– Pairs with up to 8 Bluetooth devices

– Comply™ Foam Tips and a variety of different sized rubber ear gels

– Small and lightweight, less than .35 ounces without the ear hook

– Innovative tie clip for attaching to shirt or cuff, when not in use

– Up to 5 hrs talk-time or 200 hrs standby

– Bluetooth v2.1 for simplified pairing

– 2 year replacement warranty and dedicated support team

The price of BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth headset range from $109.99 to $129.99