| BlueAnt Commute Handsfree Car Kit CMT-USEN |
| Reviews - Featured Reviews: Phones | Handheld | |
| Written by Olin Coles | |
| Tuesday, 20 November 2012 | |
BlueAnt Commute Handsfree Car Kit Review
Manufacturer: BlueAnt Wireless Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Alpaytac. BlueAnt Wireless is well known for their Bluetooth-connected headsets, such as the high-quality BlueAnt Q2 and the durable BlueAnt T1 series. Bluetooth headsets are great solutions for cellular telephone calls, but can become uncomfortable to wear and lack voice-activated control over calls and text messaging. The BlueAnt Commute CMT-USEN voice-activated handsfree car kit delivers complete voice command interaction with your SmartPhone, and includes all the great technology that delivers clear communication in their premium headsets. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the BlueAnt Commute under several conditions, comparing the features and benefits over other handsfree options. Effective January 1, 2013, California's "Freedom to Communicate" bill will allow California drivers to use hands-free technology to talk and text while operating a motor vehicle. Nearly all other States have followed suit with similar laws of their own, which restrict drivers from using hand-held devices tp communicate. Under measure AB 1536, approved devices consist of those "specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation to dictate, send or listen to a text-based communication." BlueAnt Wireless' Commute car kit is the only aftermarket device that enables complete hands-free calling and texting, available for $99.99 (Amazon / PriceGrabber). In order to comply with California law, drivers must use devices that feature voice triggers. California Highway Patrol considers the act of turning on a phone or pushing any kind of button to get a voice interaction enough to warrant a citation. The voice command feature on BlueAnt Commute enables driver to call and text completely hands-free, without touching a single button. California issues motorists a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for subsequent convictions when a cell phone is used for calls or text messaging while driving. The Los Angeles Times reports that, "with court costs and penalties, the true costs of those tickets are $76 and $190, respectively."
BlueAnt Commute FeaturesCloser Look: BlueAnt CommuteBlueAnt Commute is a handsfree voice controlled Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR car speakerphone kit that sells for $99.99 online (model CMT-USEN available at Amazon). The BlueAnt Commute hands-free device measures 4.85" long x 2.35" wide x 0.85" thick without the clip, and shares nearly the same profile as a Samsung Nexus S smartphone. Commute also weights exactly the same; with the metal clip attached the hands-free devices weighs 4.6 ounces/130 grams. BlueAnt Wireless includes a USB power adapter that fits into a 12V DC 'cigarette lighter' receptacle and a USB to micro-USB cable with this handsfree car kit. Like the BlueAnt headsets, Commute features wind and echo cancellation technology to ensure clearly defined sound. The BlueAnt Commute car kit offers handsfree conferencing capabilities to answer, merge, swap or end phone calls. Additionally, the Commute can connect both the driver and passenger's phone at the same time. BlueAnt specifies the 2.4GHz frequency good for up to 10 meters/32.81 feet, although I have tested Commute at 35 feet from the phone with solid results.
BlueAnt Commute features touch-sensitive face with volume increase/decrease and action controls along the top of the device. Three LEDs glow when the battery is charging or low, Bluetooth is connected, or the Handsfree Trigger Indicator is active. A pin-hole microphone is located above the Command 'button', while the speaker resides in the lower portion of the device behind four grill openings. Along the left side of BlueAnt Commute resides access to a micro-USB charging port, concealed behind a soft rubber flap. Whenever Commute's battery is low, it will announce aloud "battery is very low". A full charge takes approximately 3-4 hours using the supplied USB cable connected to either a powered computer, or the included 12V DC 'cigarette lighter' adapter. While charging a red LED will shine below the Decrease Volume symbol on the device, and will disappear when Commute is fully charged. Apple iPhone users will appreciate that BlueAnt Commute features an iPhone battery meter on the device. The power switch has three settings: powered off, short-duration trigger battery saving mode, and always-on handsfree trigger mode.
Once Commute is powered on and paired to your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, say the hands-free trigger phrase "BlueAnt Speak to Me" and the device will confirm it is ready for voice commands. To make a call, say "Launch Voice Control" and Commute will activate your phone's voice dialing feature. The voice control functionality on your phone is dependent on the version of Operating System or applications installed. Whenever an incoming call rings the phone, you maintain focus on the road because BlueAnt Commute will read out the caller's name or telephone number then ask you if you want to accept the call with either "Answer" or "Ignore".
The BlueAnt Commute works together with Siri on Apple iPhone devices, or a free BlueAnt Commute application for Google Android phones. Depending on the phone, Seri or the Commute app will read an incoming text message aloud from the handsfree device. On the iPhone 4S, say "Launch Voice Control" followed by "Read My Messages" to have new text messages read back to you. On Android phones, the Commute app will automatically read text messages back through the Commute handsfree device or display support documentation (such as the command list) on your phone. Depending on the phone, Commute supports A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) streaming audio functionality that enables users to listen to music or podcasts and hear turn-by-turn directions from the GPS application on their phone. Since drivers don't have anything to touch or adjust, the BlueAnt Commute allows them to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel while remaining in contact with others. In the next section I share my test results after using the BlueAnt Commute voice-activated handsfree car kit to make and receive telephone calls or read back text messages. Handsfree Car Kit Test ResultsLife with the BlueAnt Commute begins with pairing and connecting the device to a Bluetooth compatible mobile phone. All of my testing was conducted using the BlueAnt Commute paired and connected to a Samsung Nexus S smartphone with the BlueAnt Commute app installed. This particular phone paired to the BlueAnt Commute hands-free device without any security code required, although the default pairing code '0000' is rather easy to remember. The first time I powered-up Commute it walked me through language selection and pairing. After Commute talks you through the setup and pairing process, there are a few commands to know and memorize. Commute arrives charged with a lithium-ion battery, which is good for an estimated 20-hours of talk time or up to 700-hours/29-days of standby time. If Commute is powered-on into 'handsfree trigger' mode, the phone is always prepared to receive a voice command. If set to the central power position known as 'battery saving mode', Commute will only listen for commands two-minutes after an action. This mode is ideal for most situations, but handsfree trigger mode offers enough power to maintain charge for weeks and make or receive up to 20 hours of calls. Everything begins with the trigger phrase "BlueAnt speak to me". Once the BlueAnt Commute is triggered by the catchphrase, it will expect a follow-up command to execute a function. Once you can memorize the trigger phrase, the next easiest phrase to remember should be "What Can I Say?" so the handsfree device will read you a list of available options. Simple commands such as "Call back" and "Redial" are supported by all phones whenever another caller has contacted you or the number is stored in call history. The voice phrase "Phone commands" is priceless, as it transfers control over to your telephone. Other commands are more for utility purposes and are used far less frequently, such as "Am I connected?", "Check battery", "Pair me", and "Update phonebook".
On the Samsung Nexus S smartphone, which was introduced December 2010 and tested using both Google Android 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) and 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), there were only a few voice commands available. On this phone, after saying the trigger phrase "Phone commands" your options will include "Call John Doe" to dial a contact by name at their default telephone number, or "Dial John Doe Office" to communicate the desire to reach a named contact's secondary phone number. Unfortunately, there's no way to stop dialing if an incorrect number/contact is fetched, or quickly end a call without having to press the 'Command Button' touch symbol. Older Android-based smartphones like the Nexus S will require the free BlueAnt Commute application to be installed for handsfree text messaging to work, and some will be limited to receiving messages as the phone may not accept dictation. Newer-model smartphones, such as Apple's iPhone with Siri or Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S III that include Google Voice Search (formerly Voice Actions), will offer far more comprehensive voice commands and interaction than older models without them. These newer devices will offer full texting functionality, as well as potentially supporting email alerts or interaction with other programs. Testing with the Apple iPhone 4S that launched October 2011, BlueAnt's Commute handsfree worked seamlessly with Seri to do far more than older phones without the voice-command assistant. After switching from Commute to Seri using the "Phone commands" trigger, I was able to schedule calendar events, complete web or phone searches, operate other apps such as GPS navigation, and send or receive messages. In theory, Google Voice Search is intended to offer the same features. Ultimately the BlueAnt Commute handsfree device will scale with a phone's own technology level, making it as feature rich as the host device it interacts with. Performance was very similar with the Samsung Galaxy S III smartphone. Once Bluetooth was enabled on the phone, I needed to make the phone visible to other devices by checking the option. The BlueAnt Commute initially showed as a numerical device, and not by the product name, but changed to "BlueAnt Commute" once paired. Like Siri, the Galaxy S III offered several interactive functions relayed through Commute. BlueAnt Commute ConclusionIMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently at various points in time. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes which occur after publication that could render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on our conclusion as it represents our product rating specifically for the product tested, which may differ from future versions of the same product. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate. There's a lot to like about the BlueAnt Commute. First, it's not just for cars and trucks. With a Bluetooth range over 30 feet this handsfree device can be used in larger vehicles, making it possible to mount Commute near the driver in an RV or at the helm of a long boat while the paired phone is safely stored elsewhere. Next, Apple Seri and Google Voice Search have given Commute the ability to replicate voice controls on recent smartphone devices and enables to operate in a completely handsfree environment. Then there's the ability for Commute to read text messages aloud without taking your eyes away to look at a phone. Finally, interaction with GPS navigation tools and searches can now be made without distraction to the driver. Overall I was pleased with performance, and the BlueAnt Commute voice-activated handsfree car kit exceeded my expectations. It worked incredibly well with Apple's Siri assistance, and may offer similar functionality for users with the Google Voice Search feature tuned and operating properly on their smartphone. Google Voice Search can also be triggered by saying "Google" if you install the Google Now application in conjunction with Voice Search. I can't fault Commute for not adding features that don't already exist on older phones, however basic functions were still available despite this.
As mentioned in the article, Commute shares the same look, size, and weight as Samsung's Nexus-series phones. This means that the handsfree device looks modern, and although Commute is no bigger than the average smartphone it still has some size to it. The glossy surface will show fingerprints, but with the device tucked away on the visor it's not going to attract any attention. BlueAnt Wireless has built Commute to be a solid handsfree car kit with plenty of durability. This device is mostly battery, so there's little risk in breaking something internally if it fall or slips off the visor. The touch-sensitive buttons are nice, but real-time feedback would help avoid impatient double-presses. The included 12V DC 'cigarette lighter' to USB power adapter micro-USB cable keep the handsfree device charged, and will work with most smartphones as well. As of late November 2012, the BlueAnt Commute CMT-USEN voice-activated handsfree car kit was available online for $99.99 (Amazon / PriceGrabber). This is roughly the same pricing you'll find for higher-end Bluetooth headsets, which all lack the battery life and handsfree functionality. At the time of this writing there were no similar products on the market to compare against. Users with recently made smartphones will be extremely pleased with the BlueAnt Commute, as it worked incredibly well with Apple's Seri assistant and extended the handsfree functionality beyond all expectations. The Samsung Galaxy S III also had a large command list, thanks to the built-in voice assistant. Older phones will still make and receive calls, receive and read text messages, and in most cases hear GPS directions through Commute. Adding apps like Google Now and Voice Search/Actions will help further increase functionality. If you drive in one of the many places that restricts telephone use while operating a vehicle, then BlueAnt Commute is definitely for you. Pros:
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Comments
Supposed to ship today.
Looking forward to receiving.
Thanks for an excellent review!
Alan
Have you had any issues with this product with your iPhone 5? I just got the iPhone 5 and it wont' work with my current bluetooth speaker.
BTW how do other's say you sound on the Journey, especially when diriving on busier roads, etc. It is one of the units I am considering.
It just simple redials the last number that I have made with my Samsung galaxy note 2 even though they set it up for me including the phone book.
The tech guys that set it up for me said it could be an issue with the two devices and told me there should be an update coming out soon.
For a list of things you can ask your Commute to do, Say "BlueAnt, speak to me" or touch the middle icon. When the Commute asks you to "Say a command," say "What can I say." This should give you a clear understanding of what the Commute can and cannot do.
As pointed out by others it actually uses the phone for all voice dialling features, leaving you at the mercy of Siri and making it a waste of time transferring your phone book to the Commute.
The voice commands work ok in the office, but on the road, and my car isn't noisy, I'm lucky to get a 50% success rate on voice activation by using the "Blue Ant Speak To Me" command.
Charging doesn't work off my powered USB hub that I plug every other device into. It has to go straight into the laptop.