Functionality
Call and music quality are definitely up to snuff – very good bass. There is a little bit of background noise, but nothing unexpected from a Bluetooth headset. Actually getting some functions to work was a little trickier. Audio recording didn’t seem to work on my PC, for one. Secondly, the multifunction button which summons BlackBerry Voice Dialling doesn’t respond to any of my commands, but third-party voice recognition (like Vlingo) and other built-in voice apps (like Voice Notes) work just fine. Very strange, but I might chalk it up to my slightly oudated OS.
One bonus was the use of miniUSB to charge, which just so happens to be the same format as my BlackBerry Bold. That saves on needing to double up on cables when on the go. Battery life is very good – I’ve been using these pretty consistently for three days on the first charge. While it might seem a little unfair to load up that single multifunction button with so many uses, it actually works out just fine, mainly since it keeps you from needing to figure out what to press in any given situation – odds are the MFB will handle it.
The volume function isn’t bad per se, just a little confusing. Using the headset’s volume control doesn’t actually turn the handset’s volume down, but rather its own independent volume, so you’ve got two knobs to take into account. Also, holding down the volume won’t crank it up or down all the way; it takes individual clicks for every notch. As a personal preference, I find that a little odd. Skipping tracks using the outer disc on the right ear can be awkward, too. From what I’ve been able to gather, the command isn’t sent from just turning it in a given direction, but actually releasing it from there. So, for example, if you move the disc forward slowly, then move it back to the default position while still holding on, the track won’t skip – it’s got to snap back in place.
Verdict on the S-2 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones on page 4!