INTRODUCTION
The trend for Bluetooth
headsets is to miniaturizes them while adding functionality, increasing
battery life and improving sound quality. In
addition I would like the designs to be less
obtrusive and more comfortable to wear.
BlueAnt Wireless
has recently released the
T8 micro Bluetooth headset which follows their successful X3 micro Bluetooth headset we reviewed here. Let’s see how well
it performs!
WHAT’S HOT
Here are the standout features of the T8:
- High quality full duplex headset
- Ambient Noise Reduction
- Bluetooth version 1.0, 1.2 and 2.0 compatible
- Supports Bluetooth Hands Free Profile (HFP) and Hand Set Profile (HSP)
- LED can be switched on and off
- Up to 9 hours of talk-time or 250 hours of standby
- Supports voice dial with compatible phones
- Pairs with up to 8 devices
- 2 year warranty
- Winner
of Good Design Award
|
Bluetooth Headset
|
Our Rating
|
Talk Time | Standby (hours)
|
Street Price
|
| Bluetrek Metal |
 |
5 | 180
|
$50 |
| Jabra BT8010 |
 |
10 | 300
|
$70 |
| BlueAnt Z9i |
 |
5.5 | 200
|
$70 |
| Aliph Jawbone 2 |
|
4 | 192
|
$119 |
| iqua BHS-303 |
|
6 | 150
|
$35 |
| Gennum nx6000 |
|
6 | 75
|
$110 |
|
|
10 | 300
|
$75 | |
|
|
5 | 150
|
$80 | |
|
|
5.5 | 200
|
$70 | |
|
|
4 | 75
|
$50 | |
|
|
6 | 120
|
$110 | |
|
|
9 | 250
|
$40 | |
|
|
12 | 360
|
$75 | |
|
|
3 | 100
|
$120 | |
|
|
6 | 300
|
$45
|
|
|
|
3.5-10 | 80
|
$80
|
|
|
|
7 | 180
|
$50
|
|
|
|
4 | 250
|
$40
|
|
|
|
5 | 120
|
$60
|
|
|
|
6 | 300
|
$80
|
|
 |
6 | 300
|
$60
|
|
 |
30 | 700
|
$40
|
|
|
|
15 | 300
|
$80
|
|
|
|
7 | 300
|
$80
|
|
|
|
6 | 300
|
$55
|
|
|
|
7 | 100
|
$115
|
|
|
|
5 | 250
|
$40
|
|
|
|
2 | 100
|
$250
|
|
|
|
8 | 1000
|
$25
|
|
|
unrated
|
4 | 200
|
$40
|
SETUP
(all images link to higher resolution)
The BlueAnt T8 micro Bluetooth headset is easy to setup and pair with your favorite Bluetooth enabled device.
Here is the BlueAnt Wireless T8 micro Bluetooth headset retail package.
The T8 micro Bluetooth headset comes with a 100-240 volt AC charger, gel ear piece covers, foam ear piece cover, ear hook, and user manual.
The T8 micro Bluetooth headset uses a small barrel type charger plug. It is too bad BlueAnt Wireless did not design the T8 with a mini USB plug which is becoming a standard across Bluetooth accessories. A full charge takes about 2 hours.
The Multi-Function Button/MFB (green arrow) control power on/off, pairing, answer/reject, redial, and voice dial activation. The volume down button (blue arrow) and the volume up button (red arrow).
Pairing is achieved by pressing the MFB from the off position until the LEDs flash red and blue. This makes the T8 micro discoverable by your device. The entry of a pass code of "0000" is required to complete the pairing process.
The T8 micro can also be paired with a PC. I successfully paired the T8 micro with Windows Vista.
PRODUCT FEATURES
The BlueAnt Wireless T8 micro Bluetooth headset provides all of the features expected from today’s advanced Bluetooth headsets.
The T8 micro comes with two types of ear piece covers. A traditional foam cover and a gel cover. I found the gel cover to fit more snugly and comfortably.
The ear hook adjusts up and down as well as side to side (green arrow) to provide the most comfortable placement between your head and ear.
The T8 micro Voice Dial activation works well with the T-Mobile MDA Windows Mobile 5.0 Voice Speak application.
The T8 micro works with MSN Messenger 8.1 and other telephony applications like Skype.
I found the BlueAnt Wireless T8 micro Bluetooth headset to provide all of the functions that are required for a headset to be truly useful. With the implementation of Bluetooth 2.0, it provides a faster
connection between compatible devices and enables the T8 micro to consume very little power.
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The BlueAnt T8 micro Bluetooth headset has a 2 year replacement warranty. Support is handled via a contact form on BlueAnt’s web site here. The included manual a single 2 sided folded sheet which is adequate. A .pdf version of the manual can be downloaded here. A Bluetooth compliant phone or PC with the Bluetooth Hands Free (HFP) and/or HandSet (HSP) profiles. The BlueAnt Wireless T8 micro Bluetooth headset worked well, I found the reception audio quality to be excellent. However callers did mention that my voice sounded somewhat muffled. My wishes for this headset include: The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the BlueAnt T8 micro Bluetooth headset is $49.99. A list of stores carrying the T8 can be found here. Amazon.com is currently selling the T8 micro for $39.99 here. Inexpensive
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I have mentioned in previous reviews that I am not a big fan of continuously wearing a headset, however I found the BlueAnt Wireless T8 micro Bluetooth headset comfortable and might be persuaded to do so. It is also small enough not to be too conspicuous. I like the gel cover and I believe it helps with the clarity of the audio reception. The only major improvement for this headset is with the microphone audio. Although callers could easily understand me, they complained that my voice was somewhat muffled. That said the T8 is very well constructed and is an excellent value for the average street price of $40.
HELP SUPPORT
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
BUGS AND WISHES
PURCHASING
PROS
Bluetooth 2.0 compatible
Pair with up to 8 devices
Works with PC based telephony applications
CONS
Microphone sound was a bit muffled
No mini USB charging connector
No headset initiated audio transfer
Value
Ease
of Use 
Features
Overall
OVERALL IMPRESSION
