Nextlink

INTRODUCTION

    Nextlink's latest Bluetooth headset builds upon the successful features and price-point of their Bluespoon AX. The Bluespoon AX2 keeps the same external body design, but upgrades the inner workings for significantly increased performance. 

WHAT'S HOT

    The Bluespoon AX2 adds support for Bluetooth 1.2 while also increasing clarity, battery life, and the connectivity range to about 10-15 meters. The AX2 has a talk time of 8 hours compared to the less-than 6 hour talk time of the original AX. The standby time has also been increased to 500-1500 hours. But with the increased responsiveness of Bluetooth 1.2, you can keep the headset off and when a call comes in you can quickly turn it on and answer the call, thus further increasing battery life. 

Even though the Bluespoon looks big in Jackie's small ears, it remains unobtrusive and fashionable.

SETUP

     Initially, you're supposed to charge the Bluespoon AX2 for about 8 hours the first time. Subsequent recharges should only take about 2 hours. The process of pairing the Bluespoon 5G with your phone will vary between manufacturers. I used my imate JAM Pocket PC Phone. Once you've got the battery charged, turn it on by holding down the clear center talk button on the top for about 4 seconds. You should see a blue light blink signifying the power on state. Continue to hold down that button for a few more seconds until the light alternates between red and blue. This indicates that the Bluespoon is in pairing mode. Now you can go to your Pocket PC Phone (or other Bluetooth phone) and search for bluetooth devices within range. When the Bluespoon AX2 shows up in the list, you can initiate a pairing with it. The PIN number to enter when requested is "0000".  After a successful pairing, your Bluespoon AX2 will be functional as a Handsfree or Headset device depending on which Bluetooth profiles your phone supports. In my case, with the i-mate JAM, the headset was bonded as a Handsfree device. Now any calls I make from the imate JAM will be automatically sent to the Bluespoon AX2.

PRODUCT FEATURES

    The Bluespoon AX2 has two volume buttons on the sides and one talk button on the top that doubles as an LED light. After you've bonded with a mobile phone, when you start a call the audio will be transferred to the headset. While you're on a call and connected via the Handsfree profile, the volume-up and volume-down buttons control the volume. Pressing the center talk button will end a call. If you hear an incoming call, pressing this button will answer the call. Holding both the volume-up and down buttons at the same time for about 3 seconds will mute the microphone. Doing the same for 4 seconds will un-mute. Pressing the center talk button when not in a call will activate voice dialing on bluetooth phones that support that function. If you're in a call and have another call coming in, you can press and hold the volume up button until you hear a second tone in order to put the current call on hold and answer the second. To do a redial, hold down the volume-down button for about 4 seconds. There's also a nice new feature where if you're phone is out of reception, the Bluespoon AX2 will beep periodically in your ear to let you know. 

The Bluespoon AX2 sports some new packaging and includes a micro-usb cable for charging, a neck strap, multi-lingual manual, and two soft springs. 

The branding for the Bluespoon AX is in very small print underneath the headset.

The only way you can tell this is not an original Bluespoon AX is from the "AX2" label just behind the speaker. You can also see the same micro-USB port here for charging the battery.

The Bluespoon AX2 uses the same soft-spring mounting design as the Bluespoon AX and Bluespoon 5G. This allows the headset to be worn in either the left or right ear.

Here you see the original Bluespoon AX (Clear), the Bluespoon AX2, and the Bluespoon 5G.

The battery drawer pulls out of the back just like the original Bluespoon AX. You only get one battery though, so you'll probably just recharge it when needed.

The Bluespoon AX2 is 4.2cm x 2.5cm x 2.7cm and weighs 10 grams. The black with silver accents match nicely with a variety of devices.

The Bluespoon AX2 comes with a neck strap that plugs into the micro USB. While handsfree headsets are becoming standard fair in the New York City area, wearing them dangling around your neck is not. Keep the Bluespoon AX2 in your pocket when not in use.