Jawbone (Functions, Sound Quality, Range & Conclusion)

Functions

The Jawbone’s functions include all the basics of a Bluetooth headset and then some. Remarkably, all these functions are taken care of by two buttons hidden within the headset’s design (see graphic). They operate intuitively and both buttons are easy to find while the headset is on the ear:

The Noise Shield Button, hidden beneath the black end of the headset, turns off the Jawbone’s proprietary technology for canceling background sound, though I’m not really sure why anyone would want to do that. It also turns it back on. Besides controlling the Noise Shield function, the button rejects incoming calls and controls pairing and volume. The Jawbone will adjust the volume automatically depending on the background noise environment, but users can advance through six manual volume levels by pressing the same button.

With the talk button, hidden underneath the perforated surface of the Jawbone, users can turn the device on and off, answer and end a call, engage voice dialing, redial the last number called, and transfer a call from the mobile phone to the device.

The headset’s ear loops fit intuitively into a half circle slot on each side of the Jawbone. The loops are labeled at their tip, which makes it easy to identify whether it is a short or long ear loop for the left or right ear. The ear buds fit into two slots, then rotate 90 degrees into a locked position. The speaker on the other side of the ear bud functioned flawlessly regardless of which ear bud I used, but some buds felt better than others.

Sound Quality

It’s hard to say more than “unmatched” in explaining the Jawbone’s sound quality. The device designers clearly made audio their number one priority, which makes the headset my number one choice in the Bluetooth headset market.

I used Aliph’s Jawbone Bluetooth headset while washing dishes, changing my crying newborn daughter, walking down a busy street and driving down the thruway with music playing. The Jawbone’s Noise Shield technology delivered my voice clearly to the people I was talking with, and I heard them clearly because of the device’s audio enhancement software. The background noise was irrelevant.

According to Aliph, the Jawbone’s proprietary Noise Shield technology originally developed for the military includes an intelligent system of sensors and software, which continuously adjusts – at a rate of 500 times per second – to improve audio quality based on what it “knows” about the environment. The Jawbone’s voice activity sensor identifies and isolates the user’s voice precisely when they are speaking. The device’s software samples the sound in its environment and subtracts those sounds from its user’s speech signal. The Jawbone constantly adapts, boosting frequencies that increase voice intelligibility.

I never had to adjust the headset’s volume once. The Jawbone just “knew” the volume that it needed to use for incoming voices during my conversations.

I can’t tell you how important Aliph’s audio technology is to me. To have a device that delivers unbridled clarity when I’m on the go and want to connect with friends, family, colleagues or business associates is simply wonderful. Using the Jawbone sounds better than using my mobile phone by itself. It sounds better than a landline phone.

My father, a musician with perfect pitch, who complained about all but one of the other Bluetooth headsets I’ve reviewed, could not tell I was using the Jawbone. When I told him I was using it, he said it sounded better than when I talked directly into my mobile phone. Don’t just take my word for it; check out the sound quality for yourself on YouTube.com.

Range

Aliph does not state the range for its Jawbone Bluetooth headset, but no matter. I tested the Jawbone’s range at distances up to 30 feet. Through two walls and that distance, the headset performed the same as it did with my mobile phone in my pocket. Only when I walked out the front door and down the concrete steps of my front porch did any interference come into play.

Conclusion

Aliph’s Jawbone Bluetooth headset just sounds better – for its user and the person he or she is talking with. Its Noise Shield technology is a step above regular noise cancellation software, which should be required in all Bluetooth headsets. The headset is stylish, comfortable and functions well. It is difficult to put the headset on the ear quickly and the ear hooks and ear loops may be susceptible to damage, but these are minor setbacks for a device that otherwise soars above the competition. Without a fraction of a doubt, I can strongly recommend the Jawbone Bluetooth headset to anyone seeking a wireless headset to work with his or her Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

Pros

• Unmatched sound quality, for callers on both ends
• Intelligent sensors, software and features work flawlessly
• Excellent range, great connectivity
• Ideal battery life, charging devices
• Ease of use
• Comfortable fit (once it’s on the ear)
• Nice looking (subjective)
• White, rather than blue, LED light

Cons

• Hard to put on the ear quickly
• Ear loops and ear buds may break
• Expensive (but worth it)