Why hasn't stereo Bluetooth become ubiquitous? The promise of cutting the wire from the player to the ears sounds seductive enough, but for a variety of reasons -- poor support and lack of quality product chief among them -- the technology has failed to catch on en masse with the listening public. When we first saw the S9
debut at CES last month, we've gotta confess, we were less than enthused; we figured we were in for more of the same awkwardness that has plagued A2DP peripherals to date. To be blunt, it looked big, heavy, awkward, and altogether a little uncomfortable. A month later, we're delighted to report that we're eating those words right up.
Put simply, the S9 exceeded virtually every expectation we had. Despite the seemingly bulbous rear end and somewhat rigid over-the-top earbud placement, the device wasn't just comfortable -- we nearly forgot it was on after a while, and that sentiment was echoed by several individuals we had try it out.
As is the case with most modern A2DP headsets, the S9 functions both as a headset and a handsfree. It worked swimmingly in both modes. As a stereo headset, sound quality was excellent with rich bass and plenty of volume; we noticed some hiss, but we're thinking that might have to do with the pre-release nature of the particular unit we were using. In handsfree mode, incoming sound is heard only through the left ear -- we're not sure if this is by design, or just another quirk of the engineering sample. We never could figure out just where the mic was hidden, but no matter -- callers reported that we could be heard clearly.
The S9's buds don't actually go
in the ear as we first thought, but rather sit just over the ear hole, giving the user a reasonable capability to hear the goings-on around them. Don't worry, though -- the volume is plenty loud to drown it all out if you so choose.
Pairing with our Samsung BlackJack was a breeze, though we had trouble getting it to work with either Windows XP or Vista (both machines were packing Broadcom Bluetooth chipsets). Again, we'll reserve judgment here until Moto has a chance to work out all the kinks and come to the table with a final product (and besides, this thing really is meant for paring to a phone).
In a market segment with some pretty uninspiring equipment, we're delighted to see Motorola step up and deliver an A2DP headset that we actually want to buy. Between the water resistance, the USB charging capability, the decent sound quality, and the fact that it doesn't make you want to tear your ears off after a few minutes of use, we're sold. Hurry up, Moto, you've got some customers waiting!
posted Feb 12th 2007 4:38PM
Counterfeit?
http://www.motorola.com/content.jsp?globalObjectId=8627-10942
The pictures used in this review are from a fake one. The authentic one looks much nicer.
Paired with my LG phone just fine. Incoming sounds fine. My voice can't compete with all the truck noises outgoing though. How in the world does one pair this with Windows XP if the laptop doesn't list blue tooth in the systems menu???
I just got these on clearance yesterday (Moto is supposed to be releasing a new version). So far they work great with the iPod bluetooth adapter, but I don't have a bluetooth phone to try them with.
It makes sense that there's an issue with counterfeits. The reviews on the web range from great to terrible.
Too bad they didn't use a removable battery, 6 hrs isn't long enough.
Good product overall. Solid sound. Unfortunately, have the same problem with volume buttons. Had to replace the headset 2 times already. Must admit that Motorola warranty works great.
Consistent issue with volume controls malfuntioning permanently during exercise. An unexpected continuous increasing loud beep occurs and then the volume fades immediately while still connected via bluetooth. Other controls continue to work except the volume controls. This is my fourth unit. Based on the accumulating reports of similar issues in this forum Motorola's problem resolution service model is ineffective and costly for consumers given the high price of the accessory. Will require immediate mitigation and resolution of either good faith repair or replacement and action necessary to investigate electronic issues by Motorola technical support. We will continue to petition until this can be addressed at the State and Federal level for a Class Action Lawsuit due to negligence and intentional deceitful practises to mislead the general public in product claims and lack thereof a suitable follow up plan to mitigate consumer reported issues and concerns. The retail price of this product is equal to or more to a persons one, two, or three day income. Therefore a consumer with such limited income is relying on good faith product claims and superior customer service and technical support.
As with the others - I love it, but the volume button issue is a pain. I am returning for the third time for replacement.
Great, i find a cheap one: http://www.yopool.com/motorola-motorokr-s9-bluetooth-stereo-headset-p-34.html , US$39.95 Delivered
I've had mine for 12 days. Used it for no more than an hour a day at the gym. Today I'm having problems with the volume like others have described here. I'm tempted to run to Target to get a cheapy pair of headphones to get me through the holiday weekend.
Same issues with volume controls. This is my second pair. I love the design and function but this reoccuring volume control thing is driving me crazy. Now I can't forward a track either. Wish there was an alternative product that's just a light and functional.
The Headset is awesome .. Pairs with an iPhone also .. Bt have the same problem regarding volume button.. Any solution to it besides replacement?
Sound pretty good!
Sorry, I'm a bit lost. Can this function as just regular old headphones?
Can I just plug in some kind of receiver into my Zune and then have that transmit the signal through Bluetooth to the headphones? I really want something like this.
Thanks,
Michael Boutros
This looks cool. When will it be available in the USA?
@Michael Boutros
You should be able to... I have a Jabra mini-jack to bluetooth adapter that I used to use to connect a Jabra bluetooth headset to my XBox (original). I had a wireless controller and wanted to talk over XBox Live w/o wires...
Here's an example from Engadget...
http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/21/jays-bluestreamer-a2dp-adapter-a-worlds-first-for-jens/
I have been reading about this product and I am glad such a company as motorola is behind it. Maybe after the release of this equipment others will follow with better choices.
Hi, does it work with a Motorola L7 or RokrE1??
Thanks.
I have bought one the design is fantastic easy to wear, splash proof etc but ( and there is a but) Buttons are very fragile and difficult to use. I am sending mine back to be replaced as the volume control button has stuck. They sre very popular I mat be waiting weeks for a replacment. Its a shame a little more robustness even at the cost of a little added wieght would have made them near perfect
Motorola S9, Great design! Terrible manufacturing standarts. I had to take mine back twice because of the stuck volume button. Next time this headset breaks, and it will, I am getting my money back.
My volume control broke after 2 weeks as well. Seeing this reported a lot. I guess I'm going to try to exchange it. It is a great idea, but if it won't last more than 2 weeks then wtf...
Hey does the headset work for a sidekick 3?????
Same here. Nice design, awful make, plastic broke twice already, fits terrible, not loud enough, really bad battery life, one workout, I think it discharges when not plugged in. Otherwise: great range, especially with an AIRcable Host XR.
Loved this headset until the volume control suddenly stopped working. Wasn't sure if it was just me...now I know.
Can I use the Motorola S9 with an iPhone? It pairs just fine, but doesn't play music or answer calls...