jabra wave bluetooth headset review compatibility

One of our biggest pet peeves is when you are trying to have that important conversation over your headset and all you can hear is static and background noise, making you just want to hang up or throw your headset out the window altogether. We have been waiting for the day when a high quality headset would come along and then it did. Say hello to the Jabra Wave, a headset that combines innovative technology and a sweet design to give you crystal clear audio in a very small package. [Compare Prices]

Main Features and Specifications:

• Bluetooth compliance: Version 2.1
• Three layer wind noise reduction
• Voice guidance connection
• Multiuse - connects two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
• Pairs up to eight devices
• StatusDisplay shows battery level and connection
• Behind-the-ear styling
• DSP sound technology
• Up to six hours talk time, up to eight days standby time
• Operating range: 33 feet (10 meters)
• Weight: 13 grams (0.44 oz)
• One year limited warranty
• Talk Time -- up to six hours
• 4mm omni-directional microphone
• Dimensions: 100 L x 45 W x 12mm H

What We Liked:

• Charge Me Up: This device is so easy to charge, simply plug the device into the charger and you are set. While charging, the battery indicator will stay red until it is fully charged and then it turns green.
• Pair Off: The first time we used the headset, it automatically tried to pair with our phone. Just make sure your phone recognizes the Wave and you are set. When you are connected, you will actually hear the voice command say "connected," so there is no guess work.
• So Easy: This has to be one of the easiest headsets we have ever used. Remember some of those other headsets, the ones where you have to click the buttons multiple times to turn it on and off? Or the ones where you had to hold down the button for seconds to return a call, and that was if you could find the buttons while driving. With other headsets you had to wait for a beep or two or three to let you know the device was even on. Those headsets just seem archaic when compared to this sweet little device. The Wave has an on/off switch, making it easy to find when you are driving around and cannot look at the device itself. Push the button up for on and down for off ... easy. When it is turned on, the StatusDisplay will also light up to let you know it is ready to use. The StatusDisplay also shows your battery level and connection and the voice command will you know when you need a charge. The volume controls are easy to feel at the top of the headset and the answer/end button down at the tip of the device is very easy to reach. You probably won't have to adjust the volume though, since the headset automatically adjusts the volume to fit your environment.

• Comfortable Design: Honestly, there were times when we forgot we were wearing this device at all. The behind-the-ear flexible design of the Wave makes it easy to slip on and off and since it is so lightweight, there are no bulky earbuds on a cord hanging out of your ears. The device can be worn on either ear and we didn't have to fight to get the Jabra Comfort Eargel into our ear (you get two Eargels so you can find the best fit for you). It went in comfortably and molded to the shape of the ear itself. Also be advised that unless someone sees you putting it on, they may think that you are talking to yourself!
• No Background Noise: The design of the Wave reduces noise interference and getting through a conversation without saying, "can you hear me now?" was priceless. It boasts three layers of wind noise reduction and with the Digital Signal Processing you get clear audio every time. The headset also comes with a windsock for even better noise cancellation.

What We Didn't Like:

• Charging Time: For such a small device we thought the charge time would be quick, but to get a full charge you are looking at around a three-hour wait.
• Where Is The Carry Case?: We would have appreciated it if there was some sort of portable carry case to store our little Jabra headset in for safekeeping. Make sure you know where you set it down after your done using it because it is definitely small enough to lose or sit on!
• Nothing But Calls: The Wave is not a stereo device, it does not support Bluetooth audio or music. It is just for making phone calls
•  

• › See more Product Description

  › See more technical details

  .

Our Verdict:

We thoroughly enjoyed using the Jabra Wave; it is sleek, small and one of the easiest headsets to use that is currently on the market. Making and taking calls is simple and this quickly became one of our favorite hands-free devices. We think it would be even more useful if we could listen to podcasts and music, but hearing and being heard clearly during a conversation put this headset way above the rest.

Jabra WAVE Review

Introduction:

The Jabra WAVE is the Bluetooth headset that might be your savior on a windy day, or that is what its manufacturer is reassuring us. Retailing at around $60, the headset's main selling point is its ability to work exceptionally well in windy environments thanks to the shape of its boom microphone and the DSP (digital signal processing) algorithms that it incorporates. Needless to say, we couldn't leave the Jabra WAVE untested so we gave it a chance to impress us, but did it succeed? That will become apparent at the end of our review. Now, lets start by taking a closer look at the unit itself.

Jabra WAVE package and contents

Design:

The crescent-shaped Jabra WAVE has been designed to remain mostly hidden behind your ear while a boom microphone extends forward towards the user's mouth. We do agree that the headset is relatively big when compared to other models, but in reality, that isn't that much of a drawback because the WAVE feels much lighter than one would expect. At 0.46 ounces or 13 grams, it may be heavier than many other headsets out there, but thanks to proper weight distribution and a wise choice of materials, the WAVE does not put a strain on your ear. Unfortunately, we cannot quite say that you will stop noticing it entirely. The headset can be felt at most times because of the large contact area with your ear.

		With RIM BlackBerry Curve 8520
The Jabra WAVE is able to work exceptionally well in windy environments thanks to the shape of its boom microphone

The Jabra WAVE's plastic body has a soft touch finish added to it, and the side, which is supposed to firmly hug your ear, has been rubberized in order to provide a tight grip. These rubberized areas may be prone to collecting dirt and dust, but thanks to that extra bit of friction that they provide, the headset would barely move no matter how much you turn and twist. However, the wobbly earphone, which is supposed to lay on top of your ear canal, simply feels like it is going to come off any moment. Luckily, the second eargel that has been included in the set has a longer tip and feels a bit more comfortable. Once you get used to the headset, you should have no troubles wearing it for long periods of time.

On top of the Jabra WAVE we find a dedicated on/off switch, which is something that we do not get to see quite often on Bluetooth headsets. Right underneath it is a microUSB port that is used for charging the internal battery, but its cover is so flimsy that it falls off by itself most of the time. We are also treated to a well exposed 2-button volume rocker and a couple of LED lights that indicate the device's battery level and status. So how do you answer calls you might ask. Well, something that we were quite happy to find is that the boom microphone also has a button on its tip – pressing it picks up and hangs up calls. We can gladly say that finding the button with your finger could not be any easier.

On top of the Jabra WAVE we find a dedicated on/off switch and a microUSB port

› See more Product Description

› See more technical details

Now that we know that the Jabra WAVE is not something that you might be embarrassed to wear in public, let's find out if it really delivers the superior audio quality that it should.

Jabra Wave Bluetooth Headset Details

What’s in the box

The Jabra Wave comes with a Micro USB wall charger, one extra earpiece, two soft wind socks for the microphone and documentation.

Pairing the Wave 

When you first turn on the Wave, it will automatically enter pairing mode. On your HTC EVO 4G LTE or HTC One X or other Android device, just:

1. Go to your Bluetooth settings
2. Choose Scan for devices
3. Select the Jabra Wave from available device
4. If you are asked for a passcode – just input 0000.
5. The indicator light flashes blue, indicating that the Jabra Wave is paired with your phone.

  

If you need to Pair your headset again in the future, just push and hold down the Answer/End button until the Bluetooth indicator flashes blue. Then, just pair as you did above.

Functionality

The functionality of the Jabra Wave is pretty much common fare for most Bluetooth headsets we have seen:

• Tap the Answer/end button to answer a call
• Tap the Answer/End button while on a call to end the call
• Tap the Volume button (+) to raise the volume
• Tap the Volume button (-) to lower the volume

When you are not on a call, you can tap the Volume buttons to check the status of the headset:

• Green Battery icon means headset is on and charged with at least 30 minutes talk time
• Red Battery icon means battery has less than 30 minutes talk time

The Answer/End button is actually on the back of the microphone; I initially found myself reaching for the main part of the headset that is behind the ear, but that houses the power button and volume buttons – not the Answer/End button.

Voice dialing

Voice dialing from the Jabra Wave was a mixed bag.  The design is that you hold down the Answer/End button until you hear a short beep, then release. This should activate the voice dialing function on the phone.

I was successful in activating Voice dialing on the Galaxy Nexus, but it did not work as advertised on the One X or the EVO 4G.  I then tried it on an iPhone 4S and it worked as it did on the Galaxy Nexus.

Comfort

The Jabra Wave is a unique design among the masses of Bluetooth headsets. It I s long and narrow, with the microphone reaching close to your mouth.

The headset goes around the back of your ear, with the microphone then reaching forwards. What sits inside your ear is an ear gel that can be turned around to fit in either ear attached to a very flexible stem.

I initially had a little trouble getting this headset to stay in my ear. I was afraid of bending the stem too far to make it fit, but this is a very solid headset that can be twisted until it fits right. It took a few tries to get comfortable with wearing this headset.

I should also note, as I have in other reviews of headsets with large sections that go behind the ear, this is not ideal for people who wear glasses.  I found that my glasses and the headset wanted the same space behind my ear – which was a problem. Eventually I found a compromise – but it was not altogether comfortable for me.

Call quality

Call quality on the Jabra Wave was very good. I tried to emulate the video of the guy near the beach, since I live near the water. I made a few phone calls and people told me they could hear me fine. I think the placement of the microphone near the mouth is certainly helpful and it appear as though the noise cancellation does work as advertised.

On  my end, calls were clear and plenty loud.  I rarely had to adjust the volume button in order to hear a caller on the other end.

NOTE: The Jabra Wave support A2DP audio streaming meaning that when the headset is connected, you can stream your music from your Android phone right to the headset.  It does not support, however, AVRCP – so that means you can’t control your music with the buttons on the Jabra Wave.

The wrap up

The Jabra Wave is an interesting headset.  Sound quality is good, battery life seems very good and the placement of the  mike means that your voice is picked up well and you are heard well on the other end of the call. The noise cancelation features also seem to work well.

Voice dialing is a big deal for me and this did not work consistently well across various Android phones. Now, they may very well release a firmware update that will take care of that.

The comfort factor may also be an issue if you wear glasses.

The good

Good sound quality for music and podcasts

Easy to pair and use

Good noise reduction for clear calls in windy environments

The bad

Uncomfortable if you wear glasses

Voice dialing did not work on all phones 

The verdict 

There are many factors that make a Bluetooth headset the right headset for you.  The Jabra Wave is easy to set up and use, it offers basic, but good functionality, it has good batter life and it has great noise cancelation.  The Voice dialing was not consistent and it is tricky to wear if you need glasses.

› See more Product Description

› See more technical details

jabra wave bluetooth headset : OVERVIEW 2

jabra wave bluetooth headset : OVERVIEW 2

TURNING VOLUME UP AND DOWN ON THE HEADSETTo increase volume: tap the button with the + symbol repeatedly until the desired volume is reached.

To decrease the volume: tap the button with the - symbol repeatedly until the desired volume is reached.

 

7. ALWAYS KNOW YOUR STATUSYou can always get your connection and battery status on the StatusDisplay™ by tapping the volume-buttons.

Green battery icon:
The Jabra WAVE is turned on and holds above 30 minutes talk time.

Red battery icon:
The Jabra WAVE holds below 30 minutes talk time.

Jabra WAVE have voice guidance. When the headset has less than 30 minute s talk time the voice guidance will say “Low Battery”. The statement will be repeated every 10 minutes.

Solid icons:
When the Bluetooth icon is solid, the headset is connected to your phone.

(If the battery indication is lit but there is no Bluetooth indication, the headset is on but not connected to your phone).

When you do not have an active call, you can tap the answer/end button to hear “connected” statement. If your headset is not connected to any phone it will remain quiet.

Flashing Bluetooth icon:
The Jabra WAVE is in pairing mode.
In this state the headset can be paired (setup) to a new phone. Go to “Pairing” in the menu for more information.

8. EXTRA WIND NOISE REDUCTIONThe Jabra WAVE comes with a wind sock for use in extra windy conditions. Simply pull the wind sock over the microphone tip and enjoy even better wind noise reduction.

9. WEARING STYLESThe Jabra WAVE can be worn on both ears.

The headset comes with 2 Comfort Eargels™ (1 (S) mounted and 1 (L) extra).

› See more Product Description

› See more technical details 

jabra wave bluetooth headset : OVERVIEW

jabra wave bluetooth headset : OVERVIEW

CHARGING YOUR HEADSETTake the AC adapter and plug its charging tip into the socket on the headset.

Plug the end of the AC adapter into a wall outlet.

The Jabra WAVE is fully charged and ready to use when the battery indicator on the StatusDisplay™ turns solid green. (Approx. 2 hours). The battery indicator stays solid green .


. 

2. TURN YOUR HEADSET ON To turn the headset on slide the ON/OFF button towards I.

Both icons flash intermittently to indicate that the headset is powering up. 

 

3. PAIRING YOUR HEADSET WITH YOUR MOBILE PHONEThe first time you turn your headset on, it automatically enters into pairing mode. The Bluetooth connection indicator on the StatusDisplay™ flashes blue.

For later pairing:
Make sure the headset is turned on.

Press and hold the answer/end button for approximately 5 seconds.

The Bluetooth connection indicator on the StatusDisplay™ flashes blue when the headset is ready for pairing with your phone.

Set your Bluetooth phone to discover the Jabra WAVE. Follow your phone's instruction guide. This usually involves going to a "setup", "connect" or "Bluetooth" menu on your phone and selecting the option to discover or add a Bluetooth device.

Your phone will find the Jabra WAVE. Your phone then asks if you want to pair with it. Accept by pressing "yes" or "OK" on the phone.

Your phone may ask for a pass key or PINcode to confirm. If so, then enter the PIN 0000 (four zeros).

Your phone will confirm when pairing is complete. In case of unsuccessful pairing, repeat the steps.

Pairing is successful when the Bluetooth connection indicator and the battery icon show solid light. The lights will stay solid for 5 seconds and then turn off.

If you are wearing the headset, the voice guidance will say “connected”.

4. ACCEPTING A CALL ON THE HEADSETTap the Answer/End button on your headset to answer the call.

5. ENDING A CALL ON THE HEADSETWhen you want to end a call, tap the Answer/End button on your headset.

› See more technical details  

› See more Product Description