Anyone who's used the stylish, compact, voice-isolating Z9 Bluetooth headset from BlueAnt knows that while the unit itself performs satisfactorily, remembering the thousand and one unintuitive button combinations (three-second push to end a call?) can be a real pain in the ass. Well thankfully for fans of that somewhat flawed product, the Australian manufacturer will be back as CES with yet another dual-mic model, the V1, which drops the Z9's awkward input method in favor of almost complete voice control. The so-called BlueGenie Voice User Interface promises to operate the full suite of headset functions with the use of but a single activation button, which -- if it can actually work in real-world situations -- should definitely help give this new model a leg (or six -- ha) up on the competition. Stay tuned to our CES coverage for more details, along with pricing and release info.

It sure took long enough, but at long last BlueAnt is finally releasing its Z9 Bluetooth headset. The final version weighs in at 0.35-ounces, measures 1.5-inches in length, boasts a glossy, translucent finish, and most importantly, touts a two-level approach to noise cancellation. The firm's patented Voice Isolation technology "separates the voice signal from all background noise" in order to nix surrounding wind and ambient chatter from conversations, and can be utilized in Standard or Max modes depending on how raucous things are around you. Notably, the headset also sports dual microphones, supports on-the-fly device switching, lasts through 5.5-hours of yapping, and even offers upgradeable firmware via USB. So, for those who have managed to hold off till now, the Z9 can finally wrap itself around your ear for $99.95.

The options for an in-car handsfree kit are darn near limitless, but for those not so keen on hardwiring a module into your car's stereo or fiddling with those dodgy FM transmitters, BlueAnt is offering up a swank alternative. The Supertooth Light Bluetooth handsfree speakerphone boasts a built-in speaker / microphone that neatly rides along on your vehicle's sun visor, allowing you to transport your handsfree device from one vehicle to another without dismantling a mess of wires. Additionally, it features Clear Voice Capture (CVC), DSP, and echo-reduction capabilities, and it can even adjust volume levels on the fly depending on ambient noise. You'll also have no trouble pairing up to five different phones, utilizing voice dial activation / redial, and talking for up to 15 hours straight without recharging the battery. So if you're interested in a more mobile solution to yapping in handsfree fashion, you can pick up BlueAnt's latest for $99.

Another day, another donut Bluetooth headset announcement. The BlueAnt Wireless V12 LCD Bluetooth headset, brings little new to a marketplace positively brimming with like devices. If there is one thing we know, it's the age-old trick to help a product stand out: simply place several cool backlit ants on it -- but sadly, that wasn't in the cards this lap 'round the track. What BlueAnt Wireless did get right, however, is to pack a barge-load of features into this 16 gram, 2.3 inch long set. Featuring call display with 10 number redial, vibrating alert, 12 hour talk time, and 300 hour standby (the site labels this as 15 days – apparently the days are shorter in Australia). Throw in ambient noise reduction, and the stylin' brushed aluminum finish rounds out what we would expect to see at the $99.00 price point. Best feature? The magic words 'V12' are on the headset, baby! Anything with V12 in it, or on it, is fine by us.

[Via PHONE Magazine]

You've got a smorgasbord of options when it comes to adding a dash of public humiliation to your ear, but BlueAnt's Z9 Bluetooth headset sports a feature set that has the ability to make fashion become second priority. While it doesn't look much different than similar alternatives, the Z9 packs dual microphones (in case you talk out of both sides of your mouth), DSP, echo / noise cancelling, automatic gain adjustment, a built-in clip for times when not looking so technologically inclined would be in your best interest, and on-the-fly switching between devices. Moreover, it supports USB firmware upgrades and boasts a seven hour talk time (180 hours in standby). Although BlueAnt isn't disclosing its pricetag just yet, we do know that it'll be on display at next year's CES, so keep an eye out for some hands-on action when January rolls around.

[Via SlashPhone]