The lates incarnation of Nextlink's petite Bluespoon headset has arrived touting improved battery life and extended range - Jørgen Sundgot takes a closer look at the AX2.
Although Nextlink has always been known for producing the tiniest of Bluetooth headsets, there's no denying that when a certain point has been reached, size may not matter as much. Having followed up on its original Bluespoon AX headset with the positively miniscule Bluespoon 5G, it appears Nextlink decided there might be demand for a headset no larger than the AX - yet with improved functionality. Enter the AX2.
Have we met before?
A dead ringer for the original AX for the most part, the AX2 measures in at a very modest 42 x 25 x 27 mm and 10 g and is nearly unnoticeable when worn. As with its predecessor, it relies on a soft rubber spring which fits in the ear canal to stay in place, producing literally no discomfort at all - not to mention its ability to stay in place as if glued.
Sporting Bluetooth 1.2 with support for both the Headset and Handsfree profiles, installing the headset is a simple affair; its 3-button interface easily allows for placing the headset into pairing mode, as well as activating functionality such as call receive and end, voice dialing and volume adjustment. Another benefit of the AX2 is its USB charging capability, although a special - bundled - cable is required; still, it's better than having to lug around a charger.
Fitted with a unidirectional microphone, the AX2 does have one drawback, however. Its lack of a DSP to reduce wind and background noise makes it very difficult to use under such circumstances despite producing high-quality audio on the wearer's end; as such, it is best suited for more quiet environments and not those who frequently fare outdoors.
Concerning range and reception, the AX2 performed very well indeed, although it doesn't lay claim to the throne in this department. Its claimed battery life was a tad exaggerated, however, with 8 hours of talk time rather clocking in at in excess of 6.5 hours - still impressive, and with an impressive standby time to boot.
Availability
The Nextlink Bluespoon AX2 will be available worldwide in October, and is expected to sell in the $100 USD range.
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