BlueAnt's S4, the follow-up product to its popular Supertooth 3 Bluetooth speakerphone, adds some notable new features, including enhanced, futuristic-like voice commands. How well does it work? And should you wait for this model instead of buying the tried-and-true S3?

Off the bat, it's worth clarifying that while the S4 is touted as a device that can read text messages and e-mails aloud from a compatible BlackBerry (OS 5.0 and higher) or Android phone (support for the iPhone is "coming soon"), this isn't a function limited to the new BlueAnt device. In fact, the capability stems from the SafeReader portion of the popular (and free) Vlingo mobile app. If you choose to buy Vlingo Plus for $20, this version adds the ability to reply to or forward an e-mail; and compose an SMS or e-mail by voice through a Bluetooth speakerphone or headset. (The latter ability is what's at the heart of the Vlingo service itself.) In this respect, then, reading your texts and e-mails will work with any Bluetooth device, including the S3, not just the S4, provided you own a compatible phone.

If you aren't interested in being able to audibly hear your text messages and/or e-mails at all, just don't download Vlingo SafeReader, and the S4 functions as a standard, Bluetooth speakerphone that's compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device. And yes, it does understand some voice commands on its own; which you'll learn more about below.

With that clarified, let's look at the feature set of the S4 compared to the previous-generation S3.

The Look: The S3 boasts a square-shaped, glossy black design, while the S4 is a bit wider and thinner with a slight slope on the end and a larger portion dedicated to the speaker. It's a much cleaner, sleeker look. One major improvement with the S4 is an on/off switch in place of the troublesome press and hold shut-off method of the S3; the latter inadvertently dials the last number you called if the button isn't held down long enough. The S4 replaces the up/down volume buttons with touch-sensitive controls, which is a nice touch (pun intended). Both models connect magnetically to a clip that mounts on the car's visor. Each also comes with a 12V charger; but the S4 does not include a wall charger, just USB.

Audio Quality: When it really comes down to it, the ability to comfortably hold a conversation is what's most important with a Bluetooth speakerphone. Both models employ noise reduction and echo cancellation features. But the S4 adds a duplex, high-volume speaker; and 3GPP audio with DSP for playing back music from Bluetooth A2DP-compatible mobile phones (and other devices.) In my tests, audio quality was favourable, and almost indistinguishable between the two units, although I did detect a slightly muffled tone from the person on the other end with the S4. His voice did sound slightly clearer with the S3; although he noted that background noise seemed to be more effectively canceled out with the S4 (my window was closed with both units.) However, conversations were never uncomfortable with either unit.

Music playback through the S4's speaker certainly isn't pleasant enough to replace my car radio, but it is definitely a step up from the phone's own built-in speaker, and will come in handy for sharing short musical clips with others.

Voice Commands: The S3 accepts a limited number of voice commands, like "answer" or "OK" to pick up a call, plus standard voice dialing with compatible phones. The S4 does this as well, but adds a slew of other commands to its comprehension list. To initiate any conversation, simply say "BlueAnt, speak to me." The unit will respond in the standard male voice with "Say a command." Then proceed with instructions like "pair me" to automatically put the device into pairing mode; "update phonebook" to transfer new contacts over to the S4's memory (up to 2,000), and "phone commands" to initiate the phone's built-in voice dialing function. You can even say "what can I say?" to be reminded of what commands the unit understands. A tiny, green light on the front of the unit indicates that the S4 is listening for your voice, along with a faint "beep" every few minutes. And you can always just tap the centre-mounted button to wake up the voice. Conversely, this listening function can be turned off when you don't need it to conserve battery life (see the related section below.)

The downside is that you must say "BlueAnt, speak to me" before you request anything; and I found that sometimes, my virtual male companion would exercise his right to selective hearing, forcing me to repeat myself several times before he'd respond. But this requirement is also an upside: I'd hate to have the unit interrupting conversations with a passenger, or mistaking my belting out a tune as an instruction of some sort!

Pairing: The "pair me" option is probably one of the most useful voice commands of the S4, as it's easy to forget how to put a device into pairing mode. For example, the original Supertooth Light requires that you hold down the call button while simultaneously popping up the side-mounted mic. With the S3, you must hold down the power button for at least five seconds until the light flashes. With this model, just say "BlueAnt, speak to me," then "pair me," and it will automatically enter pairing mode. However, one important feature the S3 has that the S4 does not is automatic reconnection. Leave the S3 on in the car, and any time you re-enter the vehicle, the unit detects that the phone is within range and will automatically pair with it (assuming Bluetooth is enabled on the phone, of course.) With the S4, you must tap the button (or vocally pair the unit with the phone) every time you get into the car. Then again, if you shut the S4 off every time you exit the vehicle, then flick the switch on when you return, it will automatically begin searching for your phone and reconnect.

Advanced Connectivity: Many will appreciate the S4's ability to connect to two mobile phones (or other Bluetooth-enabled devices) at the same time. This way, mom can pick up calls hands-free while she's driving on a long road trip, and dad can do the same once they switch spots without any intervention with the piece whatsoever. While the S3 can connect to up to 8 devices, it can not connect to two at a time.

E-Mail & Text with Vlingo: The Vlingo SafeReader service currently works with any BlackBerry (OS 5.0 or higher) and Android (2.0 and higher) phone to read text messages and e-mails aloud. This can be done through the phone's own speaker, or using a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone like the S4 (or the S3, for that matter.) According to Vlingo, support for the iPhone will be available "soon." Download the free Vlingo SafeReader app through the App Store or at www.vlingo.com/blueant. Once installed, turn SafeReader on to have incoming text messages and e-mails (unfortunately not BlackBerry Messenger messages) read aloud as they arrive. Note, however, that the entire message isn't read: just the first 140-or-so words, including the sender and subject line, after which it simply states: "message truncated." However, you hear enough to determine the gist of the message, who sent it, and whether you need to respond right away or not. The paid version ($19.99) adds the reverse ability for you to dictate a message to send as SMS or e-mail; or to forward a copy of an e-mail to someone else, hands-free. If you want to stop playback in the middle of a message, simply tap the middle symbol and your BlueAnt guide will come back to life.

Rated Talk Time/Standby: I've never had issues with the talk and standby time of the S3. It typically sits in my car, always-on, for up to two weeks at a time before indicating low battery status, affording multiple conversations during that period of time. The S4 is rated at up to 20 hours talk time and 700 hours standby compared to 15 hours talk on the S3 and 800 hours standby. However, for the S4 to achieve 700 hours standby, it needs to be placed in battery save mode, a dial option that sits between the on and off switch mode. Once in this position, the device will only listen for your voice for two minutes after the last command, than effectively go to sleep. If you want to give a voice command from there, you need to flick the switch over completely to the right so it's in the "on" position. I've had the S4 in my car, on 99% of the time, for the past week and it's still up and running.

Other Features: The S4 is compatible with Microsoft BING-411, which accepts voice commands for a number of services, including stock quotes, movie times, directions, weather forecasts, sports results, and news and traffic updates (where available.) Just say "favourites," (after saying "BlueAnt, speak to me," of course) then select from the aforementioned options. The phone will automatically dial directory assistance, and then just follow the voice prompts from there. I didn't find this feature terribly useful, especially since much of that information is accessible in other ways, and is likely to be researched prior to someone getting on the road. But it's an added nicety nonetheless.

The S4 is also firmware-upgradeable, which means that as new features come to fruition, owners will be able to upload the functionality to the unit easily by connecting it to a computer.
Price: The S3 sells for $130 in the U.S. and the S4 will sell for the slightly lower price of $100. However, pricing may change closer to the launch date. The S4 will be available in Canada in late June/early July. The Supertooth 3 is already available at retailers across the country.

Conclusion: The S4 does afford truly hands-free operation; something that is becoming of greater importance as legislation banning the use of handheld devices while driving has come into effect in virtually every Canadian province (and some U.S. states as well.) But so does the S3, which I have been using in my car for the past year. If you value, and would use, features like A2DP music streaming, and the ability to hear turn-by-turn directions through the device from a partner navigation app, the S4 is worth the upgrade. The ability to connect to two devices at the same time might also be worth your while; especially considering that the price is in line with the S3. The on/off switch on the S4 versus the press-and-hold method on the S3 is also an appreciated upgrade; but I rarely turn the unit off anyway, so that isn't a game-changer for me. Which leads me to another difference: I really appreciate, and make full use of, the automatic reconnection feature of the S3 on a day-to-day basis. I'm not sure I'd be willing to give that up. You, however, might feel differently. The fact that the S4 is firmware-upgradeable, though, makes it future-proof for new developments that may be coming down the pike.

If any of the aforementioned feature upgrades are worth your while, wait for the new S4 to come out later this summer and pick one up; it'll definitely satisfy your needs. But don't frown upon the S3, which still remains a fantastic device in and of itself.

Comparison Summary

BlueAnt Supertooth 3

• Less professional, glossy look
• Press-and-hold to turn off
• Comes with AC charger
• Noise reduction and echo cancellation
• Can't stream music
• Accepts basic voice commands, like "answer"
• Must press and hold button to enter pairing mode
• Automatically reconnects to phone when it comes within range
• Can only connect to one phone at a time
• Can read e-mails and SMS aloud with the Vlingo SafeReader app and a compatible BlackBerry or Android phone
• Rated 15 hours talk time/800 hours standby
• Is not firmware-upgradeable
• US$130; available in Canada now

BlueAnt S4

• Sleek design
• On/of switch and touch-sensitive volume buttons
• Does not include AC charger
• Noise reduction and echo cancellation
• Duplex, high-volume speaker
• Bluetooth A2DP-compatible for music streaming
• Accepts a host of voice commands
• Can be paired by voice
• No automatic phone reconnection
• Can connect to two phones at once
• Can read e-mails and SMS aloud with the Vlingo SafeReader app and a compatible BlackBerry or Android phone
• Rated 20 hours talk time/700 hours standby (in battery save mode)
• Compatible with Microsoft BING-411 service
• Firmware-upgradeable
• US$100; not in Canada until end of June/early July

Article Tags:  voice, phone, vlingo, bluetooth, blueant, safereader, speakerphone, pairing, blackberry, firmware, supertooth, android, light, cancellation, reduction, reconnection, conversations, audio, mobile, vehicle, driving, headset, compare, iphone, dialing