BlueAnt Launches Rugged T1 Voice-Controlled Headset, Android Application That Speaks Text Messages

BlueAnt’s trademark seems to be voice-controlled Bluetooth headsets, so we were none too surprised when it announced the T1, another voice-controlled earpiece that lets users answer or ignore calls with voice commands. But we were more intrigued by its second announcement, an Android app that speaks text messages into your (BlueAnt) Bluetooth headset.

The free BlueAnt Android Q1 application works with the voice-controlled Q1 headset. Unfortunately, it’s only compatible with Android 2.0 and higher, which means it won’t work with most phones, save for, say, the Droid and Nexus One. When you do receive a text message, the app will recite the text, although it will announce the senders by their phone number, not their name. Curious? It’s available today in Android Market.

The T1, meanwhile, ushers in a new wind noise reduction technology called Wind Armour, which promises clear sound amid winds as fast as 22 miles per hour. Its design, including a silicon layer that covers the whole headset, is more rugged than most headsets’. It’s also the first voice-controlled headset in BlueAnt’s lineup to announce the names of callers. Other specs include A2DP streaming for music and turn-by-turn directions from your phone, the ability to pair with two devices at once, 6 hours of talk time, and 120 hours of standby. Look for it in May for a reasonable list price of $79.99.