The BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth headset is designed to allow you to listen to audio from a cellphone, MP3 player, computer or any other type of Bluetooth device, while keeping your hands free for other tasks. If you have a Z9i headset, it can be helpful to know which devices the headset is compatible with so that you can ensure any device you purchase will work with the headset.
Bluetooth Versions
The BlueAnt Z9i uses the 2.0 version of Bluetooth, and will be able to use all of its possible features with all other devices that use version 2.0 or higher. Bluetooth software versions are all backward-compatible, although some features of the device with the higher software version won't be available. This means that you can connect your Z9i to a device with Bluetooth version 1.1, but the connection won't use the adaptive frequency hopping technique used to reduce interference introduced in the 1.2 version of the software. Likewise, you can connect the Z9i to a device using Bluetooth version 3.0, but will be unable to use the Secure Simple Pairing process rolled-out in the 3.0 version of the software.
About Bluetooth Profiles
Bluetooth profiles are just small software packages that allow different Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other. For two devices to share information, they both have to be able to utilize the same Bluetooth profile. The device manufacturer determines which Bluetooth profiles any given device will support, although they can change that support at a later date using a software upgrade.
BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Profiles
The BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset uses the Hands-Free Profile and the Headset Profile. The HFP was originally designed for hands-free devices found in automobiles, but is also used in a number of modern headsets. The HSP was designed to facilitate the connection between a Bluetooth headset and another device. Any Bluetooth device that supports either of these two profiles will work with the BlueAnt Z9i.
Comparibility Issues
Both the HFP and HSP are fairly standard profiles, and you shouldn't have too many issues finding devices that support them. However, there is one issue you should be aware of. The Stereo Bluetooth profile, also called "A2DP" is a fairly standard profile used to send stereo audio information over a Bluetooth connection. It is possible that some audio players may only have the A2DP profile, and will thus be unable to work with the Z9i.
Tags: BlueAnt Bluetooth, work with, Bluetooth device, Bluetooth headset, Bluetooth profile, Bluetooth Profiles, Bluetooth profiles