It really is quite amazing how far wireless technology has taken us. Cellular phones truly revolutionized the telecommunications industry and the advent of WiFi made it so much easier to connect our homes and offices to the Internet; all this without having to run messy cables in every which direction. A similar sentiment can be expressed about Bluetooth technology, as it provides for handsfree conversations and completely wireless musical enjoyment.
You may remember the iLuv i199BLK mini audio system that I reviewed some time back and how it comes with the ability to pair with Bluetooth devices. Well, what better way to test that functionality than with a set of premium stereo Bluetooth headphones from the same iLuv team? That’s exactly what I did. The iLuv i222 Bluetooth Stereo Backphones take on the very comfortable behind-the-neck design. On one earpiece, you’ll find the controls for audio. On the other, you get the button for the phone functions.
Features and Specifications
iLuv refers to the i222 Backphones as “stylish stereo behind-the-neck headset with Bluetooth wireless technology” and that pretty much sums up everything that this headset does. Diving a little further, you’ll find that the more precise features and specifications include:
- Embedded digital signal processor (DSP) for noise and echo cancellation
- Audio devices without Bluetooth wireless technology can connect to i222 using the included wireless audio transmitter
- Ergonomic design for comfortable and secure fit
- Integrated remote control functions (Play / Next / Prev / Stop) and volume control
- Supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, and AVRCP profiles
- Standby time up to 300 hours
- Continuous listening time up to 8 hours
- Continuous talking time up to 10 hours
- Communication range up to 33ft
- Compliant with Bluetooth V2.0
Generally speaking, iLuv is not going to floor anyone with these features, but the i222 Bluetooth Stereo Backphones sound like they can do everything that you’d need from a set of stereo Bluetooth headphones. The inclusion of DSP technology may also help with call clarity, because it aims to cancel out noise and echos somewhat similar to technology employed by Aliph with their Jawbone Headset and Plantronics with Audio-IQ.
What’s Included in the Box?
When it comes to most stereo Bluetooth headsets, all you get is the headset itself and a charger. Thankfully, iLuv was gracious enough to toss in a few extras along with the iLuv i222 Bluetooth Stereo Backphones. Inside the package, you will find the following.
- Wireless stereo behind-the-neck headset
- Wireless audio transmitter
- USB power adapter
- Spare ear cushion
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
Having some extra ear cushions are nice and all, but the most notable inclusion here is the “free” wireless audio transmitter. In effect, what you can do is plug this sucker into any 3.5mm audio jack and that device — whether it be an MP3 player, notebook computer, or Nintendo DS — suddenly becomes Bluetooth compatible. This is a very sweet addition and it’s something that many people would be interested in buying separately.
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Using them as Wireless Headphones
While it is possible to directly pair the iLuv i222 Bluetooth Stereo Backphones with another Bluetooth device, you can also pair this headset to non-Bluetooth devices using the aforementioned audio transmitter. In this way, your iPod can rock the Bluetooth too… sort of. The transmitter is very handy.
In terms of audio quality when used as a set of wireless stereo headphones, I was pretty happy with these Backphones. Adjusting the volume and skipping tracks was easy with the small joystick on the right earpiece. I also appreciate how the band was very flexible, making for a very comfortable fit. These headphones may leave the audiophiles yearning for something better, but given their Bluetooth nature, I’d say that these iLuv i222 Backphones are pretty darn good.
Using them as a Bluetooth Phone Headset
While the iLuv i222 Bluetooth Stereo Backphones were able to work just fine as a set of wireless headphones, they were not nearly as good as a Bluetooth headset for a phone. I was able to hear the person on the other side just fine, but she said that I sounded very faint and distant. It was only when I twisted the Backphones so that the mic was right up to my mouth that I sounded “normal”. That’s not useful at all.
This is largely a matter of personal preference, but I also found the overall design of the iLuv Backphones to be a little strange. Why is there is a big chunky control piece on the earpiece that does not require a mic? That’s not attractive at all. Couldn’t iLuv place the control on the earpiece itself?
Final Thoughts
The Bluetooth Backphones work perfectly fine as a set of wireless headphones, providing good sound quality and a decent range (I was able to still get a clear connection from the other end of the house). However, they are not so good when it comes to a cell phone conversation. While the earpiece is fine, the microphone is nowhere near sensitive enough to uphold a decent conversation. I also found the somewhat clunky design of the controls and mic to be a little off-putting.
Pros
- Good audio quality for Bluetooth headphones
- Included Bluetooth transmitter is useful
- Very flexible and comfortable
Cons
- Strange-looking design
- Microphone has very low sensitivity (very important)
Overall Rating: 6.5 / 10.0
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