Motorola Command One Review

Introduction and Design:

Even though smaller companies are at a greater risk for this, Motorola isn't afraid to cannibalize sales for its products – which is most evident after they unleashed their latest DROID branded devices the last few months. In the Bluetooth accessory space, we're witnessing the same tactic as they're currently offering the Motorola FINITI, which we recently reviewed, and the Motorola Command One Bluetooth headset alongside one another. Although both are part of their so-called Elite Series, the Command One is going to require a stand out feature to separate it – even more when the two headsets are priced evenly at $129.99. Packaged together with the headset are 5 ear gels, 1 ear hook, wall charger, and a user guide.

Comparing the Command One to the FINITI, it's quite evident that the two share a few common design styles. However, it's known from a quick feel of the hand that the Command One is the inferior model with its all plastic gunmetal colored construction. Granted that it's less intrusive looking, thanks to its contrasting dark colors and rubbery soft touch coating on its sides, it doesn't strike out as something original in design.



Unlike the intimidating earpiece found on the FINITI, the Command One relaxes a little bit with its traditional looking one which feels less snug to the ear than what we like, but utilizing the ear hook will make any worries of it falling off. This time around, the ear gel allows for a comfortable fit which doesn't become irritating or annoying during lone periods of usage.

Again, the volume rocker and mute button are clinging onto the Command One's rubbery sides to provide you complete control of every aspect. Although they're much appreciated, they're not as pronounced as on the FINITI, but still offer a substantial response when pressed. Turning it on/off is done by moving the switch to the correct position, while the call button is tucked away in the back next to the microUSB port. However, it's placed at an awkward location which makes for many fumbles during actual usage.

Performance:

It's easy to connect the Motorola Command One to two handsets. We didn't have any troubles in using it with an Apple iPhone 4 as we listened to music and then transitioned to accepting a call with a T-Mobile myTouch 4G. Moreover, the headset announces the name of the device it's paired with when it initially connects for the first time. And when it comes down to being hands-free, you can basically accept or reject phone calls by saying keywords like “accept” or “ignore.” During our testing, we didn't experience much trouble using voice controls through the respective services on the iPhone 4 and myTouch 4G. Lastly, battery life is announced upon turning on the headset, but it can be manually accomplished by holding down the volume up and down buttons simultaneously.

Seeing that we used the Android 2.2 powered T-Mobile myTouch 4G, we downloaded the MotoSpeak app through the Android Market for free. So whenever text messages are received, the headset will speak it to you through the earpiece so you won't have to check your phone. Furthermore, we are also pleased to find it being accurate as we replied to messages by speaking in a normal tone. All in all, it truly delivers in bringing a surreal hands-free experience.

Volume is undoubtedly deafening at the loudest setting, but it becomes most useful in noisy environments as voices have a distinctive sharpness to them. Even when it's placed to the middle setting, voices are more than distinguishable to make out thanks to Motorola's Crystal Talk technology. However, there is some static noise that can be heard in the background when there is complete silence – but it doesn't dramatically affect the headset's overall usability.

Despite boasting noise reduction capabilities, there is a reasonable amount of background noise that the headset picks up. With the car windows down, our callers had a difficult time in comprehending our voice as the wind noise was more than evident and overpowering.



After leaving it to completely charge to 100 percent, we managed to get out 5 hours of continuous talk with the Command One before it completely dying – which equals the manufacturer's rating. It's pretty good when you consider that it's an extravagant amount of time, but it only gets better with its rapid charging.

Conclusion:

If you find yourself at a store torn between buying either the Motorola Command One or FINITI, we'd recommend going with the latter since it offers superior performance for the same price of $129.99. On its own, the Command One is a decent offering, but there isn't a striking feature that catapults it over its better looking brother – even despite sharing some commonalities such a rapid charging and support for MotoSpeak. In the end, the Command One relinquishes its post and bows down knowing that it doesn't quite perform on the same playing field as its brother.