Windows Phone Thoughts: Sony Ericsson Mobile Bluetooth Headset HBH-IV835

Using the Headset
In order to use the headset, it will first need to paired with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone. Pressing and holding the Power button for five to eight seconds activates the pairing function. It is imperative that the mobile phone have the Bluetooth function turned on so that it can be discovered by other Bluetooth devices.


Figure 5: The "Found Devices" screen on my Samsung A900 mobile phone.

Once the headset has been "found" by the mobile phone, pairing will occur. When prompted the typical pass code of "0000" will need to be entered to complete the pairing, at which time the headset will now function in tandem with the phone.


Figure 6: The headset is now a "Trusted Device" and is ready to be used.

If pairing with a Windows Mobile 5 device, please refer to the excellent set of instructions Darius Wey prepared in a past review.

There are three rubber ear pieces included to ensure that a comfortable and secure fit is made. When properly and firmly fitted, the headset will sit securely in the user's ear canal opening. Because there are no parts that go over the ear, this headset is perfect for wearing with prescription glasses or sunglasses. Although there is no additional method to secure the headset, I felt fairly confident with the seal between my ear and the rubber earpiece even while walking quickly. The included neck strap can be used when not making calls if the user does not want to wear the headset.

Making a call is done by pressing the long silver call handling button on the headset's front. This will activate the voice command that responds with a peppy, "Say a command!" Replying with the name of a contact as it is stored in the phone will result in the confirmation question, "Did you say 'Call ___?" requiring a yes or no response. Answering "Yes" will get the reply "Connecting", and then the number will be dialed. Terminating a call is done by once again pressing the button.

Incoming calls are answered by tapping the call handling button, and they are terminated by tapping it again. A call can be rejected by pressing and holding the call handling button for two seconds. The headset will perform voice commands such as "dial, redial, answer, and reject" as long as they are supported by the mobile phone.

One of the more interesting features of the headset is the automatic volume adjustment; the headset is able to tell when the earpiece's volume needs to be raised or lowered - there are no controls to manually adjust this function, and I never missed them.