Digital Trends

Fusic's Bluetooth execution is also strange. After pairing, you need to activate the connection between phone and headset, which is compulsory. But for some reason, Fusic has separated out the Bluetooth 1.1 and Bluetooth Stereo connections. To listen to music, you have to connect via the Bluetooth Stereo choice. We tried connecting Bluetooth stereo headphones using both, which sometimes worked and sometimes didn't. The bottom line is that the ability to answer a call via the headphones while listening to music was hit-or-miss. We tested Fusic with several Bluetooth stereo headsets, and sometimes we could answer a call, and sometimes we couldn't. Once we successfully answered a call, sometimes the music resumed, but mostly we had to either start it again manually or reconnect the stereo connection.

 

This problem disappeared using the wired in-line mic adapter. We could answer a call simply by hitting the single call button and the music snapped back after we hung up the same way.

 

Execution of the FM transmitter is also clunky. While you could activate and deactivate the feature from the music player's Option's menu, you have to switch to the Tools menu to actually choose or change the frequency. Drilling through cell phone menus isn't exactly healthy when you're most likely to use this feature -- while driving, when you are frequently required to find a new, clearer FM frequency.

 

Not all of Fusic's music functions are this awkwardly executed. When listening to a track, the inside screen displays an animated 10-band equalizer, and you can switch between normal, 3D, Concert Hall, Rock, Jazz, Pop, and Classical equalization, all of which present some interesting choices when listening through good headphones, wired or wireless. We particularly liked the ethereal "surround" sound produced by the 3D effect. Once the external screen goes black, Fusic's KeyGuard automatically activates.

 

Sound-wise, the Fusic's MP3 player is superior, and comparable to any standalone MP3 player, both in wired and Bluetooth Stereo. Speaking of which, the Bluetooth Stereo connectivity is 99.9 percent as robust as a wired connection, even in RF doused midtown Manhattan. However, we’d go with a wired connection if even minor music hiccups are unacceptable and you want seamless music-to-phone-back-to-music switching.