Apple discontinues iPhone Bluetooth Headset

[AppleInsider]

Apple this weekend appears to have discontinued its iPhone Bluetooth Headset, a possible sign that the company could be planning to introduce an updated model alongside new iPhones a bit later this year or cede the market segment to third parties.

A couple of eagle-eyed readers drew our attention to the accessory's Apple Store product page that has listed the device as "Discontinued" since Saturday. Oddly, however, shoppers could still add the product to their shopping carts as of press time.

The single-button headset was first introduced in June 2007 alongside the original iPhone. It sold for $129 and was bundled with a Bluetooth Travel Cable and a Dual Dock that could charge both the iPhone and headset.

A year later, Apple dropped the price of the headset to $99 to coincide with the release of the iPhone 3G, but also stopped including Dual Dock, which was perminently discontinued to the dismay of some costomers.

The headset has drawn accolades for its easy setup and elegantly slim, lightweight design, but has also been criticized for its limited range, battery life and lack of voice dial controls.



Update: AppleInsider has received a couple of unconfirmed tips that suggest Apple may have recently recalled existing inventory of the iPhone Bluetooth Headset for undisclosed reasons.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[ivan.rnn01]

introduces new bluetooth-related features.

Still, I'd wager 3.0 was called "major upgrade" in Mar, because there would be nothing bigger in Jun.
WWDC would then possibly be delayed (till Aug?) and would announce "2,1" h/w.

[nace33]

My first reaction is that they are paving the way for a new stereo bluetooth headset in light of the 3.0 announcement. But that doesn't necessarily make sense to only have one or the other. Maybe an updated model is on the way.

[hillstones]

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by nace33

My first reaction is that they are paving the way for a new stereo bluetooth headset in light of the 3.0 announcement. But that doesn't necessarily make sense to only have one or the other. Maybe an updated model is on the way.

My first thought was that it just wasn't selling well enough. I prefer my Jawbone earpiece for quality and longevity. I just wish they had an in-ear phone, instead of the ear bud they use, though it's not nearly as uncomfortable as Apple's design.

After reading yours and ivan.rnn01's posts I wonder if they will release a new model with buttons so you can do voice dialing from the headset. This would certainly make me consider buying Apple's BT headset —assuming my current one was lost, stolen or broken— if they were the only one to offer this feature.

[NPrtmn4evr]

Originally Posted by ivan.rnn01

Still, I'd wager 3.0 was called "major upgrade" in Mar, because there would be nothing bigger in Jun.
WWDC would then possibly be delayed (till Aug?) and would announce "2,1" h/w.

There will most likely be a new iPhone release in June (not Aug), simply because that's when the first iPhone buyer's two-year contracts are up. These people (who chose not to upgrade to 3G last year), are going to need a newer iPhone than the 3G.

[Hudson1]

I suspect Apple no longer sees any point in selling a Bluetooth earpiece/mic. They don't run OS X or any variant, it's hard to truly differentiate it from all of the others, and they aren't in that business anyway.

Apple gave up selling their own printers long ago and I see Bluetooth devices as a similar situation.

[lamewing]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

I agree. I have spent a decent amount of time in Japan the last two years and NOT ONCE did I see a bluetooth headset for a keitai (cell phone). Texting / email is much more common on phones in Japan, but no matter the reason it is wonderful to see people without those incredibly annoying things stuck in their ears all day long. IMO these things are the height of hubris, unless they are used when driving.

[mclarenf1]

Add this to the mix that the headset ROYALLY Sucked!!!! I went through eight replacements and non of them them could keep a connection longer than 5 feet away. I even had one break connection while the phone was in my hand. In every other category the headset was a freakin marvel but it would not stay connected. I have no sympathy that it failed miserably. They should have taken it off the shelves a lot sooner. Currently use the Jawbone 2.0 and it works great. Almost annoyingly so when I am in the bottom of my yard and my headset is upstairs in my office and my audio goes to my headset. Beat that Apple!

[lilgto64]

Originally Posted by NPrtmn4evr

There will most likely be a new iPhone release in June (not Aug), simply because that's when the first iPhone buyer's two-year contracts are up. These people (who chose not to upgrade to 3G last year), are going to need a newer iPhone than the 3G.

The original iPhone was sold without any contract requirement - of course if you were not already an AT&T customer then you likely got some sort of contract when you switched.

I recently replaced a failed Motorola bluetooth headset with a Plantronics 520 (or some such) for about $50. The Apple device did not appeal to me due to the design - I rarely if ever use the ear buds that came with either my iPod or my iPhone since they do not stay in my ears - keep falling out. I have BOSE noise canceling headphone for use with the iPod on airplanes - FM transmitter for iPod in one car - Aux port on radio in the other car for iPod with built in Bluetooth for iPhone in that car. Actually went without any bluetooth for a few months until I found the deal on the plantronics - it gets annoying when going from home office to car to other location and back again on a con call without some sort of headset/bluetooth.

As for "hubris" mentioned in one of the posts - I do not consider using a bluetooth earpiece to be a "look at me and how important I am" kind of thing - but something more along the lines of either "look at me I am tied to my work even when not at my desk - wish I had some free time to just enjoy life" or mostly just for safety reasons - much harder to perform necessary tasks such as operating a motor vehicle with on arm stuck to the side of your head if you do not have a headset. So it is a double edge sword type of deal - it is nice that I have the flexibility to not be tied to my desk all day - but then I have to be available when the customers call.

[ivan.rnn01]

Originally Posted by NPrtmn4evr

There will most likely be a new iPhone release in June (not Aug), simply because that's when the first iPhone buyer's two-year contracts are up. These people (who chose not to upgrade to 3G last year), are going to need a newer iPhone than the 3G.

Time will tell. I have strong impression, they'd be given no more than 3G + OS 3.0 in Jun.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

Or wearing them in the car in order to drive more responsibly so as not to cause an accident, or even to keep such a device away from one's head (we still don't know the full risks.

[KBeat]

Damn, I really like this headset. It's super convenient not having to carry another extra charger, and it's so small and light I hardly notice it in my pocket when I'm not driving. The things are also really durable. My wife has put hers through the wash and dry twice, and it still works!

I hope their coming out with a new model. The jawbone 2.0 is all but unusable with that audio buzz introduced in version 2, and there aren't any other models I really care for. It's nice that hills & lame are free to talk on their phones without ever needing to be handsfree, but for most of us a bluetooth headset is the easiest route to a handsfree operation (an absolute must sitting in L.A. traffic).

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by lamewing

I agree. I have spent a decent amount of time in Japan the last two years and NOT ONCE did I see a bluetooth headset for a keitai (cell phone). Texting / email is much more common on phones in Japan, but no matter the reason it is wonderful to see people without those incredibly annoying things stuck in their ears all day long. IMO these things are the height of hubris, unless they are used when driving.

Your cell phone is actually not a phone. It's a two-way radio that emits low-powered radiation.

You're putting that device right against your head. Not a good idea for the long term. And the jury's still out on the exact long-term effects. We're just coming up on the 15-year or so mark where we'll be able to measure incidents of cancer and neurological conditions in relation to using a device placed right to your head that emits radiation. And we're not really talking infinitesimal doses here.

This debate is now a few years old. And if you don't believe it has relevance, feel free to visit the Faculty of Medicine of any major University. Studies at my alma mater, the University of Toronto (among others) have already concluded that the safest thing to do is to either use the speakerphone, a wired headset, or Bluetooth (which emits radiation that doesn't even register on measuring equipment.)

I wear a BT earpiece every time I have a cell phone conversation. But I take it off the rest of the time. My issue is with people who wear them all the time, throughout the day. If you get a call, all you have to do is just place it in your ear and take it out after. Nothing difficult about that. But those who are against these devices need to take along hard look at the safety benefits - in terms of driving and in terms of a person's long-term health.

I may look stupid while wearing one, but my exposure to cell phone radiation (as in, when placed right up to your head) is ZERO. Works for me . . .

Worth a look:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/07/31...cer/index.html

[halhiker]

I think Apple has replaced far more of these than it has sold. I am personally on my third one and I just hope if it gives out it's before my AppleCare expires.

My first one had WAY too much static. My second lost 75% of its volume for no reason. This one is OK so far but I've only had it about a month.

The fit was also an issue but I ordered an earhook from Motorola and it holds it in place when I'm driving, which is the only time I wear it. I've also had issues with the range. If I wear it in my left ear and put the phone in my right pocket, it loses the connection. I need to keep both phone and earpiece on the same side.

I'm actually surprised they didn't drop this earlier because it's not up to the standards one expects from Apple.

[gmcalpin]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

I may look stupid while wearing one, but my exposure to cell phone radiation (as in, when placed right up to your head) is ZERO. Works for me . . .

So... you'll get bone marrow cancer in your hip instead of brain cancer, then?

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by gmcalpin

So... you'll get bone marrow cancer in your hip instead of brain cancer, then?

No one really knows. Which is the whole point. The real issue is putting it right up to your head, meaning, your brain.

I even keep it out of my pant pocket and use my jacket pocket instead. Or I put it in my bag, or carry it and switch hands now and then. The beauty of safe practices is that they aren't difficult at all to implement and get accustomed to.

My BT headset is the most comfortable kind out there. I barely feel that I'm wearing it, and it's stylish, low-profile, and very light. it's the BlueAnt Z9i. I recommend it wholeheartedly. It's on the expensive side, but considering I don't put my iPhone to my ear anymore, it's become indispensable (especially when I don't use the speakerphone in a not-so-private setting.)

Say for argument's sake, let's say that there really is no proof of anything either way. Which doesn't change the fact that you're still putting a device that emits measurable radiation right up to your head, often in full contact. We're not talking a microwave or TV here that sits away from you. You're probably young and have only been using a cell for a few years at most. Wait until you're in your late 30's, early 40's . . . we don't know what the long-term risks are yet. It takes years for these things to crop up.

So why take the risk at all when there are other, workable and convenient solutions out there?

[slapppy]

Its not a bad headset. It worked better and clearer than my Treo headset. Having a single cable to charge both iPhone and headset was a big plus for me.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by halhiker

I think Apple has replaced far more of these than it has sold. I am personally on my third one and I just hope if it gives out it's before my AppleCare expires.

My first one had WAY too much static. My second lost 75% of its volume for no reason. This one is OK so far but I've only had it about a month.

The fit was also an issue but I ordered an earhook from Motorola and it holds it in place when I'm driving, which is the only time I wear it. I've also had issues with the range. If I wear it in my left ear and put the phone in my right pocket, it loses the connection. I need to keep both phone and earpiece on the same side.

I'm actually surprised they didn't drop this earlier because it's not up to the standards one expects from Apple.

All the reviews I've read about it have dismissed it as crap. Even the 2nd gen model. The range is pitiful. We're talking like 2-3 feet here, in your pocket, etc.

One of Apple's very, very few products that didn't turn out, it seems.

[Postulant]

Good. It was the worst bluetooth headset I've ever owned.

[zoboomafoo]

Originally Posted by gmcalpin

So... you'll get bone marrow cancer in your hip instead of brain cancer, then?

Let me know when they get brain replacement surgery working. I know quite a few people who stand to benefit from that.

[nace33]

Originally Posted by NPrtmn4evr

There will most likely be a new iPhone release in June (not Aug), simply because that's when the first iPhone buyer's two-year contracts are up. These people (who chose not to upgrade to 3G last year), are going to need a newer iPhone than the 3G.

I don't like this argument, which I have heard Scott Bourne make several times on Macbreak Weekly. Who cares when the contracts are up, you still are going to have to pay to get the new iPhone. People who had the 1st Gen iPhone still got the same deal as new comers when iPhone 3G came out. I just don't see how this"2 year contract is up" thing holds any water in light of this.

[tetzel1517]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

My issue is with people who wear them all the time, throughout the day.

I think that's the issue everyone has with them. I don't think the critics of headsets here are going after people who use them selectively, particularly those who only use them in the car (though studies have shown there's little safety benefit there, as your brain is distracted the same way you would be if you were holding the phone to your head).

It sounds like we can all agree that people who wear those things 24/7 are self-important jackasses who, upon meeting them, immediately send the message "you are not as important as the phone call I might get at any second. In fact, you're so unimportant that I can't afford to miss that call at all, and that call is so critical that I'm willing to make myself look like a member of the Borg to make sure I don't miss it."

[Jerseymac]

I have one and would like to see a thing to go over the top of the ear. I'm always afraid I'm going to loose that thing and not realize it. I would also prefer a soft replaceable ear bud like my old Jabra had.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

With 25 Billion In the bank they should just buy Jawbone, redesign it and rebrand it the iBone and call it a day.

[KBeat]

Originally Posted by tetzel1517

I think that's the issue everyone has with them. I don't think the critics of headsets here are going after people who use them selectively, particularly those who only use them in the car (though studies have shown there's little safety benefit there, as your brain is distracted the same way you would be if you were holding the phone to your head).

It sounds like we can all agree that people who wear those things 24/7 are self-important jackasses who, upon meeting them, immediately send the message "you are not as important as the phone call I might get at any second. In fact, you're so unimportant that I can't afford to miss that call at all, and that call is so critical that I'm willing to make myself look like a member of the Borg to make sure I don't miss it."

LOL. Yes, I agree with that. I find the headset an absolute must (it's required by law in CA) when I'm driving, or even doing some light work around the office or house, but seeing people sitting at a nice restaurant or worse, a theater, with one on is really, really annoying. That said, I really liked the Apple headset. The range was fine for what I used it for and, as I said, not having to carry an extra charger is really handy.

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

There was a time not long ago when walking around talking into a cell phone made you look like a self-important fool. Today it's a sight so common that we no longer see it that way.

Having both hands free is useful, and not only when driving. Unless you spend a lot of time on the phone, there is no need to have the thing in your ear all day. You can just use it when you use it.

Also, Quadra is right. Radiation from a bluetooth headset is about 2% of what the phone emits. We don't know yet what the long term effects are of this exposure, but lack of knowledge should inspire caution, not carelessness. I'd say a 98% reduction in exposure is a good deal.

[Quadra 610]

Originally Posted by Alonso Perez

There was a time not long ago when walking around talking into a cell phone made you look like a self-important fool. Today it's a sight so common that we no longer see it that way.

Having both hands free is useful, and not only when driving. Unless you spend a lot of time on the phone, there is no need to have the thing in your ear all day. You can just use it when you use it.

Also, Quadra is right. Radiation from a bluetooth headset is about 2% of what the phone emits. We don't know yet what the long term effects are of this exposure, but lack of knowledge should inspire caution, not carelessness. I'd say a 98% reduction in exposure is a good deal.

I don't think the radiation from a BT headset even really registers on most devices designed to measure those levels, if I'm not mistaken. I think the article I posted gives a figure.

[talkshowonmute]

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Your cell phone is actually not a phone. It's a two-way radio that emits low-powered radiation.

You're putting that device right against your head. Not a good idea for the long term. And the jury's still out on the exact long-term effects. We're just coming up on the 15-year or so mark where we'll be able to measure incidents of cancer and neurological conditions in relation to using a device placed right to your head that emits radiation. And we're not really talking infinitesimal doses here.

This debate is now a few years old. And if you don't believe it has relevance, feel free to visit the Faculty of Medicine of any major University. Studies at my alma mater, the University of Toronto (among others) have already concluded that the safest thing to do is to either use the speakerphone, a wired headset, or Bluetooth (which emits radiation that doesn't even register on measuring equipment.)

I wear a BT earpiece every time I have a cell phone conversation. But I take it off the rest of the time. My issue is with people who wear them all the time, throughout the day. If you get a call, all you have to do is just place it in your ear and take it out after. Nothing difficult about that. But those who are against these devices need to take along hard look at the safety benefits - in terms of driving and in terms of a person's long-term health.

I may look stupid while wearing one, but my exposure to cell phone radiation (as in, when placed right up to your head) is ZERO. Works for me . . .

Worth a look:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/07/31...cer/index.html

I think having it up to your ear is irrelavent to the radiation damage the radiation is just as strong when the waves ares going in the air to get to your phone. so really i think the point is faulty. every minute of everyday radio waves ares going through you. and if its reported by cnn Im nothing if more scepticle of the whole truth behind this.

[DHKOsta]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mozzarella

With 25 Billion In the bank they should just buy Jawbone, redesign it and rebrand it the iBone and call it a day.

I love the rebranding suggestion, but Aliph is a privately owned defense contractor. I'm not sure it's for sale.

[parky]

[QUOTE=lilgto64;1393994]The original iPhone was sold without any contract requirement - of course if you were not already an AT&T customer then you likely got some sort of contract when you switched. [QUOTE]

You are incorrect. ALL original iPhones sold through AT&T required that the purchaser sign up to a new 24 month contract with them, regardless of if you were an AT&T customer or not.

Apple and AT&T did NOT sell any phones without contract until very recently.

[sapporobabyrtrns]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

Ever hear of hands free driving? Typical.....

[ulfoaf]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

"Resistance is futile"
-Bluetooth Borg

I agreed with you, until ...

If you've ever had a phone allowing you to listen to music wirelessly, you won't want anything else. I bought a Sony Bluetooth Adapter & Jabra BT8010 stereo headset for use with my Iphone 3G, and I love it. I guess I'll use the Sony with the old iPod mini when iPhone 3.0 comes out.

And yes, talking on the wireless headset is easier too, even if you do look like you are self important and talking to yourself ....

[parky]

Originally Posted by sapporobabyrtrns

Ever hear of hands free driving? Typical.....

The dangerous act of Hands free driving.

While it may be legal to drive while using a hand free phone it is not safe.

The argument that it is the same as talking to a passenger has been discounted for a number of reasons.

A passenger can and does adjust thier conversation with the driver in response to driving and traffic conditions (be it conciously or sub-conciously), afterall they would be affected by the driver being distracted.

A passenger can mopre readily evaluate the temperament and effect thier conversation is having on the driver i.e are they getting angry, distracted, etc. The passenger can then adjust thier behaviour to minimise the effect on the driver.

On the other hand the person on the other end of the phone has no such feedback regarding the traffic / driving or mood of the driver, and as such does not change thier behavior to minimise risk in the vehicle. And they are not affected directly by the issues they may be causing in the vehicle. It is all to easy for a conversation on a phone to distract the driver from doing the primary job they should be doing which is driving the vehicle. Arguments, bad news, long discussions which cause the driver to focus on other things than driving can and do cause accidents.

If you do need to use the phone in the car it should be to answer calls only and then to keep the conversation to the abolute minimum.

Don't just think about the risk to your life, but the innocents around you.

[Cory Bauer]

Maybe they discontinued and recalled remaining stock because for $100, no one ever bought one. Ever. Just like their $100 leather case they had a few years back.

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by DHKOsta

I love the rebranding suggestion, but Aliph is a privately owned defense contractor. I'm not sure it's for sale.

It's just a question of price.

[lordeagle]

Originally Posted by parky

The dangerous act of Hands free driving.

While it may be legal to drive while using a hand free phone it is not safe.

The argument that it is the same as talking to a passenger has been discounted for a number of reasons.

A passenger can and does adjust thier conversation with the driver in response to driving and traffic conditions (be it conciously or sub-conciously), afterall they would be affected by the driver being distracted.

A passenger can mopre readily evaluate the temperament and effect thier conversation is having on the driver i.e are they getting angry, distracted, etc. The passenger can then adjust thier behaviour to minimise the effect on the driver.

On the other hand the person on the other end of the phone has no such feedback regarding the traffic / driving or mood of the driver, and as such does not change thier behavior to minimise risk in the vehicle. And they are not affected directly by the issues they may be causing in the vehicle. It is all to easy for a conversation on a phone to distract the driver from doing the primary job they should be doing which is driving the vehicle. Arguments, bad news, long discussions which cause the driver to focus on other things than driving can and do cause accidents.

If you do need to use the phone in the car it should be to answer calls only and then to keep the conversation to the abolute minimum.

Don't just think about the risk to your life, but the innocents around you.

Agreed. I'd like to add the results of a study performed in France about this:

• It was found that holding a cellphone while driving increases the risk of accidents by 5.
• Now the scary finding: it was found that while using a handsfree device such as a bluetooth headset reduced that number, the risk of accident while using a handsfree device is still increased by 3 or 4!!!!!!

So basically, get off the cellphone. Period

[ivan.rnn01]

Originally Posted by lordeagle

Agreed. I'd like to add the results of a study performed in France about this:

• It was found that holding a cellphone while driving increases the risk of accidents by 5.
• Now the scary finding: it was found that while using a handsfree device such as a bluetooth headset reduced that number, the risk of accident while using a handsfree device is still increased by 3 or 4!!!!!!

So basically, get off the cellphone. Period

True, true. I'm quite sure any cellphone usage in moving car, including hands-free, is now prohibited.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by hillstones

Maybe Apple realized people look like fools with devices in their ear walking around talking to themselves, trying to look important.

I'm not so ready to jump to conclusions about why someone does something.

Originally Posted by lamewing

I agree. I have spent a decent amount of time in Japan the last two years and NOT ONCE did I see a bluetooth headset for a keitai (cell phone). Texting / email is much more common on phones in Japan, but no matter the reason it is wonderful to see people without those incredibly annoying things stuck in their ears all day long. IMO these things are the height of hubris, unless they are used when driving.

Isn't fiddling with some gadget in public another form of height of hubris?

I don't understand why you would be so bothered by the earpieces in other people's ears, it's their ear, not yours. As long as they aren't interfering with you, it seems silly.

Originally Posted by mclarenf1

Add this to the mix that the headset ROYALLY Sucked!!!! I went through eight replacements and non of them them could keep a connection longer than 5 feet away. I even had one break connection while the phone was in my hand. In every other category the headset was a freakin marvel but it would not stay connected. I have no sympathy that it failed miserably. They should have taken it off the shelves a lot sooner. Currently use the Jawbone 2.0 and it works great. Almost annoyingly so when I am in the bottom of my yard and my headset is upstairs in my office and my audio goes to my headset. Beat that Apple!

OK, breaking connection really close is unfortunate, but worrying about it at five feet? That seems to be a workable distance. What is your typical use that can benefit from a longer range?

Originally Posted by Quadra 610

Your cell phone is actually not a phone. It's a two-way radio that emits low-powered radiation.

You're putting that device right against your head. Not a good idea for the long term. And the jury's still out on the exact long-term effects. We're just coming up on the 15-year or so mark where we'll be able to measure incidents of cancer and neurological conditions in relation to using a device placed right to your head that emits radiation. And we're not really talking infinitesimal doses here.

The problem is that people get too worked up about it in the absence of shown causality. People got worked up about radio & TV broadcasts, people got worked up about power lines messing up themselves or their livestock, and I don't remember any of that being backed up by anything other than hysteria.

Originally Posted by parky

The dangerous act of Hands free driving.

Any form of distraction while driving can be dangerous. There is a distraction when talking to someone else in the car. I think the part that makes cell phones more dangerous is that the person on the other end doesn't get traffic cues that an adult passenger might and hold the chatter when concentration is most important, though children might not notice that.

[Alonso Perez]

Originally Posted by talkshowonmute

I think having it up to your ear is irrelavent to the radiation damage the radiation is just as strong when the waves ares going in the air to get to your phone. so really i think the point is faulty. every minute of everyday radio waves ares going through you. and if its reported by cnn Im nothing if more scepticle of the whole truth behind this.

Radiation dosage is proportional to the inverse square of distance. If an emitter is twice as far, the power delivered to you is one quarter. If it's 10 times as far, it's 1/100th.

Radiation going through the air from most sources is thus at very low power levels. A phone right next to your head delivers around one watt to each kilogram of your head (that would be a SAR of 1.0). This is a significant amount of energy with measurable physiological effects on tissue temperature and metabolism.