Bluetooth headsets to feel the pinch this holiday season

by Darren Murph posted Nov 7th 2008 at 9:50AM

Analysts are abuzz with predictions of which sectors / divisions will be hit hardest this holiday season, but this is one forecast we can definitely agree with. A recent report has found that the "least desirable holiday gift" belongs to the polarizing Bluetooth headset. With people suddenly more mindful of their spending, it's looking altogether unlikely that BT headsets will be selling like gangbusters given how unnecessary (and potentially alienating) they truly are. We'd ask if you disagree, but we're almost certainly sure there's no need.

[Image courtesy of eHow]

Filed under: Peripherals

Tags: bluetooth, Bluetooth headset, BluetoothHeadset, economy, headset, holidaze

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Highest Ranked

Ari @ Nov 7th 2008 10:03AM

Am I missing something? Bluetooths have spread from geeks to business people, women and older people recently? They're ubiquitous now. How are they unnecessary?

Neutral

Jim @ Nov 7th 2008 10:11AM

I think that until they can make one like Pam and Jim wore last night on The Office, they'll continue to be a magnet for criticism and disdain.

Neutral

xB Owner @ Nov 7th 2008 12:34PM

Because normal people like myself refuse to be a "Bluetool."

Highest Ranked

Riley Freeman @ Nov 7th 2008 10:13AM

analyst are stupid.

the amount of cities that are adopting the must have a headset to use ur phone rule makes bluetooth headsets more important. i know montreal canada changed it within the last year. toronto changed it like a week or 2 ago. ontario the largest province in canada over 7 million people need to go and get headsets. i dont know how the u.s. is doing with that law. but im sure there will tons of these things sold

Highly Ranked

Valicore @ Nov 7th 2008 7:18PM

California implemented this law within the last six months. That means a good percentage of 40 million people will need to get headsets as well. Oh, and no the majority haven't gotten them yet, even though you would think they would have.

Highest Ranked

zephxiii @ Nov 7th 2008 10:18AM

I'm just amazed how women don't realize how stupid they look with that style of sun glasses.

Neutral

L3 @ Nov 7th 2008 11:16AM

Hey, man, that is someone's wife and daughter, mom and sister. Please don't diminish her power-broker sex appeal!
I like the insect eye look very much. Please submit your preferred sunglass choice?

Neutral

Hush @ Nov 7th 2008 11:54AM

Aviators

Neutral

MikeWard1701 @ Nov 7th 2008 3:09PM

Yes, it intrigues me why so many women want to look like victims of domestic violence.

Neutral

Valicore @ Nov 7th 2008 7:20PM

It's in vogue (response to zeph and mike)

Neutral

TheCrazyOne @ Nov 8th 2008 12:04AM

I think I damaged some internals with my guilt-free laughter. Thanks guys. Some of you need to do tech critic columns. Holy hell - and not just mindless. Much appreciated after the the work week ay?

* I completely agree that BT headsets are only gaining momentum in sales and SHOULD be. Sure- they look geeky but
man they're nice to have when talking more than 30 seconds.
* I completely agree that the Florida Senior Citizen blinders fad needs to go away SOON. The already-miniscule amount of
women that past my QC suddenly fall flat on their face when they get in their hyundai accent and throw-on the Supersized
JLo's.
* Lastly - although the Jawbone vs. lawnmower comment was truly humorous...I also find the fact that they were stone-faced
serious when they intro'd the friggin thing as though it could actually achieve this feat (for the record - it doesn't).
P.S. Jawbone1 rocks..Jawbone2...not so much.

-Cheers.

Neutral

al @ Nov 7th 2008 10:31AM

Hey, don't make fun of those glasses, she just had cataracts surgery!
I've had one for a few years and try to not wear in public. It's great in the car (doesn't get caught in the seatbelt), hotel room and on conference calls though.

They do look goofy though, esp when people wear them whether on a call or not.

Highest Ranked

Le Big Mac @ Nov 7th 2008 10:32AM

Exactly -- do they look good? Probably not, just a question of how bad.

But are they useful? Abso-f'in-lutely. As bad as distracted driving is, it's even worse when people are fumbling with their phones. And even around the house/office, they're great so you don't have to use an arm or crick your neck.

If the things looked good or were invisible, no one would use just a phone.

Neutral

Hush @ Nov 7th 2008 11:55AM

Even if they were invisible you'd have to charge it and try not to lose or break it...

Highly Ranked

Rick @ Nov 7th 2008 10:36AM

With all the government making hands free mandatory while driving, boy is this prediction wrong. I predict the complete opposite. Hands free items will be huge this season.

Neutral

Ryan @ Nov 7th 2008 10:48AM

Seriously...

I use one in my car and that's about it, but I don't know where I'd be without it. People look ridicuklous walking around the mall or grocery store wearing one for no reason because they think they look like a secret service agent, but for use in New York State where you have to talk hands free while driving, plsu driving a 5-speed... it's essential for me.

Neutral

turn.self.off @ Nov 8th 2008 8:30AM

or maybe they have found that rather then having to dig for a phone, or keep putting it on, they just leave it there in case a call comes?

Highly Ranked

Magma @ Nov 7th 2008 10:58AM

Ireland has had that "no phone while driving" law for a couple of years now, so they are hugely popular here. Not only do you get a ticket/fine, you also get penalty points, which helps you move closer losing your license!! The fact that these things are getting smaller and easier to use and with this law coming in in more and more countries, I see them being more popular than ever!

Highly Ranked

sarah @ Nov 7th 2008 11:39AM

My question is why is that blind woman driving?

Neutral

Glenn @ Nov 7th 2008 1:06PM

Hands-free cells are mandatory in some of the countries biggest states. BT headsets will continue to sell in huge quantities as technology improves and more people take to the roads or commuting on public transport.

Even when you are not driving, BT headsets offer a world of convenience (it's not just a geek thing). I wear them when I'm coking, cutting the grass, shaving and anything else that involves using my hands in a somewhat messy project.

If like me, you use your BB as a complete media center during the day, the convenience of iTunes and phone + stereo BT is ideal.

Highly Ranked

Glenn @ Nov 7th 2008 1:06PM

Neutral

Rogue_Genius @ Nov 7th 2008 6:06PM

"I wear them when I'm coking, cutting the grass, shaving and anything else that involves using my hands in a somewhat messy project."

Wow, just ripe with problems. "coking" ? Are you on the phone with a rehab clinic??

Shaving? Why are you shaving while talking? You must enjoy knicks and cuts.

And wait, how do you hear a phone call while a lawnmower is running?
If you're not running a powered lawnmower, why are you still using a manual (push) mower?
If you ARE using a powered mower, why in the **** are you on the phone?? The grass will be there. Go answer the phone, then come back.

Neutral

Valicore @ Nov 7th 2008 7:26PM

Cocaine is the new aspirin, duh. As for the lawnmower thing, he could have a jawbone... and I know a lot of people who use manual push mowers for no other reason than to get a workout and do something useful at the same time

Neutral

DssTrainer @ Nov 7th 2008 1:22PM

If they could just make them look better, work better, and smaller... they would be even more ubiquitous
Technology has seemed to stall from the concept designs like the Plantronics Versa: http://oneandco.com/casestudy_12.html

Many people refuse to look bionic or retarded so they are waiting for the nextgen that never seems to come. Just more ugly ass also-runs

Highly Ranked

iouttolunch @ Nov 7th 2008 1:40PM

Man, Im with ya Glenn! There is nothing worst than coking and using a handset. I cant tell you how many times the handset has slipped off my shoulder, dropping onto the mirror below and ruined my perfectly straight rails! No way, Ill never go through that again...its just too expensive to not go bt ;)

Neutral

GBallew @ Nov 7th 2008 3:25PM

Well here in washington it is illegal to drive w/o somekind of hands free, and most people prefer a bluetooth to the corded headset. I personally don't like the traditional bluetooth headset. I use the MotoROKRT505 bluetooth speaker. It's got an FM transmitter to where my conversation is played through my speakers and doubles as an A2DP headset so I can also play my music off my Pearl over my speakers without the need of an aux cord.

Highly Ranked

swilson23 @ Nov 7th 2008 3:52PM

Wearing a bluetooth head set when not on the phone and walking around waiting for a call to happen, is as stupid as wearing a condom all day just in case you get some action.

Neutral

The D Train @ Nov 7th 2008 4:05PM

That is probably the best way to put it ever.

I totally love my bluetooth though, i wear it when someone calls me and I'm playing WoW or like rockband or something else it definately comes in handy. haha

Neutral

GBallew @ Nov 8th 2008 5:50PM

While this comparison is entertaining, its not exactly accurate. One of the main purposes of a bluetooth is so that when you do get a call, you don't have to dig around for your phone if its in a pocket, purse or what-have-you. A bluetooth is there for the unexpected as well as the expected. Wearing a condom all day, its not as if your going to have to suddenly drop-trou in the middle of a mall or something and have to fumble around checking all your pockets and such looking for your condom.

Neutral

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