Stereo Bluetooth headsets to languish behind mono versions
November 19 2008 - 12:21 pm ET | RCR Wireless News
Consumers have embraced Bluetooth-enabled mono headsets for mobile phones, but getting them to accept stereo Bluetooth headsets is another story.
A new study from IMS Research predicts sales of mono Bluetooth headsets will increase by 10 to 20 million per year and could quickly reach 100 million annually. The primary driver of the market is hands-free mobile-phone use while driving, said the firm.
However, the market for stereo headsets will struggle to achieve even one-tenth of the mono market, said IMS.
“Many potential buyers are happy enough with their wired headsets to listen to their iPod or another personal media player,” said Filomena Berardi of IMS Research. “The cellphone is still not the preferred way to listen to music. And Apple, the brand leader, has not enabled Bluetooth on either the iPod or the iPhone.”
December 15, 2008 01:17 pm
There are a few mono headsets that support "stereo bluetooth." This especially gets confusing when reading features. One headset that I use personally is the JBT8040. VZW corporate stores did carry it for a short time. I love it. It is light and gets great audio. Listening to music through just the one ear is great too. I run an agent location and I can both listen to my music and help customers at the same time...Without them even knowing.... note: I have A.D.D. and this helps me to stay engaged. I use this to help me not to be distracted.
December 11, 2008 11:28 am
In most states it is illegal to use headphones on both ears. Can sterio be obtained from one earpiece. Just what we need to take more attention away from the road. Don't get me wrong because I believe that one earpiece connected to a cell phone or sterio is ok and no more distracting that adjusting the dash radio or smoking or even talking to another occupant of the vehicle.
November 20, 2008 12:02 am
Hi Jani,Ruibin and Juha,Interesting article.Kind regards,Michael