News
Apple changes Bluetooth Headset, drops Dual Dock [updated]
By Jeremy Horwitz
Editor-in-Chief, iLounge
Published: Friday, July 11, 2008
News Category: iPhone Accessories
Without advance explanation, Apple has today changed the packaging and pack-ins for its iPhone Bluetooth Headset (iLounge rating: B). The company has dropped the previously included iPhone Dual Dock and changing its packaging to a plastic version reminiscent of the iPod shuffle’s, and smaller than the current iPod nano’s. From what we can gather, the Bluetooth Headset remains the same as the prior version, and continues to come with a Bluetooth Travel Cable. It is presently unknown whether the price of the revised version has dropped because of the missing part, or stayed the same; in Canada, where the previous version was never sold, the Apple Bluetooth Headset now sells for $129. If you were planning to buy one of Apple’s Bluetooth Headsets, you might want to hold off until the dust has cleared.
Update: The iPhone Bluetooth Headset (new packaging, minus the pack-ins) has appeared on Apple’s Online Store in the U.S. and is now priced at $99.
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1
The reason Apple changed the Bluetooth Headset pack-ins is that the previously included dock would not work with the new shape of the iPhone 3G. They then used this opportunity to maximize their margins by getting rid of the dock as well as the power adapter without reducing the price.
I expect to see a backlash over this from consumers soon.
Posted by Karl-Franz Marquez on July 11, 2008 at 9:02 AM (PDT)
2
Is this firsthand knowledge or speculation on your part? It seems unlikely to me that Apple would think they could consume any resulting margin booty without expecting buyer blowback.
Posted by chashulme in Southern California on July 11, 2008 at 9:56 AM (PDT)
3
At least they appear to have dropped the price.
However, the dual dock was VERY cool. I purchased one and I did very much like the dual dock.
At about $130 though, I opted to return it, as I found the piece didn’t fit my ear properly. I’ve now gone with a MUCH cheaper bluetooth speaker box from Costco that works absolutely brilliantly, and requires nothing in my ear.
Iw as really confused as to why apple would drop the cool dual dock, but as pointed out, the new iphone won’t fit the dock so this does make sense.
Posted by Robert Kral on July 11, 2008 at 6:02 PM (PDT)
4
It is upsetting if they do not drop the price of this bluetooth, however, the dual dock that was previously included does not fit the newest 3G model and that could cause further confusion for first-time buyers of the iPhone. Personally, I don’t use the dock but it is a very nice accessory and it further supports my dissatisfaction over the years of owning different iPods and the relative decrease in value for money spent in comparison to previous models.
Posted by Dustin Tressler on July 11, 2008 at 8:27 PM (PDT)
5
They did drop the price by $30….
Posted by RCD on July 11, 2008 at 8:50 PM (PDT)
6
I am finding that reception using the Apple Bluetooth Headset ont he iPhone 3G is VASTLY improved over the original iPhone. With the original iPhone, I would hear static if the phone was more than 2-3 feet away from the headset, or ANY object, including my head, was in the way. This is no longer the case with the iPhone 3G—the audio sounds perfect, at many times the distance, with my head or other objects between the phone and the headset. I am very very glad, and will now actually be using the headset on a regular basis. Thank you, plastic case! Just another reason why the new phone is soooo much better than the original. Oh, and I am not hearing ANY more GSM interference in my car’s speakers when using the iPhone 3G, unlike the very regular interference I would hear in my car with the original iPhone. YES!!!!
Posted by Nicky G on July 12, 2008 at 9:04 PM (PDT)