Apple sneaks in a Bluetooth headset

Apple Bluetooth headset

(Credit: Engadget)

Apple sneaked in a Bluetooth headset along with its big iPhone announcement today. It looks like a simple black stick of a headset and only has one button on the top. The headset also looks really thin and small, but we can't tell from the picture. We're guessing it'll launch the same time as the iPhone does in June.

[benjiernmd]

I can't figure it out!

Looks like a black pencil eraser, or a licorice candy bar to me. Safe for children <br />under 3? How functional is it as compared to other bluetooth sets? Hmm.

[jcatma61]

Oh, please...

Having raised a child under 3 to a higher age (without allowing him to swallow <br />expensive, small objects) I would presume the price alone will create a deterrent <br />-- among even the dumbest of parents -- from such a problem.<br /><br />I would not, however, put it past a number of those same parents to be found <br />licking their iPhones from time to time out of sheer lust.<br /><br />There's a lot of other, more important details that I'm waiting for, the least of <br />which is whether or not a kid is going to get hold of the headset and swallow it!

[markymarkcirca]

if that's your only complaint...

I've never seen children under 3 using a bluetooth headset

[karrock]

Another photo

There were two photos of the Bluetooth headset seen from the keynote... One "in use" in the ear of the lovely model and a closer side view.<br /><br /><a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/01/mwk19wm.jpg" target="_newWindow">http://www.gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/01/mwk19wm.jpg</a><br /><br />The form factor -- a small tube attached to an earbud -- is really no different from a bunch of other headsets out there... Flamingo, Plantronics, Logitech, Sony Ericsson and more than a handful of lesser known brands... But Apple's *is* a sharp, clean, simple design.

[Ryo Hazuki]

Another reinvention?

I'd just love to know what makes you consider this device "lovely" (probably the fact it comes from Apple).<br />And yeah, Apple's *is* a sharp, clean, simple design; just like dozens of other headsets out there.

[dfichtner]

How about an affordable BT stereo headset w/mic?

I wish some company out there would make an affordable bluetooth stereo headset with a mic!

[DarkHawke]

Define "affordable!"

Check the CES video on CNET TV: <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-25549.html" target="_newWindow">http://www.cnettv.com/9710-1_53-25549.html</a><br /><br />This is the first BT stereo headset I've ever heard of, though in this clip they don't detail if it comes with an adapter for your DAP of choice. Kinda pricey, though: $149. But if you need/want this kind of adaptability, there you go! Me, I don't care so much about phone use; I just want some in-ear 'phones that can't get jerked (painfully) out of my ears! I guarantee two sales to the first (non-Apple) manufacturer who builds a BT transmitter into their Ogg-capable, 30 GB or greater DAP!

[Ryo Hazuki]

Apple reinvents Bluetooth headsets

How did they forget to mention that?<br />I guess they are too humble do say that. ;)

[dr.nomolos]

Only one button - the Apple way

I remember the presenter proudly saying the headset had only one button, unlike those other "confusing" headsets. Clearly Apple fans don't know how to handle more than one button :) kinda like their mice.

[Wolfie2k5]

Oh... The CONFUSION!

Now I know why my life sucks as hard as it has. I've had too many buttons on my bluetooth headset to deal with. {/sarcasm}<br /><br />But seriously... What exactly is confusing about Volume UP and Volume Down buttons? Heck... The multi-function button usually is the most "confusing" part of a headset. And the confusion only lasts until you RTFM and learn how to use it.