US Bluetooth Headset Usage Plummets

(Business News & Technology News, 4 Sep 2009)

Owners of Bluetooth headsets in the US are using them less frequently. Only 26% of Bluetooth headset owners use their devices every day, which is down from 43% in 2008. However, daily usage in Europe increased slightly, to 36%. These findings were based on surveys with 625 automotive consumers in the US and Western Europe. Details may be found in the Strategy Analytics Automotive Consumer Insights report, “Bluetooth Headsets Still Reign, but Daily Usage in US Declines.”
“The style and design of the Bluetooth headset remains a pain point for consumers,” commented Chris Schreiner, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics. “The number of Bluetooth headset owners that are satisfied with the style of their device dropped 27% since 2008.”
Kevin Nolan, Vice President of the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice, added, "While Bluetooth headset owners were generally satisfied with the ease of use of their headsets, owners of professionally installed hands-free car kits reported greater satisfaction with ease of use, as well as with sound quality and style.”