"Traditional" Bluetooth headsets, are they going to disappear from the marketplace? (wireless, Sony)

[Those Who Squirm]

Recently I was in Best Buy shopping for Bluetooth earbuds. Actually I wasn't shopping as such, as in looking at various alternatives and deciding what to buy. No, what I really wanted was to buy the same Sony WI-C400 I've been buying for four or five years. That one doesn't seem to be available anymore, but I did manage to find a similar JVC headset so I bought that.

However, I noticed there seemed to be more Airpod type headsets--if that's even the right term to use-- than there were the traditional style where both earbuds are wired to a single piece of hardware. There did seem to be some cheaper Bluetooth headsets, of the sort you'd buy at an airport because you forgot to bring yours. But I saw so many Airpod-types that I began to wonder if that's where the mid-market and up-market is heading for this tech.

I hope not! There are several reasons I wouldn't want to use Airpod type earbuds, and hope I never have to.

[dontaskwhy]

Bluetooth isn't going anywhere in the foreseeable future IMHO. The brand/model might not be available at Best Buy right now, but there are many sources where you might find them online. When the phone manufacturers stop installing ear phone plugs on their phones, as they are doing, that indicates that they intend to rely on Bluetooth for their customers audio listening needs instead. The times are changing and it is not as likely to see many future phones with analog plugs in the near future for headsets.

[gguerra]

The Airpod type buds are referred to as "True" wireless earbuds.

I also prefer the ones connected to each other.

True wireless are much easier to lose in my opinion when they are no tethered.

Just like wired earbuds, the different styles shouldn't be going anywhere.