Bluetooth headphones that charge via Lightning?

[daanodinot]

I find it pretty convenient to charge my iPhone, iPad, trackpad and keyboard via a single lightning cable. However, that raises the question for me if there are any bluetooth headphones on the market that charge via lightning as well? It's not that I'm in a hurry to buy new ones - I love my current headphones - but I'm just curious if there are any on the market? If not, is there any reason to expect them in the future?

 

[LiveM]

Can't see it happening. I don't think Lithium ion batteries would be a good idea in headphones as they are unlikely to be replaceable and would limit the lifespan of the product, especially if they are left in storage. If they were replaceable, then they would charge separately.

 

[hallux]

Can't see it happening. I don't think Lithium ion batteries would be a good idea in headphones as they are unlikely to be replaceable and would limit the lifespan of the product, especially if they are left in storage. If they were replaceable, then they would charge separately.

Um, what? Bluetooth headphones/headsets ALREADY use Lithium-Ion batteries. Look up pretty much ANY BT stereo headset and you'll find it uses Lithium ion technology for the battery.

Motorola S-11 Flex HD
Plantronics Voyager Legend

I have both of those headsets and they're just 2 examples of many. Yes, I recognize the Plantronics one doesn't use Micro-USB to charge and it IS an outlier there.

I can't see it happening for a different reason. That being that, while Apple has a large customer base, using a Lightning connector to charge will force A LOT of different people to have to carry a second charge cable. Charging with Micro-USB is a more common feature and they'll hit a larger customer base. Either way, one set of customers is going to be forced to carry an extra cable.

 

[LiveM]

Those aren't headphones. They have to be lithium ion because of their form factor.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

http://www.apple.com/ca/shop/produc...ireless-headphones-active-collection?fnode=93
Tech Specs
Other Features: Bluetooth, Foldable, With Remote and Mic

Form Factor: On Ear

Power Source: Battery Power

Batteries: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion

Height: 19.8 cm / 7.8 in.

Weight: 215 g / 7.58 oz.

?

 

[LiveM]

I don't think they charge via Lightning, do they?

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

No, micro usb, but they have lithium ion batteries.

 

[b0fh666]

never unless it is an apple headphone... lightning is proprietary no decent audio brand would touch it. lightning to microusb adapter maybe?

 

[LiveM]

No, micro usb, but they have lithium ion batteries.

I think he's only interested in Lightning. I was also just thinking that it could actually be reasonable to have a Lightning model since Bluetooth itself is going to make the headphones quite limited in lifespan anyway. Good headphones are going to give 20 years' service and more but not with BT, so ignore my recommendation not to get a Li-ion model.

 

[Wyvernspirit]

Most people don't keep headphones for 20 years. I would also suggest most people are fine with the sound quality of bluetooth. As for the lightning charging...it may happen if (when?) apple dumps the 3.5mm port on the iphone.

 

[hallux]

I think he's only interested in Lightning. I was also just thinking that it could actually be reasonable to have a Lightning model since Bluetooth itself is going to make the headphones quite limited in lifespan anyway. Good headphones are going to give 20 years' service and more but not with BT, so ignore my recommendation not to get a Li-ion model.

Lightning may have been the OP's primary purpose for the post but you brought up the idea that Lithium ion batteries weren't a good idea for headphones so we pointed out that there are products on the market (and have been for years) with just that battery technology already in them.

I agree with @b0fh666 Lightning is an Apple connector, 3rd-parties would be best served by staying away from it and sticking with Micro-USB. Despite what some may try to make others believe, the world is not centered around the Apple ecosystem. As I noted in my first post, if non-Apple manufacturers moved to Lightning connectors for charging they'd alienate 50% or better of their customer base because they'd choose a different brand that offers micro-USB charging connectors.

 

[LiveM]

Most people don't keep headphones for 20 years. I would also suggest most people are fine with the sound quality of bluetooth. As for the lightning charging...it may happen if (when?) apple dumps the 3.5mm port on the iphone.

This is true. However, improved range and efficiency are coming with BT as well as quality, plus BT is currently only able to send to one thing at a time.

I'm happy to connect my 3.5mm socket to a Bluetooth receiver which is upgradeable. The battery in the headphones is AAA, so I am good for donkeys' years - whereas no BT or Li-ion device is going to be going strong anywhere near as long.
[doublepost=1454128158][/doublepost]

you brought up the idea that Lithium ion batteries weren't a good idea for headphones so we pointed out that there are products on the market (and have been for years) with just that battery technology already in them.

I'm well aware of that, but I recommend avoiding it if possible. However, as I said Li-ion isn't so bad with Bluetooth headphones as their lifespan is similarly limited with either technology.