iPhone 3G 3.0 – Voice Memo does not support Bluetooth?
I upgraded my iPhone 3G to the new firmware version 3.0, and [after a 20-minute upgrade process and a subsequent 60-minute backup procedure] I am the proud operator of a nifty phone.
One of the simplest, yet most-welcome additions to the new iPhone firmware is the built-in Voice Memo recorder application. Click to start, click to stop, click to e-mail the file. Simple.
I stuck my Plantronics Voyager Pro bluetooth headset in my ear and prepared to record my first monologue for posterity, but I discovered that the Voice Memo Recorder does not work with bluetooth. Not even the almighty Jawbone Prime
Here’s the poop from the Apple support webpage Apple – iPhone – Learn how to use Voice Memo.
NOTE: External microphones must be designed to work with the iPhone headset jack or Dock Connector, such as Apple-branded earbuds or authorized third-party accessories marked with the Apple “Works with iPhone” logo.
I am still bummed. Had it worked, I might have even posted a new and final podcast. The world may never know what noise might have come out of my pie hole.
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I truly wish I had read this post before I bought my iTouch 2G, with the 3.0 firmware update; it might have changed my spending decisions. I wanted to not only take voice memos from a Bluetooth headset (Plantronics Voyager 855), but most importantly be able to use the relatively new Skype app without wires! It’s ridiculous that everything about the 855 works, except the mic.
I’m under the delusion of hope right now that Apple will release a firmware update to correct this issue, allowing audio input from Bluetooth mics. It really is not that hard… a few profile adjustments and it could be done. If you look on the Apple forum, you’ll find that a lot of people are really pissed off about this lacking feature. Frankly, most people, including myself are simply shocked that Apple didn’t include audio input in their Bluetooth profiles. What was the thinking behind this? Mistake or intent?
Is this all just an example of Apple taking a cue from Microsoft to make people suffer by keeping them on the leash for update after update until the end of time? Or is it much more simple, as you pointed out, of being another level of control by Apple to keep their customers from using any product that isn’t Apple-approved?
If the latter is the case, I want to go on record in saying that the Apple earbuds (and short headphone wires) are BEHIND THE TIMES. Apple needs to get with the NOW and accept the fact that hard and software interchangability is the norm of society today. People don’t want to conform to a universal constant… they want to be different. Just the same, I want to use my in-the-ear A2DP Bluetooth headset… not the expensive function-lacking garbage Apple sells (oh yeah, they discontinued that!).
And how about the extreme reason? Apple and AT&T have plotted to screw the Bluetooth-user community from taking wireless Voice Memos, and more importantly, embracing wireless mobile VoIP. Not likely, but amusing.
So, the real question is… should we all expect an update that enables Bluetooth mic functionality with apps? Or shall we start returning our Bluetooths all together and buy up wired headsets?
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Dave, you said it (with quite a bit more passion)! I suspect that the shortcoming is due to a technical separation between the Recorder App and the general phone functionality. (Would the Recorder be able to release control of the headset if you got a phone call?) I sure hope that we find the feature in a future update.
June 30th, 2009 at 8:26 am
I was hoping for the same functionality with my Lightspeed Zulu aviation headset that has Bluetooth. I don’t think it’s just the voice memo app, rather all apps as far as I can tell won’t let you record using a bluetooth mic. That is seriously lame, and I, for one will find a place to complain to Apple.
September 6th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Relax. Apple is no different at the core than any other company. It is dog eat dog out here and offering too much at one time makes it more difficult to sell product later. Sorry my gadget loving friends, but the only reason ( aside from the “vision” ) is to sell more than your competitor. If you give it all at the hole shot or any given phase, you lose ground somewhere. Apple products are typically ahead of the curve, the fit and finish is superior, reliability is very good ( except for theI is here wifi on my MacBook ). All manufacturers of everything going back 10,000 years have held back a little sumpn’ sumpn’ for the next wave. Enjoy your iPhone and keep hammering the feedback section!! It’ll eventually be acted upon. I’m using the result right now.