According to a new study, consumers are finally getting over their infatuation with looking completely ridiculous while using a hands-free headset. Bluetooth usage is down, at least in the headset sector, and so is satisfaction with most Bluetooth headset styles.

Only 26% of Bluetooth owners now use their headset every day, which is down from 43% a year ago. That’s what I call a sharp improvement. While there is the occasional comedic self-talker, I find most regular Bluetooth users to be among the rudest people I’ve ever met. Females are the worst, and usually only because they have long hair, which hides the headset from view. While bartending in Cleveland last year I actually had a woman wave her hands just inches from my face and snap at me because I interrupted her phone call when I asked her if she wanted a drink. Needless to say, she didn’t get one.

It seems it’s not just the social misconduct that’s turning people away from headsets – it’s style, too. “The style and design of the Bluetooth headset remains a pain point for consumers,” said Chris Schreiner, a Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics. “The number of Bluetooth headset owners that are satisfied with the style of their device dropped 27% since 2008.” In lieu of their once coveted headsets, consumers have turned to in-car sets for their higher quality microphones and speakers.

Source: Business Wire