Thanks... I appreciate that.
And, no argument from me there. I'm sure some day, the wireless audio will match wired (I'm kind of surprised it doesn't already). But, that's really besides the point, because I was talking about wired connections. As I've explained in other responses, as convenient as wireless headsets are, I'm not certain they are safe to use for extended periods of time. So, I do wired.
The problem is with the mechanical nature of the connection. I often put my phone (iPod touch in my case... soon an SE) in my pocket and listen to podcasts while I'm working around the house or yard. A 3.5mm jack is one tough little bugger. I lose a set of ear-buds a couple times each year, because the wire goes bad where it meets the jack. But, I've never had any damage, or trouble with the connection, etc. for the jack itself or to the device.
On the other hand, Lightening is a much more fragile connector. While the cord could still go bad at the same spot, it's also likely being constantly wiggled and pressure applied to it, that it will break the connector, or worse, do damage to the port. And, there are several itty-bitty little connections involved in delivering the data. That makes it more likely to have interruptions.
Same here, unless it's a bad idea. Not all change is good change.
Wireless, though, is a whole other issue. The Science™ that says it's safe is like 1950s knowledge. We're just starting to have a bit of a clue about epigenetics, and we have no idea what the impact is going to be. So, I'll use it now and then... put in the AirPods for a Skype call or taking a call when driving, etc. It would be really handy for that. But, there's no way I'm going to use them for extended periods of time like I do my wired ear buds.
Well I guess subjectivity plays a part in everything. The Lightning connection itself is actually a very robust thing, I've yet to experience an issue with that aspect. Indeed the lightning connection, both internal and on cables is the only part I've never had issue with.
The cable and housing, or casings if you prefer, on the other hand is a very different story. I've had several failed cables and one broken housing since their introduction (though I now use Lightning cables with all metal housings and reinforced cables for those that get a lot of movement. My cables used during development for instance get subjected to an extreme amount of use and torture on a daily basis. The reinforced cables are a godsend and have proven extremely reliable so far. I've been using the same one for over a year now, that never used to happen.)
But to me that's no different than the 3.5mm jack. I've lost count of the amount of broken cables and housings I've experienced over the years. From cheap and cheerful, to expensive and really annoying when they break. The metal prong may be a tough little bugger, but the rest is as susceptible to breakage as any other cable, they're not magically indestructible, mores the pity.
Which is just one more reason why I'm in favour of a wireless future, less fragile things to break.
(The next bit will probably get long and boring as for one, my medication has kicked in so as anyone who knows me on here will properly say, run for the hills, he's on a rant
And secondly, I used to work with high powered microwave generators back when I was an engineer in the semiconductor industry so it was and still sort of is of interest to me, ah the good old days when I used to get paid, not like this developing apps nonsense
)
As for the dangers of using such wireless devices, well, I'm not overly concerned with it. The levels of power were talking about for these things is at most no more than that of a WiFi signal and on average significantly less. I'm not about to start sitting around my home, or wandering the streets with a tinfoil hat on to protect myself from the dangers of WiFi. So why should I be more concerned with Bluetooth.
I do dismiss a large portion of the research on the effects of these things on our health and wellbeing because, well, just follow the money and you have your answer.
But of the reputable independent research that's been done, there's thus far no evidence that using a Bluetooth headset or headphones is any more dangerous than being in the same room as a WiFi base station.
Indeed some research has shown, for instance, that using a wired headset/headphones when actively using the cellular (not WiFi) connection of a mobile phone, so even for streaming audio or if your browsing the net at the same time, could potentially deliver almost as much radiation to your head than if you were holding the phone against your head. So believe what you will.
While as you very rightly say, some places may refer their opinions on massively outdated research findings, not all do. And as we've been researching the use of wireless energy for the transmission of information for around 150 years, I'd like to think we have a better than average understanding of it now.
There is of course as you point out the epigenetic aspect to consider. However we're probably decades away from anything truly conclusive and useful coming from that, it's still in its infancy. While it's certainly something that's been theorised since the 40's, research didn't really begin until the 90's and even at that it's wasn't until later before significant research even began.
But if we are to consider epigenetics at all, then we must surely consider it as a whole rather than use it to single out and vilify electrical and electronic devices. Indeed there is as much evidence to suggest that we are just as at risk from the food we eat, or of course the lack of, than we are of things like Bluetooth.
So far one of the biggest potential findings to be drawn from epigenetic research is that exposure to famine dramatically increases the likelihood to develop heart disease and even schizophrenia. Many of the processed foods we eat, beverages we drink and even how we cook some foods are also suggested to be linked to an increased likelihood of cancer among other things.
So what can we really draw from the reliable information and research that does exist today? Well, basically, if we don't like the potential risks from a mobile phone or its accessories it's far better to just not own one. As no matter what else you do, if you have one you are certainly subjecting your body to potentially harmful effects, no matter how minimal or where the damage is done. You'll either be cooking your brain, or making yourself sterile from having the phone in your pocket, or causing damage to your kidneys from having it in a bag hanging from your shoulder.
We should also it would seem all eat a very strict diet of approved foods, avoid coffee, sugar, artificial sweeteners, processed meat, over cooking our food, undercooking our food and so on and so on.
Or, we can accept that just by existing we are killing ourselves and rather than worry too much about the inevitable, just enjoy all that life has to offer if it's within an acceptable safety range. (He said knowing full well he's exceeded that safety range in his short but colourful life.)
Me, well to stay safe I'm either going to have to get rid of every wireless thing in my home and get rid of all the electrical and electronic devices because of background radiation, yes even the TV and avoid society because everyone else has dangerous things, not to mentio..... Nah screw it, I like tech too much, I'll just fry my brain
On a side note, thank you, it's nice to have a proper discussion on things like this on here for a change. Sometimes on here we can be guilty of extremism. I do enjoy a good debate
