[Snice]

I've seen a lot of information regarding the lack of stereo (A2DP) Bluetooth support in the iPhone, but I'd like to ask about mono over Bluetooth. I listen to podcasts and audiobooks, so single-ear mono would be just fine for me, and I'm wondering if the iPhone can transmit audio over Bluetooth to a non-A2DP Bluetooth headset.

I've seen the "bug" that allows you to do this, but it has the undesirable side effect of simultaneously playing over the iPod's built-in speaker.

Is there an "official" way to play audio over non-A2DP Bluetooth?

[mduell]

No.

[Snice]

Okay. What about third party Bluetooth transmitters? Are there any that can transmit Bluetooth signals in a way that can be received by non-A2DP Bluetooth 2.0 headsets?

[peeb]

Bluetooth must die.

[Snice]

After doing some research, a more articulate forumlation of my previous question about Bluetooth transmitters for iPod/iPhone would be: Are there any iPod/iPhone-compatible Bluetooth transmitters that support the HFP and/or HSP Bluetooth profiles? It doesn't appear so; it seems that all of them transmit A2DP. So my conclusion is that it's easier (though more expensive) to look for small A2DP headset rather than look for a HFP/HSP transmitter.

[Snice]

Someone was kind enough to email me a working solution to this: A Jabra GN1110 with a Radio Shack 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter! This apparently pairs to a Motorola HS820 headset (and I'm guessing any HSP Bluetooth headset).

I've gone with the more expensive route of a Plantronics Voyager 855 and an iCombi/AnyCom AP21 transmitter, but I might still try out this other solution.

[dmcnickle]

Originally Posted by Snice 

Someone was kind enough to email me a working solution to this: A Jabra GN1110 with a Radio Shack 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter! This apparently pairs to a Motorola HS820 headset (and I'm guessing any HSP Bluetooth headset).

I've gone with the more expensive route of a Plantronics Voyager 855 and an iCombi/AnyCom AP21 transmitter, but I might still try out this other solution.

I am thinking of getting the Plantronics Voyager 855. Are you saying I will also need a transmitter for it to work?
Also, where can I buy one? I am having trouble locating on in the US.

Thanks for the information

[Snice]

If you're interested just using your Voyager for phone calls, then you will not need an external transmitter for your iPhone.

If you want to listen to anything else (music, movies) on your Voyager, then yes, you will require an external transmitter for your iPhone. Please note that I've not yet received or tried out this configuration yet, so I'm just guessing that it will work.

There is an iPhone bug that allows you to stream iPod audio over Bluetooth, but you will be hearing sound from both the iPhone's speakers and your Bluetooth headset, so IMO this is not an acceptable solution.

[dmcnickle]

Where did you get the iCombi AP21?

[Snice]

I bought the AnyCom CC3316-43 for about $33 with a Google Checkout discount from buy.com. I believe that this is the AP21 marketed under a different brand.

I've seen them sold on ebay for as little as $0.99 + shipping.

[Snice]

I can confirm that the Plantronics Voyager 855 works great with the iCombi/AnyCom AP21. The pairing happens automatically and the stereo sound quality is very good.