The recent controversy that Kamala Harris was wearing Bluetooth earrings on the presidential debate stage is nothing short of ridiculous. Having tested such "audio jewelry" devices myself, I can confidently say they are utterly useless for any kind of surreptitious communication.
First, the audio is abysmal, you would be better off attempting to hear someone whispering across a crowded room. The sound is weak and distant, easily drowned out by even the slightest background noise.
Forget using these in a high-pressure debate situation; you'd be more likely to fumble your words than gain an advantage.
Also these devices are louder to everyone around you than they are to the wearer. So much for "only you can hear the sound." I had coworkers giving me the side-eye from across the office when I cranked up the volume. Can you imagine the uproar if Harris had actually worn these during the debate? The entire audience would have heard every word.
And the astronomical cost: nearly $2,000 for a pair of glorified clip-on earrings that fail to deliver on their promise? It's an insult to consumers and opportunistic price gouging if anything.
The whole audio jewelry concept could have been interesting, I'll give them that, but in its current form, it is a complete failure. Until the technology significantly improves, these devices are nothing more than overpriced costume jewelry with a novelty feature attached.
The real concern here has nothing to do with clandestine communication devices; rather, it's about the readiness of certain groups to seize on any conspiracy theory that might help them avoid accepting that their candidate was outperformed in a debate.
It's a dangerous trend because it degrades political processes and distracts from focusing on real issues.
Let's concentrate on substance, not speculation. Our country has real problems that deserve thoughtful debate and discussion. Spending time on unsubstantiated allegations and flawed technology distracts us from the work we ought to be doing.