It is kinda sad how much effort went into this "functionality", how much it increases the cost of the device, but selling replacement heads is their primary business. Maybe the brushes would be more expensive without the NFC reader and timers.
The recommendation generally is to replace your tooth brush semi-annually, which this basically reminds you to do.
Every time I turn it off, the Philips Sonicare plays a loud series of beeps, near my head, at times of day when I'm just waking up or about to sleep, for a toothbrush head that is well within its lifespan.
The only supported way to stop the beeping is to throw out the current toothbrush head, and pay Philips more money for a replacement that isn't needed yet.
OK, that is annoying. Mine doesn't do that. I only got the annoying beeps a few times around the time the timer expired. Ever since only the different color light.
Are you sure? On mine, the manual shows how to turn off the "Brush head replacement reminder": https://www.documents.philips.com/assets/20201024/46fe48eae7... (p.16-17). Might your model have a similar feature?
In any case, the user manual that helpfully ships with every genuine Sonicare, and is also easily accessible online, succinctly describes the steps to disable the beeping:
1. Put the handle on the plugged-in charger. 2. Press and hold the power on/off button while the handle remains on the charger. 3. Keep the power on/off button pressed until you hear a series of two short beeps (after 4-5 seconds). 4. Release the power on/off button.
But, as an actual Sonicare owner: when it beeps for replacement, the head is truly overdue for that. In fact, I synced the replacement schedule of my manual toothbrush (which sees an equivalent duty cycle in my case), and every time I look at both brushes, I have to admit: yup, those need replacement!
You discuss this as if it was one static unchanging thing, when it is likely at least 10-20 different things.
Is it likely that either is the case? Probably not. If anything, they would make a new firmware as part of a product launch.
I mean, the whole device is basically a speaker. It can beep if it wants to.
There are many brand names on there, but hey, I am doing fine.
But every time I swap brush heads after it reminds me, you can feel how much more effective the stiffer bristles are.
It's not like razor blades where it becomes really obvious from tugging that they need to be replaced. Brushes just slowly get softer and, if you're like me, you just don't notice.