Accessories

Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 review: Affordable, but far from perfect

Xiaomi’s premium TWS offering

Published

on

The truly wireless earphones market is filled with a plethora of options today, ranging from entry-level offerings like the Redmi Earbuds S to the premium Sony WF-1000XM3. However, the most popular TWS earphones are from Apple — the AirPods.

AirPods kickstarted the TWS trend, and since then, pretty much every brand has jumped onboard. Xiaomi is known for its reliable yet affordable products, and it has launched a few options previously, but it was limited to its home market of China.

Now, the brand has finally launched the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 in India, and it’s pretty much half the price of Apple’s AirPods.

The Redmi Earbuds S is an entry-level offering while Mi branding is now used for the company’s premium offerings. TWS earphones are incredibly convenient to use, and their demand is consistently rising. Can the Mi TWS 2 offer maximum features for the price and go against the competition?

Do they look like the AirPods?

 

At first sight, you’d think they are the AirPods for a quick second. But it’s soon clear that they aren’t. This is something I appreciate about the Mi TWS 2. In a market filled with AirPods knockoffs, it’s nice to see a different design. However, don’t set your expectations too high.

The earbud’s stem is exceptionally thick, and this is easily noticeable from the side. Thankfully, it doesn’t look that thick from the front view and is oval. The stem is also considerably long, giving the earbud a very bulky look.

The polycarbonate build has a matte finish on the stem while the driver is smooth and shiny. I feel the earphones were designed with utility and features in mind, and aesthetics took a back seat.

If the bulkier design can add more battery life and better drivers, I’m okay with it. This may not be the case with many since they tend to look like cheap AirPods knockoffs.

Each earbud weighs just 4 grams, and they slide in your ears very smoothly. Putting them on is a quick task, and for calls, while driving, these are exceedingly convenient to wear single-handedly. The semi-open design is supposed to be fit-for-all. But, this is where my primary concern lies.

How’s the overall user experience?

The earbuds fit perfectly and are rather stable. But the satisfaction of wearing an earbud is utterly absent because of reduced noise isolation. Even though they’ve never automatically snuggled out, I’m always afraid of losing them while walking. The confidence to wear them outdoors is low.

These too sport gesture-based controls, and the result is below satisfaction. I’d have to try a few times before they actively receive the command. Even play/pause function is rather cumbersome and paired with the loose fit; I’m afraid they don’t fall off.

Thankfully, they have an optical sensor that automatically plays/pauses a song when the earbud is worn or removed. Most times, I’d simply remove them from my ear instead of relying on the gesture buttons.

Lastly, the case is quite basic from a design point of view but gets the job done properly. The plastic build is solid, the lid has magnetic detection, and the earbuds aren’t finicky when plugged for charging. A small LED light on the front will show you the case’s battery status. A USB-C port is located on the bottom.

Pairing them is a straightforward task, and Xiaomi phones will automatically pop-up the status menu just like it’s on iOS. It’ll show you each earbud’s battery percentage along with the case.

But do they sound good?

The brand has added a lot of features on the audio side to make the product look premium. It has support for multiple codecs like SBC, AAC, and LHDC. The last one allows high-resolution audio streaming via Bluetooth. I used the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max to test the Mi TWS 2 and it automatically leveraged the AAC band.

Each earbud houses a 14.2mm audio driver, which isn’t the biggest. But, much of the audio output relies on tuning. Sound testing is also very subjective, so I’ll try to address everyone’s choice.

To start with, the output is very crisp and clear, and the vocals are perfectly heard. If you’re into Bollywood songs or even pop, these should be ideal for you.

Unlike the usual tuning, we see in Indian products; the bass here is well managed. It isn’t too much and ultimately does justice for every user. I’d say these are your GadgetMatch if you listen to podcasts and audiobooks.

The drivers are massively let down by non-existent noise isolation. The design of the earbuds inherently means you can hear pretty much everything happening around you. Even at maximum volume, it just didn’t feel enough.

Lastly, they have “Environment Noise Cancellation” that automatically kicks in when you’re on a call. Background noise is reduced drastically, and everyone I called could feel the change. The overall voice clarity is immensely improved, and high-winds too couldn’t deter them.

How long can they last?

Xiaomi claimed the earbuds can last up to four hours on a single charge and it’s on-point. I was able to get almost four hours with volume at 80 percent.

The case is capable of providing 10 hours of backup, taking the total to fourteen. Thankfully, the case takes just an hour to charge.

Is this your GadgetMatch?

If you’re an audiophile, the simple answer is no. The Mi TWS 2 will disappoint you in many ways. However, if you’re looking for work-related earphones, these are perfect.

Calls are ultra-clear, and the overall experience is better thanks to a loose fit. Keep them on, and get through a full day’s work. On the audio side, hip-hop or bass-intensive genre may not suit well here. However, all other vocal-centric songs shall swing by without a hitch.

With a price of INR 4,499, the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 is a solid competitor. When compared to the realme Buds Air, these lose out on aesthetics. But, the minor additions from a function point of view are worth the slight bump in price.

Accessories

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features

Better Android lens support

Published

on

Insta360 Flow 2 update improves Android support, adds new iOS features
Excerpt: Better Android lens support

Insta360 has released a major spring update for its Flow 2 series handheld gimbals, bringing wider Android compatibility and new features for iPhone users.

The update focuses on improving how the Flow 2 and Flow 2 Pro work across different devices. It expands support for flagship Android phones while adding new shooting tools for iOS, making hands-free, stabilized video easier to capture without extra gear.

Android finally gets full lens access

One of the biggest changes is native multi-lens support on Android. When paired with the Insta360 app, the Flow 2 series can now access ultra-wide and telephoto lenses on supported devices from Samsung, Google Pixel, vivo, OPPO, and more.

This means users can shoot at full resolution using their phone’s native cameras, whether capturing wide landscapes or zoomed-in details. The update brings Android performance closer to what iPhone users have been getting, especially in more dynamic shooting scenarios like concerts, sports, and vlogging.

The improved lens access also works with features like Widescreen Mode, helping users create smoother, more cinematic footage with better framing flexibility.

Faster 360 panoramas for quick sharing

The Flow 2 series continues to stand out with its ability to capture full 360-degree panoramas. With the new 360 Panorama 2.0, stitching is now 50% faster, producing results in about 20 seconds.

Users can capture everything in one go, then choose their preferred framing afterward. The feature also supports interactive sharing via links, letting viewers pan and explore the image on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Creative templates such as Tiny Planet are also available for quick edits, making it easier to turn panoramic shots into shareable content.

Dual View adds more angles in one take

Dual View Mode introduces multi-angle recording without the need for additional cameras. It allows simultaneous recording using the front and rear cameras, or even dual rear lenses, producing three clips in a single take.

This is useful for creators who want to capture reactions alongside the main shot or experiment with different focal lengths at once. Combined with AI tracking, the feature keeps subjects centered while adding more variety to footage.

Apple Watch control for hands-free shooting

For iPhone users, the update adds Apple Watch control, turning the watch into a remote for the gimbal.

Users can start or stop recording, adjust settings, switch modes, and even control zoom using the Digital Crown. This allows for better control during solo shoots, especially when the phone is mounted on the gimbal at a distance.

Smarter tracking and remote control tools

The update also improves several AI-powered features across the Flow 2 series.

AI Tracker now works across more Android apps, enabling subject tracking during video calls, livestreams, or hands-free recording. Multi-person tracking keeps groups in frame, while Active Zoom Tracking allows up to 15x zoom while maintaining focus on moving subjects.

There’s also a new smartphone remote control feature, which lets users operate the gimbal using a second phone. This adds flexibility for more complex shooting setups without interrupting the shot.

Availability

The update is available now through the Insta360 app and the official website. Compatibility may vary depending on the smartphone model.

Continue Reading

Accessories

Jabra launches PanaCast Room Kit for simpler hybrid meetings

The function room setup that doesn’t need an IT guy

Published

on

By

and
Jabra PanaCast Room Kit

Jabra is expanding its hybrid work ecosystem with the new PanaCast Room Kit.

It’s a video conferencing solution built for meeting rooms. But it skips the usual complexity. No tangled cables, no custom programming, and no need for IT on standby.

The kit is designed for teams of three to 15 people. Setup takes minutes: Connect the cameras, place the speakers and microphones, and link everything with a single cable.

That’s it. A standard room becomes a smart collaboration space without the usual friction.

Built for inclusive meetings

At the center of the experience is the PanaCast 55 VBS.

It uses a 180-degree multi-camera system powered by onboard AI. Jabra’s Virtual Director technology tracks speakers and reframes the view in real time.

Everyone stays visible. Even those seated at the far end of the table.

The goal is simple. Make remote participants feel like they’re in the room.

Audio keeps up with that promise. The PanaCast SpeakerMic extends coverage up to 11 meters. Every voice comes through clearly and at a consistent volume. No need to raise your voice just to be heard.

No-fuss by design

The system adds a Huddly L1 camera for a secondary angle. This gives meetings a more complete and inclusive view.

There’s also the Jabra Control IP touch controller. It handles meetings with simple, one-touch controls.

Everything works together with minimal input. No manual pan-tilt-zoom adjustments. No audio balancing. The AI handles it.

Enterprise-ready, plug-and-play simple

The PanaCast Room Kit is fully UC-certified. It works with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

It also runs on the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), bringing enterprise-grade security and reliability.

The idea is straightforward. High-end meeting tech shouldn’t be hard to use.

From small huddle spaces to larger boardrooms, the kit scales without added complexity. It removes the usual barriers to hybrid collaboration.

Whether it’s a quick team sync or a full boardroom discussion, the PanaCast Room Kit aims to give everyone a front-row seat.

Continue Reading

Accessories

Sony announces open-back INZONE H6 Air

Deeper and tighter bass, more immersive gaming soundscape

Published

on

Gamers are set to get another immersive headphones from Sony with the launch of the INZONE H6 Air.

This latest offering features an open-back acoustic structure and custom drivers for deep and tight bass, thanks to back ducts integrated into the drivers.

The open-back structure also helps with a realistic immersive sound field, making gamers feel they are in the game space.

This design minimizes internal reflections by leaving the housing unobstructed. The result is accurate sound field reproduction exactly as game creators intended.

The Sony INZONE H6 Air also features precision-tuned driver units engineered with the same technology as Sony’s renowned MDR-MV1 open-back studio monitor headsets. It is specially adapted for this particular wearable.

Back ducts integrated into the driver unit help deliver deep and controlled bass reproduction, while maintaining clear separation of mids and lows. This detail is helpful especially for titles where rich sound detail matters.

Crafted with premium aluminum, the INZONE H6 Air is also one of Sony’s lightest gaming headsets at just 199 grams. The headset uses the same spring hinge headband design seen on the INZONE H9 II.

Furthermore, the headset features an “RPG/Adventure” equalizer profile as it is developed with sound engineers from PlayStation Studios.

This specific profile is optimized for RPG and adventure titles, recreating the acoustic experience of a sound studio and delivering an immersive listening experience.

An additional cardioid boom mic focuses on voice angled towards the user’s mouth, eliminating unnecessary side noise.

Fnatic Edition devices, INZONE Buds Glass Purple

In addition to the Sony INZONE H6 Air, Sony has launched the Fnatic Editions of the INZONE Mouse-A, INZONE Mat-F, and INZONE Mat-D.

This next step in the collaboration between Sony and Fnatic makes the professional esports club even more present in fans’ daily gaming experience.

Rounding out the new releases is the INZONE Buds in Glass Purple colorway. This joins the previous black and white options, giving owners plenty of choices to suit their styles.

Continue Reading

Trending