Accessories

Wired earphones are still better than wireless, science says

Bring back the headphone jack!

Published

October 29, 2018

Luigi Leonardo

In everyone’s desks, there exists a forgotten and perpetually tangled pair of earphones buried under piles of cords. The rise of wireless earphones coincides with the slow death of wired ones. The tech industry hopes to replace everyone’s audio equipment with wireless technology. As a result, new smartphones have frequently done away with the once-celebrated headphone jack. Jacked smartphones are a rare thing now.

Unfortunately, the argument of convenience has not convinced the entire market yet. Even now, users are clamoring for the return of jacks. Sadly, companies are championing the contrary.

Now, it’s time for a gut check. Despite claims of success, wireless earphones still don’t match up to the quality of wired earphones.

Audio website Sound Guys tested the audio quality of current Bluetooth technology. The test involved several flagship phones and Bluetooth earpieces. For actual audio, Sound Guys used several codecs including those used for high-fidelity and CD-quality audio.

It’s a sad day for Bluetooth. Wireless earphones could not accurately reproduce the audio quality of wired earphones. Regardless of codecs used, the technology lost a significant number of bits at the other end of the hardware. This includes Apple’s poster child for wireless audio: AirPods. So far, only Qualcomm’s aptx HD and Sony’s LDAC came close.

Amidst arguments against sound quality, wireless technology’s support for convenience still stands. Wireless earphones are still an easy solution to music while on a commute. Regardless, at their current state, Bluetooth earphones are bad alternatives to the smooth and crisp sound of wired earphones.

With tests to prove it, tech companies are making a mistake by getting rid of the headphone jack. Wireless technology is still in its toddler stages. To its credit, new devices are coming out every month. The technology can land into a renaissance in the future.

Related Topics:Bluetooth Wireless earphones

Accessories

Pixel Buds suffer from laggy audio and uneven battery, users complain

Google responds to one problem

Published

June 6, 2020

Luigi Leonardo

Contrary to the technical superiority of wired earphones, wireless earbuds are now as commonplace as smartphones themselves with every brand coming up with their own branded version of the popular device. Among these are Google’s new Pixel Buds released earlier this year. 2020’s Pixel Buds successfully blends audio performance and Google’s suite of functionalities inside a Google-friendly package.

However, all is not right in Google’s wireless world. Spread across social media, numerous complaints are piling up on the device’s various flaws. For one, the audio can apparently cut out if you move or shake your head too vigorously. Naturally, the flaw completely deflates the Pixel Buds’ effectiveness for runners and joggers. Additionally, some users are reporting that the audio in one bud lags behind the other, creating a garbled distortion.

Further reported by Forbes, the battery drain can also differ from bud to bud. The difference can get as high as 30 percent, wherein one bud is considerably more drained than the other. However, Google has already replied to this particular concern. Apparently, the Pixel Buds can optimize battery drain by limiting some features to only one bud, prompting the uneven battery drain. As soon as the affected battery reaches a certain threshold, the device taps the other earbud for the feature, eventually leveling them out.

In any case, the company does not have an explanation for the uneven audio issues yet. Affected users can turn in their defective devices for a replacement. If the replacement device is still faulty, Google can issue a full refund.

Accessories

vivo introduces TWS Earphone Neo

Joining the TWS party!

Published

June 1, 2020

MJ Jucutan

Another one has joined the TWS party!

vivo is launching its TWS Earphone Neo — a companion to the upcoming X50 series. It’s built to provide a stellar audio experience for everyday music lovers. It also features voice-activated smart controls and AI noise cancelling for clearer phone calls.

Neo runs Qualcomm’s 4th-generation TWS platform named QCC3046, offering low latency, high precision, and stable listening experience. Moreover, it’s equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology, reaching a maximum of 10-meter range.

This pair of wireless earphones carries a design-centric compact body. It has a 14.2mm ultra-large driver unit and a bio-fiber composite diaphragm, promising to deliver enhanced audio and powerful sound.

In 2012, vivo pioneered the Hi-Fi chip technology, being the first smartphone to incorporate the chip to deliver unparalleled audio experience. Together with the X50 series, the TWS Earphone Neo is the realization of vivo’s decade-long investments and commitment to improving consumers’ lives with their devices.

Pricing and availability of the TWS Earphone are yet to be announced.

Accessories

Redmi Earbuds S are the most affordable TWS offering

The price is unbelievable

Published

May 26, 2020

Shivam Vahia

In India, Xiaomi’s Redmi division looks after the affordable segment while Mi-branded products are for the premium segment. On the side, POCO is now an independent brand. Continuing with the new strategy, Redmi today announced the launch of their new TWS earbuds, the Redmi Earbuds S.

Just a couple of weeks ago, the Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 were announced in the country but they are far from affordable. To bridge this gap, the Redmi Earbuds S has been unveiled. It’s worth noting that they are the same as the Redmi AirDots S, which were launched in China earlier.

The Earbuds have 7.2mm drivers and are IPX4-rated for water resistance. The individual buds weigh only about 4.5g each. The company’s marketing has focused on how good their bass is, but we’ll be able to confirm that in our review later.

For connectivity, it leverages SBC codec, a commonly used protocol via Bluetooth. However, a low-latency mode has also been added to aide gaming. The earbuds are said to deliver four hours of playback on a single charge and the case can extend this to 12 hours.

The Earbuds S also has a physical button on either side to control media playback or skip tracks. The gaming mode can be triggered by pressing the function key thrice.

The Redmi Earbuds S will cost INR 1,799 (US$ 23) and will go on sale starting May 27 via Mi.com and Amazon.

These earbuds are an entry-level option for someone who’s looking for a pair of TWS earbuds. Instead of rich features, the point of this product is to offer an affordable option to the end-user.