Accessories

Wireless earphones: A life-changing switch?

With the headphone jack slowly dying, is it time to switch to wireless earbuds?

Photos by Andrew Deloso

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I’ve used wired earphones all my life until a month ago when a friend gave me the Anker Zolo Liberty+ earphones. How has it changed my life, you ask?

There are three major points in the day when I use earphones: when I’m on my commute, when I’m working out, when I’m at work. Overall, there’s a feeling of freedom with using wireless earphones. This is probably why Anker dubbed their wireless earphones line “Liberty”. Now, let me share how being untethered feels like.

When I’m on my commute

Gone are the days of detangling wires whenever I’m on my earphones and have to get something out of my backpack. Definitely not going to miss wires getting caught up in any of my purse’s zippers.

There’s also a better sense of security. As a woman who commutes in a city like Manila, I have this constant fear of my gadget getting nabbed from me whenever I’m walking in the streets. The wireless earphones are subtly nestled in the ears so it’s less conspicuous and harder to reach for anyone with bad intentions.

When I’m working out

At the gym, I would often plug my wired earphones to the treadmill. I would be really conscious of how fast I’d be running because the intensity might accidentally pull the earphones from the machine.

With wireless earphones, I get to run as fast or slack off as much as I want to. Surprisingly, the earbuds fit really well and don’t fall off even when I jump, run, or do squats.

When I’m at work

Have you ever tried turning your swivel chair round and round with wired earphones plugged to your laptop? Probably not, because you’d get all tied up and even drag your laptop down the floor. I tried doing it with wireless earphones. It was liberating.

This is probably my favorite feature of the Zolo Liberty+ — being able to move in any direction with sounds on, without being tethered to my laptop or my phone.

I’ve also noticed some differences that don’t work in the favor of wireless earphones. Although it lasts a really long time, one main gripe about is that I can’t track how much battery is left on the earbuds. If I were to nitpick, there’s also the weight of the earphone case — it’s a bit heavy because you actually use the case to charge the earphones.

Lastly, while wired earphones are just plug and play, wireless earphones still require searching and pairing with my devices. It feels like an extra step to listening to my tunes.

But I can live with all these. You probably can too; just give it a try. The convenience of switching to wireless earphones far outweighs the hitches that come with it.

Accessories

Acer has an eco-friendly mesh Wi-Fi 6E router

The Acer Connect Vero W6m

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Connect Vero

Acer isn’t just about computers. The company just unveiled its first ever eco-friendly Wi-Fi 6E router, the Connect Vero W6m. It promises enhanced connectivity, coverage, and security features.

Made with PCR materials on its chassis and an Eco mode for efficient energy consumption, the compact Connect Vero W6m is powered by a quad-core 2Ghz processor.

It supports Wi-Fi 6E Tri-Band AXE7800 while being cyber security compliant. It is also the first Wi-Fi 6E mesh router to pass EU EN 303 645 (RED) cyber security standards.

When it comes to performance, the Wi-Fi mesh router provides speeds of up to 7.8gps to deliver fast and stable internet connections online. It also has a dedicated WPS button for network security setups.

The router can also be paired with up to four units for an incredible network coverage area of up to 465 square meters on a dual mesh system and 930 square meters on a quad mesh system, effectively eliminating dead spots in the process.

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Accessories

Garmin Edge 540, 840 series: Price, availability in the Philippines

Cyclists, PSA! There’s a new bike computer for you~

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Cyclists, let’s go!

Garmin has just unveiled the Edge 540 and Edge 840 series in the Philippines, the company’s new state-of-the-art devices for cyclists. The new bike computers were unveiled during an exhilarating breakfast ride around the Taktak C6 loop, together with a group of 60 cyclist attendees.

With the new lineup of devices, cyclists can expect performance-based training metrics, personalized coaching, advanced navigational support, and more — packed in a lightweight, sleek, yet rugged design.

Cutting-edge features for cyclists

The Edge 540 and 840 series come with new, innovative features. Cyclists can now identify their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare for the demands of a specific course by focusing training in the right areas.

There’s a Targeted Adaptive Coaching feature, encouraging riders to follow daily suggested workouts and training prompts. Personalized coaching also adapts based on training load, recovery, and the demands of upcoming events.

With real-time stamina, cyclists can also monitor and track exertion levels during a ride to see how to maintain their current pace. Along with Power Guide, cyclists can manage their efforts with power targets throughout the course.

On certain routes, the ClimbPro ascent planner feature can help cyclists with each climb, offering a preview of the remaining ascent and grade through the Edge or the Garmin Connect smartphone app.

There’s also the multi-band GNSS technology for enhanced positioning accuracy. Moreover, the solar models from the Edge series use Power Glass solar charging lens, extending the battery life to up to 60 hours in battery saver.

Advanced training metrics

Aside from the new features, the Edge 540 and 840 series are packed with advanced training metrics. Insights from Firstbeast Analytics showcase the VO2 max, training status and training load, recovery time, and more.

When cyclists are wearing a compatible Garmin smartwatch, they can also receive a more holistic view of their overall health and wellness. During a ride, Edge 540 and 840 series allow riders to see how their body holds up in different environments with heat and altitude acclimation. The bike computers also set up in-ride notifications when it’s time to refuel or rehydrate.

Stay safe and connected

Get peace of mind through built-in safety and tracking features like LiveTrack, group messaging, and incident detection for all cycling activities.

The Edge 540 and 840 series are also compatible with the Varia line of cycling radars and headlights, as well as inReach devices with SOS capabilities and communication when off-the-grid.

When training indoors, the Edge 540 and 840 series easily pair with Tacx indoor smart trainers, too. The bike computers can also be paired with the Garmin Connect app to create and send courses, view all the technical details from a ride, log personal achievements, and more.

Price and availability

The Garmin Edge 540 Solar and Edge 840 Solar are priced at PhP 27,990 and PhP 34,490 respectively. The non-solar Edge 540 currently retails for PhP 21,970, while the non-solar Edge 840 retails for PhP 27,990. Sensor bundles for each device are also available.

Visit Garmin Philippines’ website or Facebook page for more information about the new Edge Series.

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Accessories

Sony unveils new headphone, microphone for pros

The MDR-MV1 and C-80

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MDR-MV1

Sony is introducing the MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor headphones and the C-80 microphone for professionals’ audio needs.

The MDR-MV1 is designed for professional sound engineers and music creators. Best used for mixing and mastering, the headphones have an open back design which enables accurate reproduction of a wide sound field.

The headphones offer extended spatial sound reproduction and accurate positioning within a 360-degree space.

Design-wise, the lightweight MDR-MV1 comes with breathable earpads and includes a detachable cable and a stereo mini-jack adapter for ease of use.

On the other hand, the C-80 microphone is ideal for home studios and for both voice and instrument recording, as well as vlogging or podcasting.

The microphone inherits the technology from Sony’s C-800G and C-100 microphones, promising users high-quality sound.

It has a noise elimination construction, preventing vibration for lower noise and clearer sound. 

The C-80’s dual diaphragm configuration suppresses changes with distance and allows for a more stable vocal recording process.

Price, availability

The MDR-MV1 and C-80 will be available at select Sony authorized dealers beginning May 12.

The MDR-MV1 is priced at PhP 23,999 while the C-80 retails for PhP 34,999.

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