Tag Archives: earbuds

JBL Launches The Live 3 Series Of Touchscreen Earbuds For Personalized Audio Experience

Posted on by

JBL, a renowned name in audio technology, has made a splash at CES 2024 with the introduction of its latest generation of wireless earbuds, the Live 3 series. Comprising three distinct models – Live Buds 3, Live Beam 3, and Live Flex 3 – this lineup is designed to cater to diverse user preferences while offering a seamless and personalized audio experience. Let’s delve into the key features of these earbuds, showcased in a sleek touchscreen charging case.

Designer: JBL

One of the standout features of the Live 3 series is the inclusion of a 1.45-inch LED touch display on the charging case, a technology first introduced in JBL’s Tour Pro 2. This touchscreen functionality allows users to manage calls, view texts, control music playback, and even receive social media alerts directly from the case. Ideal for situations where users prefer not to handle their phones with sweaty hands like in the gym or when you’re out for a run, this innovative addition brings a new level of convenience to the earbud experience.

The Live 3 series introduces three unique models, each finely tuned to suit different preferences and situations. Let’s dive into what each has to offer:

First, the Live Buds 3:
Its sporting a classic bud-style design with a comfy fit. You get a solid 10 hours of playtime outside the case with ANC (active noise cancellation) off, plus an extra 30 hours of juice from the case. Perfect for those who want a laid-back, immersive audio experience.

Then, we have the Live Beam 3:
It’s JBL’s answer to AirPods Pro 2. These closed-type stick earbuds feature a noise-isolating design, giving you 12 hours of playtime with ANC off and an additional 36 hours of charge from the case. It’s all about that premium audio experience.

Lastly, the Live Flex 3:
It’s the open-type stick headphones for the AirPods 3 enthusiasts. Offering 10 hours of playtime with ANC off and an extra 40 hours from the case, these are designed for those who appreciate an open design and longer battery life.

Here’s the cool part; all of them share some awesome features. Think IP55 (for Buds and Beam) and IP54 (for Flex) dust and water resistance, Smart Charging Case tech with a 1.45-inch LED touch display, Hi-Res Audio, JBL Signature Sound, Bluetooth 5.3 support with LE Audio (via OTA update) for multipoint connectivity, and compatibility with top-notch Android phones like Google Pixel 7/8 and Samsung Galaxy S23.

This lineup isn’t just about earbuds; it’s about tailoring your audio experience to fit your style. So, whether you’re into classic buds, Pro-level sound, or an AirPods vibe, the Live 3 series has you covered.

All three models of the JBL Live 3 series are priced at $199.95 and are expected to hit stores later this summer. They will be available in black and silver, these earbuds aim to deliver a premium audio experience for users with diverse preferences and lifestyles. As the market eagerly awaits their arrival, JBL’s Live 3 series promises to redefine the standards of wireless earbuds in 2024.

The post JBL Launches The Live 3 Series Of Touchscreen Earbuds For Personalized Audio Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Urbanista reveals second generation headphones and earbuds that solar charge for infinite playtime

Posted on by

When venturing out to buy wireless headphones or earbuds, the primary consideration is their battery backup. This one feature holds high merit for those who travel a lot. A pair of cans or buds that can be free from this constraint, or at best, have limitless battery power at their disposal is the way to go and solar-powered function makes this possible.

Urbanista hooked on to this idea with their impressive Los Angeles headphones and the Phoenix TWS earbuds. Then adidas followed suit with their solar-powered RPT-02 SOL headphones. For audio lovers who want to stay away from the hassle of charging their headphones or earbuds time and again, these products make complete sense.

Designer: Urbanista

Riding on the success of the over-ear headphones and the Phoenix earbuds, the Stockholm-based company has announced the second generation of both these audio products. Just for the record, both of them are currently in development and expected to launch sometime in mid-2024. The good news is, they are going to cost slightly less than the first-generation versions. Los Angeles headphones will carry a price tag of $179 (vs $199 for the original version) and $129 for the Phoenix earbuds compared to the $149 of the earlier version. For those who are eager to have a first look, the audio accessories by Urbanista will be demonstrated at CES 2024.

Similar to the predecessors (the current versions on sale), they employ the latest version of Powerfoyle solar charging material to charge the batteries. They absorb natural sunlight as well as light from artificial sources indoors to charge the battery. The amount of charge will depend on the intensity and duration of exposure to light but it will be impressive, offering at least a week of non-stop listening to infinite music if you live in places that have a good share of sunlight all year round. In case they run out of juice, the conventional method of charging them via the USB-C ports is also there.

The Los Angeles headphones typically will give ample juice for four hours of listening daily on a 10-hour low-light charge with 50 days before another charge is needed. The second-generation Phoenix on the other hand will offer around 16 days of playtime with similar parameters.

They come with better-designed components for improved efficiency, so we can expect them to stay charged for longer. The design of both is more streamlined and the Active Noise Cancellation is now adaptive meaning it applies the ANC depending on the amount of noise in the ambient environment.

The post Urbanista reveals second generation headphones and earbuds that solar charge for infinite playtime first appeared on Yanko Design.

JLab JBuds ANC 3 wireless earbuds land with a very tempting offer

Posted on by

True Wireless Stereo or TWS earbuds have become a staple in a world without headphone jacks. Almost every brand, from smartphone manufacturers to audio equipment experts, has a pair or two or even more. They come in all shapes, sizes, features, and prices, but few can really be called striking the perfect balance between those factors. Right at the cusp of CES 2024, JLab is attempting to take a stab at this crowded market with its third-gen JBuds ANC, packing quite a bevy of desirable features in a compact and discreet design, while also dangling a price tag that sounds almost too good to be true.

Designer: JLab

One of the biggest problems with wireless buds is their dismal battery life due to their diminutive sizes. Yes, they come with charging cases that more than double the battery life, but that requires a bit of downtime while waiting for the buds to juice up. The JBuds ANC 3, however, boasts a whopping 9 hours on a single charge, 42 hours in total if you take into account the charging case. With its eponymous ANC feature enabled, the buds’ 7-hour uptime (34 hours with the case) is still pretty impressive.

Battery life isn’t the only perk that the JBuds ANC third-gen brings to your ears. Working in the opposite direction from its active noise cancellation, the buds feature a “Be Aware” mode that lets just enough ambient sounds into your ear so that you can navigate and work safely in public. It features multipoint Bluetooth connectivity so that you can connect to up to two devices and seamlessly switch between the two as needed, perfect when you need to take a call on your phone while using a paired laptop. You can also customize your listening experience completely through the JLab app, letting you fine-tune the audio quality to your liking.

Despite all these features, the JBuds ANC 3 still manages to come in a small package that disappears into the background. Even the charging case is only a little larger than a USB flash drive despite its massive battery inside. That case also has a built-in USB-C charging cable so you won’t have to fret over losing cables when you need them the most. And with an IP55 dust and water protection rating, the buds are guaranteed to be your faithful companion, come rain or shine.

All these features might sound almost common, but the $59.99 price tag that comes with them certainly isn’t. It makes the JLab JBuds ANC 3 enticing not only in terms of specs and design but also in accessibility, allowing almost anyone to enjoy hours of listening without having to break the bank.

The post JLab JBuds ANC 3 wireless earbuds land with a very tempting offer first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung Galaxy Buds Poke Ball cases add a fun, eco-friendly twist to wireless earbuds

Posted on by

Once frowned upon as a sign of being disconnected from your surroundings, TWS or truly wireless stereo earbuds have now become the norm for smartphone users. They do bring quite a few benefits, like freedom from the tangle of cables, though they also become prone to getting lost easily. They also open up a lot of opportunities as far as design goes, particularly when it comes to brand collaborations. After all, it’s only too easy to slap colors and logos onto these earbuds’ charging cases. A bit more interesting, however, are designs that embrace less conventional shapes or materials, like these cases for Samsung’s line of Galaxy Buds that come in the form of iconic monster-catching balls from the popular Pokemon franchise.

Designer: Samsung

To be clear, these Poke Balls don’t replace the charging cases that Samsung earbuds use. In Pokemon parlance, the original earbuds case would be the Pokemon that would live inside the ball when not in active use. Instead, the charging cases go inside these balls, which solves both the problems of compatibility. In fact, these Poke Balls are compatible with the entire range of Galaxy earbuds, including the Galaxy Buds Live, Buds Pro, Buds 2, Buds 2 Pro, and the recent Buds FE.

As for the Poke Ball designs, what’s being made available in Europe, particularly in Spain, are the purple Masterball, the blue Greatball, and the Yellow Ultraball. A bit ironically, the classic red and white Poke Ball is not available, which would have been a design that would have immediately identified the spheres as Poke Balls rather than just some random toy. That was actually the first design that was launched, so it might make its way to other countries at some other point in time.

This, after all, isn’t the first time that Samsung and The Pokemon Company collaborated on Pokemon-themed accessories and devices. What makes this particular set of Poke Balls, however, is that it’s a part of a range of eco-friendly accessories that use recycled materials rather than virgin plastic. Whether these make their way to other markets, only time will tell.

As endearing as these designs might be to Pokemon fans, there are a few practical drawbacks that interested buyers must be aware of. First is that the earbuds will no longer be easily pocketable when in the Poke Balls because unlike in the animated show, these don’t shrink to tinier sizes. The second is that the balls themselves don’t have built-in batteries or ways to charge the cases inside, which means you’ll have to take out the charging case if you need to top it off.

The post Samsung Galaxy Buds Poke Ball cases add a fun, eco-friendly twist to wireless earbuds first appeared on Yanko Design.

Marine-inspired Bose earbuds boast stemless design and fin tips for secure fit

Posted on by

Premium wireless earbuds have gained popularity in the last couple of years due to their practical design, excellent ANC and non-compromised audio comparable to IEMs. The current top-of-the-line options are the Sony WF-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 and Jabra Elite 10.

Talking of the Active Noise Cancellation feature, Bose is at the top of the tree. The earbuds also score high when it comes to comfort. The stem design of the TWS earbuds makes it a direct competitor for the Apple AirPods Pro 2 which are the best option for users deep rooted in the Apple ecosystem. So, how about a refreshing design for Bose earbuds that ditches the stem shape for a more conventional shape without compromising a secure fit?

Designer: Anant Vijay

This concept design for Bose earbuds not only peps up the available options but also lures in buyers who ditch QuietComfort Earbuds II for the stem design. Inspired by underwater creatures and marine life, the audio accessory is designed to deliver sublime audio and a unique user experience. But excellent sound delivery is nothing to talk about if the comfort level is compromised. For that reason, these Bose earbuds come with ear tip fins for a secure seal. Thus, you can take them to the gym, swimming pool, or morning runs without worrying about them falling off or getting loose.

Waterproof and dustproof aesthetics bring another level of security to a buyer who’s spending well to get premium features. The choice of colors for the buds is also inspired by the marine colors, and I absolutely love the choice. The nozzle of the buds is narrower than you would otherwise find on Bose earbuds signifying a shift towards warmer sound signature with emphasis on low sub bass.

Depending on the audio drivers installed on these Bose buds, one can expect big sound coming from that housing. Could we expect this to be a future design language for the Bose premium earbuds? That could be the case if Bose wants to have stemless buds also in its lineup.

The post Marine-inspired Bose earbuds boast stemless design and fin tips for secure fit first appeared on Yanko Design.

KeyBudz Element adds IP68 waterproofing and Military-grade protection to your AirPods Pro 2 case

Posted on by

AirPods Pro 2 stands amongst one of the best premium ANC earbuds out there, especially for the closely knit Apple ecosystem. They excel in fit, comfort and adaptive active noise cancellation algorithm, along with the stellar audio quality signature that I most like because of its closeness to the Harman Curve.

For people who love the AirPods Pro 2 because of its impressive features but are a bit disappointed when it comes to water and dustproofing, there’s an option. Those who carry their earbuds during adventure trips or are doing tough jobs in difficult terrain have no reason to fret.

Designer: KeyBudz

An AirPods Pro 2 case cover that enhances the earbuds with an IP68 rating for better water and dustproofing. It provides a very high level of protection from the elements as you can keep it submerged in water for up to 6 hours and protect it from a highly dusty environment without fail. Dubbed Element Waterproof Case, this accessory boasts military-grade MIL standards for shock resistance from accidental falls. In fact, the protective case is tested with the MIL standard MIL-STD-810H. So you don’t need to worry if your AirPods case hits the tarmac hard after a drop.

The lightweight and durable aesthetics of the case come courtesy of the A6063 aluminum alloy with an anodized finish, silicone and the use of 70% recycled polycarbonate materials. The case lid locks in place with the side-mounted latch, and the hinges facilitate smooth opening and closing of the lid with a secure locking mechanism. The internal lining of the case gets IonPure antibacterial treatment to prevent any chance of micro-organism and bacterial growth.

Pairing a new device with your AirPods is also going to be easy with the Elements case as the back buttons are designed for easy press. Also, it doesn’t interfere in any way with the wireless charging capability of the accessory. For now, the accessory will be available in Japan, and availability in other parts of the globe can be expected by the holiday season.

The post KeyBudz Element adds IP68 waterproofing and Military-grade protection to your AirPods Pro 2 case first appeared on Yanko Design.

Sony InZone Buds just levelled-up the gaming-centric TWS earbuds competition

Posted on by

Sony has got the premium, mid-range and budget audio listeners covered with the WF-1000XM5, Linkbuds S and WF-C700N earbuds respectively. Console gaming is also on their radar with the announcement of the PlayStation earbuds earlier this year but will it be enough to challenge the likes of Razer, Asus ROG, Roccat or Turtle Beach?

Tapping this segment of the growing market is in Sony’s scheme of things as they’ve just released the InZone Buds. The gaming-centric wireless earbuds are designed keeping in mind the low latency and extended gaming sessions on mobile devices, as well as PC and gaming consoles via a dedicated USB-C dongle.

Designer: Sony

To attend to the specific needs of competitive gamers, the InZone WF-G700 earbuds tout a massive 12-hour standalone battery (with ANC turned off) and 24 hours in the case, courtesy of the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE Audio) and a new smart chip. They have a very low latency of 30 milliseconds for in-game tactical advantage in first-person shooters. 360 spatial audio is another feature that’ll keep gamers interested in these earbuds.

To get the most life-like immersive experience, you’ll have to use the Sounf Field Optimization with the 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer smartphone app. This customizes the audio delivery by analyzing the ear canal using feedback microphones to measure the sound inside the ear canal. The user can totally personalize the spatial listening experience thereafter.

Long gaming sessions are a certainty, so the earbuds are very comfortable for lengthy use since they weigh 8.2 grams in total. The included set of four ear tips ensures you get a comfy experience wearing them. For gamers who are audiophiles too, the earbuds should fare well since they come with the same Dynamic Driver X architecture as that on the premium WF-1000X series. However, keep in mind they are tuned for delivering gaming-optimized audio and should do well in situations where ANC and ambient modes are needed.

The IPX4-rated InZone earbuds are currently up for pre-order for a price tag of $200 in white and black color variants. These are the more premium gaming earbuds you can own if you are looking for a pair that’s better than the current options for a competitive edge.

The post Sony InZone Buds just levelled-up the gaming-centric TWS earbuds competition first appeared on Yanko Design.

Samsung unveils lucrative ‘Fan Edition’ Galaxy S23, Galaxy Buds and Tab S9

Posted on by

 Samsung Electronics has just announced the ‘Fan Edition’ series for this year and that should attract the attention of prospective buyers. Those who want to experience the flagship Galaxy devices with small compromises but at a lower price tag should be elated. After some speculations that the series is gone for good, and the South Korean giant gave it a miss last year, this is more than welcome news.

The value flagship theme combined with the lower price tag has been more sensibly balanced out this time around after the shenanigans of the S21 FE which was a bit overpriced at $699. This time around the line-up of Galaxy S23 FE smartphone, Galaxy Tab S9 FE/FE+ and Galaxy Buds FE make much more sense.

Designer: Samsung

All these gadgets have been designed keeping in mind the environment. Longevity of use is also insured with four years of OS and five years of security updates. The mobile devices will all be available from tomorrow onwards in select markets and the Galaxy Buds FE will be available from October 6.

Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy S23 FE adapts the big brother’s 6.4-inch 120Hz OLED display and the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance which is impressive. Of course having this Fan Edition device in peppy color options like mint, cream and purple does make the buying decision. Understandably the phone has the Snapdragon Gen 1 SoC which is not known for its battery efficiency, but then, trade-offs are expected. A minimum of 8GB of RAM and a maximum of 256GB internal storage, should make sure you can play AAA mobile gaming titles.

Samsung has included the wireless charging option for this phone which is another big plus. For camera fanatics, the S23 FE has a 50MP primary sensor paired with an 8MP Telephoto lens and a 12MP ultrawide shooter. That keeps it well above the mid-range devices out there. The front-facing camera however disappoints with a 10MP sensor, knowing that the previous generation had a 32MP sensor. The Galaxy S23 FE smartphone is priced at $599.

Galaxy Buds FE

The most affordable wireless earbuds in Samsung’s line-up, the Galaxy Buds FE have a design similar to the Buds Plus and come in two color options – graphite and white. The IPX2-rated buds have a standalone playback time of six hours with ANC on and 21 hours with the charging case. They come with AAC and SBC audio codec support, and each one of them has 3 microphones for better calling and ANC. Multi-device connectivity with Bluetooth 5.2 is another noticeable feature. The only downside is the lack of wireless charging capability.

The comfy earbuds carry a price tag of around $115 which should be a good choice for fans looking to experience the balanced sound signature of the brand.

Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE Plus

The budget tablets – Galaxy Tab S9 FE and S9 FE Plus both have LCD panels with 90Hz refresh rate, measuring 10.9-inch and 12.4-inch respectively. They are powered by the Exynos 1380 SoC compared to the Qualcomm chipset on the regular variant. Thankfully both get the IP68 rating and the S pen stylus like their big brothers.

The S9 FE comes with 8,000mAh and the Plus model has 10,000 mAh battery. In terms of cameras, both of them have 12MP ultrawide front-facing shooters with a 120-degree FOV and an 8 MP primary rear module. The Plus variant gets the extra 8MP ultrawide shooter on the rear. Both variants have 45W fast charging support and will be available in gray, mint, silver, and lavender colors.

Pricing for the Tab S9 FE starts at $550 in Europe while the Tab S9 FE+ is priced at $735. For the 5G models, you’ll have to pay $105 extra.

 

The post Samsung unveils lucrative ‘Fan Edition’ Galaxy S23, Galaxy Buds and Tab S9 first appeared on Yanko Design.

CMF by Nothing debuts affordable TWS Earbuds, Smartwatch and a Utilitarian 65W GaN charger

Posted on by

Nothing started its maiden journey with a pair of earbuds, followed by the radical phone design, backed by loads of hype and anticipation. Carl Pie’s brand has since then consolidated with stellar second-generation products. Now Carl wants to cater to the more affordable section of the market with the newly launched CMF by Nothing.

Abbreviated Color, Material, Finish – the brand is a direct aspiration of the parent company to bring great accessible design to the masses. The budget-friendly brand announced today has three products in its kitty – smartphone, earbuds and charger. According to Carl, CMF is, “here to question the world.” By our understanding that statement is clearly focused on the high price tags of some of the gadgets out there.

Designer: CMF by Nothing

Keeping with the trend of revealing earbuds as the first product, CMF by Nothing has the $49 Buds Pro earbuds to offer. At that price tag, the active noise cancellation, 11 hours of standalone battery in the buds and 39 hours of battery in the charging case are worth the deal. Compared to the now premium Nothing Ear (2) earbuds, the sub-brand’s buds have a more contoured look.

There’s no transparent aesthetic, normally associated with the Nothing products. Also, the case design is different from the Big Brother as they are stored in a circular puck case. The Buds Pro features like equalizer, ANC settings and more can be toggled via the Nothing X app earbuds. For now, the earbuds will be available in grey, black, and vibrant orange colors.

Next, there is the CMF Watch Pro which is a reflection of the brand’s ‘accessible’ motto. The price tag of $54 will shake up the smartwatch market. There are clear traces of the unannounced Apple Watch design and the Watch Ultra’s orange strap here. At one-tenth the price of Apple’s wearable, the 1.96-inch AMOLED display smartwatch touches important bases with a dedicated heart rate sensor, blood oxygen saturation sensor and multi-system GPS. Also, it comes with a claimed battery life of 13 days and 110 sports activities for fitness tracking to choose from.

The most interesting product in the line-up from the perspective of utility is the CMF Power 65W Charger. The GaN (Gallium Nitride) charger juices up most of your gadgets including phones, earbuds, smartwatches, or portable speakers. With the inclusion of three ports, two USB Type-C and a USB Type-A, the branded accessory is cheaper than most other brands at $39.

The wide range of compatibility for  PD3.0, QC4.0+/3.0/2.0, SCP, FCP, PPS, AFC, Samsung 9V2A, DCP, and Apple 2.4A protocols will make it a value-for-money proposition for users buying new flagships or products that don’t have the charger included in the package.

The post CMF by Nothing debuts affordable TWS Earbuds, Smartwatch and a Utilitarian 65W GaN charger first appeared on Yanko Design.

AirPods with Watch Ultra styling is most unusual Apple earbuds for sports and extreme adventures

Posted on by

There are some designers who have taken Apple products by their neck to recreate them in unfathomable conceptions. After the iPhone 13 Pro camera array case for the AirPods, designer Taiseer Zarruk is now influenced by the idea of the Apple Watch Ultra. So much so that, following the naming spree in favor of the ultra moniker, the designer has gone on to name his outrageously exciting creation the AirPods Ultra.

From the name itself you can guess, the AirPods are getting an Ultra treatment, and before you think, this is how! The Apple AirPods Ultra – a pair of earbuds, as they are, with a body akin to the Watch Ultra, and passed on to customers with an accompanying Apple Watch Ultra-shaped charging case for the earpiece.

Designer: Taiseer Zarruk

Yes, you read that right! The Watch Ultra comes with built-in AirPods, that will take your listening experience to a whole new level. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie diving into extreme sports or embarking on treacherous expeditions, the AirPods Ultra is your trusty sidekick, providing unparalleled reliability amid chaos.

So, what can this wonder device do? Well, for starters, it’s not just a pair of earbuds drawing design inspiration from the Apple Watch Ultra complete with the crown. Yet, the AirPods Ultra integrated into the Watch Ultra isn’t your ordinary earbuds. They also function as hearing aids, making the world accessible to those with listening challenges.

Imagine the joy of being able to hear the rustling leaves in the forest or the roar of the waves on a deep blue sea—all possible with the AirPods Ultra: a game-changer in every sense! This sleek and stylish earpiece comes in a range of colors, from the pristine Avalanche White to the bold Red Track, making sure you can flaunt it in style no matter where you go.

The AirPods Ultra’s earpiece fits snugly in your ear, providing the perfect fit even during the most rigorous activities. And the best part? The body effortlessly adapts to every move you make, delivering unparalleled stability. The Watch Ultra features a telescopic soft band that can be adjusted to provide the perfect level of comfort and earphone security. No more fumbling with uncomfortable straps or worrying about your earbuds falling out during a crucial moment; the far-fetched ideas have got all the bases covered.

The post AirPods with Watch Ultra styling is most unusual Apple earbuds for sports and extreme adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.