Tag: Wireless headphones

Sony WH XB700 Wireless Headphones Review
The WH-XB700 are the latest addition to Sony’s wireless headphones family. For audiophiles, the Sony WH-XB700 provide a good set of features at a competitive price. One of the highlighting features of these headphones is Extra Bass, and that is an aspect most “regular” headphone users are willing to bet their money on. Let’s deduce where the Sony WH-XB700 delivers and where it could’ve done better.

Inside The Box
- Sony WH-XB700 Headphones
- Instruction Manual and Warranty/Safety Guide
- 3.5mm AUX cable
- USB Type-C cable
Build Quality And Design

The Sony WH-XB700 are fabricated from high grade plastic with a smooth matte finish. The framework of the headphones is made of metal though. More metal would have been appreciated in the build of the WH-XB700. The ear cups have a swivel design, implying that the Earcups can rotate around the pivot. This will make it convenient for users to slip these headphones inside their backpacks . Weighing at just around 195 grams, these may be one of the lightest headphones in this segment

The Sony Logo is neatly embossed above both the earcups. The headphones look good enough to make a style statement. The headphones have an on-the-ear, or supra-aural design, implying that they rest on the ears rather over them.

The earcup’s pads, as well as the headband’s cushioning, are made out of memory foam. This material feels very premium and comfortable even when used for longer periods of time. The extending strips along with the framework are designed out of metal, which allows for considerable freedom of movement. Even upon stretching the ear cups apart, they seemed to retain their original shape upon restoring. Noteworthy, owing to the light weight of the Sony WH-XB700, they tend to sway “dangerously” when you move around while wearing these, so you might want to be careful when you take them out for a run.

The left earcup houses the power button (which also doubles up as the pairing button). In addition, it accommodates the 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C port, the notification LED and a “Custom” button, which will be discussed in detail later. On the other hand, the right earcup houses the volume rockers and the play/pause/answer calls button.

Audio Quality

The primary defining feature of any headphones is its audio quality. The Sony WH-XB700 operate within a frequency range of 20-20,000 Hz with 44.1 kHz Sampling and have an impedance of 37 ? (ohms). The headphones are quite loud, clocking in at a loudness level of 103 decibels. The 30mm Neodymium driver churns out evenly distributed frequencies, but it’s really the lows where the headphones excel. At higher volumes, negligible distortion in the sound is present. Even though Sony has laid emphasis on the lower frequencies here, there is a profound focus on the highs as well, which make them a pleasure to listen to.

The headphones are advertised with “Extra-Bass”, and they live up to their name. The ample amount of bass goes easy on the ears, delivering a rich experience. Plus, the headphones sport the “Vocal Clarity” feature, which enhances the experience if you are listening to a podcast or watching a lecture. Noise isolation is not that great, but that is expected considering the supra-aural design of the headphones.

Audio is captured via the microphone present on the right earcup, and in the course of usage, the microphone quality is mediocre when it comes to answering calls indoors. Furthermore, the audio doesn’t bleed a lot when you have the headphones on. Advanced tweaking of the sound quality and bass levels can be done via the Smart Headphone Connect app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. Firmware updates are also pushed to the WH-XB700 via the same app.

Connectivity Options

In terms of connectivity, the Sony WH-XB700 features Bluetooth v4.2, NFC (Near Field Communication), a USB Type-C port and a 3.5mm headphone jack for those times where you run out of battery. To pair the headphones with your smartphone via Bluetooth, the user needs to simply hold down the power button and the headphones will pop-up on your smartphone’s Bluetooth devices list. Like other headphones in this range, the Sony WH-XB700 cannot be connected to multiple devices simultaneously. They have to be disconnected from one device in order to connect to another one.

The WH-XB700 also supports one-touch NFC pairing, where users can just stream music to their headphones by touching their NFC-enabled devices with the headphones. One thing to note is that there is a significant loss in audio quality when the headphones are connected via the 3.5mm AUX cable. Similarly, all the buttons present on the headphones stop functioning when the headphones are connected passively.

Battery Life And Additional Features

The Sony WH-XB700 features a Li-ion battery, which promises a battery life of 30 hours, and we tested that out. Interestingly, on the maximum value and bass levels, the headphones were able to churn out the aforementioned time with ease. The headphones can be charged via the USB-Type C port which is mounted on the left earcup. They also provide a 90-minute playback time after a 10-minute charge time, which can be helpful for users who are on-the-go. Overall, the headphones take a bit more than 4 hours to attain maximum charging capacity. And if you do manage to run out of battery, you always have the option to use them with the 3.5mm AUX cable.

As previously mentioned, the Sony WH-XB700 headphones have a “Custom” button on the left earcup which can be mapped to either Alexa or Google Assistant dependent on user preferences. We noticed that the button was very responsive, as it immediately launched Google Assistant on our device in all instances. However, as mentioned previously, the Custom button only works in wireless mode. Nonetheless, we found the custom Assistant button very convenient and is welcoming addition.

Conclusion

Also Read: OnePlus 7 Pro Screen Protector Leaks, Reveals Front Design

In a nutshell, the Sony WH-XB700 is a pretty good deal considering it checks most of the boxes in the list. Rich and punchy bass, low distortion levels, rich highs and lows, and that’s just the audio quality. The headphones have a good battery life, support a host of connectivity options and look good on the ears.

The only drawbacks that are worth mentioning are some aspects of the build quality, such as the lack of any metal accents. The fact that the headphones tend not to be very stable while wearing them might be a bit pesky for those who like to listen to music while running. Noteworthy, the Sony WH-XB700 don’t ship with a carrying pouch or hard case in-the-box. Although not a deal breaker it is worth taking into consideration.

Another worthy option in the same segment is the JBL Tune 600, which provides passive noise cancellation and deep, punchy bass. For almost INR 1,500 less, you can also try out the Sennheiser HD 4.40 Bluetooth headphones, which are a good buy considering its price. The Sony WH-XB700 is a pair of good sounding headphones, and audiophiles who want a set of portable cans should definitely go for them.
May 2, 2019
Best Wireless Headphones Under Rs 3,000 In India For April 2019

Wireless headphones are all the rage these days. The freedom from wires and the style quotient they provide remains unbeatable. But when you try searching for a good wireless headphone in the market today, there are many options to choose from. To make the choice easier for you, we have compiled a list of the best wireless headphones available under the Rs. 3,000 price bracket.

Boat Rockers 510

The company Boat is a well-known name when it is about affordable audio accessories, and the Rockers 510 are no exception. The headphones feature a comfortable fit and have all the controls like volume and music playback options on one side. It has a great sound quality for the price, emphasizing on a thumping bass and balanced trebles. The device also has 10-hour battery life and has a 3.5mm headphone jack which comes in handy during unexpected low battery encounters.

Leaf Beast Wireless

The Leaf Beast Wireless, that immensely narcissistic name aside; are one of the best pair of wireless headphones available in the market under Rs. 3,000. Featuring a big, comfortable design, the music playback and power controls lie on the left earcup. They also claim a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is one of the best in the price range. There is also a 3.5mm headphone jack, giving you an option of listening to wired audio. The sound quality is good for the price, focussing heavily on bass and having a balanced sound output.

Motorola Pulse Escape

Motorola is already a known and reputed brand in the smartphone business. The Motorola Pulse Escape are the company’s budget wireless headphones. Featuring a well-built, comfortable design; the music and call controls on the earcups, the headphones have a good sound quality. Unlike most headphones in the list, the focus on bass isn’t there, so the sound output is balanced and realistic. They have a promised battery life of 6 hours on a single charge which makes it one of the best choices in the market right now.

JBL T460BT Extra Bass

One company that is synonymous with quality audio products is JBL. The JBL T460BT Extra Bass headphones are an example of the brand’s strong legacy. Featuring a lightweight and comfortable design, the headphones have the inline controls on the earcup and have a promised battery life of 11 hours on a single charge. The sound output is also good for the price, with a controlled bass and balanced music playback.

NU Republic Triphop Max

Also read: Apple Starts Manufacturing The iPhone 7 In India

The NU Republic Triphop Max are one of the best looking headphones in the price range. Featuring metallic earcups and soft memory foam on each earcup, they are quite comfortable to wear. The company promises a battery life of 15 hours on a single charge. To control music playback and calls, the controls are provided on the earcup. Sound output from the Triphop Max is great for the price, with good bass and a high treble.

April 2, 2019
What Factors Should You Consider Before Buying A New Pair Of Wireless Headphones?
Headphones are no longer a piece of technology that just produces sound, they are a necessity for some people who prefer isolated music to loud music. For select audiophiles, a good pair of headphones can draw the line between a good day and a bad day. The average prices for headphones have been rising in the past few years, and the reason for this is very simple. People are spending more on headphones because they are no longer an add-on to a device for just listening to music. It’s basically a culture.

Not that it is relevant, but the first headphones were developed in 1910 and it’s been a long road. Almost a century later, headphones have acquired a completely different look and style. A lot of people are not aware when it comes to buying wireless headphones, owing to the recent surge in their popularity. Most people prefer Bluetooth headphones over wired headphones because of increased convenience and a better style statement. But what things do you need to keep in mind while going for a new pair of Bluetooth headphones?

What Is Your Lifestyle?

This may not be the first benchmark that comes to your mind regarding wireless headphones, but it’s a hurdle that must be crossed if you want to purchase the perfect Bluetooth headphones for you. Headphones are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and getting to know his/her lifestyle will be the first step towards picking the right pair.

If you are a fitness-oriented person who has to run and workout on a daily basis, over-the-ear headphones will probably not work out for you. All the sweat and the humidity may damage the leather/memory foam of the cushioned earcups, thereby reducing the overall quality of the headphones. Furthermore, over-the-ear headphones may restrict movement during working out, which is why on-the-ear headphones or wireless sport earbuds may be the best option for you. Headphones like Plantronics Backbeat 505, or earphones like Jabra Elite Active 65t will work out just fine for you.

On the other hand, people who spend the major part of their staying stationary are able to enjoy more immersive sounds, and they may even compromise some comfort for sound quality. Programmers and Gamers prefer solitude, so noise cancelling headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM3 can be just what they need. For an office environment, noise cancelling headphones may be the reason someone gets fired, so a pair of Sennheiser HD 25 will be just fine.

The Audio Quality

The sound quality is technically the primary attribute of a good pair of headphones, but it certainly isn’t the only one. Nonetheless, some people limit the audio quality to just bass and treble, but it’s so much more than that. While buying a decent pair of wireless headphones, always be sure to consider the following factors:
- Sensitivity: The measure of how loud the headphones can conceivably be is referred to as the Sensitivity of that device. Some people prefer loud music, others prefer softer tones and lower volumes. Keeping in mind the safety aspect of the headphones, one should always prefer wearables that don’t have a decibel count above 105. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x come under this category.
- Drivers: If you’re a bassophile (someone who loves listening to deeper and louder bass tones), always prefer a larger driver size. It’s not necessary that a larger driver will produce better sound. but it sure is more powerful. Ideally, 20mm drivers produce a good range of lows. Skullcandy’s Crushers Wireless are a good option for the same.
The Audio Codecs

Some people directly relate the sound quality to the audio codecs supported by the headphones. While this may be true to an extent, the audio codecs rule a wide variety of functions on Bluetooth headphones. Some of the majorly used audio codecs are listed below
- SBC: This audio encoder/decoder ensures that the harsh and rough elements of the audio file are eliminated so that the user gets to hear a crisp and clear sound. Over time, the A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) has improved a lot.
- aptX HD: aptX HD was a trending concept in 2018-19, owing to the fact that a lot of smartphones had support for the same. Where the original aptX technology supported 352 Kbps audio, aptX HD streams at a higher bitrate of 576 Kbps. Furthermore, it has a much lower latency than aptX.
- AAC: An upgrade from the aforementioned SBC, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) has a lower bitrate and improves audio performance over wireless networks. It has a comparable audio standard to aptX.
- Latency: Where latency isn’t actually a codec, it plays an important role in ensuring that there is a minimum delay while transferring audio between two devices.
Battery Life

Also Read: Xiaomi Granted Patent For Smartphones With Bottom Notch

One of the major shortcomings of powerful Bluetooth headphones is the fact that they suffer from poor battery life. And a bad battery life may create a lot of problems for the listener. Since charging wireless headphones may be tough while you’re on the go, always prefer brands which provide at least 20 hours of continuous listening. For instance, Skullcandy Crushers Wireless have a battery life of nearly 40 hours.

Another important point to note is that USB Type-C enabled wireless headphones are better from a perspective of convenience since most new smartphones employ USB Type-C ports, which means that you won’t have to carry two different cables while you’re travelling. Instead, you can just use your smartphone charger cable to juice up your headphones.
April 2, 2019
Audio-Technica Launches ATH-M50xBT Wireless Headphones In India

Japanese audio equipment giant Audio-Technica announced its ATH-M50xBT wireless over-ear headphones in India. These were launched in Bangalore today, March 4. The company has added Bluetooth functionality to the widely acclaimed studio monitoring headphones, the ATH-M50x. The headphones were launched in the month of October last year and are finally making their way into the Indian market.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT

The Audio-Technica ATH M50xBT wireless over the ear headphones have a closed back design. This will allow for better noise isolation than open back headphones. Like its wired counterpart, the design is the same and the headphones have a ‘fold-flat’ design with 90-degree swivelling ear cups. The company claims professional grade earpads and headband on the headset. The controls are mounted on the left earcup for handling phone calls, music playback and for adjusting volume. The touch controls on the headphones will facilitate in accessing either the Google Assistant or Siri, based on the device. The company is also providing compatibility with the Audio-Technica Connect app for iOS and Android, which will further provide the headphones with additional features and tools.

Specifications wise, the ATH M50xBT have a 45mm aperture driver, which has a 15-28,000Hz frequency range, which will allow for wide sound coverage and sonic accuracy. The wire coils are made up of copper-clad aluminium. The headset utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with aptX and AAC codecs, for improvement in the audio quality. There is also support for a wired mode when the battery drains out. Speaking of battery, Audio-Technica claims a play time of up to 40 hours on a single charge on the headphones.

Also read: 5 Latest Movie Trailers You Should Not Miss

The headphones will be available starting today exclusively from Amazon India at a price of Rs 18,490. Interestingly, the normal, non-Bluetooth version of the ATH M50x is currently selling for around Rs 11,000 online.

March 4, 2019
Sony WH 1000X M3 Launched in India : Unboxing Video

Sony has launched their new WH-1000XM3 around-ear headphones in the Indian market. The headphone is the latest addition to Sony’s 1000X family of headphones. This is an upgrade from their previous WH-1000XM2 headphones. With the new headphones, Sony has added many new improvements from the outgoing generation. The new headphones have better Noise Cancelling performance, among other features.

Also read: Top Xiaomi Products With Discounts During Amazon & Flipkart Sale

Features

The Sony WH-1000XM3 is a pair of Bluetooth headphones that have built-in active noise cancellation. With this feature, the headphones can neutralize the unwanted background noise while enjoying their favorite audio. Sony has equipped the headphones with the QN1 which is a noise cancelingProcessor developed by the company. Sony claims the new processor has four times better performance than it’s predecessor.

The headphones have 40mm drivers with LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm. The LCP diagram can reproduce the full range of frequencies up to 40kHz and can handle heavy beats.

The headphones have a Quick Attention Mode which allows the user to know what is going around them. The user can place their hand on the right earcup which will instantly decrease the volume and they can check their surroundings. The right earcup has a touchpad to control various functions with simple swipe gestures. To control volume users can simply swipe up or down on the touchpad and right or left swipe changes the audio track.

Design & Specifications

The headphones have Bluetooth 4.2 technology and have NFC for easy connection with supported devices. It only has two physical keys that can control options like power on/off and Bluetooth pairing. The headphones weigh at 255 grams and are available in two color options: Black and Platinum silver.

Battery

Sony claims the headphones have a battery backup of 30 hrs. They can be charged from zero to full in 2-3 hours and also have Quick charge capabilities. With 10 minutes of Quick charge they can give a 5-hour audio playback.

Inside The Box

Packaged along with the headphones are a bunch of accessories. They include a Type-C charging cable, an auxiliary cable for line in, an in-flight adapter and a case for securely carrying the headphones.

Price

The headphones have a price tag of Rs. 29,990/-. They will be available both online and offline starting from 18th October.

Check out our unboxing video of the Sony WH-1000XM3

October 10, 2018
Microsoft Launches The New Surface Laptop 2, Surface Studio 2 and Surface Headphones
Microsoft launched an updated range of the current Surface devices and added some new products in their current line-up in this year’s surface event. The event was held in New York City on October 2nd. The new devices released are the Surface Laptop 2, Surface Studio 2, Surface Headphones and the Surface Pro 6. Microsoft has set the launch of the new devices for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

1. Surface Laptop 2:

This is an updated version of the Surface Laptop that Microsoft released last year. The device has the new 8th Generation Intel Core processor. The user can opt for the Intel Core i5 or i7 processor as per their needs. It has a 13.5 inch PixelSense Display with a 2256 x 1504 px resolution and has a pixel density of 201 ppi.

PixelSense is Microsoft’s technology that can sense the amount of pressure that is being put on the display of Surface devices. This technology broadens the possibilities of what a touch screen is capable of. Microsoft is utilising this technology in their surface accessories like the Surface Pen and the Surface Dial. The display has 10 point muti-touch capabilities. In terms of storage, the users can select the SSD storage capacity which ranges from 128 GB to 1 TB. The RAM can be configured to either 8 GB or 16 GB. The device runs the Intel UHD 620 Graphics irrespective of the processor selection.

In terms of I/O ports the device has one USB 3.0 connector, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, mini display port and one surface connector port which is compatible with the Surface Dial screen interactions. The laptop also has a 720p HD webcam, dual stereo microphones and an ambient light sensor. The Surface Laptop 2 is available in four different colours: Burgundy, Platinum, Cobalt Blue and Black. The laptop price ranges from $ 999 for the base variant and goes all the way upto $ 2,199 for the top end variant.

2. Surface Studio 2:

This is an updated version of the previously launched Surface Studio. Now Microsoft has updated the processor, graphics card and the storage. The Surface Studio 2 has an easy tilt screen which can be used to write and even draw on. Microsoft is targeting this machine towards design professionals. The screen is a 28 inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Like the Surface Laptop 2, the Surface Studio 2 also has a 10 point multi-touch screen.

It runs on the 7th generation Intel-core i7-7820 HQ which is a step up from last generation that used an intel 6th generation processor. The pc has 1 TB or 2 TB SSD storage options and RAM can either be configured to 16 GB or 32 GB. There are two graphics card options to choose from, the Nvidia GTX 1060 with 6 GB of DDR 5 Ram or the Nvidia GTX 1070 with 8 GB of RAM (Note: This is the graphics card RAM and not the system’s main RAM).

In terms of camera, video and audio, it has a 5 MP front facing camera with 1080 HD video recording, dual microphones and 2.1 Dolby Stereo speakers. In terms of wireless connectivity, it has an 802.11 ac A/B/G/N Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The device weighs in at 9.56 kg. Other than Surface Studio 2, the box packs the Surface Pen, the surface keyboard, the surface mouse and the power cord for the device. The Surface Studio’s base model starts at $ 3,499 and goes upto $ 4,799 for the top of the line variant.

3. Surface Pro 6:

The Surface Pro was first launched in 2013 and has reached its 6th generation. The Surface Pro is Microsoft’s answer to Apple’s iPad. But the Surface Pro and iPad are fundamentally very different. The Apple iPad is very app driven and a mobile version of the complete computing experience whereas the Surface Pro 6 is a full fledged computer. The Surface Pro is Microsoft’s take on building a portable computer. The Surface Pro 6 has a detachable physical keyboard and it has a kick-back stand that can be adjusted to different angles to make it stand upright. The detachable keyboard is sold seprately.

The device has a 12.3 inch 10 point multi-touch display. The screen has a resolution of 2736 x 1824 px and a pixel density of 267 ppi. Powering the tablet is an 8th Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The device has Intel UHD 620 Graphics built-in. Like the Surface Laptop 2, the RAM can be configured to either 8 GB or 16 GB. SSD storage can be selected from 128 GB upto 1 TB. The device has Bluetooth 4.1 technology and 802.11ac A/B/G/N Wi-Fi. It has an Accelerometer, a Gyroscope and an Ambient light sensor.

The I/o ports device has are: one USB 3.0 port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connector (Microsoft’s proprietor connector) and a microSDXC card port. Microsoft claims the device has a battery backup of upto 13.5 hours which will vary depending upon the usage of the device. The tablet weighs at 775 grams for the i5 variant and 792 grams for the i7 variant. The price of the device varies between $ 899 and $ 1,899 depending upon the configuration.

Additional Accessories:
- Surface Pen: It is an active stylus and a digital pen that Microsoft developed to work alongside their Surface devices with PixelSense technology. It has variable pressure sensitivity points that allows it to work like a real life paint brush or a pen. Microsoft is mainly targeting it towards professionals in the design industry. People in this field can take advantage of the technological advancements that a digital design canvas offers compared to the traditional pen and paper.
- Surface Dial: This is yet another accessory that is mainly targeted towards designing professionals. The dial sits on top of the screen of the Surface Laptop or Studio. It provides functionalities like zoom in and out, selecting paint-brush and a bunch of other features that can ease the work of professionals.
4. Surface Headphones:

This is another key product that Microsoft announced at this year’s Surface event. Microsoft Surface headphones have a lot of handy features. The headphones automatically pauses the audio as you remove them from your head and then resumes audio as you put them back.

They have Cortana integration. Cortana is Microsoft’s virtual assistant with whom the user can interact to perform certain tasks. You can ask Cortana to set reminders, inquire about the weather, etc. This is just a small example of what the virtual assistant is capable of. To control the volume of the headphones you can simply rotate your fingers around it’s ear cup. They also have variable active noise cancellation. The headphones have four microphones that helps in improving the noise cancellation quality. With this feature the user can filter or allow the amount of ambient sound that gets to your ears. The headphones are compatible with Windows 10, Android, iOS and macOs. They are available in Light Grey colour and have a price tag of $ 350.

Your Phone App

Additionally, Microsoft also demostrated their application “Your Phone” for Windows. With this application the user can directly respond to text messages they receive on their Android phone. This a really convenient feature and the user does not need to switch back and forth between the computer and phone to respond to text messages.
October 3, 2018
Samsung Launches Three New Wireless Headphones

Samsung has launched a new lineup of AKG wireless headphones. Samsung has unveiled three new headphones, whose highlight is the ability to control how much ambient noise you can hear.

The devices are from AKG acoustics, which is owned by Samsung. Samsung partnered with Harman, which is its subsidiary, to deliver these innovative devices. The lineup consists of the N700NC, Y500 and the Y100 which are optimised for balanced and studio quality sound, according to the company.

N700NC:

The N700NC is a premium, over- ear headphones and is priced at $ 349 in the US. The N700NC has better sound quality to provide crystal clear voice calls, according to the company. The device also claims a battery life that lasts upto 20 hours.

One of the biggest features of the N700NC is the adaptive noise cancellation. The adaptive noise cancelling lets the user control how much ambient noise should be let through, using a button. Therefore, you can change the degree of ambient noise depending on your surroundings, such as more ambient noise while you’re walking down the road or no ambient noise when you are at home, looking to relax.

AKG Y500

Also Read: Apple iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max Launched

Y500 & Y100:

The Y500 is also a pair of over-ear headphones. It is priced at $ 149.The Y500 features multi-point connectivity, which allows you to pair two bluetooth connected devices at the same time. The Y500 also has a play and pause automation feature. This pauses content whenever the headphones are taken off and resumes it automatically when you place them back.

AKG Y100

The Y100 is an in-ear headphone. It is the cheapest out of the three and is priced at $ 99. The device has ambient aware, like the Y500 which allows ‘seamless control of surrounding noise with just a single tap’.

All the three headphones have been launched in the USA. The Y500 and Y100 are on sale at AKG.com, Amazon and Samsung.com. The N700NC will be available later this year.

September 15, 2018