STACK #213 July 2022

LIFE TECH FEATURE

visit stack.com.au

conferencing. Most will cover all the bases, and many sets now include noise-cancelling tech and multipoint Bluetooth pairing with two devices at once. BATTERY LIFE True wireless earbuds can hold an average charge of five hours (often more), and their pocket-sized carry case conveniently doubles as a power source when fully charged, providing power-ups if you’re caught short on the go. How much charge you need depends on how often you’ll be using them. IPX RATING The go-anywhere nature of earbuds makes them susceptible to the elements and breaking a sweat when exercising. It’s important to check the level of dust and water resistance, known as an IP (Ingress Protection) or IPX rating. Most earbuds are IPX4-rated, which means they are splashproof, while more premium sets can have a waterproof rating of IPX7, which is the highest for earbuds.

BEST BUDS

FEEL THE MUSIC IN YOUR BONES

The humble earphone your grandfather used with his transistor radio has since evolved into the ubiquitous, lozenge-shaped ear gear known as earbuds – or in-ear headphones. Small in size but big in sound and packed with cutting edge audio tech like noise cancelling, earbuds’ lightweight design and wireless connectivity have made them a hit with commuters, fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. Words Bec Summer

Shokz OpenMove

Bone Conduction might sound like a futuristic wellness therapy, but it’s actually a technology originally developed for hearing aids that’s now used in headphones. Sound is transmitted through the air to the eardrums, but bone-conduction headphones bypass the eardrum and transmit sound directly to the inner ear by passing vibrations through the jawbone and head. For this purpose, they sport an open-ear design and sit on top of the cheekbones. By taking the eardrum out of the equation, bone-conduction headphones are ideal for those with hearing impairment, and also for outdoor activities where awareness of external noise is preferred. Shokz OpenMove Wireless Headphones are a good entry-level set that combines open-ear design with bone conduction and Bluetooth 5.1 support for an open-air music experience on the go. The battery is good for six hours from a single charge and they also feature multi-point pairing and an IP55 rating.

Before welcoming new buds into your life, there are several factors that will influence your choice. Listen up!

WIRELESS AND TRUE WIRELESS Wireless earbuds are still joined by a wire from bud to bud – convenient if you want to hang them around your neck when not in use – but the wire isn’t directly connected to an audio device via a jack. True wireless earbuds have no internal and external cable at all and connect to devices using Bluetooth. One bud connects to the device and sends a signal to the other bud for synchronisation. In both types, the battery, microphone and controls are housed inside the buds, with intuitive touch sensors on the outside to control volume, music selection, noise cancellation, and answering calls.

FITS RIGHT Earbuds fit comfortably and snugly into the ear using soft silicone tips that create a sonic seal, sending sound directly into the ear canal. But one size doesn’t necessarily fit all and many buds include eartips in a range of sizes. Some sets will also use small ear fins to keep the buds secure and stable. FUNCTIONALITY Consider what the earbuds will mostly be used for and where – listening to music and podcasts, complementing a workout with a playlist, or taking calls and video

12 JULY 2022

jbhifi.com.au