From telephones, cable television, to audio equipment, a few years from now, wired technologies might just be a fleeting memory. Cutting the cord might just be more than a passing trend. While wired earbuds and
over-the-ear headphones are still on top of the list when it comes to personal music listening, an expansive flare-up of wireless device choices has invaded the audio market over the years. Today, it’s all about audio solutions that are portable and provide quality music on-the-go with no strings attached.
Headphones/Earbuds
Bluetooth is key to the popularity of wireless music. This technology allows you to pair your device with a Bluetooth-enabled audio device and start streaming music, whenever, wherever. This is also the same technology integrated into portable Bluetooth headphones. The easiest benefit of having wireless headphones/earbuds is to prevent the hassles of cable tangling while it is stowed in your bag or pocket. They are the convenient choice when you are tired of dangling wires that could get in the way while running, driving, working out, or in crowded public transportation.
Should I go for in-ear or over-the-ear headphones? It depends on your preference and how you are going to use it. Earphones and headphones offer a slightly different sound profile from one another.
By and large, headphones offer a better sound output, isolation, and power since it completely encloses your ears, and have larger drivers. However, advancements in technology have improved earphones’ sound quality greatly. They might be tiny in size but they offer a great deal, plus most wireless earphones available in the market are water- and sweat-resistant. Just try running around with bulky headphones over your ears, minutes into you run and you’ll definitely ditch the set of cans for a more lightweight option. But at the end of the day, the choice still rests upon you.
Speakers
The best way to bust out your jam is through speaker systems that augment music able to blow your roofs off. But the thing is, you can’t carry them around. This is where Bluetooth speakers come in handy.
Bluetooth speakers are usually made with a form factor that’s meant to make them portable. There are also Bluetooth speakers in the market that are meant to remain at home. For now, let’s tackle the latter.
Bag-friendly speakers are usually powered by built-in rechargeable batteries. This gives them the ability to play powerful music without being plugged into the wall. Another feature the Bluetooth speakers of today offer is durability. Most come with tough, water- and shock-proof form factors so you can carry them around outdoors even in watery locations.
Sound quality is also paramount in Bluetooth speakers. Some don’t come with quirks, but one thing’s for sure; the audio it produces can blow its competition right out of the water. Big bass, clarity, balanced music, and clean sound are often found in these wireless options. If a portable Bluetooth speaker as small as a jewelry box can fill a room with great sound, just imagine the audio pleasure a bigger speaker can provide.
It has been said that music streamed over Bluetooth produces sound quality lesser than wired audio options. In terms of convenience though, Bluetooth audio options of today are heaps better than what you may have grown accustomed to in the past. They may still not be at par with the sound standard produced by wired audio options, but it’s getting there. With enhancements, design, added ruggedness, features such as microphones for taking calls hands-free, you might find yourselves getting rid of the wires in no time.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE September 2015 Issue.
Words by Mia Carisse Barrientos
Artwork by Emmanuel Luz