Bragi Officially Launches $150 AirPods Competitor 'The Headphone'

[Paco II]

This isn't a battle. It isn't Android vs iOS. The AirPods are an excellent product, but it doesn't work for everyone, whether it be fit, or controls, etc. The Headphone is an excellent product, and more than worthy to be considered by someone looking for a truly wireless device.

still wouldnt buy them over the AirPods

 

[manu chao]

I'm with you. I find it amusing that people think the AirPods, which stick out an inch, look goofy but never complained about having a few feet of wire dangling from their heads.

It's just about what people are used to. Give it some time and nobody will complain about it anymore.

 

[ArcaneDevice]

On-ear controls. No lazy design that sticks out of your ears. Comply tips. 6-ish hour battery life.

And most importantly - sweatproof.

Don't care about taking calls or fast switching. When I'm running I want music in my ears, that I can control on my ears that don't short out and that's it. If I want audio quality there are better options than Airpods.

This is the product most people wanted from Bragi to begin with. Hardly anyone cared about the mostly useless fitness gimmicks. So on the upside Apple at least pushed them to release a product with wider appeal.

 

[nick42983]

The same people squealing about the AirPods looking bad are the same types who use the words "awkward" and "creepy". They are the last people to take a shred of advice from on anything.

 

[The Game 161]

they do look impressive but the W1 is a game changer for my usage.

 

[Mac 128]

I'm with you. I find it amusing that people think the AirPods, which stick out an inch, look goofy but never complained about having a few feet of wire dangling from their heads.

View attachment 684095

It's form follows function. The stems are a natural extension of the need to attach wires, so it makes sense. Removing the wires, the stems aren't visually justified. Apple did not develop the form following function for the AirPods, they appropriated form, and adapted the EarPods for function. Whether it's the best design they could have come up with to achieve their aims, is very much in question. Regardless, this design may well become the norm for all independently wireless earbuds, if it truly is the best design to provide the desired service and quality, and people will see the form follow function, i.e get used to it. Otherwise, they will continue to look "goofy" to some if the competition manages to offer the same level of quality and function in a more discrete package.

 

[AngerDanger]

It's form follows function. The stems are a natural extension of the need to attach wires, so it makes sense. Removing the wires, the stems aren't visually justified. Apple did not develop the form following function for the AirPods, they appropriated form, and adapted the EarPods for function. Whether it's the best design they could have come up with to achieve their aims, is very much in question. Regardless, this design may well become the norm for all independently wireless earbuds, if it truly is the best design to provide the desired service and quality, and people will see the form follow function, i.e get used to it. Otherwise, they will continue to look "goofy" to some if the competition manages to offer the same level of quality and function in a more discrete package.

That's a good point. Although, I'd argue that the stems help for directing the conical microphones and provide handles for quick removal/placement. Competitors might lack the stems, but their mics aren't directional, and they're a pain to remove.

 

[Return Zero]

The off putting things for me about the Apple design are the open design that doesn't isolate enough to make a good or great soundstage. In addition many ears don't work with the mounting on the outside of the ear canal, and when lying on the side these tend to fall out for me. Adding a missing convenience for the precision and speed of the button remote we enjoy on Apple's cables for 15 years and it's a no-go for me.
These Bragi headphones at least have some dedicated buttons although some users already commented they were not better to muse either.

Tue. Personally I like that they don't isolate sound, because I am generally only wearing them while doing other activities (working, driving, walking, etc.). It allows me to remain much more aware of my surroundings.

If I truly want to isolate sound (at home, flying, etc.), I'm also going to want better sound quality than bluetooth can offer too, so I'll bring along my hi-fi over-the-ear cans.

 

[qwa]

Only 6 hours of battery and the website doesn't mention the case holding any extra battery.

Headphone: 6 hour playback, 100mAh battery, http://bit.ly/2jW2xcQ
Airpods: 5 hour playback, 24mAh battery, http://bit.ly/2iLmx46

Can you imagine the size of Headphone' case if Bragi were to put a battery there, to match Airpods case in terms of total playback time (24 hours)?

 

[dannyyankou]

Headphone: 6 hour playback, 100mAh battery, http://bit.ly/2jW2xcQ
Airpods: 5 hour playback, 24mAh battery, http://bit.ly/2iLmx46

Can you imagine the size of Headphone' case if Bragi were to put a battery there, to match Airpods case in terms of total playback time (24 hours)?

They're headphones must not be very energy efficient, wow the battery is 4x bigger but they only get an extra hour. Another win for AirPods.

 

[44267547]

That's a good point. Although, I'd argue that the stems help for directing the conical microphones and provide handles fro quick removal/placement. Competitors might lack the stems, but their mics aren't directional, and they're a pain to remove.

The beam forming microphone is also embedded in the stem portion of the Airpod, which assists in better voice control and has a shorter distance for your voice to travel to the microphone.

On a personal note, I like using the stem to reposition the Airpods if need be with removing it from the ear, versus having to remove a Bluetooth earbud that would require adjustment or place back in the ear entirely.

 

[seecoolguy]

I have these, the Dash, and AirPods. Or, I did have the AirPods before I returned them. The Bragi Headphone is by far the best of the 3.

-Sound great
-Much for functional than AirPods (Can control volume, transparency, Siri, pause and play from the unit)
-Much better connectivity than Dash (I use Dash with its 4gb internal drive for music when I run, don't need to being my phone which I hate)
-I don't love the look of half the AirPod hanging out of my ear.

The Headphones are well worth the $150.

I bought The Headphone and the AirPods. Once I went through the various tips for Bragi The Headphone I found that the bass was lacking. the foam tips provided the best sound but then the damn things wouldn't sit right in the charging case. Add to the problem that Bragi's product does not have a battery charging case makes "The Headphone" fall further behind.

issues I encountered was clipped audio, which I do not experience with the AirPods, (or with a couple of cheap amazon bluetooth headsets). Even when the phone was in my back pocket the AirPods and other bluetooth devices came through, the Bragi Headphone also had a lower volume.

I don't want to blow out my ears, but c'mon sometimes you gotta pump it up....
[doublepost=1484684797][/doublepost]

Absolutely inaccurate. Transparency is included on Headphone, activated by pressing and holding the + button, turned off by pressing and holding the - button.

but it doesn't work well when paired with a laptop/desktop (macOS)

 

[Paco II]

Strange. As I mention in my review thread, I've had great coverage with The Headphone. No drops whatsoever with phone in various locations. Also, no issues putting them in the case with the foam tips. It really is amazing how different experiences are with the same products. Not just with The Headphone, but even with the AirPods

I bought The Headphone and the AirPods. Once I went through the various tips for Bragi The Headphone I found that the bass was lacking. the foam tips provided the best sound but then the damn things wouldn't sit right in the charging case. Add to the problem that Bragi's product does not have a battery charging case makes "The Headphone" fall further behind.

issues I encountered was clipped audio, which I do not experience with the AirPods, (or with a couple of cheap amazon bluetooth headsets). Even when the phone was in my back pocket the AirPods and other bluetooth devices came through, the Bragi Headphone also had a lower volume.

I don't want to blow out my ears, but c'mon sometimes you gotta pump it up....
[doublepost=1484684797][/doublepost]
but it doesn't work well when paired with a laptop/desktop (macOS)

 

[Rigby]

I bought The Headphone and the AirPods. Once I went through the various tips for Bragi The Headphone I found that the bass was lacking.

Interesting. I found the complete opposite. Much more impressive bass than the Airpods (as far as bass can be impressive in earphones).

issues I encountered was clipped audio, which I do not experience with the AirPods, (or with a couple of cheap amazon bluetooth headsets). Even when the phone was in my back pocket the AirPods and other bluetooth devices came through, the Bragi Headphone also had a lower volume.

Again, completely different experiences. Dropouts are rare (about the same as on the Airpods), and volume is more than loud enough for me.

but it doesn't work well when paired with a laptop/desktop (macOS)

Audio transparency works just fine when paired to a computer. I'm using it right now.

 

[SigEp265]

YES! I love how there is tracking on the video too... definitely do not miss VHS.

 

[ANTAWNM26]

And all opinions are subjective. I appreciate yours, but that doesn't change the fact it is another subjective part, same thing you remarked up on in my earlier post.

No need for clarification I understand subjective and objective. It's you the one that needs clarification. Your playing on words just to have something to argue or debate. That's why I stated he should have said they have buttons to change tracks.

 

[ericwn]

No need for clarification I understand subjective and objective. It's you the one that needs clarification. Your playing on words just to have something to argue or debate. That's why I stated he should have said they have buttons to change tracks.

Thank you for stating your view. I have not followed somebody else and titled their posts as subjective in the first place.

 

[ArcaneDevice]

The beam forming microphone is also embedded in the stem portion of the Airpod, which assists in better voice control and has a shorter distance for your voice to travel to the microphone.

On a personal note, I like using the stem to reposition the Airpods if need be with removing it from the ear, versus having to remove a Bluetooth earbud that would require adjustment or place back in the ear entirely.

That doesn't negate the lazy design.

Adding an extended mic could have been done in numerous ways. Instead they took what they had and just jammed new components into the shells with a lot of glue. Pretty much par for Apple design now. Take the existing model and just drop in some new internals.

If they had given half a crap they could have redesigned the earpieces to add controls (controlling through the phone - again, lazy), redesigned them to perform like monitors so they isolate the sound, added some waterproofing for better use during exercise ...

If you are saying you think this is the best design Apple could come up with it's just indicative of how low the bar is now for their products.

 

[44267547]

That doesn't negate the lazy design.

Adding an extended mic could have been done in numerous ways. Instead they took what they had and just jammed new components into the shells with a lot of glue. Pretty much par for Apple design now. Take the existing model and just drop in some new internals.

If they had given half a crap they could have redesigned the earpieces to add controls (controlling through the phone - again, lazy), redesigned them to perform like monitors so they isolate the sound, added some waterproofing for better use during exercise ...

If you are saying you think this is the best design Apple could come up with it's just indicative of how low the bar is now for their products.

What are you talking about? Where did I post "This is the best design." I posted my opinion on the stem position being a preference For my liking and the beam forming microphone capabilities.

So, what your saying is, you have a self subjected bitter opinion on the lazy design of the Airpods that have a new low bar set for Apple's product line. While you keep complaining why Apple didn't meet your expectations, I'm enjoying the Airpods, as well as many others are. The only thing 'Indicative' is your post is nothing more than an opinion and that's all it's worth.

 

[vinsalducci]

The beam forming microphone is also embedded in the stem portion of the Airpod, which assists in better voice control and has a shorter distance for your voice to travel to the microphone.

On a personal note, I like using the stem to reposition the Airpods if need be with removing it from the ear, versus having to remove a Bluetooth earbud that would require adjustment or place back in the ear entirely.

The notion that this "beam forming microphone" is some sort of panacea is laughable. People to whom I speak won the phone using the Headphone can hear me just fine.

This beam-forming nonsense sure isn't worth the silly looking parts sticking out of my ear. I don't like them. What's more, I suspect this "beam form" thing is a red herring-the part that sticks out is probably a pair of antenna.
[doublepost=1484700272][/doublepost]It's hilarious how angry people get when either a) they don't care for the design of an Apple product, or b) they don't agree with someone that likes a product.

I can't get that worked up about them. I had the AirPods, I like the Headphones better, so I returned the headphones. The incredulity with which that was met is comical.

HOW COULD YOU! lol

 

[gugy]

I like the Bragi concept because you can use it on water for swimming. But I have not tried it on water. Sometimes it leaks inside your ear and it is pretty annoying. The fit must be tight and perfect to seal. It's not a easy thing to achieve. I am thinking getting the AirPods and maybe one day Apple will have a waterproof one.

 

[Paco II]

Just to avoid any confusion, only the Dash is waterproof, not the Headphone. The Headphone is considered "sweat-proof".

I like the Bragi concept because you can use it on water for swimming. But I have not tried it on water. Sometimes it leaks inside your ear and it is pretty annoying. The fit must be tight and perfect to seal. It's not a easy thing to achieve. I am thinking getting the AirPods and maybe one day Apple will have a waterproof one.

 

[Arran]

That's a good point. Although, I'd argue that the stems help for directing the conical microphones and provide handles fro quick removal/placement. Competitors might lack the stems, but their mics aren't directional, and they're a pain to remove.

Other sound reasons for the stems:

• They contain the bluetooth antennas. Locating the antenna outside of the ear's "valley" improves bluetooth transmission.
• They visually signal to others that you can't hear them. And when removed, they unambiguously signal the opposite.

And I agree 100% on how they make the AirPods easy to place/remove.

 

[Mac 128]

That's a good point. Although, I'd argue that the stems help for directing the conical microphones and provide handles for quick removal/placement. Competitors might lack the stems, but their mics aren't directional, and they're a pain to remove.

No argument from me, however, the stems were not designed for that purpose, they were appropriated. Who knows whether they would have come up with the same solution had they not chosen to repurpose their existing design.

The notion that this "beam forming microphone" is some sort of panacea is laughable. People to whom I speak won the phone using the Headphone can hear me just fine.

This beam-forming nonsense sure isn't worth the silly looking parts sticking out of my ear. I don't like them. What's more, I suspect this "beam form" thing is a red herring-the part that sticks out is probably a pair of antenna.
[doublepost=1484700272][/doublepost]It's hilarious how angry people get when either a) they don't care for the design of an Apple product, or b) they don't agree with someone that likes a product.

I can't get that worked up about them. I had the AirPods, I like the Headphones better, so I returned the headphones. The incredulity with which that was met is comical.

HOW COULD YOU! lol

Other sound reasons for the stems:

• They contain the bluetooth antennas. Locating the antenna outside of the ear's "valley" improves bluetooth transmission.
• They visually signal to others that you can't hear them. And when removed, they unambiguously signal the opposite.

And I agree 100% on how they make the AirPods easy to place/remove.

The stems contain a substantial portion of the battery, around which are wrapped the antennas, as well as the microphones.

 

[44267547]

The stems contain a substantial portion of the battery, around which are wrapped the antennas, as well as the microphones.

I think most don't understand the stem Contains the battery/antenna. So the stem does serve a purpose aside from the beam forming microphone. However, others have made the argument that why didn't Apple embedd the battery/antenna inside the actual earpiece. Which, is where the W1 Chip is housed and likely couldn't fit Everything in the actual earpiece.