It wasn’t that long ago when a company called Bragi showed off a pair of totally wireless ear phones. Meaning nothing connected the two ear pods, let alone a cable from the pods to the playback device. It seemed impossible, but soon others came up with earpods that used the same concept. Apple’s AirPods are the most well-known. Samsung also has an IconX pair meant specifically for workouts.
Now, French company Zoook has launched its ZB-Rocker Twinpods in India.
Just in case
Like Apple’s AirPods, the Twinpods also sit in an interesting case that looks like a little UFO. The bottom is made up of some soft silicone-like material and feels rather nice to touch. On top of the ‘spaceship’ is a hatch that opens up to reveal the two pods, nestling in their cutouts. The pods are a little clumpy, but with a lot of push and shove, you get them into your ears — and there they sit, if they’ve been put in right. I had a little trouble with that and changed the ear tips from the three provided in the box to the smallest. I still had trouble getting exactly the right position, but once in, they didn’t try to fall out. The ‘spaceship’ case charges the pods and if you charge four times altogether, you get 16 hours of playing time. You charge the entire ensemble by plugging the case into the USB cable and regular power.
Minimal controls
The ZB-Rocker pods have a button each on the back of the bud. You control things with a press and taps. They work with Android phones and also with the iPhone, with which they easily went into Siri mode when tapped twice. It’s just that I couldn’t hear her that loud and clear. You can also take calls using a pod.
These earpods are clearly meant for exercise sessions. They’re water and sweat proof. There’s no trouble listening to exercise instructions and cues or workout music while in action. But I did find the sound a little wanting when it came to music.
I found a certain fullness missing, the sound always making me feel like I hadn’t pushed the pods into my ear well enough. I found the sound also a little on the sharp tinny side and not bassy enough for me.
All in all, I wouldn’t say that I experienced surprising sound from these but rather think that their value comes from offering the convenience of wirelessness at a relatively inexpensive price.
The earpods work with Bluetooth 4.2 and claim a range of 33 feet. When you move out of range behind walls, the sound fades away as if intended, rather than crackling uncertainly. You may or may not like that touch. I found one ear or the other inexplicably turning itself off and then back on again, confusing me somewhat as to what it wanted me to do.
Despite the glitches I mentioned, the ZB-Rocker Twinpods are a third of the price of Apple’s AirPods and although those sound better and are smarter, there’s something to be said for affordability.
(The article first appeared in The Hindu BusinessLine.)