Xiaomi is known for its simple, inexpensive accessories almost as much as it is for its phones, and the company’s latest effort is particularly eye-catching: AirPods-style wireless earbuds for under $30.
By Sam Byford, The Verge
Xiaomi
is known for its simple, inexpensive accessories almost as much as it
is for its phones, and the company’s latest effort is particularly
eye-catching: AirPods-style wireless earbuds for under $30. They’re
called AirDots and feature much of the same functionality as Apple’s
product, including tappable controls and a compact charging case. Unlike
AirPods, however, the AirDots have silicone tips that could allow for
better sound isolation and a more secure fit. They also support
Bluetooth 5.0.
At 199 yuan (about $29) for pre-order in China,
it’s very unlikely that the AirDots will match up to the AirPods in
audio quality or performance reliability. I recently tried out Oppo’s O-Free wireless earbuds,
which sell for 699 yuan ($100) and offer the most AirPods-like
experience of any similar product I’ve seen to date — and even they
weren’t able to come close to the original.
But it’s clear that
the technology for wireless earbuds is going to continue to trickle down
to the point where they could plausibly be included in the box with
phones soon. Xiaomi itself has form in this regard; after announcing a $15 wireless charger earlier in the year, now it’s part of the package you get with the new Mi Mix 3 phone.
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