Gadgets :: June 27, 2018
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
You can say the recent release of the TwelveSouth AirFly is timed perfectly with the summer travel season upon us, or you can say anytime is perfect for that matter.
The wave of Bluetooth headsets work great with your smartphone or tablet, but connecting them to wired headphone ports is impossible. That’s why almost every airline has installed for in-flight entertainment.
Now you connect the tiny AirFly to the 3.5 mm wired headphone jack with the included audio cable and pair is wirelessly to your handheld devices Bluetooth.
It works great with wireless earbuds, headphones and true wireless earbuds. I tried all three successfully.
While it works great at 36,000 feet, there are still ways you can use it on the ground. Using a wireless headset with a TV was a challenge until I tried the AirFly, which solved that problem. Also connecting to audio systems at a gym is now a breeze to keep yourself from being tethered to a workout machine with an audio cable.
A built-in USB rechargeable battery will last for about 8 hours and works indefinitely if you have a power source plugged into it while in use. Besides the microUSB charging port and the 3.5 mm audio connection, the only other button is for pairing.
To pair, press the button on the AirFly for a few seconds and the pairing button on your headphones. There’s no display, app or anything to show that the connection is made, it just works. After the first time they are paired with your device, a connection is made whenever the AirFly is turned on and in range of each other.
It’s another gadget to carry around, but the AirFly measures only 1.8-by-.13-by-.39-inches and weighs just .55 ounces. A travel pouch is included. Apple AirPod fans will like the comparison, which has it just a slightly smaller than the wireless earbud case.
One obvious reminder, remember to unplug it before getting off plane or leaving the gym. Otherwise, I’m pretty certain someone will be enjoying the wireless freedom.
www.twelvesouth.com $39.99
Speaking of true wireless earbuds, another great set I tried is the Altec Lansing’s new True EVO Wireless Earbuds.
Aside from great sound and the wireless aspects (not even a wire connecting the two earbuds), they are packed with features.
Most true wireless earbuds come with a hard storage case, which doubles as a charging case. This lets you charge them while they connected to a USB power source or just sitting in your pocket.
Altec has added Qi wireless charging to the case, so just put the case on any Qi charger (not included) and it will charge the earbuds and the case cable free. You’ll get about four full charges, which takes three hours per charge out of the case, before it needs a charge itself.
Aside from being packed with these great features, we generally purchase audio equipment for the sound and these do not disappoint. The clarity and bass along with an affordable price make them ideal for any user.
Lawn work or exercising during the summer heat generates sweat, which isn’t a problem with the Altech EVO earbuds and it’s IPX6 water resistant rating. One button Bluetooth pairing is simple and handsfree calls worked perfect.
Several sets of earths are included to ensure a proper and snug fit.
www.alteclansing.com $99.99
