Since Apple introduced the AirPods back in 2016, both iPhone and Android users have been searching for something like the company’s truly wireless headphones, but more affordable.
That search could be finally over.
Earlier this week, Mobvoi, a Chinese company made up of former Google, Microsoft and Amazon employees, launched an Indiegogo campaign for its latest product, the TicPods Free. With approximately a month left in the TicPods Free crowdfunding campaign, the company has already raised more than $387,000 USD.
And it’s easy to see why.
The TicPods Free offer an AirPods-like experience, with some nice added features, for a fraction of the price of Apple’s truly wireless headphones. They’re also fully compatible with both iOS and Android devices.
Like AirPods, the TicPods Free are a pair of Bluetooth headphones with no wires in sight that come with an included carrying case that charges them when they’re not in use. The case also supports fast charging, with Mobvoi claiming it can provide the TicPods Free with 85 minutes of battery life in approximately 15 minutes.
The TicPods Free don’t feature any physical buttons. Instead, playback is controlled with a variety of touch gestures. For instance, double tap them allows the user to either skip a song or answer a phone call. Moreover, just like AirPods, the TicPods Free feature in-ear detection; removing one of the earbuds from your ear will automatically pause music playback.
Mobvoi promises four hours of battery life, with the case providing an additional 14 hours before it needs its own top-up. All told, both the headphones and case can provide 18 hours of playback. The company also promises support for both Google Assistant and Siri, as well as sound isolation with two different sizes of silicone tips. Lastly, the earbuds are rated IPX5 water and dust resistant.
At retail, Mobvoi plans to sell the TicPodsFree for $129 USD. For a limited time, however, the company is offering them at a special early bird price of $79 USD (supplies are limited, however, so act fast if you’re at all interested).
Visit Mobvoi’s Indiegogo page to learn more the TicPods Free.
Source: Indiegogo
