When Android Wear and Apple Watch launched, each device touted the ability to bring the functionality of a phone to your wrist. This has been executed with varying degrees of success. While I am able to check my notifications and carry out certain tasks on my Apple Watch, an iPhone it is not.
That’s where the Cicret Bracelet makes its entrance. This conceptual project from a band of former Apple, Dell, InFocus employees quite literally puts your device’s home screen on your wrist. With a fitness tracker-style band and micro projector, Cicret has an intriguing game plan. Head below to see it in action.
Originally detailed back in 2014, Cicret has been developed over the course of the last few years. Visually, it looks a lot like Jawbone’s UP24 fitness tracker. But instead of focusing on physical activity, this wristband brings full smartphone functionality to your arm. It’s all built around a tiny projector stashed inside the wristband. Aside from replicating your phone’s screen, it is also able to detect movements and inputs. The proximity sensor can track what is happening and relays commands to your device via Bluetooth.
Cicret says that its new wristband will be able to mirror Android, Apple and Windows Phone devices. There isn’t much information here in terms of how this is accomplished, be it AirPlay or another software function. In the video below, you’ll notice that this feature is only replicated with an Android device and shows an early rendering of the software will work. The product itself runs a modified version of Android and has 32GB of built-in storage. There is also a vibrator for alerts and Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth radios.
View video:
HOW BRACELET WORKS
So what does this all mean? Well, for one, it’s bound to be a more effective way to use your device than any of the other current options on the market. But that all hinges on Cicret’s ability to bring this product to fruition. One of my biggest complaints about the Apple Watch is how poorly the functionality of my phone has been replicated on the wearable. Aside from receiving notifications and tracking my daily exercise, there isn’t a lot of must-have functionality there. The ability to have full access to all of my apps and information would be a lust-worthy feature.
Although the concept was previously introduced a few years back, Cicret is currently in the midst of a crowdfunding project through its own website. It’s taking an interesting approach to raising money. There are a handful of different donation options, each of which knocks down the price of a Cicret pre-order later this year. For example, a $100 pledge today reduces the final price to $150 when the product is ready to be launched. It’s a unique to plan to skip Kickstarter or Indiegogo in favor of handling this process internally. Use appropriate judgement here if you were to be interested in funding this project.
The Cicret Bracelet is set to begin pre-orders with a retail price of $300 in the fall. Customers that donate by the end of the month can lock in a discounted price of $250. Cicret will initially be available in four different colors with a water-resistant casing.
Upgrading to a good quality pair of headphones will make a real difference when listening to your music. Our expert guide will help you find out which headphones are best for you.
There are a huge variety of headphones available from a number of brands, such as Beats by Dre, Sony and Sennheiser. Some are great for listening to music at home, whereas smaller, more portable models keep you listening in comfort while on the go. Each set of headphones vary in the range of features they offer – from noise cancellation and wireless connectivity, to in-line remote controls and mobile phone functionality. The best headphones sound great, are comfortable for long periods and should stand the test of time. Read on to find out the key factors to look out for,
What makes a good set of headphones?
Headphones come in a range of shapes and sizes and can cost anything from £5 to £300, but if you're looking to get the most out of your music they need to sound good, and fit comfortably.
Great sound: the best headphones deliver full sound that’s balanced across treble, midrange, and bass frequencies. Most in-ear models struggle when it comes to producing bass, but some larger, over-ear headphones deliver rich, deep sounds. Open-back headphones offer a more natural sound than closed headphones, but they tend to leak more noise. Closed headphones can sound a bit muffled but are good at preventing sound leakage and blocking out unwanted noise.
Comfortable to wear: whether you intend to use headphones every day or just occasionally, comfort is paramount when choosing the best set. Some in-ear headphones are comfortable, but if you plan to use your headphones for long periods then on- and over-ear models typically offer the best comfort.
What type of headphones should I buy?
There are four main types of headphones: earbuds, in-ear, on-ear and over-ear. The type you opt for will depend on a number of factors, including how portable you want them to be and what type of sound you are looking for. There is also an element of personal preference.
Earbuds: small and cheap, earbuds are often bundled with MP3 players and smartphones. They nestle inside the ear but don't fully seal it, so they’re susceptible to sound leakage and some people find them too loose fitting to be comfortable. They generally offer the worst audio experience out of the four types of headphones.
In-ear headphones: these are probably the most common type and are somethimes supplied with portable music players. They're lightweight, portable, and generally much cheaper than on- and over-ear sets. They fit snugly inside the ear canal to provide a tight seal so minimise sound leakage. However, sound quality is generally poorer than over-ear and on-ear designs, particularly at the base end.
On-ear headphones: smaller and lighter than over-ear models, these headphones sit on the ears and usually have foam or leatherette pads for extra comfort. Some are foldable, making them more portable than over-ear models. However, many have an open back design, which means they can’t match the base levels of closed-back, over-ear headphones.
Over-ear headphones: these large headphones have cushioned pads that cover the entire ear. This makes them more comfortable to wear for long periods and they generally deliver good sound quality. Too bulky to be portable, they’re best reserved for home use.
In addition to the four main types, there are specialised headphones for specific purposes, such as sports models that have additional features to help keep them in place during exercise.
How much should I spend on a new pair of headphones?
You can pick up a new set of headphones for less than 879 Inr, but these rarely impress. In general, more expensive models are built from higher quality materials, therefore sound better and last longer. However, there are exceptions to this - we've uncovered Don't Buy models that cost more than 17,572 Inr, and Best Buys that are less than half that price.
Should I buy wireless headphones?
Wireless headphones let you listen to music without being tethered to the audio source. This makes them perfect for situations such as listening to music in the gym where trailing cables can get in the way. There are two main types of wireless technologies: infrared and Bluetooth.
Infrared: like a TV remote control, these headphones use an infrared (IR) beam to transmit sound from a base unit. With a range limited to about 7m and the need for a clear line of sight between the headphones and base unit, you can’t wander round the house using infrared headphones. However, they’re great for watching TV or listening to music from your MP3 player or hi-fi while in the same room.
Bluetooth: as with hands-free mobile phone kits, Bluetooth headphones use a short-range digital radio signal to transmit sound. These headphones have a similar range to infrared but they don’t require line of sight, so you can move from room to room at home while listening to your music.
What are noise cancelling headphones?
It’s tempting to drown out external noise such as traffic by cranking up the volume on your headphones, but this often annoys others and can even damage your hearing. The best solution is to invest in a pair of noise cancelling headphones so you can enjoy your audio at much lower volumes. Tiny microphones and battery-powered electronics built into the headphones produce anti-noise signals to cancel out external audio, such as the low drone of an engine. Some headphones use standard AAA batteries while other headphones have a custom battery that can be recharged using a USB connection. These headphones don’t come cheap though – expect to pay around 4,393 Inr for an entry-level model, to more than 26.358 Inr for a top-end pair. Some do a great job at keeping unwanted sounds out, while others don't make much of a difference.
What are mobile phone headphones?
Most mobile phones have a headphone port, so you can listen to audio saved on your phone while on the go. You can also use streaming services, such as Spotify and TuneIn Radio to access music over the internet, using your phone. In these instances it's best to buy a pair of headphones that are specifically designed for mobile phone use. They feature an in-line remote control, often found towards the top of the cable, that can be used to alter the volume, skip tracks and stop your music altogether. They usually also house a microphone, for hands-free voice calling. Android and Apple mobile phone headphones are configured slightly different to one another, so be sure your phone is compatible before making any purchase.
Most of us are tethered to our devices for at least
part of every day, listening to music on the go or
watching videos on a tablet, laptop, or phone.
The headphones we wear have become more
than merely an accessory–they are practically an
extension of ourselves.
The right pair will let you enjoy a late-night movie
without disturbing your sleeping partner or listen
to music at a crowded coffee shop.
If you're still using the free earbuds that came with
your phone or other gadget, you may want to
consider an upgrade. You have many choices
these days: from tiny, in-ear models that will
slip into a shirt pocket to big, over-the-ear models
that can help immerse you in the music and make
you look (and maybe even feel!) like a DJ.
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Size: B.I.G. or Lil'
Your choice of headphones is as much about your lifestyle (and even personal brand) as it is about your wallet. Some people buy different types for different uses–one, say, for working out and another for relaxing. The lines, however, are blurring. You’ll now see people on the street or on the train wearing large models that used to be worn primarily at home, while others are attached to their earbuds 24/7, even while watching movies or TV.
Smaller: When Portability is Paramount
All headphones are technically “portable”, but we use the term to describe small, lightweight models, some of which can be folded and tucked away in a pocket or purse when not in use. This category also includes earbuds for use with smartphones–ones that come with a microphone and on-cord controls for volume and to connect / disconnect calls. Note that while smaller, lighter headphones are often more comfortable than their bulkier brethren, you might trade sound quality for comfort.
Larger: Where Sound Reigns Supreme
We use the term “Home/Studio-Style” to describe typically larger headphones that look like earmuffs, the two earpieces connected by an adjustable headband. Most are corded, with wires that run from 3 feet to 8 feet long–so they can be connected to an audio source such as a receiver or TV. Some fold for storage and come with carrying pouches. There are also battery-powered, wireless models–with Bluetooth or other technologies that connect to a smart phone or tablet without the cord.
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Tips on Finding the Right Pair For You
Evaluate sound quality
Like speakers, headphones might emphasize different parts of the audio spectrum, and you might prefer one sound over another. If you can, try headphones before buying. If you buy online, check return policies to make sure that purchases can be returned or exchanged for another model.
Choose a design suited to your expected use
Over-the-ear models are great for listening at home but could be too large to be easily stowed when you're traveling. Smaller, more portable models might sacrifice some sound quality, but they are definitely handy. Earbuds and insert models are great for listening to music on the go. If you'll be doing a lot of flying, consider headphones with active noise-reduction technology.
For the best sound, stick with corded models
For serious music listening, we recommend one of the better-rated corded models. For less-critical music listening and for use with a TV, most corded models are fine. We found that many newer wireless headphones work well too, and some are quite good. But are still some have background hissing and/or dynamic range compression that deadens the sound to some extent.
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Types: A Model to Fit Every Ear
Your choice of type is highly personal. Many listeners are comfortable wearing insert-style earphones that go into the ear canal, or earbuds that rest in the bowl of the ear, but others find them irritating. Some users prefer on-ear or over-ear headphones. But others balk at their bulk or complain that they interfere with eyeglasses or earrings. Depending on what you’ll use them for most often, you might want to consider wireless and/or noise-canceling models. Use this guide to help you find the type that suits your specific needs.
Over-The-Ear
These come in two types. The “closed” models cup your ears, sealing in sound and muffling ambient noise. But they might also block out some things you want to hear, such as a doorbell or a child's cry. Some people find that their ears get hot if they wear them for a long time. “Open” headphones have openings in the ear cups. You'll be able to hear more external sounds, but sound can also escape, perhaps enough to disturb someone nearby.
On-Ear
These are typically lighter than over-the-ear models and don't press on the sides of your head; rather, they press on the ears. Many wearers find them more comfortable and less likely to make their ears hot during long listening sessions. But they can allow more ambient sound to enter. On-ear headphones, like over-the-ear, also come in "open" and "closed" versions. Some can fold for storage and come with carrying pouches.
In-Ear
Earbuds rest in the bowl of the ear, outside the ear canal, though a portion might extend into the canal itself. Earbuds are fairly common, as they typically come with iPods and other portable audio players. Insert-style models are inserted into the ear canal, forming a seal that can help keep out extraneous sounds. Most come with additional earpieces (canal tips) of varying sizes to ensure a secure fit.
Z
Wireless
Wireless models are common, and most use Bluetooth–with a typical range of up to 30 feet or so–to connect to a smart phone or to a portable media player. But a few models still use RF or infrared (IR) technologies. Some home models have a battery-powered headset and an AC-powered transmitter that connect to your audio or video gear. RF models can transmit signals through walls and floors, so you don't have to be near your sound system. But they are subject to interference from other devices, such as cordless phones and microwave ovens, that operate on the same frequencies (often 900MHz or 2.4GHz). RF technologies include FM (analog) and digital spread spectrum. Wireless headphones that use infrared technology, much like a TV remote does, require a direct line of sight to the transmitter.
We've found that digital wireless models can provide better performance than analog, and 2.4 gigahertz models often beat 900 megahertz headphones.
Noise Reduction
Noise-canceling headphones are good for anyone who wants to listen to music or movie dialog without being disturbed by outside noise. The design of some models offer passive noise reduction; closed design over-the-ear and insert-style earphones tend to block more noise than do open design, on-ear, and earbud-style headphones. Active noise-canceling models go further. These battery-powered headphones use tiny microphones to monitor noise frequencies, and then produce those same frequencies out of phase in an effort to cancel them. In general, we found the most effective noise reduction in models with both a design that physically blocks noise and active noise cancellation.
Some models let you turn off noise reduction, so you can still use them if the batteries die. Others work only with noise canceling activated, so if the batteries die you can't use them. You can also use the noise-canceling feature when you're not listening to music, to reduce outside noise.
Features For Enjoying Your "Audio"
Many headphones or earphones that seem fine at first could become quite uncomfortable during extended use. Comfort, of course, is subjective, depending in part on the size and shape of your head and ears and how much adjustment a headphone allows. Here are some important features that will help you to keep on loving your headphones over the long haul.
Collars
A distinctive feature of some models is a contoured collar, which wraps around the back of the neck. The band, which includes all the controls for functions such as changing audio tracks and adjusting volume, is constructed to resist movement.
A long, long time ago, before the Age of the Walkman came along and revolutionized the devices in the 1980s, headphones were big and clunky. In those bygone days, headphones were stay-at-home things, relegated to late-night, LP music listening. That was then; the latest generation of slimmed-down headphones injects high-resolution music or home-theater sound directly into your ears.
Forms and styles
The distinctions of portable and home headphones are melting away, but the following rundown of headphone types will clarify your buying options. How you intend to use your headphones -- for music, home theater, or gaming -- and where you plan to do your listening -- at home or on the go -- will narrow the range of possible types you'll want to research. The four major form factors are listed below, from the smallest (or most portable) to the largest, which are the least portable.
1. Earbud headphones
Also known as:In-ear headphones.
Panasonic ErgoFit RP-HJE120 earbud headphones
Earbuds are commonly issued as freebie headphones with portable players and usually get junked in favor of higher-performance buds that offer sonics rivaling full-size models. Their tiny earpieces rest on the outer ear or need to be inserted into the ear canal, and some models include clips for a more tailored, secure fit.
Upside: Ultracompact and lightweight; most models have microphone and track navigation controls built into the wire; can provide moderate to excellent isolation from external noise; little to no interference with earrings, glasses, hats, or hairstyles.
Downside: Sound quality and bass response often not comparable with full-size models; can sometimes cause discomfort over extended use; some reference models are difficult to insert and remove, making them less than ideal for office environments; dual-cable design means more possibilities for tangled wire.
Extra features: Five-button remote to control volume; variety of ear tip sizes and materials (foam, rubber, silicone); over-ear guides; multiple balanced-armature drivers with crossover.
2. On-ear headphones
Also known as:Supra-aural headphones, open-backed headphones, semi-open headphones, closed-back headphones, earpad headphones.
Grado Labs Prestige SR80i
These headphones rest on top of your outer ears and run the gamut from inexpensive portables to high-end home models. While on-ear headphones can have closed designs that cover the ears, some prefer fully sealed circumaural models (see below) for their increased sound isolation and the fact that they won't leak sound to neighbors. Still, the earpad headphone is preferred in places like office environments, where users still benefit from hearing the outside world.
Upside: Comfortable; less prone to overheating ears than full-size headphones; some models fold up for easy transport.
Downside: Less effective noise isolation than in-ear or full-size models; less powerful bass compared with full-size headphones; leaks noise to neighbors.
Extra features: Microphone and track navigation controls on the wire; extra earpad set included; carrying case; folding design; coiled and straight cord.
3. Full-size headphones
Also known as: Circumaural headphones; closed-back headphones; earcup headphones; over-the-ear headphones..
Monster Inspiration headphones
The tech-speak description for this type of headphone is "circumaural," which includes any headphones with earcups that fully enclose your ears. Because of their size and their acoustic isolation, full-size headphones are often considered to be better suited to home use rather than as a portable option, but the recent popularity of Monster's full-size, noise-canceling Beats headphones are challenging the rule.
Upside: Large headphones offer potential for maximum bass and loudness levels; earcups create larger sound stage; surround-sound effectively blocks outside noises, seals music in.
Downside: Large footprint can be cumbersome for portable use; some full-size models have problems with heat on the ears; wide headband can often interfere with earrings, glasses, and some hairstyles.
Extra features: Folding design; detachable cord; microphone, track navigation, and volume controls on the wire; replaceable pads; extra 3.5mm plug for daisy-chain sessions with multiple listeners.
4. Wireless headphones
Also known as: Bluetooth headphones, transmitter headphones.
Sennheiser RS 220 Wireless Hi-fi Headphones
Wireless headphones are most commonly used (A) in apartments with thin walls that don't permit loud media from bookshelf speakers, and (B) on the run where a dangling cord can get in the way. The most popular format for transmitting wireless music is Bluetooth, but keep in mind that you'll sacrifice sound quality to convenience in the file compression process. To combat this audio degradation, some of the newer headphones support the aptX Bluetooth codec that offers slightly improved fidelity.
Upside: No messy wires to trip you up; falling prices make Bluetooth headphones a reasonable auxiliary device for workouts and portable use.
Downside: The music stops when your battery dies; compressed audio files will leave your music sounding less dynamic; less real estate on the headphones means smaller buttons to control track navigation and volume; hardware limitations relegate its use to devices with Bluetooth connectivity.
Extras: Active noise-cancellation; 3.5mm port, and cable for a hardwired connection; replaceable earpads; travel case.
5. Noise-canceling headphones
AKG K495 NC Acoustics
These headphones hush ambient noise by creating antinoise that obviates the noise at your ear. They don't eliminate the outside world, but the better models significantly reduce the whoosh of airplanes' air-conditioning systems. Noise-canceling headphones come in all forms, from full-size to earbuds. Since you no longer have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise, this type of headphone lets you listen at lower levels, which leads to reduced ear fatigue. You'll also hear more low-level detail in your music.
Upside: Active noise-canceling technology eliminates ambient noise; ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
Downside: Alters the "natural" qualities of music; some people experience an "underwater" nausea effect from the noise-canceling hum.
The size, type, and technology of a pair of headphones are all critical to a purchasing decision. But it's important to demystify the bevy of features and headphone-specific vocabulary. Listed below are the most important features you'll need to consider before finding the perfect pair of headphones.
Bass: Even at its very best, headphone bass is never the sort of pants-flapping, sock-it-to-your-gut experience you literally feel from massive speakers or subwoofers, but many manufacturers (like the Beats by Dr. Dre) custom tune their "signature sound" to emphasize the lower frequencies, albeit at the cost of instrument separation and natural delivery.Soul by Ludacris SL300Sarah Tew/CNETEarbuds are tiny and portable, but -- except for a couple of high-end models -- they can't compete with full-size, over-the-ear headphones for deep bass response or visceral dynamic range.
Sealed vs. open: Sealed headphones -- the noise-isolating, in-ear models or the full-size earcup designs -- acoustically isolate your ears from your environment. Of course, the degree of isolation varies from one pair of headphones to another, and the seal limits the leakage of the headphones' sound out to the room.Sealed models are ideal for private listening, where you don't want the sound to be heard by other people. Open headphones -- such as foam earpad models and many sports designs -- are acoustically transparent and allow outside sound to be heard by the headphone wearer, and a good deal of the headphones' sound will be audible to anyone near the listener.
Generally speaking, such headphones produce better, more "open" sound than sealed designs. Because they don't block out everything from the outside world, open-backed headphones are recommended for outdoor activities, such as jogging, which require awareness of your environment.
Comfort and weight: Assessing sound quality is always a subjective exercise, but the only way to judge comfort is to put them on and listen for at least 10 minutes.Do the earpads exert too much pressure on your ears? Headphones that enclose or cover your ears can get uncomfortably hot, but you'll have to wear them for a while to find out. Some of the bigger sealed models with cushy leatherette pads are the worst offenders.
Pro-style headphones are comparatively bulky and can feel uncomfortably heavy after hours of use. Lighter headband-style headphones are almost always more comfortable than heavier ones. And even if they're not, they're less of a hassle to carry around.
Durability: There's no reason a headphone should be treated as disposable technology. Unlike almost everything else in the realm of consumer electronics, this year's headphones won't be obsolete six months or a year from now. In fact, there's no reason a good pair of headphones can't last for the better part of a decade.Be sure to assess the build quality of your prospective headphones. Some earbuds and portable devices are relatively fragile, for instance. If the headphones fold up for easy storage, are the hinges robust, or will they fall apart in a month or two? Don't forge to consider that the earpads and earbuds will get extensive wear and tear over the life of the headphones.
Cable dressing and length: Most stereo headphones have just one cable, usually attached to the left earpiece (sometimes called single-sided cabling). Some models -- and all earbuds -- use a Y-cable that connects to both earpieces (double-sided). The actual cable plug, meanwhile, is usually one of two designs: a straight I-plug or an angled L-plug; the latter may be useful if your portable player has a side- or bottom-mounted headphone jack.
Harman/Kardon Classic
Preferences for the length of headphone cables vary for portable users, especially depending on where you prefer to wear your device: a backpack or a pants pocket necessitates a longer cable, while you'll opt for a short one when wearing a player on a neck lavalier or an armband. But a cable length at either extreme need not be a fatal flaw: extension cables can lengthen those that are too short, and cable wraps can tighten up ones that are too long.
Quick reference glossary
You'll find a few of the following specifications on the headphones' box or on the manufacturer's Web site. Here's what they mean:
Frequency response : Frequency-response specifications in full-size loudspeakers are generally pretty useless in predicting sound quality, but headphone frequency-response numbers are even worse. Manufacturers have routinely exaggerated frequency-response figures to the point that they're irrelevant. Even the flimsiest, cheap headphones routinely boast extremely low bass-response performance --15Hz or 20Hz -- but almost always sound lightweight and bright. Generally, bass buffs will be happier sticking with larger 'phones.
Total harmonic distortion: True, headphones with lower actual total harmonic distortion (THD) will sound better than those with higher THD. But the quoted THD numbers -- "less than 1 percent" -- aren't helpful in predicting sound quality. Listen to recordings of simply recorded acoustic guitar to assess the distortion of one set of headphones versus another. Some will sound appreciably cleaner than others.
Impedance: Generally speaking, the lower the headphones' electrical impedance (aka resistance), the easier it is to get higher volume. But here again, the low impedance is no guarantee of high volume capability; other factors can still limit loudness potential. Since many MP3 players have feeble power output -- the iPod is a notable exception -- smart shoppers should check the loudness before purchasing any pair of headphones. To be sure, listen with your player.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need a headphone amplifier?
A: What you plug your headphones into can significantly affect their sound, and the quality of the amplifiers built into portable CD/MP3 players is generally awful. It's not their fault: the little guys have to power their electronics and their internal amplifier using a few puny volts. Even some of the better home AV receivers' headphone jacks offer highly variable sound quality.
Steve Guttenberg/CNET
If you find yourself listening to headphones a lot of the time and care about sound quality, you might want to consider purchasing a headphone amp. Both home and portable headphone amplifiers are available.
Q: I lost the ear tips that came with my earbuds, do I have to buy a whole new pair of headphones?
A: Absolutely not...unless you're just looking for an excuse to try something new. But if you're not made of money, you can always hit up the manufacturer for a pair of replacement tips. Most earbuds only come with one set of each size, so losing one can be annoying. If you're in an experimental mood, Comply offers aftermarket tips that fit your brand and come in a variety of materials.
Q: Does a higher price tag mean the headphones will sound better?
A: Not necessarily. We're continually surprised that people drop hundreds of dollars on a smartphone and still refuse to invest in a quality pair of headphones to use with it. On the other hand, not all inexpensive headphones should be assumed to be cheap.
Case in point: the Koss PortaPro headphones first hit the market in 1984 and have become such a favorite with audiophiles that the company leaves the design (and the price tag) untouched. You can still pick one up for less than 3,359 Inr, and they come with a lifetime warranty, no receipt necessary.
