Box-ticking buds

For better or worse, the consumer technology industry has largely become embroiled in a big box-ticking exercise. How many services does this music streamer support? Are MQA and AirPlay 2 onboard? What about Google Cast? Do these wireless headphones have Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX? Honestly, it is di…cult to keep up! But while sonic performance is, we all have to remember, the key pillar to a successful product, features are important in this wireless digital age of convenience. And Yamaha clearly knows that. Its latest true wireless earbuds, the TW-E3C, tick a lot of today's boxes: Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive for some of the stablest and highestperforming portable connectivity around; a decent 24 hours of battery life (nine hours in the buds themselves, plus 15 hours from the case; IPX5 waterproofing for protection up to “a low-pressure water stream”; and app control and features that include EQ presets.

Then there's multipoint Bluetooth support for seamless audio switching (useful if, say, you want to wirelessly listen to music from your laptop but also be connected to a phone in case a call comes in), plus the option to turn on ‘ambient’ mode if you need to stay somewhat dialled into your surroundings. Gamers even have access to a gaming mode to reduce latency.

Really, Yamaha’s all-new TW-E3C impress as much as any earbuds could on paper — not least for a pair that costs a mere $129. They look good too, thanks in part to the range of colours on o¡er — grey, black, red, beige, green and blue. Now they just need to prove up to scratch in the all-important sound department as well…

For more information, contact Yamaha Australia on 1800 805 413 or visit https://au.yamaha.com