And if the charging case for your headphones true wireless became a smart health connected bracelet? Here is the amazing concept of Aipower Wearbuds. The advantage of this 2-in-1 device is to always have your earphones easily within reach… or rather on your wrist. After successful crowdfunding, this device is on sale on the manufacturer's website for around 180 euros, or even a little less depending on the promotional offers. For this price, you receive the in-ear headphones, the bracelet, a USB charging cable and a pair of additional ear tips.
Wearbuds work like any other Bluetooth headset (they are aptX compatible for better sound) and do not pose any pairing problem. However, their autonomy is average. We measured 3 h 41 min of operation, against 5 h 30 min announced by the manufacturer.
To recharge them, simply insert them into the two bracelet slots provided for this purpose, located on the left and on the right. By pushing them all the way in, a fastening system activates to keep them in place. To extract them, press the visible part to release them slightly, as with a push button. We have found the system practical for the earpiece located towards the hand (the one on the left if you are right-handed), but access is more difficult for the other earpiece because you may be embarrassed by rolling up your sleeve. A green LED lights up on the headphones while charging and disappears when the operation is complete (around 55 minutes for a full charge). Too bad the battery level of the headphones does not appear on the screen of the bracelet, which would be more practical.
We have measured that the battery level of the bracelet decreases by 38% when the headphones are fully charged. It is therefore possible to carry out two full charges without too much problem.
Warm but dull sound
Water resistant (IPX6 index), the Wearbuds are quite comfortable to wear and offer good passive insulation from outside noise. The sound is warm with good midrange and proper bass reproduction. However, it lacks treble, which results in an absence of details. We appreciated the good quality of listening for telephone communications. Listening control (pause, volume, next or previous song, call pickup) is done via touch controls on the outer surface of the headphones (silver area in the photo above). This is not always obvious because sometimes you have to tap several times, or for a long time.
Unsurprisingly, the bracelet is too thick
With its two centimeters thick, the smart health connected bracelet is rather bulky to wear compared to Fitbit type models. But it turns out to be rather comfortable with its well-designed clasp, which holds without being too tight. On the other hand, the thickness may pose a problem if your jacket or shirt is not loose enough at the wrist. Users who are resistant to thick watches will definitely go their way.
This bracelet resists splashing water (IPX5), but it is imperative to remove it to take a shower because it is not waterproof.
IOS or Android application to use this smart health connected bracelet
You must download the free Wearbuds app to use it with iOS or Android smartphones. We appreciated the clarity and simplicity of the app, which is quite basic, it is true. It allows you to record your activity history, monitoring your sleep, and set goals. Alas, the section Exercises is limited to walking, jogging and cycling. So we are in the presence of a very basic activity tracker. You also define which notifications you want to receive (calls, messages, Facebook, etc.).
A readable display, limited to a few pieces of information
The bracelet has a 0.96 inch touch screen, with a resolution of 80 x 160 pixels. No OLED technology on this model, nor reinforced glass. So be careful not to scratch the screen. However, the display is clear and legible. With a swipe of your finger, you can access information on the number of steps taken, calories burned, floors climbed, the distance traveled, but also your heart rate. The latter is measured via a sensor on the back of the bracelet, which also incorporates an accelerometer, a barometer and a vibrator.
Quick charge for the battery
The display also shows the time and the battery level. To recharge the latter, you must use a proprietary USB cable, so do not lose, which ends with a magnetic connector. Connection to the back of the bracelet is very simple and charging is quick: 10% every 10 minutes. Allow about 1 h 40 min for a full charge which, according to the manufacturer, ensures a maximum of 7 days of use. In reality, we found that the autonomy decreases quite quickly (10% per day by leaving the device in a drawer). If you use the headphones often and have to recharge them, you will probably have to recharge the bracelet every night.
In the end, the Wearbuds and their bracelet honorably fulfill their mission … provided they are not put off by wearing a very large bracelet on the wrist. The whole remains far from equaling, in versatility and comfort, the latest Airpods Pro or a Fitbit bracelet. The price is nevertheless reasonable for a device to say the least original, worthy of James Bond gadgets.
