When Apple launched the all-new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus this month, it also introduced a new pair of wireless Airpods to go with the new flagships, which have no audio jack. The new Airpods have received mixed reactions over their comfort, design, price and the futuristic technology.
Apple has popularised the idea of wireless headphones with its Airpods, the success of which remains to be seen. The new iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus will be arriving along with the entire range of accessories in India early next month. While the high price point of the iPhones has been well-accepted by fans, it isn't common for shoppers to break the bank for a pair of wireless headphones.
Apple has revealed that the Airpods will be launched in India later next month for Rs 15,400, including the headphone charging case. This is one-quarter of the price of a new iPhone and a long way from the regular earpods, which are priced at Rs 2,500. It all comes down to whether Indians will be comfortable spending so much on a set of wireless earphones.
If the wireless technology Apple has demonstrated in its Airpods attracts you, but the pricing of the same turns you off, a Hong Kong-based electronics manufacturer, Astrum Holdings, has an affordable solution for Indians. The company launched its all-new ET300 Bluetooth ear bud on Tuesday, replicating the functions of Apple Airpods but without making it cost a fortune.
With top-notch build and sound quality, ET300 ear hooks are designed for comfort and are lightweight. Bluetooth 4.0 helps pair the earphones to iPhone 7 and other Android devices and offers lasting battery life.
According to the company, with a full charge, which takes up to an hour, ET300 can run for up to three hours on music and cover a range of up to 10m. The capsule-sized earphones have a standby time of up to 100 hours. The ET300 comes in white colour and cost Rs 5,990, almost three times cheaper than Apple Airpods.
Astrum also launched two other audio products — ET220 wireless headphones with a neckband for Rs 2,290 and a wireless Bluetooth speaker S1T150 for Rs 2,990.
"With this new offering, our audio range has been elevated further. The customers now have another option to choose from Astrum's wide audio range of products. All these products are crafted keeping in mind the challenges and requirements of today's lifestyle. We are excited to launch this audio range for voyagers, people involved in sports and to all the music lovers" Rohit Agarwal, Astrum Electronics CEO, said in a statement.
