New wireless earbuds from Jabra, called Sport Wireless+, are a great way to listen to music on the run.
Jabra’s new Sport Wireless+ stereo headset
In fact, they’re designed to be a capable and convenient way to listen to your music favourites and playlists almost anywhere: in the gym is one place the manufacturer touts for using the sports headset, but you can listen while you run, walk, bike, play or just lie there.
No wires or cables – these wireless earbuds are very light, just 25 grams; they are shock proof, and resistant to dust and water: no moisture gets into the electronics thanks to the silicon-like coating that covers the control buttons and coats the earpiece.
I like the sound they deliver: clear, crisp, good high-end tones, and good bass (not seat shaking, but solid) sound reproduction.
The black and yellow earbuds are soft and springy to the touch; they’re connected by a thin black polymer strap that adjusts and holds firm to the back of your head once set.
Some folks do think they are a little uncomfortable, not having a swivel top or bendable arms, but I found them fine to wear, even with the arms of my glasses competing with the buds for space over top of my ears. They come with a set of differently-shaped ‘eargels’ that go over the listening port, giving a better match for your ear shape and thus a more comfortable fit.
The kit includes earbuds, adaptable eargels, mini USB cable, carrying case and instructions; Z30 not included.
The buds are supposed to ‘lock-on’ for the active athlete or fitness buff using the strap and or eargels; I had no issue with anything falling off during average activity, but then again, I did not wear them during my WWE grudge match!!
If anything, the one problem I encountered was managing the teeny, tiny control buttons themselves.
On the right side earbuds, there’s a toggling strip-button that acts as volume up or down control, as well as being a ‘search for next station’ button for the unit’s built-in FM radio.
There’s also a small circular multi-function button that controls power, play/pause, call answer and hang-up, Bluetooth pairing and more.
Small buttons on the Jabra Sport Wireless+ earbud are used to control a range of functions and features.
You really have to practice and get used to all the control you have with just a touch of the earbud, lest you accidently hang up on someone or make an unintended call to the last incoming number.
Muting and unmuting the microphone is another function supported with the Volume button, and the omni-directional mic filters background noise during calls.
(By the way, Bluetooth V 3.0 pairing with a BlackBerry Z30 was easy; the Jabra will ‘talk’ you through the process if needed, giving any needed PIN numbers and then confirming connectivity with its built-in pre recorded voice instructions.)
There’s also a micro USB socket hidden under a flap on the earbud arm, for recharging the battery, which lasts up to 4.5 hours on a charge, and there’s a small LED indicator light reporting various states or functions.
Extra features available with the Jabra Sport Wireless+ that I did not try include Multiuse connectivity to two devices simultaneously, and a free three month subscription to the Endomondo social fitness service.
Priced less than $100, they still seem a good deal to me – even better, they are part of a prize package being offered here at WhatsYourTech.ca. Check out the ultimate sports headset & portable speaker prize bundle that’s being given away!
It has an approximate prize value of $260.
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submitted by Lee Rickwood
