Headphones

Apple researching headphones with head gestures that track fitness and health data

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 18, 2014

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Tuesday published a new Apple patent No. 8,655,004 for a “sports monitoring system for headphones, earbuds and/or headsets”.

The system could also employ head gestures to control various features and could be a nice companion for an Apple wearable device project.

The invention encloses integrated activity monitors in a set of headphones to pick up such health and fitness related metrics as temperature, perspiration, heart rate data and more...

Audiofly AF45 earbuds review and giveaway: stunningly crisp sound meets affordable price

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Some would say I have a terrible collection of music in my iTunes library. Ask any of my friends, or wife, and I probably rank last in choice of great music. Assuming, for now, I agree with them, that does not mean I cannot appreciate quality sound. Thus, my quest for the best pair of headphones began about a year ago. Keeping my eyes, and ears, open for anything that could quench my audio thirst.

As an average consumer, sound quality and price are both considered. Sure, if we wanted the best money could buy, we would all just buy in-ear monitors like the pros. But, not all of us make millions of dollars. Thankfully, I ran into Audiofly's booth at CES in January this year. Their full line of products dazzled my ears. This summer, I reviewed the AF78's, which were astounding. Today, I take a closer look at the AF45's, a more financially modest pair, as we head into the holiday gifting season. You could even win a pair for yourself! I'm giving away two pair of AF33's and two more pair of AF45's...

Good deal: 46% off iPhone 5/5s accessory bundle

Cody Lee ∙ November 16, 2013

Those of you having trouble figuring out what to get that special someone for Christmas this year, may want to consider smartphone accessories. This is something that they would use everyday, and they're usually fairly inexpensive.

In fact, as luck would have it, Stack Social has an awesome iPhone 5/5s accessory bundle going on right now that could take care of 3 people on your list. The deal site is offering 2 iPhone cases and a pair of earbuds for nearly half off...

Coda Forte bluetooth headphones offer wireless quality

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

When using a headphone, cable is not an option, switching to Bluetooth is obviously the best idea. There are many areas where cordless headphones are optimum, including late nights playing your favorite iOS game next to your wife, who is sleeping and doesn't know you broke the no-gadgets-in-the-bedroom agreement. Keeping yourself out of the dog house is made simple with a pair of headphones.

However, fumbling around with a cord is not always preferred. iFrogz, which was purchased by ZAGG, would agree that wireless is the way to take listening to the next level. The iFrogz Audio Coda Forte Bluetooth Headphones with Mic, which I will term "Coda" henceforth, is an answer to the corded headphones of the past. Having previously reviewed ZAGG headphones, I am not new to the ZAGG audio scene but the Bluetooth addition is new territory...

Kordl 2 prevents tangled earbud frustration

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

In a post earlier this year, I highlighted the original Kordl, which promised to tangle-proof earbuds. After my initial review, I found, quite surprisingly, the little thumbnail size of plastic works very well. One of the largest setbacks for the original Kordl was the attachment mechanism and how the earbud wires were held.

To enhance an already impressive design, J2 Product Development set out to make a better version and reinvent the proverbial wheel. Back in action and fresh off a 250% funding spree on Kickstarter, Kordl 2 is the new way to keep tangles to a minimum. Take a look below for a snapshot of the enhancements and a brief on the simple design...

Patent struggles may keep this MagSafe-like headphone adapter from being made

Cody Lee ∙ August 25, 2013

I've always thought Apple's magnetic MagSafe power connector was an ingenious piece of tech. In fact, I was hoping to see them include it in the iPhone 5 and other iOS products. But obviously, that wish never materialized.

Designer Jon Patterson is still trying to make it happen, though, with the Pogo, a MagSafe-like magnetic connector for your iPhone. He's only using it for headphones right now, but he says it'll likely work for power cords too...

Apple files patent to prevent broken headphone connectors and iDevice damage

Ed Sutherland ∙ August 16, 2013

Yet more encouraging news that Apple is designing its devices for users, rather than engineers. The original designs of headphone connectors were brittle, permitting headphones to be inserted and removed at perfect right angles. However an Apple patent application published Thursday outlines flexible headphone connectors.

In other words, you'll likely be able to wrap plugged-in headphones around your favorite iDevice without harming the hardware. The invention doesn't come too soon - the headphone jack is seen as the one roadblock to creating thinner, more svelte iPhones...

Audiofly headphones are your new favorite pair [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated November 30, 2016

Always on the hunt for the perfect pair of headphones, I spent a lot of time at CES digging around with audio companies that made iPhone compatible options. I noticed Audiofly received a CES 2013 Design and Engineering honor and made it a point to stop by the booth. That visit may have been my best choice of the whole show.

Before going any further, I will put my disclaimer in the introduction. These are probably the best earbuds I have ever had the pleasure of using, or reviewing. To prevent everyone from thinking I am getting paid by Audiofly for this review, these are my honest and open opinions, as always. I receive no compensation from the company for my posts, merely the media sample. If you are further concerned, I suggest you read our official review disclaimer.

Moving along, these are extremely impressive earbuds. I am shocked at their balance, tone, clarity and high profile design. Take a step inside for a gushing review of the AF78's by Audiofly. Most importantly, I present to you one of the best giveaways on iDB. To help one of you experience the incredible sound, I worked with the company to provide a giveaway model of the AF78's. Headphone connoisseurs rejoice...

Review: HeadStand from Just Mobile

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

The fine folks at Just Mobile have always made good products for a variety of Apple devices, but this latest accessory will work in a variety of scenarios. The HeadStand is the company's attempt to create a stand that works well with a pair of over the ear headphones, and it's a product that I've been using on a daily basis for quite a few months now.

If you own a pair of cans, then you either already own a proper stand, or have probably always intended to invest in one. I know I was in the same boat for quite a while, and I didn't actually have a proper stand until Just Mobile sent one over. How does the HeadStand perform? Take a look inside as I break it all down on video...

EarSkinz add a pop of color to your white EarPods [review and giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated July 8, 2013

Yes, white headphones are a style of their own. Apple made lack of color famous with white headphones, starting with the iPod. Seeing someone parade down the street with a pair of slick white headphones indicated individuality and a seriousness for refined taste and class. White headphones previously noted a way to be different. Some may still try to make that argument, but with millions of iPhones sold every quarter, seeing a white pair of headphones is hardly unique.

EarSkinz is adding a flash of color to everyone's otherwise plain EarPods. The ES2's are designed to specifically hug the new Apple EarPod with form fitting fashion. Arguing the covers provide better comfort, fit, and sound, EarSkinz successfully received KickStarter funding to produce a full production line of their new pod covers.

I enjoyed using a pre-release pair for the past couple weeks and, inside, I take a closer look at a fairly simple accessory. As an added bonus, we are giving a pair of ES2's to 5 lucky readers...

EarSkinz for EarPods offer both comfort and style

Cody Lee ∙ May 24, 2013

Apple was really proud to unveil its new and improved earbuds, dubbed EarPods, last fall. The company says it spent more than three years designing the headset, and tested a total of 124 different prototypes on over six hundred people, to get the right fit.

But even with all of that research, it's inevitable that the EarPods are still not going to fit quite right for some people. And if you happen to be one of those people, you might want to check out these new EarSkinz covers, which promise to fix that for you...

Phiaton’s Moderna MS 200 earbuds blast the bass [review + giveaway]

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated February 24, 2018

Stumbling across my Phiaton friends at CES, they were quick to point out the new MODERNA MS 200 earbuds, which recently hit the market. The hot rod red coloring and genuine carbon fiber speaker wells were the first attraction, as they lay on the display table. Even in a crowded pre-convention party, they sounded like a winner.

Now, having listened to the MS 200's from the comfort of my home, I can confirm my suspicions were true. With a racing red headphone cable matching a classic black earphone chassis, more than quality sound are the causes for head turning attraction. These half in-ear buds are quite the performers, with bass enthusiasts getting what they desire.

Gone are the days where bulky headphones were the only great way to hear the beats of your music. Take a look past the fold for a breakdown on looks and performance, while possibly scoring your own pair to take home...