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The Ultimate Guide to Selecting Value-for-Money Noise-Cancelling Earbuds​

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In a world where the hustle and bustle of daily life can be overwhelming, noise-cancelling earbuds have become a sanctuary for music lovers and busy professionals alike. But with a plethora of options available, how do you select a pair that offers the best bang for your buck? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the nuances of noise-cancelling technology and what to look for when choosing your perfect pair.

Understanding Noise Cancellation Technology

Before diving into the selection process, it’s crucial to understand the technology behind noise cancellation.

Active vs. Passive Noise Cancellation

Noise-cancelling earbuds come in two Flavors: active and passive. Active noise cancellation (ANC) uses microphones and speakers to create sound waves that counteract ambient noise. Passive noise cancellation, on the other hand, relies on the physical design of the earbuds to block out sound.

How Noise Cancellation Works

ANC earbuds pick up external sounds with built-in microphones. They then produce sound waves that are the exact opposite (anti-phase) of the unwanted noise, effectively cancelling it out. This technology is particularly effective against consistent, low-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane or the rumble of a train.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Earbuds

With a basic understanding of noise cancellation, let’s delve into the factors that make a pair of earbuds truly value for money.

Sound Quality
The primary purpose of earbuds is to deliver sound, so quality is paramount. Look for earbuds with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. Reading reviews and testing them out (if possible) can give you a good idea of their audio fidelity.

Battery Life
ANC technology requires power, so battery life is a significant consideration. Ensure that the earbuds you choose can last through your daily activities without frequent recharging.

Comfort and Fit
Comfort is subjective, but it’s essential for long listening sessions. Look for earbuds with multiple ear tip sizes or those made from soft, flexible materials.

Build Quality and Durability
Your earbuds should withstand the rigors of daily use. Durable materials and solid construction are indicators of a pair that will last.

Additional Features

Modern earbuds come with a suite of additional features like touch controls, voice assistants, and customizable sound profiles. While not essential, these can enhance your listening experience.

Top Picks for Value-for-Money Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

Let’s explore some options across different price ranges.

Budget-Friendly Options

You don’t have to break the bank to get decent noise-cancelling earbuds. Brands like  Anker and Taotronics offer affordable options that don’t skimp on quality.

Mid-Range Contenders

For those willing to spend a bit more, brands like One Plus, Jabra and Sony provide a balance between cost and advanced features.

Premium Choices

If you’re looking for the crème de la crème, brands like Apple, Bose and Sennheiser offer top-tier noise cancellation and sound quality, albeit at a higher price point.

Where to Buy Your Earbuds

Once you’ve made your choice, it’s time to purchase. Consider buying from reputable retailers or directly from the manufacturer to ensure authenticity and warranty coverage.

Caring for Your Noise-Cancelling Earbuds

To get the most out of your investment, proper care is essential. Store them in a case when not in use, keep them clean, and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Selecting the right noise-cancelling earbuds doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the technology and considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can find a pair that offers excellent value for money and enhances your audio experience.

FAQs

  1. Can noise-cancelling earbuds completely eliminate all sounds? No, while they significantly reduce ambient noise, they can’t block out everything, especially sudden, high-frequency sounds.
  2. Do noise-cancelling earbuds pose any health risks? There’s no evidence to suggest that noise-cancelling earbuds pose health risks. However, listening at high volumes for extended periods can damage hearing.
  3. How long do noise-cancelling earbuds typically last? With proper care, quality noise-cancelling earbuds can last several years.
  4. Can I use noise-cancelling earbuds without music? Yes, you can use them to reduce ambient noise even when you’re not listening to audio.
  5. Are there noise-cancelling earbuds suitable for exercise? Yes, many brands offer sweat-resistant earbuds designed for physical activity.
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Nokia BH-805

Nokia BH-805 Noise Cancelling TWS Earbuds with a 20-Hour Battery Life have been released.

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Nokia has released the BH-805 true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. The new noise-canceling earbuds are rated for up to 20 hours of playback time. There are 13mm audio drivers that are marketed as having “studio-quality sound.” The earbuds also have gesture controls and Google Assistant support. The Nokia BH-805 also has up to 25dB noise cancellation. Nokia released the Nokia Lite Earbuds TWS in two color options, with a battery life of up to 36 hours.

Nokia BH-805 Specifications

The audio driver in the Nokia BH-805 TWS earbuds is 13mm. Nokia claims that the earbuds have “studio sound quality.” The earbuds are designed to be worn in the ear. It includes gesture control support.
The device supports active noise cancellation (ANC). It also has a separate Ambient mode that allows users to hear the sounds around them. Each earbud has a 45mAh battery that is said to provide up to 5 hours of playback time. The earbuds come with a charging case that can provide up to 20 hours of battery life.
Bluetooth v5.0 is included in BH-805 for connectivity and earbuds are IPX5-rated for water and dust resistance.

Nokia BH-805
Image source: nokiamob.net

Nokia BH-805 Cost

According to GizmoChina, the Nokia BH-805 is priced at EUR 99.99 (approximately Rs. 8,800). The earbuds are listed as the ‘Nokia Noise Canceling Earbuds’ in Charcoal and Polar Sea on the global Nokia website. However, the Finnish company is said to be selling the earbuds in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland right now. The earbuds pricing and availability in India have yet to be revealed. The Nokia Lite Earbuds were released in April for EUR 39.

Environmental Profile

Materials And Substances
As defined by Nokia Technologies, free of brominated and chlorinated compounds, as well as antimony trioxide. It is PVC-free. The product’s surface is nickel-free.
Packaging
The packaging is made from a renewable resource. It contains up to 85% recycled material. The packaging is completely recyclable and has been reduced in size.
Materials Used
Nokia aims to reduce the environmental impact of our products through careful material selection.
● Metal: 16%
● Battery: 28%
● Plastics: 20%
● Ceramic materials: 26%
● Other: 10%
Metals include iron, copper, zinc, and aluminum. Glass is a ceramic material. Assylcm PC, PET, and epoxy are examples of plastics. ABS battery materials include lithium cobalt compound, graphite, aluminum, and copper.

Restricted substances
They manage and track all of the substances in our products, not just those that cause concern. They have stringent guidelines for substances that are not permitted in our products.
This product complies fully with all relevant global regulations, such as:
● The EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU
● European REACH Regulation 1907/2006/EC
● The Montreal Protocol on Substances which will Deplete the Ozone Layer
Furthermore, Nokia has voluntarily limited the use of many other harmful substances and drawn attention to substances such as skin sensitizers and substances that may cause harm to the environment or the user during the product’s lifecycle. The following are some examples of such substances for this product:
● This product does not contain any Brominated compounds or Antimony trioxide as specified in Nokia Substance List 2017
● Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is not used in this product.

Energy consumption
The supplied battery complies with the EU Battery Directive 2013/56/EU and contains no cadmium, lead, or mercury in concentrations greater than those specified in the directive. The supplied charger complies with the EU ErP directive and regulation 278/2009, as well as the EU Code of Conduct for External Power Supply Energy Efficiency.
● Call (GSM): 548 mW
● Idle mode: 32.9 mW
● Charger no-load power consumption: < 0.1 W
● Charger weight: 48.2 grams
● Battery capacity: 4470 mAh
● Battery weight: 58 gram

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup, TicWatch GTH Smartwatch and Garmin Venue series recently launched in the market.

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Last week, multiple companies launched new product lineups including Samsung. Mobvoi, and Garmin. Samsung brings to you the new Samsung 2021 Soundbar lineup which includes the new Q, A, and S Series soundbars. This is the first time in the world that any company is bringing an 11.1.4 channel soundbar for a more exquisite experience. Next in the line is Mobvoi who has recently rolled out TicWatch GTH Smartwatch in India at a comparatively cheaper price than the rest of the world. Last but not the least, last week Garmin revealed Venu 2 and Venu 2S smartwatches which are designed to provide scientifically-based healthcare and fitness solutions. So, let’s have a look at these stunning gadgets that already made their way into the wishlist of millions of users.

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup

The new Samsung 2021 Soundbar will  create a more immersive sound experience for the customers with an 11.1.4 channel soundbar. The soundbars of all the three series (Q, A, and S) are tuned perfectly at the Audio Lab of Samsung in Valencia, California such that it provides an authentic in-home rich entertainment experience. The Samsung 2021 Soundbar are designed to match every environment from watching movies with your family to devouring in fierce gaming battles.

Samsung 2021 Soundbar Lineup
Image source: icdn.digitaltrends.com

The new models of the Q-series soundbar supports Dolby Atmos/ DTS:X and are integrated with Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Technology. This technology automatically detects the background and analyzes it to provide optimized quality audio experience. The soundbars have in-built Amazon Alexa which will allow full control over the audio experience. Moreover, the new models have a gaming mode which is automatically activated when you add a gaming device to it. The Q-series models are starting at Rs 43,990.

The new A-series soundbars support Dolby Atmos/ DTS Virtual:X and these models come with high wattage. It comes with a new feature called Bass Boot that allows the users to add “more boom” and feel the sound with every beat. The A-series also have Adaptive Sound Lite that analyzes the audio content for each show you watch and then optimizes sound for series, TV news, etc. The A-series soundbar models are starting at Rs 27,990.

The new S-series is equipped with side horn speakers and acoustic beam technology which will generate a more dynamic and panoramic music experience. The amplified sound produced by the horn speakers will dominate the room creating a party-like mood for the users. This S-series also has built-in Amazon Alexa and with the help of Tap Sound one can connect the mobile to the speakers and play music. Apart from the rich immersive sound experience, the S-series is also designed in a premium fabric which will enhance the look of your living room. The S-series has a single model which is priced at Rs 47,990. All these new models are available at retail stores and also on Samsung’s website.

TicWatch GTH by Mobvoi

Mobvoi launched the TicWatch GTH globally a few months back but it was rolled out in India last week. This is the second affordable smartwatch by the company after it launched the GTX model last year. The new TicWatch GTH smartwatch features a 1.55-inch LCD display which is rectangular in shape. There is a small button on the right side used for multiple operations.  The GTH model will run on RTOS platform and like any other smartwatches will actively play its role as a fitness assistant. This new smartwatch has health and sports mode tracking along with heart rate and SpO2 monitor.

TicWatch GTH by Mobvoi
Image source: www.xda-developers.com

There is an app in this smartwatch called “TicZen” that collects your heart rate data all day along and analyzes it to provide results of your stress level. When it comes to tracking activities, the watch can track 14 different sports including yoga and mountain climbing. The watch has a unique feature of skin temperature monitoring and it is also water resistant. TicWatch GTH is available as a special Amazon product and is priced at Rs 4,799.

Specifications of Garmin Venue 2 and Venue 2S

Garmin Venue 2 and Venue 2S
Image source: cdn.vox-cdn.com

Last week, Garmin India launched Venue 2 and Venue 2S smartwatches exclusively for providing better fitness solutions and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These new smartwatches have in-built Health Snapshot feature which allows a 2-min session for all users helping to track statistics precisely. The tracking features of these smartwatches include heart rate monitoring, stress monitoring, Pulse Ox2 sensor, respiration tracking, menstrual cycle monitoring, etc. It also has an interesting feature powered by Firstbeat Analytics that will allow users to gain scores depending on the quality and quantity of sleep of the user. This new product lineup is available on Amazon, Flipkart, Tata CLiQ, Nykaa, and Synergizer, The Venue 2 smartwatch is priced at Rs 41,990 while the Venue 2S is priced at Rs 37,990.

Qualcomm Smartphone

Qualcomm and Asus Partner to Launch ‘Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders’

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After months of speculation, Qualcomm finally launched its first smartphone, the “Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders,” in collaboration with Asus. This phone is literally for Snapdragon Insiders, a community of Snapdragon fans and enthusiasts who are the first to learn about new developments involving Qualcomm’s mobile processors. This new gaming phone is essentially a token of appreciation for the community. The Qualcomm phone boasts impressive specifications such as the Snapdragon 888 chip, 144Hz AMOLED display, and up to 16GB of RAM, earning it the title of a gaming phone.

The Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is a completely customized phone for people who know exactly what they want from their phone. This indicates the company’s top-tier processor, but it is surprising that Qualcomm did not opt for the Snapdragon 888 Plus processor, which is recently launched. According to Qualcomm, development on this phone began last year, while the Snapdragon 888 Plus was released earlier this year. The Snapdragon 888 Plus is supposed to be slightly better at handling graphics, but that’s about it. There isn’t much of a distinction between the vanilla and Plus variants. Nonetheless, the company has a processor tier higher than what this phone has.

Specifications of the Qualcomm Smartphone

The Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders is a flagship phone that also happens to be the chipmaker’s first phone. Qualcomm has worked with Asus to make this phone a reality. This is due to the fact that Asus is one of the most well-known manufacturers of gaming phones. It’s ROG Phone series is the best-selling gaming phone on the market. It is powered by a Snapdragon 888 chipset with an Adreno 660 GPU. The phone supports both the mmWave and sub-6GHz 5G bands. The gaming phone has a 6.78-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 144Hz and a peak brightness of 1,200 nits. There is HDR and HDR10+ support, and the display is protected by a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. There is 512GB of internal storage and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM.

Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders
Image Source: fdn.gsmarena.com

Qualcomm has used a 64-megapixel Sony IMX686 sensor on the primary camera, as well as a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and an 8-megapixel telephoto camera, for photography. The AI Zoom feature on Qualcomm’s Spectra 580 image signal processor promises better photos and up to 8K-resolution videos. The phone has a 24-megapixel camera on the front for selfies and video calls. The phone has dual stereo speakers powered by Snapdragon Sound technology, as well as four microphones. The Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders has a 4000mAh battery that can be charged in 52 minutes thanks to Quick Charge 5.0 technology.

Pricing of the Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders

The Qualcomm Snapdragon Insiders Smartphone costs $1,499 (approximately Rs 1,12,200). There is only one model with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The phone will first be available in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom in August. The first wave will be followed by an India release. The India price is currently unavailable. Despite the fact that the phone appears to be exclusive to the Snapdragon Insiders community, it will be available for purchase to the general public. The gaming phone will be available in a single color: Midnight Blue.

Other Features

Qualcomm Smartphone for Snapdragon Insiders
Image Source: qualcomm.com

Qualcomm’s Smartphone comes with a pair of truly wireless earphones with active noise cancellation, dubbed Master & Dynamic Earphones. Master & Dynamic is an audio brand based in New York. A custom rubber bumper, which is essentially a rubber frame for the phone, is also included in the box. In the box, you’ll find a Qualcomm Quick Charge 5 power adapter as well as two USB-C to USB-C braided cables.

Samsung Galaxy F22

Samsung India announced the rollout of #FullOnBlockbuster Galaxy F22 designed for Gen Z users

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Samsung is one of the most popular smartphone brands in India and across the globe.  Yesterday, the company announced the launch of another iconic Galaxy smartphone calling it #FullOnBlockbuster. According to Samsung, the new Samsung Galaxy F22 is designed for Gen Z and as well as millenial customers as it will provide all-around performance fulfilling the needs of every customer.

The Samsung Galaxy F22 has been designed keeping in mind how young generation and their choices are evolving. Though the Galaxy F series already became a big hit in the market, this new #FullOnBlockbuster smartphone will take the legacy of Samsung smartphone to greater heights. Samsung Galaxy F22 is featuring a stunning 6.4 inch HD+ sAMOLED display providing a refresh rate of 90Hz. It also has a massive battery life, Android 11 OS, and impressive camera system to keep up with the lifestyle trends of today’s kids.

Features and Specifications of Samsung Galaxy F22

The new Samsung Galaxy F22 has some impressive new and upgraded features which mainly focuses on enhancing smooth user experience while multitasking. So, let’s have a look at the specifications of the latest model in the Galaxy F series.

Samsung Galaxy F22
Image Source: news.samsung.com

The Super AMOLED Display

Samsung Galaxy F22 has introduced an upgraded display as it features Super AMOLED Infinity U-Screen. Providing refresh rate of 90Hz, it is the perfect smartphone for the bingewatchers as they can avoid any of stutter while watching. Samsung Galaxy F22 also has Dolby Atmos support enhancing your bingewatching experinece with quality audio. Moreover, the smooth display will allow the users to scroll their feeds on social media uninterrupted. The screen of this smartphone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 to minimize the chances of scratches or crack lines on the screen. The highest brightness peak in Samsung Galaxy F22 is 600 nits which will allow a better viewing experience even under direct sunlight. 

Long battery life of Samsung Galaxy F22

As mentioned earlier, the new #FullOnBlockbuster smartphone has a massive battery life of 6000mAh and it comes with a USB-C type fast charger. According to Samsung, the new smartphone is capable of delivering 120+ hours of music playback, 20+ hours of video playback, and much more.

The long life battery paired with the Advanced Octa-Core Mediatek Helios G80 processor will assure high productivity from Samsung Galaxy F22. The new smartphone will provide optimized performance and most importantly one can enjoy the ease of smooth multitasking without worrying much about frequent charging the phone. The Gen Z kids are always switching apps from browsing to Netflix several times a day, and this smartphone is the perfect solution for managing multiple apps.

The #FullOnBlockbuster Camera

The camera quality is one of the most important element in today’s smartphone as it works just fine as replacement of a heavy gear. The craze for uploading “aesthetic” pictures in social media has increased the demand for good camera quality in today’s smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy F22 is featuring a True 48MP Quad Camera setup embedded with ISOCELL Plus Technology. One will be able to capture high quality shots with visible minute details with the help of GM2 sensor. Along with the 48MP sensor, the camera system has a 8MP ultra-wide lens with 123 degrees field of view. One can also try in hands in macro photography with the 2MP sensor which also macro live focus feature in it. This will allow you to take stunning portrait shots just from a smartphone. Along with this rear camera system, the Samsung Galaxy F22 has a 13MP front camera to capture hood quality selfies. Different camera modes like Pro mode, Food Mode, Hyperlapse, etc are also available for creating stunning content for your Instagram page.

Price and Availability

Samsung Galaxy F22 is coming in the market at a very affordable price rate. The starting price of the phone is Rs 12,499 which is for 4GB+64GB variant and the price for 6GB+128GB variant is Rs 14,499. You can start booking your #FullOnBlockbuster phone either on the Samsung online store or Flipkart starting on 13th July. The models will be available on two colors – Denim Blue and Denim Black.

Nokia G20

Nokia G20 with MediaTek Helio G35 SoC and Quad-Rear Cameras is now available in India.

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HMD Global has announced the release of its latest low-cost smartphone, the Nokia G20, in India. Continue reading to find out if the device is right for you. The smartphone has a 5,000mAh battery and is available in two color options i.e. Night and Glacier. According to Nokia, the smartphone can last up to three days on a single charge. Everything you need to know about the Nokia G20 is right here.

Specifications for the Nokia G20

The Nokia G20 has dimensions of 164.976.0×9.2mm and weighs 197 grams. The device has a notch and a 6.5-inch HD+ screen with a 20:9 aspect ratio. The octa-core MediaTek Helio G35 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage power the dual SIM smartphone. MicroSD cards can be used to expand the storage (up to 512GB). The Nokia G20 runs Android 11, with the company promising two years of updates.

Nokia G20
Image Source: financialexpress.com

In terms of cameras, the smartphone features a triple quad rear camera setup led by a 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.79 lens. A 5MP ultra-wide shooter, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor are also onboard. The phone has an 8MP front-facing camera for selfies. The Nokia G20 has a 5,050mAh battery that supports 10W charging.

Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB Type-C charging port are among the device’s connectivity options. There is also a fingerprint scanner on the side. The smartphone has an IPX2 rating.

Nokia G20 Cost in India

The Nokia G20 will be priced at Rs 12,999 for the single 4GB RAM + 64GB storage configuration. The smartphone is available in two colors: Glacier and Night. Beginning July 15, the device will be available for purchase through the Nokia India website and Amazon India. Pre-ordering will begin on Amazon and the Nokia website on July 7 at 12 p.m.

Environmental Profile of Nokia G20

Materials and Substances used:

According to Nokia Technologies, it is free of brominated and chlorinated compounds, as well as antimony trioxide. It is on the Substance List for 2016. It is also PVC-free. The product’s surface is devoid of nickel.

Packaging and Recycling:

The Nokia G20 is made from renewable resources. It is made up of up to 91 percent recycled material. The packaging is completely recyclable. Nokia has made every effort to keep the G20’s packaging to a minimum. All device materials can be recovered as materials, with a device material recoverability rate of up to 82 percent.

Other Features:

The user guide is designed and printed with 4 color printing. To improve energy efficiency, The Nokia G20 comes with a unplug charger reminder.

About Nokia

Nokia develops technology that enables the world to act in concert. The world is facing major challenges. The planet is under increasing strain, productivity is stagnating, and access to opportunity remains stubbornly unequal. The solution relies heavily on technology.

They provide critical networks to help address global issues by leveraging technology leadership and trusted partnerships. They have the ability to connect the world’s people, machines, and devices, sensing and acting on a massive scale in real-time. Their critical networks go beyond connectivity to enable self-optimizing, intelligent systems that operate both locally and globally. Nokia delivers solutions with their customers that respond to climate change by more efficient use and re-use of the world’s resources, restore productivity growth by bringing digital to physical industries where it has not yet reached, and provide more inclusive access to work, healthcare, and education globally. They foster meaningful interactions in order to propel human progress.