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You are here: Home / Archives for Sport Earbuds

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

06/08/2016 By Jonathan Dery

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Versatility Running Through Your Ears: JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

The main ubiquitous problem with sport headphones mirrors one of the main reasons for refusing to go to the gym: they’re a hassle. The short, knotty wiring, the prone-to-dislodging earbuds, the limited functions available on the mid-strip remote (if there even is one); these culminating irritations nearly persuade users to forego their headphones when heading out to the gym, or worse, make staying home and further indenting their couch cushions sound much more appealing. JAM Audio’s new sport earbuds seek to alleviate all these discouraging irritations, as well as providing functions that are designed for exercise. The question remains, do the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Wireless Earbuds rise above and beyond the couch of their mediocre peers, or do they make a bag of chips sound more appealing than the music they play? Let’s take a look in this JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Aesthetic

Right from the start, the user will be delighted to see that they don’t need to use their aggressive hands, teeth, a pair of scissors, nor the sharpest steak knife to access these headphones. JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds reside intricately coiled inside a standard BPA-free sport water bottle showcasing both the 3-dimensional look of the headphones, as well as the secondary intent of this particular JAM Wireless Audio product: fitness.

Further than the exercise purpose of these headphones, the look embodies the qualities of fitness. Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. There are two ear grip accessories with small, medium, and large sizes for each. One that fits in the inner ear canal as well as another that rounds the rim of the whole ear.[Tweet “Sleek, compact, modifiable, adaptable; it is obvious this product was designed to accommodate every user and any terrain. @JamSpeaker”]

Additionally, these earbuds are practically wireless; the only wire is a one-foot long reflective chord, coiled around a small curved plastic plate in the middle, that connects the two earbuds to each other. This wiring is ultimately extremely useful. The length provided enough space to add an attached basic remote: two volume buttons and a play-pause button, and be just long enough that in the case of the headphones dislodging from the user’s ears, they should hang around the back of the user’s neck. This feature can be a life-savor, especially when using JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds during exercise.

However, the short length of the wiring can make it difficult for the user to move their head freely without the headphones falling out. This short length is most likely the secondary reason for the addition of the multiple ear-grip styles and sizes, though the standard small-medium-large format will require the user to try each size and style to ultimately determine which suits them best. This requirement can be both an inconvenient expense of the user’s time and result in the user still ending up unsatisfied with their most compatible headphone accessory arrangement. The amount of trial and error necessary to construct a viable set up not only detracts from the headphone’s appeal but is ultimately indicative of the design error on Jam’s side.

These sport earbuds are available in 3 color patterns. If the blue/black combination doesn’t suit you, there are a green/black and pink/black color combos as well.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Read:   Audio-Technica ATH-CKX9iS SonicFuel Headphones Review

Wireless Functionality

Despite the few nonessential design errors, the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are the Swiss army knife of consumer-centered functions.

The Bluetooth functionality is exceptionally competent and stable. It only takes a second to link a device to the headphones, and the connection rarely disrupts or disconnects. However, the connection disrupts most frequently when the user moves at faster speeds.

The Bluetooth is activated by holding the play-pause button on the mid-wire remote panel. On the remote panel are the increase and decrease volume buttons as well. JAM Audio elevates the functionality of these buttons by engineering them to be multi-functional. While playing music, if the increase volume button is held, the playlist will skip to the next song; if the decrease volume button is held, the playlist will skip back one song. If the headphones are connected to a phone, the play-pause button can be pressed to answer an incoming call or held to reject the call. Despite these implementations seeming like common sense and rudimentary additions, they are rarely included, though welcome add-ons. Especially considering how the aim for these headphones is to be used during exercise, these buttons are incredibly convenient and useful.

A thoughtful bonus innovation is the music cancellation button found on the left earbud. In any case, the user would like to hear their environment clearly while still listening to music (i.e. running on a road), they can press this button and stop the music in their left ear while it resumes in their right. Small extra, substantial increase in potential safety.

The one nearly detrimental caveat is that the user must recharge the headphones. The JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Earbuds have a 10-hour battery life. Understandably, this is the one way the headphones can be wireless, however, if the user is working out in the gym, running in open terrain, or too far from their home without the charger, they are hopeless. Even if the user did carry the charger and had outlets at their disposal, they would still need to remove the headphones and let them charge for at least thirty minutes. This inconvenience can be the deciding factor between purchasing these headphones or going with a wired or more expensive wireless pair of headphones.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Wireless Earbuds Review

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

Wireless Sound Quality

These earbuds are designed for exercise use and multi-functionality. While the list price of these buds is $79.99, the Amazon selling price is closer to $50. Though being the fundamental purpose of headphones, the sound quality must be evaluated respectively. Wrong. Correct, yes, yet unnecessary with the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. The sound quality on these headphones not only match that of SkullCandy’s Smokin Buds 2 (which are designed primarily for sound quality) but ultimately surpass them pertaining to particular elements. Both the heaviness of the bass and the distinction between sounds are superior on the JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds. This statement holds true across genres. From the elaborate Hip Hop/R&B hit “Monster” by Kanye West to the elegantly robust concertos of Felix Mendelssohn, the earbuds’ fidelity and power are unwavering.

It would take months to truly test this or any other comparison, however, after an adequate number of trials, it is clear that this product does not just stack up to the competition; it is above the rest. Ultimately, the Jam Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds are a top contender; it wasn’t until I heard new lyrics and sounds from songs I have heard numerous times that I discovered the earbuds’ exceptional heights. The same outcome was found with my fellow evaluators, as well.

Read:   SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review

Verdict

Though these headphones may not be qualified to compete against the sound quality of Dr. Dre’s Beats and the likes, they provide an exceptional plethora of convenient functions and dominate top selling headphone brands designed purely for outstanding sound. It would be a mistake not to purchase these headphones built for any consumer in practically any terrain (though, I recommend having a spare wired set of headphones if the juice runs out). JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds don’t just emerge from their couched competitors; they exceed so far until the rest might as well fall by the wayside. They even provide a water bottle – how refreshing.

JAM Audio Transit Micro Sport Buds kick it up a few notches for each feature. They have established themselves as a formidable competitor.

What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media on our Twitter or Facebook pages. We’d be eager to hear your thoughts.

FTC Disclosure: JAM Audio Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Transit Micro Sport Buds sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC 2016.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: Earbuds, JAM Audio, Sport Earbuds, Transit Micro 06/12/2016

SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds Review

12/24/2015 By Tom McLaughlin

SMS Audio BioSport earbuds review

What More Could You Ask For In A Sports Headphone?

Updated post. With all the new wearable technology being released, the list for which ones to pay attention to is getting longer and longer. Well, you best make room on that list for the Biosport, the new biometric earbud with heart rate monitor from SMS Audio. The product, a collaboration between Intel and SMS Audio, is on the cusp of innovation and cutting edge technology. With these two brands coming together to change the way that you work out and exercise, something good is bound to happen. Welcome to the SMS Audio BioSport earbuds review (updated.)

SMS Audio BioSport earbuds review

Are These BioSport Earbuds The Total Package?

At a price of $150, I had some pretty high expectations for the BioSport. With features like these, can the SMS Audio BioSport earbuds meer them?

  • IPX4 rated durability against water or sweat
  • A powerful heartbeat monitor that doesn’t require batteries
  • Works in tandem with popular fitness apps like Run
  • Fantastic SMS Audio sound via 12.4mm driver
  • Comfortable, new design and look

The packaging and branding are sleek. It perpetuates that fancy and put-together look of the whole product. In addition to the earbuds, you’ll receive a 30-day trial membership for the runkeeper elite app. You can find the runkeeper app for Apple and Android here.

So I took them out, put them to action, and saw just how well they lived up to my expectations.

Design Review of the SMS Audio BioSport Earbuds

The first notable aspect of these earbuds is the ergonomic design. With all the new earbuds that are supposed to “fit perfectly” in your ears and “never fall out,” I was a little apprehensive when I saw this take on a comfortable fit. The design looks modern and innovative, definitely something that no one else is doing. If you’ve found that other styles don’t fit your ears, these BioSport earbuds might be worth a try.

The BioSport earbuds come in 3 different sizes that slip on and off with little difficulty. Looking at the 3 sizes, the differences themselves aren’t too obvious, and they’re easy to mix up. On the inside, the sizes and designated sides are etched lightly to show the discrepancies.

SMS Audio BioSport earbuds reviewThe wire is flat to prevent tangling. There was one day while I was testing these out when I forgot them back home on a trip to the gym. I pulled out my tangled ball of Apple headphones and had to spend a minute or two figuring out the knot. The worst I got with these was some twisting up from turning my phone over too many times as I worked out.

Along the wire is a hub of the heart rate monitor. It’s much like any other mic segment you’d find on another earbud–a button to pause, skip, and skip backward. What’s notable about this is how large it is. I’m sure as the technology improves, there will be a decrease in size. But in this model, it’s relatively bulky.

Overall, the design is attractive. I love the in-ear section––it’s comfortable and value its originality. On the outside of the ear is a pod where the wires are attached. I’m pretty averse to the flashy, ostentatious look at the gym, so I try to avoid earbuds that attract a lot of visual noise. Although the amount is minimal, it’s still there, and it should be stated that it’s there. The best way to avoid the flashiness of the Biosport would be to buy them in some other color like grey. Other than grey, they come in blue and yellow (the latter being more like a lime-green if you ask me.)

For the design, I give the SMS Audio Biosport earbud the grade of an A-.

Read:   Review: Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT1iS Headphones

Introducing The Heartbeat Monitor

Intel is known for being on the forefront of new technologies and their contribution to the Biosport earbud may make or break this purchase for many people.

The best way for me to express the idea is to reminisce about high school sports. I’m sure if you’re considering buying these headphones, you’ve had a coach at some point and know the feeling of someone always yelling for you to run harder, lift harder, or push harder.

But now you’re grown up, and the gym is quite different than the practice field. There are no other players to compare to other than yourself. You decide how hard you push, checking it against how hard you feel you’re pushing.

The heartbeat monitor gives you a measure for your challenges.

Here’s how it works. The monitor is controlled by a little switch on the mic and it will start tracking your heartbeat through a sensor in the right headphone. When it’s functioning, you can’t use the mic to make phone calls. The mic becomes exclusively for the pause-skip-rewind button.

That seems simple enough. Unfortunately, that’s not all. The monitor must be connected to an app through your phone. SMS Audio and Intel suggest Runkeeper, and I would too despite the complications I faced. The headphones have to be connected through the settings of the app. After that’s finished there’s a little heart that shows up on the screen, whether or not the heartbeat monitor is actually switched on.

If everything is correct, just choose which activity you want to do, how you want it tracked through the app (GPS or Stopwatch), and then get to work.

[envira-gallery id=”4411″]At it’s best, the heartbeat monitor is a fantastic addition to a routine. Every 5 minutes or so, a voice through the app speaks to let you know how long you’ve been going and update you on your average heartbeat, your current heartbeat, and where that sits on the scale of how hard you can go (50%-60%, 70%-80%, etc.) It’s especially satisfying when the voice activates and shouts excitedly that you’re working at 90-100%.

However, at it’s worst, it can be pretty aggravating. It takes some time to activate. If you don’t have the monitor turned on, it can throw off your stats. Once such case is if you’re running and waiting for the heartbeat monitor to kick in, and then nothing happens.

Compared to the struggles that accompany a separate heart monitor – wires, straps, batteries. These headphones make things pretty convenient. They don’t need batteries, and they plug right into your phone. The technology for receiving the information just isn’t quite there yet as it occasionally stumbles.For the design, I give the SMS Audio Biosport earbud the grade of an A-.For that, I give this feature a B+.

For the heart monitor, I give the feature the grade of a B+.

Read:   The SuperSlim Monster iSport Wireless Headphones Review

The Superb Sound

Now we come to the SMS Audio side of the earbuds.

These headphones aren’t noise cancelling. It doesn’t matter though as the sound is so powerful. Even at a low setting, these feel loud. Turn it up and the sound gets richer, more surrounding, thicker, and deeper. It’s very nice.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing along to your music, or jogging right along to the beat, submerged in the rhythm and sounds.

For their sound, I give the feature the grade of an A.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Final Thoughts

Although a smaller brand in the headphone arena, SMS Audio is known for their innovation and the BioSport earbuds do not fall short of that promise. From the I’ve never seen before design, to the integration of an @Intel biometric heart monitor, the @SMSAudio BioSports are a great pair of earbuds!

SMS Audio BioSport earbuds reviewAll together I give it an A-.

They’re durable, enjoyable, comfortable, and for the most part, they’re functional. If it weren’t for minor inconveniences and stumbles with the heart monitor, I would have given them an even higher rating.

There is a wide variety of wearable tech available right now. At a list price of $150, this model may not be your first choice. I suggest you check around a little more before making your final decision.  In my opinion, the BioSport should be placed pretty high up on your list.

So what’s your opinion? Do you agree or disagree with anything in this review? Have you tried the SMS Audio BioSport earbuds? What did you like and/or dislike about them? Let us know in the comments below or over on the Beantown Review Twitter or Facebook pages.

And don’t hesitate to head over to the SMS Audio website. Feel free to check out their latest products as well as their press releases.

[Tweet “to the integration of an @Intel biometric heart monitor, the @SMSAudio BioSports are a great pair of earbuds!”]

Updated April 2016: One great thing has happened since this review was posted last year and this is a drop in price. So, if you held back purchasing the BioSport due to it’s $150 price tag, you need not worry any longer. One check on Amazon and you’ll see all three colors of these earbuds selling for $39.99. You heard correct, a penny below $40.

FTC Disclosure: SMS Audio, LLC provided Beantown LLC with one (1) sample pair of BioSport earbuds for review purposes. This writer’s opinions are 100% his own.

Editor’s Note: Of all the brands and models of headphones Tom has reviewed, it was the SMS Audio BioSport earbuds he asked to keep. I believe this says something quite favorable about this reviewed product.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of SMS Audio, LLC and/or Beantown LLC.

Read:   Trident Introduces New Samsung Galaxy S7 Cases

 

Filed Under: Headphones Tagged With: BioSport, SMS Audio, Sport Earbuds, Sport Headphones 04/27/2016

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