Aftershokz Trekz Titanium review - never before has bone conductivity been so flexible
The bone conduction of sound is almost a reference topic for our blog on Geektimes, and almost any news related to this topic is somehow we try to “document”. This time we invite you to see how the latest version of Aftershokz’s sports headphones looks like.
The announcement of Trekz Titanium, or rather the announcement of their campaign on Indiegogo , at one time caused a lot of interest, which was expressed here - in the views, and on our side - in the applications for this version of headphones.
Today I propose to see what happened in the end, how this version differs from other wireless models and how much it will cost in Russia.
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Aftershokz is consistently improving its headset, focusing primarily on the sports audience. Often, marketing efforts in the international market are accompanied by tragic data about cyclists and runners who have been killed and maimed on the roads. And there is no speculation! Indeed, in Europe and in the West, a bicycle is an actual means of transportation, but in the general stream with cars it is extremely dangerous.
The key proposal that Aftershokz makes is: maximum control of the situation, because all headphones with bone conduction of sound do not cover the ears, and a person can listen to music or talk on the phone, while “staying connected” with the outside world.
The historical line today includes 6 models: 2 wired and 4 wireless, but some of them have already been discontinued.
So, for example, at CES2016 it became clear that three versions would be the key: the Sportz M3 , the Bluez 2S and - the last - the Trekz Titanium .
As a small spoiler, we must add that, according to the creators, Trekz will not be the last model. During the conversation, we clarified that it is impossible to improve the form all the time, and sooner or later Aftershokz should “acquire” its own application? To which we were confirmed that in one of the future versions sports headphones should be acquired with several sensors, at least with activity tracking and a heart rate monitor. Also - the model “M3” should appear in the summer in a titanium version close to Trekz.
The current Aftershokz models have consistently changed for the better.
So, for starters, the Sportz 3 had a letter “M”, which meant an added microphone. Then, for the second version of the Bluez, they revised the headband, “scattering” the battery and control buttons on the sides, which made them much more comfortable.
Bluez 2s came out with slightly more curved arms in the area of the speakers, which ensured a better fit on the head and, as a result, better audibility.
And finally, Trekz Titanium: easier, more mobile, more compact, more practical!
Aftershokz Trekz Titanium
“Lightness” is emphasized even in details, and for the first time even a “lightweight” version of the box was created for Trekz, which does not have a top cover.
As a transportation tool, here again, for the first time, not a bag, but a full zip bag, however, from leatherette, where not only headphones can fit, but also some small things, such as keys, bills or bundled gags. Their presence, however, in my understanding does not agree much with the concept of "open ears."
Is she needed? The question is the second. The peculiarity of this version: "indestructibility"! It seemed to me that they can be hidden even in a pocket without a risk to the form and design, and they stretch beyond the example of all previous models, returning to the original form.
The main "performance" characteristics remained unchanged: the headphones can also be controlled without attracting the phone: turn on / off, adjust the volume, answer the call, but here they came out slightly lightweight. In Trekz Titanium removed one of the buttons. More precisely combined the power button and increase the volume "+".
Regarding the Bluez 2s version, the number of holes has decreased:
The total weight varies by 8 grams:
And here is the paradox. The tendency to relief fails when it comes to price: the cost of Trekz Titanium headphones will be more expensive than all previous versions: 9,900 rubles .
From fun bonuses! It was noticed that when pairing with IOS, the “battery” icon automatically appears, which displays the battery charge level. On Android, this is not visible:
The stated specifications :
Material: Premium titanium case provides durability, durability and design flexibility.
Platform: Android, IOS, Mac, and others. It mates with any device that supports Bluetooth.
Headphone Type: Wireless
Mount Type: Occipital Shackle
Speaker type: bone transducer transducers sound.
Sound Mode: Stereo
Range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Maximum sound pressure: 100 dB
Built-in microphone: yes
Microphone sensitivity: 41 dB
Connection Type: Bluetooth v. 4.0
Supported Profiles: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Audio / Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
Headset Profile (HSP)
Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
Range: Reliable wireless connection in the range of 10 meters.
Battery: Lithium Ion
Operating time: The rechargeable battery works up to 6 hours without recharging, in the mode of continuous use of headphones
Charging time: 1.5 hours
Protection: Certificate IP55.
Aftershokz headphone versions
Today, Aftershokz is a leader in its niche - consumer headsets with bone conduction technology, and most Chinese clones are somehow written off from the versions of this brand.
The company has come a relatively long way to success, and during this time Apple has given them confidence in selling Bluez 2 in its store:
And from recent partnerships - a joint story with Microsoft to create a headset for the hearing impaired, based on the first version of the wireless Bluez.
In this connection, users are accustomed to make high demands on the headphones of this brand. The main claims were always directed against one of the peculiarities: other users could hear at a distance what the Aftershokz carrier did. Simply put, sound absorption at 100% bone conduction of sound did not give, which made the use of headphones not very comfortable in humans.
Since one of the technologies, PremiumPitch has grown in version 2S to PremiumPitch +, the sound absorption characteristics have greatly improved, and those who spoke a while ago in comments to our comparison of Bluez2 and Bluez2s will be interested to know.
In short, then, in my opinion, Bluez 2S comes out on top in this parameter, overtaking even the new Trekzs. I put all the headphones in equal conditions with the same volume, and almost from half a meter to disassemble what is playing in 2S is impossible (amateur quality, it is better to put on the headphones):
Bluez:
Bluez 2:
Bluez 2S:
Trekz Titanium:
By the way, Bluez 2S is the only model that I normally heard in the subway, but the phone at the same time turned it on at full volume and turned on the studio recording.
How it all works:
In principle, Aftershokz has never concealed the "insides" of their headsets, and we have repeatedly written about how bone conduction is used and why it is used in sports, medicine, the army, and so on.
In this technology is used and for fun. For example, recently, based on CES, we wrote how you can listen to music through your finger, using just bone conduction technology, which was demonstrated by one of the Samsung divisions.