It shouldn't surprise anyone (it's written on the box) that the TWS1 Total Wireless earbuds from Atlantic Technology are made in China according to the company's own design and specifications. In that regard this only makes the TWS1 a more interesting product to compare with what is currently available in the market. Particularly because the advanced Class 1 Bluetooth 5.2 wireless design of the TWS1 uses all the latest available technologies, including the complete Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codecs suite, being positioned as a premium product for those users that demand a superior experience.
"These Total Wireless Earbuds are loaded with exceptional performance like 24/96 audio play, low-latency 100-meter range Bluetooth, 35 hours of battery runtime and an IP67 waterproof rating. Plus, unique features such as Artificial Intelligence personalized tuning, a Workout Timer - and more..." says Paul Fredrickson, Business Development Director for Atlantic Technology.
As the company also describes, the TWS1’s are designed as a major step-up in performance, personalization, and versatility "for people who aspire to own the very best that fit their active lifestyles and diverse media needs." And in that regard it seems that whoever designed this product was able to combine all the most desirable features, including achieving superior Bluetooth radio performance. The TWS1 earbuds feature an advanced Class 1 Bluetooth 5.2 wireless radio (100mW (20dBm) max power) that makes them able to work with an outstanding extended-range of up to 100-meters from the streaming source (which needs to be a Class 1 device).
As the same time, leveraging the best of available technologies for true wireless, including AAC, the Atlantic Technology design makes use of Qualcomm aptX Adaptive technology supporting high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/96kHz, and the low-latency robust Gaming Mode Instant Switch which cuts lip-sync lag while watching video and allows playing games with confidence.
The Bluetooth module in the TWS1 also supports multipoint pairing, allowing the earbuds to stay paired with two different Bluetooth sources for instant seamless switching. Automatic Ear Detection connects to the last device paired when the earbuds are inserted in the ears. When they are removed the TWS1 stops music playback, and the Bluetooth connection then goes to sleep to recharge in its case.
The drivers in the TWS1 earbuds are 7mm titanium-coated dynamic units that will provide an accurate, balanced sound profile. The free Atlantic Technology TWS App (iOS and Android) incorporates a suite of programs including AI-Tune - a unique test program with an AI algorithm optimizing the earbuds for the user’s personal hearing profile. The app also has a 7-band equalizer to create two favorite custom profiles, and seven pre-programmed EQ presets for different music genres or podcast listening. A very nice and versatile app that even offers a Burn-In Tool, which generates a timed pink noise signal to accelerate breaking in the drivers (this one probably left the engineers at Xiamen Tech Sound scratching their heads...).
The TWS1’s Active Noise Cancelling, and adjustable ambient sound Transparency modes, are customizable to the user’s situation. With variable settings or preset modes easily accessed on the app or via earbud tap gesture, users can choose between Balanced, Talk, Workout, Training, or Transparency Boost modes, depending on the activity. Equally impressive, the TWS1's will deliver up to 9 hours runtime (with 35 hours charge in the case), tested at 50% volume with AAC codec, ANC on. The earbuds also charge completely in just 1.5 hours when connected to USB-C, with the Quick Charge supplying 1 hour of playtime in just 15 minutes. The charging case is also Qi Wireless compatible. Color-changing LEDs on the case and earbuds, plus voice prompts, keep users updated on the status of the TWS1’s key functions and battery.
Calls and communications are supported by two integrated MEMS microphones per earbud, and the TWS1’s Side Tone Activation feeds the user’s voice back (to the user) to prevent talking louder than necessary in noisy environments. Siri or Google Assistant can be accessed with a simple tap gesture or voice command. Each earbud features a customizable capacitance touch panel that responds to three different tap gestures each of which can be user modified with eleven different commands in the app.
Finally, the design boasts a superior IPX67 dustproof/waterproof earbud rating, meeting the needs of users with active lifestyles. Provided in the box are seven comfort tips for the best comfort and ANC effectiveness, with four ear fins for a secure fit even during strenuous workouts. Also incorporated is a unique programmable Workout Timer that is gesture-activated with voice prompts to end the user’s workout.
A very extensive and cutting-edge set of specifications that serves to show that many more TWS earbuds designs could actually improve with some guidance from an experienced team of engineers and product managers. And it becomes even more impressive considering the price of US $189. Yes, the design aesthetics, particularly the choice of black and rose gold finish, will probably not appeal to most people, while the brand itself is not exactly a reference in this market, but that's probably another reason to make this product an interesting marketing case study.
www.atlantictechnology.com
