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Out of the Box: First Impressions
Here’s what you can expect from the 2nd Gen Echo Buds out of the box.
Look and Feel
Wired and Wireless Charging Case
You can choose from two packages—one with a wired charging case and the other is wireless for around $20 more. Both charging cases have a flip cover, matching the color you choose for the earbuds. The case has a magnetic pull-in mechanism to ensure that your earbuds fit in securely while charging. You will see an indicator light in front to tell you if it’s properly charging and when it’s done. The wired case requires a USB-C cable and the wireless case requires a charging pad. It’s a pretty small case that looks like a medicine box and should easily fit in your pocket or purse. It is 20% smaller than the 1st Gen Buds. The edges are rounded, which makes it look more attractive.
True Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The upgraded noise cancellation is one of the best for the 2nd Gen Buds. As mentioned, the first only had noise reduction which isn’t quite effective if you really want to drown out background noises. The 2nd Gen can isolate sound, especially with its sealed in-ear design. Experience crisp and balanced sound whether you are listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. As per users, the ANC feature could still improve—if compared with more expensive wireless earbud systems. But for other models in its price range, the sound quality is far superior. They also feature an equalizer (EQ), which you can adjust with a few taps on the earbuds. More about the touch surface below. You can also adjust the EQ from the Alexa app. There is a “pass-through mode,” which lets you adjust the amount of background or ambient noise that goes in through the earbuds. Overall, the sound quality has a rich bass and the highs and lows are distinct, but not too many EQ customizations.
Customizable Fit
You can also use the “Eartip Sizing Test” from the Alexa app to determine which pair is the for your ears. Most users report that the comfort of the earbuds is moderate, meaning they are able to wear them for up to two hours before they feel some fatigue in their ears. And even though there are three different sizes, they run small so these may not be the perfect earbuds for those with bigger ears.
Touch Surface With Gestures
One of the coolest things about the 2nd Gen Echo Buds is the touch surface feature. Also called responsive touch control, this feature lets you control some of the basic functionalities of the earbuds. One tap lets you pause and play your music; two taps to play the next track or answer and end a call. If you tap three times, you can play the previous track. You can also assign functions to other gestures, such as the long-hold touch. You can set them to adjust the volume, mute or turn on your mic, etc. While it’s great that the touch controls are responsive—there have been some reports that they can be too responsive, which means you could accidentally pause or play your music, or accidentally turn the volume up or down.
Auto-Pause/Auto-Play
Another awesome feature is that your music will automatically pause when you take off the earbuds and will resume once you put them back on.
Sweat-Resistant
The new Echo Buds are designed to withstand sweat, as well as light rain and splashes. Have a run or a hike while listening to your favorite songs without worrying about your wireless earbuds getting wet.
Long-Lasting Battery
These earbuds can play up to five hours of music with a single charge. They can last up to six and a half hours if you turn off the ANC and the Alexa voice commands. That is a lot longer than the battery life of the Apple AirPods! Keep them in the case for a bit—a few times per day and they can last an entire day. The charging case is compatible with Qi wireless chargers such as the Anker PowerWave Pad and the Anker Wireless Charging Station. Simply place the charging case, with the earbuds inside, on the center of the pad and they will start charging.
Hands-Free Streaming
You can even listen to audiobooks when you sync your Audible account with the app. Just ask Alexa to read your book, making sure to say the correct title of your book. Or you can say, “Continue reading,” and she will pick up where you left off.
Privacy Controls
If you’re worried about your privacy being compromised while using the earbuds, you can change your privacy settings from the app. You can mute the mic and take control of your voice recordings, among other things in the multiple layers of privacy protection.
Compatibility With Alexa and Other AI Assistants
Of course, the 2nd Gen Echo Buds are designed to easily work with Alexa, but it is also compatible with other AI assistants like Siri and Google Home.
Alexa
Syncing the earbuds follows the same process as syncing other Alexa-enabled devices, like the Echo Dot. You will automatically get a prompt on your mobile device to start the syncing process when you first open the case. Follow the prompts on the Alexa app and you’re all set. You will see a section on the app dedicated to your Echo Buds. This is where you can do more customizations.
Siri and Google Assistant
To enable voice commands for AI assistants other than Alexa, you would have to press and hold the earbuds’ touch sensor. Wait till you hear a chime then say the wake word. This will either be “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google.”
Potential Issues Working With Your Alexa Home
To change the wake word, you can either say “Alexa, change the wake word” to your Echo device or go to the app and access the settings under Echo and Alexa. Choose the device from the list, scroll down and tap Wake Word.
How to Play Spotify Music on Echo Buds (2nd Gen) With Alexa
If you want Alexa to play music from your Spotify playlists, Spotify has to be selected as your default music streaming service. You can do this via the Alexa app on your mobile device. It only takes a few minutes to set up. Now, every time you ask Alexa to play a song, music, or podcast, it will play from Spotify. You can even play your custom playlists!
Eligibility
Availing Installment Payments
If you are eligible, you will see from the prices on the item listing the option to purchase it in installments. Click on that and select the terms that you prefer. You will only be charged the initial installment upon checkout and the remaining balance will be automatically charged to your selected payment method on the dates specified. Get the wireless earbuds now!
Final Verdict
