Founded in 1869, Denmark-based Jabra specializes in developing wireless and corded headsets for call centers and their office-based users, so the company’s newest pair of earbuds is, naturally, minimalist in design — but that doesn’t mean it lacks power or ingenuity. On the contrary: the Rox Wireless headphones actually look pretty damn cool.
The ‘phones, supposedly built with solid steel, are still “coming soon,” according to the product’s official profile page, but Jabra has them up for sale over at Apple’s online store with a $130 price tag. In the past, we’ve reviewed Jabra’s Sport Wireless Plus Bluetooth headphones, the Solemate Bluetooth speaker, and the Solemate Max.
As demonstrated in this video put together by Jabra, the Rox have a handful of efficient features: they’re Bluetooth- (4.0) and NFC/Perimeter Pairing-compatible and have an omni-directional microphone with noise filter and speakers with digital signal processing and a “hifi frequency sound” (no specifics are provided on speaker size). After fully charging via USB, you’ll be able to talk for 5.5 hours, stream music for six, and leave it on standby for 190.
We haven’t had a chance to test these badboys out ourselves just yet, but sound-wise, the ‘phones are likely to bring some heat with “full-spectrum Dolby Digital Plus.” There’s also a small control bar on the cord leading to the right earbud with volume, track and phone controls. Additionally, you’ll be able to download the Jabra Sound App for smartphones to create and browse playlists to stream from your personal library, YouTube, and a plethora of different streaming services. The app also connects to social media and has a graphic equalizer for crafting the perfect sound.
The Rox earbuds have one power-saving magnet on each side — they disconnect from Bluetooth/NFC and stop streaming when you click them together like a necklace, effectively shutting them off and saving power until you’re ready to listen again. Just pull them apart and they automatically reconnect to their previous source and pick up where you left off.
The demonstrator in the video, after activating Jabra’s optional proprietary “Earwings” in each ear, locking the ‘buds into place, vigorously shakes his head in all directions while the headphones stay put. IP52-certified and with Kevlar-reinforced cables, the Rox are protected against dust and water, making them ideal for hikers and all other outdoors-oriented customers.
Also included is a carrying case and three different sizes (small, medium, large) of attachable earbud cushions.
Jabra was an Innovations Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the headphones category when it unveiled the Rox at CES a few months back. Read more about these new headphones in the official press release.
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