Photo credit: Amazon
Amazon is offering six months of free music with its second-generation Echo Buds release.
Amazon’s new generation of Alexa-enabled devices cost just $ 99 for a limited time. They are available in black or glacier white and Amazon is firmly targeting both Apple and Spotify with this offer. Offering hardware and six months of free music for less than AirPods is tempting to many. But it can also attract Spotify subscribers, whose only material on offer cannot be freely purchased yet.
The new Amazon Echo Buds feature a smaller design and a more comfortable fit, with active noise cancellation. They also charge wirelessly, unlike the first generation Echo Buds. Amazon claims the new Echo Buds feature a more balanced song and extended dynamic range. Amazon claims that the ANC technology of the new buds is also twice as effective at canceling background noise.
The only sticking point for me would be the voice commands. You have to ask Alexa to turn on ANC and passthrough mode – which is annoying. Echo Buds that support wireless charging cost $ 139.99, which brings them closer to AirPods territory. Amazon says, “Eligible customers will also receive six months of Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible Plus free of charge.” To be eligible, you must be eligible for a free trial of Amazon Music Unlimited or Audible.
“The all-new Echo Buds are better in so many ways: a smaller design, a more comfortable fit, Active Noise Cancellation technology, a new color and wireless charging option, and high-performance drivers for dynamic sound,” said said Tom Taylor Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa.
“It’s never been easier for customers to bring Alexa with them throughout the day – whether it’s home, walking around the neighborhood, or commuting to work, whatever they have. to do is ask to listen to music or podcasts, call to see a loved one, add an item to their to-do list, and more. “
The free music offering is hard to pass up, but I’m wary of PDA powered headphones. Alexa may be here to stay, but Microsoft’s Cortana efforts have fallen flat to the point that its support ceases. Amazon is hoping the headphones will be a loss leader for its music streaming service.
But the five hours of playback and only 15 hours of total time in the charging case is a bit lacking. You can buy much cheaper wireless headphones that sound on par with what Amazon offers for around $ 60 to $ 70 – no digital assistant installed either.
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