Huawei announces FreeBuds Pro availability, shares a peek at new audio devices

Audiophiles of all ages and backgrounds can now look forward to Huawei’s new offerings for their stereo solutions – the Huawei FreeBuds Pro is now officially available in the Philippines, including a couple of new audio-focused products that will hit the local market soon.

Huawei now has a veritable “Audio Family” of devices, all True Wireless Stereo (TWS) products that capitalize on the brand’s innovative approach to bringing high-quality sound to consumers. Given the diversity of these devices, every one of these share two common feature sets between them – Intelligent Connection and High-Resolution Sound Quality. That is, every Huawei Audio device puts ease of use (intuitive interface, multiple-device connectivity, fast pairing) and utmost acoustic fidelity (dynamic sound drivers, premium noise cancelling, multiple microphones) above all else.

Leading this charge is the FreeBuds Pro, a pair of TWS earphones offering a unique listening experience in all use cases.

FreeBuds Pro: Availability and promotion

Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) headlines the FreeBuds Pro’s top feature set, capable of switching listening modes on the fly depending on the user’s environment. Its Dynamic 11mm Drivers offer unparalleled sound quality while the responsive touch-based controls provide intuitive access to its variety of functions (music playback, ANC modes, answering calls, etc.). The geometric piano-key aesthetic also brings an adept fashion sense to its top-shelf capabilities.

From December 4, 2020 to January 17, 2021, Filipino consumers can get the Huawei FreeBuds Pro (Php 7,999) and receive a free Entertainment Gift Package worth Php 2,099.

FreeLace Pro: Youthful and vibrant

For younger music lovers, the FreeLace Pro is an upcoming set of TWS earphones that feature a vibrant neckband style, also employing the same incredible ANC tech on the FreeBuds Pro. This means an adaptive noise canceling effect via multiple microphones for clearer music/call experiences, as well as multiple listening modes for greater audio flexibility.

The FreeLace Pro has extra-long battery endurance thanks to the 150mAh unit built-in, and several connectivity features like Huawei HiPair and a Low Latency Gaming mode provide a pleasurable usage experience every time.

FreeBuds Studio: Ultimate ANC and professional sound quality

For the ultimate in noise cancellation tech, the FreeBuds Studio is the optimal choice. Eight (8) omnidirectional microphones, and a TAT Acoustic Architecture offers an unrivaled soundscape no matter what’s playing through and around the unit. Three ANC modes (Ultra, General, and Comfortable) adapts to multiple scenarios for maximum versatility.

Sound quality is pure bliss on the FreeBuds Studio, courtesy of an Ak4377 Audio Codec Chip and a 4-layer 40mm polymer diaphragm that pumps out professional-quality acoustics and richly-detailed HiFi music.

Interface-wise, these headphones feature a Low-latency gaming mode, pop-up pairing, seamless connection for up to two devices, and up to 20 hours of battery life extended by fast charging capability.

Gentle Monster X Huawei Eyewear II: Peak style

Arguably the most style-savvy audio accessory in Huawei’s stable, this extraordinary pair of smart eyewear is the product of a partnership with phenomenal fashion brand Gentle Monster. The Eyewear II cleverly conceals the tech underneath its chic exterior, giving virtually no indication that it delivers low latency audio and immersive private stereo sound.

The thick frames enable smooth tap/slide controls for music playback or calls, while the pairing function automatically activates once the user puts the eyewear on.

The Huawei Audio Family offers a wide breadth of audio excellence, always prioritizing exceptional sound quality while maintaining a distinct aesthetic sensibility.

Huawei FreeBuds ProPhP 7,999
Huawei Freelace ProPhP 4,999
Huawei FreeBuds StudioPhP 15,999
Huawei Gentle MonsterPhP 21,999
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I don’t have the latest gadgets, and that’s okay

10/29/2020

It’s not your fault. It’s easy to want a lot of things nowadays considering that new gadgets pop out every month. It’s also easy to frown on your current gadget and smile whenever you see that new shiny thing. And often, that smile turns to a frown when reality sinks in and you realize that you can’t have it for now.

I am from the generation that grew up knowing feature phones. The fascination started when I saw a classmate’s Nokia 5110, a beautiful device with colorful covers and a game of Snake. I wished I had one of those.

A year later I saw a friend whip out the new Nokia 3210. It’s sleeker than the 5110, and just like the last time, I wanted it, but never owned it.

It went on like that for a few years. Whenever I visit malls, I always frequent the gadget stores to check out the “dummy” units on display. Although it looks like a sad scenario, it actually wasn’t. I don’t remember feeling bad for not owning one. It was more on the pure fascination with technology.

I only got a phone later in college. It’s a hand-me-down, so it’s an older model. There were newer and more attractive models, but it was okay. I was just happy that I could call and send text messages.

“I feel bad for not having the latest. They say it is materialism or consumerism. Whatever it is, it doesn’t feel good.”

It was simpler back in the day since phones then mostly have the same basic features, so you won’t feel outdated easily. Nowadays, it’s difficult as more fancy features are being introduced and marketing campaigns become more creative. All you need to do is watch the new device’s ad on YouTube and you will find yourself wanting one as well.

Upgrade cycles become shorter, too. From the usual 2-year cycle, you’re now compelled to upgrade to a new one after just a year. Some brands even release upgraded models in just six months, leaving some users who just recently bought a new smartphone easily feeling left out.

It’s easy to fall into this trap, even for someone like me who reviews gadgets for a living. The barrage of new devices left me desensitized, killing my fascination for technology, and just left me wanting almost everything that is new. I feel bad seeing my 1-year old flagship stutter when it attempted to play a new and popular game. The grass is now always greener on the other side.

Image: Maynard Lumhod

And it’s not just with smartphones now. I feel the same way with my other devices — TV, laptop, gaming console, headphones, etc. I feel bad for not having the latest. They say it is materialism or consumerism. Whatever it is, it doesn’t feel good.

I guess not having the means to buy whatever latest gadget, cars, or appliances in the market has its perks. I decided to be more practical and practice delayed gratification. I mean, I can still upgrade to the latest, but only when necessary. Easier said than done, though.

That’s when I realized that the things that I’m using right now are actually doing okay. My phone still performs well on most tasks. My laptop, although not built for gaming, handles productivity tasks well. My gaming console can still play the games designed for it. And my TV? My internet is not that fast enough to stream 4K, so Full HD is still enough. Simply put, there’s nothing wrong with them.

They say that things become obsolete after a number of years. But I’d like to think that things become obsolete when you start demanding more from what you already have. This is not to say that you should not buy the latest gadgets or whatever you fancy. But rather to help you stop feeling bad for not having the latest. As long as it’s still working, you’re going to be okay.

While you’re reading this, a new smartphone has probably launched. You’re going to read and watch everything you can about it. Not just because you want it, but because of your appreciation of technology. And if ever you realize that you can’t have it, at least for the meantime, you will be able to tell yourself that it’s okay.

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