This article first appeared in Digital Edge, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on October 9, 2023 – October 15, 2023
The role of earbuds has evolved beyond simple audio playback. They now serve as indispensable tools for a wide range of tasks. These compact devices have integrated advanced technologies that enable not only crystal-clear calls but also active noise cancellation, creating a cocoon of tranquillity amid the chaos of daily life.
The versatile HP Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC wireless earbuds, designed for both work and play, is one such creation. Equipped with touch controls, a voice assistant and seamless connectivity, the earbuds toggle effortlessly between tasks, making them an ideal choice for those constantly on the move.
Whether you’re hustling through a busy workday, attending virtual meetings or unwinding with your favourite tunes or podcasts, these multifunctional earbuds promise to redefine your auditory experience.
Digital Edge had the chance to test out the enterprise-grade earbuds for two weeks and evaluate their features, performance and how they bridge the gap between work and play.
Released as part of the HP Poly Voyager Free 60 Series, the Poly Voyager Free 60+ UC boasts features such as a touchscreen charging case and metallic swipe sensors to control its functions.
With their control functions, accessories and hardware, the earbuds are an upgrade from their predecessors. Here are some of the highlights:
Hybrid ANC technology
The active noise-cancelling (ANC) earbuds offer a hybrid work solution, isolating your voice and minimising the surrounding noise with WindSmart technology. The hybrid ANC has a two-setting transparency mode, allowing users to tune back into their natural surroundings without taking out their buds.
The device comes with high-calibre noise-cancelling technology that effectively reduces background noise distractions.
Stereo-sonic experience
One of the highlights of the earbuds is their sound quality when they function as a portable stereo. The high-fidelity sound and 10mm speaker drivers provide a comprehensive listening experience with equaliser customisation. The sound quality has an impressive bass, yet there is still room for a warmer, more inviting resonance.
The gadget manages to deliver the melodic qualities in ballads such as Suzume by RADWIMPS and Toaka, and What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish, exhibiting greater affinity for music genres such as ballad, pop and rock. Its focus on voice quality and audio clarity enhances the listening experience of podcasts and audiobooks too.
In and out of work conversations
The earbuds act as a hybrid work solution for call meetings and are even certified to work with major UC (unified communications) platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. So, that begs the question — does the microphone meet expectations?
During a series of calls on Zoom and Discord for both work and leisure, the earbuds managed to pick up clear conversations without interruptions. The three-mic array in each earbud equipped with WindSmart technology triangulates your voice and minimises surrounding noise.
Touchscreen charger case
The earbuds come with a sleek touchscreen charger case that displays the battery level of each earbud and the case. The display also allows users to manage their volume and pairing controls as well as the ANC feature.
The touchscreen feature allows for easy access to all the necessary controls with a tap. The ability to lock the screen helps prevent unintentional changes in settings if the case were in your pocket.
Hours of playback and call time
In the two weeks we tested the Voyager Free 60+ UC, we found that the earbuds, at moderate usage, only needed to be charged once for optimal battery life.
If you leave your earbuds powered on but out of range of your paired device, they conserve power by entering DeepSleep mode after 90 minutes, which helps prolong the battery life of the device.
Charging the earbuds for 15 minutes gives up to an hour of call time and more than two hours of music playback. The device supports Qi wireless charging too.
Customisation at your fingertips: Poly Lens app and swipe sensors
The Poly Lens app allows users to tailor their listening experience with in-app customisation of the earbuds’ swipe sensors and ANC settings.
The app enables an anti-startle function for acoustic protection in case of sudden increases in volume. It also allows users to monitor and control their noise exposure to preserve their hearing health.
The app enables easy and seamless customisation to cater to users’ personal needs while using the earbuds.
The metallic swipe sensors on the earbuds allow users to conveniently track backwards and forwards or adjust their volume during music playback. The buttons on the tail end of the earbuds make receiving calls easier too.
However, we found that the metallic swipe sensors could accidentally be triggered when the earbuds are picked up as the sensors are built into the sides of the earbuds.
Priced at RM1,759.00, the Voyager Free 60+ UC can be purchased from https://polyonline.com.my/voyager-free-60-uc.
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