My first option to Apple AirPods.

[AlwaysBelieving]

My First Take. Wasn't sure what to write about. So why not about a new "toy."

I got these about three weeks ago (9/18/16). For the price (I purchased these with gift cards I had around the house), they're good at $72.99. At first it took my ears to get used to them (the fit). The package comes with 3 different sizes of ear tips and 3 different sizes of "wings" to help these stay in your ear. My ears are well, my ears. I use the smallest ear tips with the largest wing for the right side and the smallest ear tip and medium (middle) sized wing for the left ear. It took me awhile to figure out. Once I did, they stay put even with me jumping and doing all sorts of movements (I do martial arts).

The sound is great (YMMV) on both music and phone calls. These have more bass (to me) than the LG HBS-900 (gen. 1) that I have been using (the battery on that is starting to go).

Speaking of battery, the SmartOmi Boots are good for about 5 hours. I haven't actually timed this, as I was turning it off and on or not playing music. The time is just an estimation. When it comes time to charge, the charger can be "finicky" or maybe it's just the one that I got. Sometimes you'll have to play with the charger and the earbuds to get both the lights to turn on. It's a little annoyance and I'm fine with it. Just wanted to mention it for those that get annoyed at stuff easily.

Volume is good and I keep it at half where the HBS-900 would be at 2/3 volume. When listening to music, it'll have a slight delay between pressing the button (either to play / pause music or go to the next / previous track. With that being said, I wouldn't recommend these for watching video as it has a 0.25 - 0.3 second delay (depending if you watch a TV show, movies, or music videos). It's kinda weird for me since I can read lips.

When using it as a phone, it will only use the master (the one that you used to pair with the phone) so you only get one side (like holding your phone to your ear). Speaking of which, either side can be used to pair to the phone / Bluetooth device. So it is possible for you to pair one side to a phone and another side to a tablet if you wanted to.

This one REALLY likes a clear line of sight (aka no walls) vs. the HBS-900 I had. Range is probably 20 feet or so from your audio source (phone / iPod) can be put in your back pocket (either side). It'll cut out sometimes if something nocks your audio source though.

The one odd quirk I would say about these is that they'll stop the connection and you'll have to re-initialize them by putting the host to the charger until the charge light comes on. Wait about 5 seconds, then remove and it'll be good to go again. You never know when this'll happen so keep your charger and necessary cables with you (like I said, I got these using gift cards so I'll probably keep them).

I'll review the Syllable D900S next as I also "bought" that one with gift cards as well.

[OlderAndWiser]

I have an appreciation for the engineering and manufacturing of technology such as this but I also have concern for the effect this technology has on our society. This is one more device that people will use so that they can walk around and remain disconnected from those in their surroundings. Of course, the person standing next to them can always send them a text message. Technology is supposed to work for us but too many people have become a slave to their technology, all to the detriment of the collective social skills of our culture.

[AlwaysBelieving]

You bring up a GREAT point. I use these for the office (I loathe office gossip), the gym, and driving.

I don't need another barrier between me and a cutie is like to get to know (though, this COULD happen at the gym as well).

[Prof_Don]

Like any other tool, technology is all about how it is used.

Can't blame ppl's inventions for their societal disconnection.

[OlderAndWiser]

@Prof_Don I agree. I am not blaming the technology; I am blaming the users.

[Prof_Don]

Too many people my age and younger, letting technology control them. :-/

[redeyemindtricks]

What word did you mean to use in the title, instead of "option"?

In any case, earbuds are not my jam -- I hate the way in-ear headphones feel, and I have weirdly shaped ear canals so I can't get earbuds to stay in anyway.

So when you get a phone call, one side just goes silent? Uhh...

[AlwaysBelieving]

op·tion ˈäpSH (ə) n/
noun
noun: option; plural noun: options
1. a thing that is or may be chosen.

That's what the "wings" are for.

I hear (pun not intended) on the phone call part. Takes a bit of getting use to since the HBS-900 had both sides.

[capturemyheartnow]

I am not into this type of stuff. I have got very little knowledge about it. Hence it is better if I do not pass a comment. Thanks for inviting me to your take. Enjoy your new toys.

[BackAgain]

Lol oh so this is what you had on while jamming to music.
I prefer to listen to my music out loud still. Ear buds always fall out and give me a headache

[AlwaysBelieving]

Yes. They kinda made me look like I had bolts coming out my ears. LOL

Before these, it was the LG HBS-900 which I still use. They're the ones in grey.

I do listen to music out loud, just in my own space like the car or home as my music tastes are my music tastes.

[SunnyCaliGirl]

This was a great Mytake, great job :)