TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro earbuds come packing some advanced AI
You can now pick up and drop calls using head movement.
Mobvoi may well be best-know as the brains behind the TicWatch. But its latest CES announcement, direct from Las Vegas, is all about its latest earbuds - the TicPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro.
These latest TicPods are set to replace the TicPods Free as their top-tier earbud offering.
The brand’s second generation true wireless earbuds are set to be 42 per cent smaller than their predecessors, offering users an upgraded listening experience, with a few more advanced features thrown in for good measure.
The new TIcPods 2 and TicPods 2 Pro pick up where the last left off, raising audio and call quality alongside features including Mobvoi’s in-house voice, motion and touch technologies.
On the surface they resemble a slightly more angular version of Apple’s AirPods, but the added benefit of touch technology allows you to raise the volume, skip tracks and pick up calls without needing to take your phone from your pocket.
However, the Pro version of the earbuds is where the brand hopes to showcase the real tech upgrades.
Incorporating AI technology in the form of the new TicHear and TicMotion features, the buds allow calls to be picked up and declined using head gestures.
The built-in AI also allows you to link the buds to your device’s native voice assistant, using the command ‘Hey Tico’ in place of ‘Hey Google’ or ‘Hey Siri’.
The addition of Quick Commands also looks to be a useful feature, meaning there’s no need to wake-up your voice assistant for simple tasks like skipping tracks and pausing music.
Complete with charging case the new designs are set to last 20 hours on a single charge, with a five minute charge providing an hour of battery life according to Mobvoi. It’s certainly not the most impressive on the market, but in many ways the price point looks to be balanced by the AI upgrades as opposed to battery life.
It’s clear the brand is hoping to establish themselves as a real contender in the AI/audio market, a goal that looks that much closer given the recent heavy investment from Google.
Needless to say, we’re intrigued to see how the interactive TicMotion and TicHear features work in reality.
Those looking to invest in a pair will be pleased to hear there’s a 10% discount available on pre-orders across the range if ordered before 15 January.
You can pre-order both models now from the Mobvoi website.
- In the market for a new set of headphones? Discover our pick of the best true wireless earphones around.