It would be ridiculous to pay for something that only offers a fraction of its commercialized functionality, however some smartphone manufacturers expect us to do that.
More and more smartphone manufacturers are rolling out wireless headsets that do not receive headphone updates with non-branded phones. OnePlus Buds are the most recent example of this practice, but OnePlus is not the only company that does this: Apple and Huawei are also in the barrel.
How companies limit headphone features to their smartphones
Function constraints take many forms. The most limiting of them prevents certain consumers from accessing firmware and software updates. One of the most restricted systems is Apple’s.
AirPods users can only update their headphones with an Apple device (i.e. iPhone or iPad). In other words, Android smartphones cannot perform AirPods updates. This strategy has a double effect: it further retains those already in the Apple ecosystem and tries to attract non-iPhone AirPods users.
Related: Let’s talk about the true wireless headphones and their battery life
They are not just updates. Phone manufacturers reserve access to various headset features to users of their smartphones. These include remappable controls, which affect basic functions like media playback, battery life information display, quick pairing, easy device switching and more. It is silly to realize that users cannot take full control of their music simply because they have the “wrong” phone. Unfortunately, this is exactly what OnePlus has done with its touch controls. The only playback feature that OnePlus users don’t have is skipping a track. Pausing and playing music is also allowed, but that requires users to remove or insert the headphones, and doesn’t even give the option to press to pause.
Supporting a pre-existing base does not serve the broader community
Let’s dig deeper into OnePlus. Like Apple, true OnePlus wireless headphones can only receive updates via OnePlus smartphones. This is almost justifiable. After all, controlling hardware, software, and firmware makes it easier for engineers to send consistent updates. But a more critical look reveals that this is a weak explanation, especially since most firmware updates are relatively simple adjustments to connection stability (which OnePlus Buds desperately needs).
Many companies allow their wireless headsets to be updated on Android devices and even operating systems. It is certainly possible to make firmware and software updates accessible. Heck, even smaller players like JLab can afford updates via iOS and Android. This makes it even more apparent that brands that choose to limit headphone functionality do so for their own benefit, and any claim to serve the tech community or Android fans is false.
Who cares? The headphones will continue to play music.
As consumers, we should be concerned about limited headphone updates, because every purchase is a way to vote with our wallets. Yes, your headphones will continue to pair with your smartphone. And yes, they will still stream music from Spotify. But headphones are billed as much more now.
Bluetooth technology has opened the floodgates for consumer audio advancements. These wireless headphones are not just headphones, in the same way that our smartphones are not just phones. Bluetooth headsets now serve as a tool for productivity; direct contact with our virtual assistants; and even as facilitators of accessibility functions for people with hearing disabilities.
All this aside, you must enjoy all the aspects in which you are investing your hard-earned cash.
Earlier this year, we saw a significant update to the original Samsung Galaxy Buds that allowed direct access to Spotify, a feature originally intended to be exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus. The new functionality of the Galaxy Buds increased their value and lifespan, while demonstrating Samsung’s willingness to sacrifice a bit for the good of the consumer. Yes, it is frustrating how the update is not yet available for iPhones, but it is still accessible for the entire Android platform. This is more than can be said about the OnePlus Buds and Huawei Freebuds line of true wireless headphones.
What true wireless headphones offer broad support?
This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather serves as a starting point.
SO agnostic
- Anker SoundCore Liberty Air 2: Listeners wanting to stick to a $ 99 budget with some of the best microphones available should have these headphones.
- Bose SoundSport Free: Although these can be bulbous, Bose sports headphones are still a hit with athletes.
- Jabra Elite Active 75t – For a pair of stylish durable headphones, look no further than Jabra. These headphones can be connected to two devices at the same time and have full button controls.
- Panasonic RZ-S500W: Noise canceling technology doesn’t get more intense than this, but fortunately it can lower the intensity in the Panasonic Audio app.
- Sony WF-1000XM3: Sony knows how to please the general public, and its noise-canceling heritage is strong with its true ANC flagship wireless headphones.
Android operating system
- Google Pixel Buds (2020): Anyone with the Google Pixel Buds app on Android 6.0+ can update Google’s fully wireless headphones. Build quality, design, and user experience are on par with AirPods on iPhone.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus and Galaxy Buds: For PowerShare wireless functionality you need a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, but all Android devices can receive firmware updates for the headphones.
Rather than relentlessly scolding companies, it is important to raise awareness of product limitations. Each brand has the right to do as it pleases. We do not have to buy from these brands if we do not agree with their practices. The next time you click buy on those headphones, check if there is a little asterisk in your description. Do you agree with the compromise, even if it means that unmitigated connection issues could drop every few minutes? These are things that picky shoppers should consider before any big purchase, and something to look out for in future reviews.
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