We’ve covered Optoma products here in the past. Their latest device, however, is slightly different from the rest in that it takes on a new product category created by Apple last year. The BE Free8 from Optoma’s NuForce brand features two separate earbuds that provide high-quality audio and calling features so you can choose to wear one, or both at any given time.
I personally own Apple’s AirPods and use them almost daily. The ability to put a single AirPod in and not have something else hanging around my neck is a beautiful thing to me. It’s also great in that the case fits in my pocket like a box of Tic Tacs and isn’t bulky at all. Many other manufacturers have tried to match this style, but most could not really achieve it. Optoma’s NuForce really might have with the BE Free8’s, however.
With a similar style to Apple’s AirPods, and the ability to connect seamlessly to both Android and iOS devices alike, they could be a game-changer.
The BE Free8’s have a similar case to AirPods, which is great in my opinion. The earbuds themselves carry a 4-hour charge, and the case will give them up to 3 more full charges before it needs to be recharged itself. When the case does die, you can recharge it via microUSB quite easily, which is a cable most of us have thousands of.
The BE Free8’s use a special “Near-Field Magnetic Induction” technology that allows them to stay connected to each other without issue. Connection to your smart device is done over Bluetooth 4.1, which gives you a range of approximately 33-feet before you’ll lose signal.
These wire-free headphones are also extremely durable according to Optoma. They have an IPX5 rating so you know they’re weather-resistant and are perfect for working out with, as there are no cords to get in the way.
Another benefit these bring over alternatives like the AirPods is easy connections on both iPhone and Android. The BE Free8’s also sport both AAC and aptX LL technologies, which means that you’ll receive the highest quality audio stream possible from whatever device you’re connected to.
Where the Optoma NuForce BE Free8 really shines though is pricing and availability. One area the AirPods fell short in was being available to the general public without long wait times, as well as a higher price point. The Optoma NuForce BE Free8’s come in at just $149.99, which is $20 under Apple’s AirPods. They are available on Amazon for purchase now with delivery starting October 9th.
If the $150 price tag is still a little out of your budget, you can always check into some more affordable options like the Gear IconX for $49.99 or these Klipsch noise-isolating earbuds for just $80.
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