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Explainer guides
Plain-English buying guides, explainers and how-tos for wireless earbuds, headphones, neckbands and smartwatches.
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Bluetooth Calling on Smartwatches: How It Works
A calling smartwatch uses your phone's SIM and network and works within Bluetooth range. Here is how it works, how to set it up and how to get...
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AMOLED vs LCD Smartwatch Displays
How AMOLED and LCD smartwatch screens work, how they differ on contrast, battery life and always-on display, and which display specs are worth checking before you buy.
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Smartwatch Sensors: Heart Rate, SpO2, Sleep and Steps
How the heart-rate, SpO2, motion and GPS sensors in a smartwatch work, what affects their accuracy and how to read the numbers sensibly. Readings are for general wellness,...
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Multipoint and Dual Pairing Explained
What multipoint, dual pairing and dual connection mean, how switching between your phone and laptop works, and the limits to know before you rely on it.
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Driver Size: Does a Bigger Driver Mean Better Sound?
Driver size is only one part of how earbuds and headphones sound. Learn what it affects, what matters more, and how to compare models sensibly.
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Spatial Audio: What It Is and When It Helps
How spatial audio and head tracking work, what content and devices you need, and when spatial audio improves films, music and games, and when it does not.
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How to Read Battery Life Claims on Earbuds and Watches
How to read "up to" battery figures on earbuds and smartwatches: per charge versus total, ANC on versus off, fast-charge claims and what "typical use" means.
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IPX4, IP54, IP68 and 5 ATM: Water Resistance Ratings Explained
What IPX4, IP54, IP67, IP68 and 5 ATM actually mean, what the tests do not cover, and how to look after water-resistant earbuds and smartwatches.
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Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC and aptX
A plain guide to SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC and LHDC: what each codec does, which phones support them and when the codec actually makes a difference.
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Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.4: What the Version Number Means
What really changed from Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.4, why the version number does not decide sound quality or range, and what to check on a listing instead.
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Transparency and Ambient Modes Explained
How transparency and ambient modes let you hear your surroundings without removing your earbuds, what the different brand names mean and when to use them.
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ANC vs ENC: What's the Difference?
ANC reduces the noise you hear; ENC reduces the noise the other person hears on a call. Here is how each works and how to read noise-cancellation claims.
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