Apple Inc. has just released a pair of vinyl-inspired headphones with singer and rapper Will.i.am – meet iam EPs (i.am EP+) Bluetooth headphones.
New Release: Will.i.am iam EPs Bluetooth Headphones
Headphones sales are on their way to becoming a $17.5 billion market and everyone wants a cut – including Will.i.am. His new Bluetooth-based earbuds look like mini records resting between your conch and tragus. The wireless earbuds hang behind the neck in a sports-like fashion, but in a sleeker chassis.
These mini records are also magnetic, so the headphones are securely looped around your neck when they are not in use. The cable, which comes equipped with an in-line mic and controller, also houses the charging unit. One full charge is said to power the i.am+ EPs for up to eight hours.
Adding a few interesting personal touches, each earbud is engraved with either the message “left and gone” and “right and wrong” to indicate which bud goes where. Apple also advises looking out for Will.i.am’s voice when you turn on your EPs or connect to Bluetooth… cool? TBH, the novelty will probably wear off after a few go ’rounds.
The Will.i.am iam EPs operate off of 14 mm drivers rather than the typical 6 mm or so. The frequency response range has not been specified so there’s no real indicator of how great (or awful) these earbuds may sound. Apple, however, promises “superior surround sound and deep bass” and “aptX enhanced music listening.”
Will.i.am’s last few attempts at tech gadgets were overpriced and quite unpopular. Hopefully, these new in-ear monitors can change that.
Currently, these headphones have some of the tech industry wondering whether this is a glimpse into the future of Apple buds thanks to the lightning jack rumors surrounding the iPhone 7, but only time will tell. Â Until then, we have the iam EPs.
Interested in snagging a pair? The Will.i.am iam EPs are sold exclusively through Apple.com in all-over black and black and gold for $229.95.
