Amsterdam-based firm Fairphone, recognized for its dedication to sustainability and repairability within the electronics trade, has expanded its product vary to incorporate user-repairable wi-fi headphones. The newly-launched Fairbuds XL over-ear headphones observe the identical rules as the corporate’s modular smartphones, providing shoppers an alternative choice to the disposable nature of many digital units.
What units the Fairbuds XL aside is their design, which contains 9 modular elements that may be simply changed or repaired. The elements embrace the battery, speaker-to-speaker cable, earcap covers, headband, ear cushion, headband base, audio system, and headband cowl. Clients can order these elements via the corporate’s web site or the Fairbuds app, enabling them to increase the lifespan of their headphones and cut back digital waste.
Priced at €249, the Fairbuds XL headphones are primarily bought in Europe, though some authorised resellers ship them to different elements of the world. These headphones function a number of spectacular specs, together with a 30-hour battery life, 40 mm dynamic drivers for high-quality sound, and lively noise cancellation. In addition they come geared up with a USB-C connector for charging, a 10-meter Bluetooth vary, and help for good assistants.
Fairphone emphasizes the environmental and social influence of its merchandise. The Fairbuds XL are constructed from 100% recycled plastics, aluminum, and tin solder paste each time attainable. Moreover, the corporate pledges to pay $0.55 per headphone to fill the dwelling wage hole for manufacturing line employees, additional selling honest working circumstances. Aligning with the European Union’s objectives to scale back e-waste and transition to a round economic system by 2050, Fairphone’s method aligns with upcoming insurance policies such because the Proper to Restore and Ecodesign for Sustainable Merchandise.
By way of performance, the Fairbuds XL ship spectacular sound high quality and lively noise cancellation. They provide a frequency response vary of 20Hz to 20KHz and help Bluetooth 5.1 with dual-point connectivity, permitting customers to attach and swap between two paired units. Fairphone has additionally partnered with Sonarworks, a sound calibration firm, to supply SoundID software program, enabling customers to customize their audio profiles for a extra personalised listening expertise.
Whereas the Fairbuds XL design could not match the cutting-edge aesthetics of some high-end headphones, their deal with sustainability and repairability units them aside. Fairphone’s dedication to offering user-repairable and eco-friendly merchandise contributes to the corporate’s mission to create a extra sustainable and moral electronics trade. By empowering shoppers to restore and substitute elements, Fairphone goals to scale back digital waste and promote a round economic system whereas providing a high quality audio expertise.
