Audio Technica ATH-CLR100BT

Price: Rs 2,499

One usually associates audio major Audio Technica with high-end gear, so I was intrigued when Audio Technica launched the ATH-CLR100BT Bluetooth 5.0 earphones at such an attractive price point. Solid performance packed into a durable, carry-everywhere design — what’s not to like?

Available in four colour options, the CLR100BT in-ear headphones are made of high-quality plastic that feels solid and likely to last, and the ‘barely there’ 17g weight and the IPX2 drip-resistant certification will ensure they stay with you all day. Speaking of which, battery life at seven hours is pretty decent, and a little over two hours of charge will juice up the earbuds from empty. Sonic performance is where the CLR100BT impresses the most — the 8.7mm drivers push an impressive output that balances the punchy bass with the mid range and the highs. Certainly punches above its price category with that signature Audio Technica sound.

Dated micro-USB port

Micro-USB port for charging feels dated. Magnets help earbuds stow away properly, but don’t pause audio playback, as with the competition. Some amount of sound leakage. Slim cables aren’t as confidence-inspiring as the rest of the build.

CP Plus EzyTrack

CP Plus EzyTrack

Price: Rs 3,199 onwards

The EzyTrack from security and surveillance brand CP Plus may look like a smartwatch for kids, but it’s intended for parents to keep track of and connect with their kids (or their parents, for that matter) without the added hassle of a smartphone.

The EzyTrack range checks the boxes for what it’s intended to do — with the companion app, you can see the real-time location of the wearer and even set up a geofence alert to inform you when they exit the prespecified area. There’s two-way communication, either via calls or via voice messages, and, in case of emergency, a SOS button to send out the current position and a voice message. Even though this isn’t a smartwatch in the traditional sense, you’ll get the usual pedometer tracking, alarms, watch faces/themes and a few casual games.

Lightweight, bulky design

While the EzyTrack is lightweight, its bulky-looking design may not be to the average pre-teen’s tastes. Plus, the very obvious smartwatch looks and the presence of a camera on the higher-end model I tested, albeit low resolution, may concern school administrators.

Tushar Kanwar is a tech columnist and commentator. Follow him on Twitter @2shar. Mail your tech queries to t2onsunday@abp.in