I’m less skeptical of Phoenix’s claim to be the world’s first solar-powered true wireless earbuds than I would otherwise be. It’s worth noting that the case needs to be exposed to sunlight compared to the Los Angeles setup that houses the solar panels, where is very important. However, the headphones themselves are fine. Phoenix features hybrid active noise canceling and noise canceling microphones that filter out ambient noise. This includes a transparent mode similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro earbuds. That’s a pretty good number in today’s market).
Swedish audio maker Urbanista has opened the lid on a new pair of true wireless earbuds with a fully solar-powered charging case. Following the release of last year’s Urbanista Los Angeles over-ear headphones, the brand has applied a similar design philosophy to its all-new Phoenix wireless earbuds. It charges when exposed to any kind of external or internal light. Given how effective Los Angeles’ charging tech has been in testing,
Highlights
We will be testing Urbanista Phoenix as it becomes available so we can properly assess its value. But when that will be is written in the stars. There’s no official word yet on when the new earbuds will launch, but Urbanista opened a sign-up page on its website (opens in a new tab) in case you’d like to follow the announcement.
It also has great auto-off functionality, touch controls, voice assistant support, IPX4 sweat resistance, and USB Type-C charging (just in case you run into a solar eclipse). As for the look, Phoenix has his two colorways: Midnight Black (black) and Desert Rose (pink). And while they’re not the most original earbuds, AirPods-like shapes and snug-fitting silicone tips are outdated. Price wise, Urbanista’s latest buds will retail for $149 / £129 (around $220 AUD), putting them squarely in the midrange like the Beat Studio Buds, but as the world’s first solar-powered wireless earbuds. of novelty value. You can give them a competitive edge.