Dell’s Cloudy Earbuds: An Odd Proposition at a Steep Cost
Last year, GadgetLad encountered Dell marketing cloud-controllable wireless earbuds with their notoriously uninspired design, priced even higher than the latest AirPods from Apple. Eventually, Dell provided us with a pair of their Pro Plus Earbuds for evaluation, on the condition that they showcase the vague management features that allegedly warrant the premium price.
Exploring Dell’s Cloud-Based Device Management
Divya Soni, a lead in the go-to-market team, guided me through Dell’s cloud-based Device Management Console, a platform that enables administrators to register and monitor the earbuds, deploy new firmware, or even toggle active noise cancellation by default across multiple devices. Firmware updates are crucial for earbuds due to Bluetooth’s well-known security concerns. These earbuds have earned Microsoft’s Teams Open Office Certification – indicating they perform well in a chaotic office environment and also have Zoom approval. Firmware might play a role in this as well.
How Do Earbuds Integrate into Device Management?
Soni acknowledged that earbuds aren’t the primary focus of the Device Management Console, as Dell presumes that customers will primarily utilize it for docks and displays. Dell issues firmware updates for these devices at least once annually to address security vulnerabilities or malfunctions, which also applies to keyboards and headsets. I doubt many will be eager to utilize Dell’s Device Manager solely to oversee earbuds, nor do I anticipate anyone purchasing these earbuds for personal use.
Assessing the Competition: Are Dells Worth the Cost?
I say this because I have two sets of wireless earbuds, and both outperform the Dells in their respective ways. My everyday earbuds are JB’s $40 Vibe Beam 2, which fit perfectly, offer excellent sound, and have a battery life of a commendable six hours with a quick 15-minute charge. They are fantastic for lengthy flights, providing a serene silence when the active noise cancellation is engaged. My other pair, the $100 Soundcore Space A40s (purchased after another set failed), feature even better noise cancellation, although they fit somewhat awkwardly. I once lost one in a bush while dashing for the bus! They excel in microphone quality, making them my preferred choice for Zoom calls or podcasting. The case is a bit large, so they remain at home, unlike the Dells which are even bulkier.
Dell Earbuds: The Good, the Bad, and the Bulky
The Dells fit comfortably and provide a commendable battery life of about eight hours. Unfortunately, their active noise cancellation is underwhelming – producing a hissing annoyance during flights and in noisy settings. Neither of my two PCs could connect to the Dell buds via Bluetooth. Dell’s workaround? The case includes a mini USB-C dongle for a consistent connection, enhancing audio details not captured by other earbuds or desktop speakers. This dongle suggests Dell’s intent for these earbuds. Considering that modern laptops often have only a couple of USB-C ports, typically for power or video, allocating one for earbuds seems impractical… unless connected to a Dell dock or monitor with additional ports.
Corporate or Consumer: Who Will Purchase These Earbuds?
This USB-C audio connector reinforces the idea that Dell envisions these earbuds being marketed as part of a corporate accessory bundle. I can’t see consumers opting for them over Apple’s AirPods or any number of cheaper, similarly effective alternatives. However, if the boss mandates cloud-manageable earbuds for the work environment, it would be impolite not to accept a pair of Pro Plus Earbuds for both work and leisure. Using them reveals their true design: intended for office use yet adaptable for casual settings. They aren’t extraordinary, but they’re also not terrible, bothersome, or irksome. When I eventually lose or damage my current earbuds, I’d be pleased to have the Dells available.
Conclusion: A Shrewd Look at Dell’s Earbud Saga
The GadgetLad opinion: Dell’s cloud-managed earbuds are somewhat of a silly concept, particularly given the steep price. More fitting for corporate environments than personal use, they offer a peculiar option for the office ear but hardly stand out as a favorite among consumers.
