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Jabra’s sport earbuds are a quality product, but come at a cost

The Jabra Elite Sport wireless earbuds were designed to feature superior sound quality for music and calls, and advanced wireless connectivity to ensure overall performance.
The Jabra Elite Sport wireless earbuds were designed to feature superior sound quality for music and calls, and advanced wireless connectivity to ensure overall performance. HANDOUT

Jabra calls its Elite Sport line ($249.99) the most technically advanced true wireless earbuds, with features far beyond great sound making this a superb product.

True wireless means really wireless – there’s not even a cable connecting each earbud. They sit in each ear independently and are paired with Bluetooth 4.1.

Sound quality is first and foremost in importance and they have outstanding passive noise cancellation sound, which I’ve come to expect from Jabra products.

Multiple sets of silicon gels, foam tips and secure fit wings are included to ensure the proper fit, which is critical when exercising.

Each earbud is sweat- and water-resistant, and microphones with advanced noise cancellation technology are built in for hands-free calls.

Features beyond the sound make these wireless earbuds stand out, including working as an in-ear heart rate monitor, among various health features.

The iOS and Android app provides in-ear fitness coaching and integrated training management on times, speed, distance, calories burned, workout goals and results.

You’ll get up to three hours of music/talk time before a charge is needed and the included pocket sized case doubles as a charger for providing power for an additional 6 hours.

More: Jabra.com

Light system

The Switchmate light control system ($39.99) has to be the easiest smart-home accessory I’ve found for controlling standard household light switches.

The installation takes about one second – simply snap it over an existing light switch and it magnetically stays in place. It’s just as the instructions say: no tools, no wiring and no WiFi needed.

The connection from your smartphone to the Switchmate is done with Bluetooth, so users will have to be within range for a connection. According to the Switchmate site, the company is working to expand the range so that it can be used anywhere with an internet connection.

Download the app from the App Store or Google Play to turn lights on or off, or to set up schedules with preset times. The app walks users through the full installation and setup.

I used the Switchmate with a standard toggle light switch and it’s also compatible with rocker switches.

More: myswitchmate.com

iPhone accessories

Olloclip is the undisputed leader for iPhone photography lens accessories.

The Core lens set ($99.99) for the iPhone 7/7 Plus has gotten an upgrade, giving it improved optics. Interchangeable lenses in the connect lens system include a super-wide angle (120-degree view), fisheye (near 180 degrees) and macro (15 times) lens.

Each lens has a premium multi-element coated glass option, which helps create high-quality images.

For those not familiar with the Olloclip system, it’s incredibly easy to use, with lenses that slip on and off an iPhone’s front- and rear-facing cameras.

More: olloclip.com

Contact Gregg Ellman at greggellman@mac.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greggellman

This story was originally published May 17, 2017 at 11:13 AM with the headline "Jabra’s sport earbuds are a quality product, but come at a cost."

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