AppleInsider Staff
Self-professed "hearable" company Bragi on Tuesday announced a series of updates to its product lineup, including the all-new Dash Pro, a version of which is being marketed as "the world's first custom-made wireless ear computer."
According to a press release sent out to coincide with a live announcement hosted by YouTube, the Bragi Dash Pro provides one-touch Bluetooth pairing, robust connectivity and onboard computing components. The headphones last five hours on a charge, with another five charges available through the accompanying carrying case.
Powered by a 32-bit processor and 4GB of storage, the headphones boast a built-in artificial intelligence and 27 sensors that help inform a number of features like active noise cancelling, itself boosted thanks to a new audio codec designed to minimize white noise. Carried over from the original Dash is Audio Transparency, a feature that allows real world noise to pass through, either selectively or wholesale.
New to the Dash Pro is integration with iTranslate, which supports on-the-fly translations of more than 40 languages. The feature is reliant on the paid version of iTranslate's iOS app, meaning the device needs to be in communication with an iPhone or iPad to function. Dash Pro buyers get a 30-day subscription to try the feature out for free.
Rated IPX7 waterproof, Dash Pro sports biometric sensors to track steps, cadence, pool lengths and other fitness metrics. Users can connect to the Bragi app for live updates on workout performance, while integration with other health apps promises additional flexibility.
A revamped "4D" user interface lets users control the Dash Pro using head movements and cheek taps.
Dash Pro is available for $329 from Bragi's website.
A high-end version designed in cooperation with Starkey Hearing Technologies is also being offered at the premium price of $499. The extra money buys custom fit shells that are 3D printed from molds of a user's ears. The Starkey version will be sold through 5,000 audiologists across the U.S. and Canada.
Finally, today's update introduces the Bragi 3.0 operating system, which incorporates IBM's Watson AI, adds automated health and fitness tracking with offline storage, and implements a new audio profile. The aforementioned "4D" menu, one-touch Bluetooth pairing and iTranslate integration are also included, allowing owners of older Dash devices to enjoy some of the newly introduced features.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
16 Comments
Sounds like this company would be a good match for Apple. This would be a nice add on to their wearable line.
Very Apple like. Would love Apple to acquire them.
Has anyone tried them to see how well the translation really works?
Do.not.buy
I bought the current version of The Dash and it's pretty and even looks like an Apple product. BUT, it doesn't do anything that they say in the website that it's supposed to do. Terrible experience, low/poor volume, non-responsive controls, etc.
They say battery lasts 3 hours. Nope, it barely lasts 1 hour. I spend 2-3 hours at the gym. It was frustrating.
They have the worst customer service or no customer service at all.
Bragi is a misleading company.
I stick to Jaybird X3, which doesn't offer all the fancy and sophisticated health features, but the audio quality is GREAT. It's sweat and water resistant, not waterproof though. Battery lasts like 5-6 hours before having to charge again.
I think the Apple EarPods are good too based on reviews but I haven't tried them on myself.
do.not.buy.the.dash.