TCL has used CES to reveal the MoveAudio S600 wireless earbuds, alongside a number of soundbars for televisions that ship with support for Apple's AirPlay.
Alongside its usual array of television and AV announcements at CES 2021, TCL has introduced some items that are of interest to Apple customers.
MoveAudio S600
The MoveAudio S600 wireless earbuds are billed as a premium audio accessory, complete with a hybrid active noise cancellation technology. As part of the cancellation, a Transparency Mode is available that can filter out background noise but allow conversations and other sounds through, while still letting users listen to their music or other audio content uninterrupted.
The newest member of the MoveAudio range also boasts clear voice pickup for calls via the use of three microphones on each earbud, used both for voice and for echo noise cancellation.
For audio playback, there is a strong bass response, with Bluetooth 5.0 support to minimize lag and interruptions. A smart wear detection system can play and pause music when you put in or remove the earbuds, with each earbud also having touch controls to activate ANC, access the Google Voice Assistant, switch between music and calls, and to manage playlists.
Its IP54 protection will help it withstand dust, water, and sweat, making it usable for working out or commutes. Battery life is said to be up to 8 hours on a single charge, with the charging case extending it to 32 hours.
Arriving in February, the MoveAudio S600 will cost 149 euro ($180)
SoundBars
The Alto soundbar range is headed up with the Alto R1, a "wireless" bar that doesn't require users to connect it to a television. Instead, the soundbar can be plugged into a wall outlet, and a TCK Roku TV will automatically connect to it.
As well as simplifying setup, the soundbar will also work with just the single television remote, and consolidate its settings with the television's own. It will include support for Bluetooth, to enable it to stream audio from an iPhone or iPad.
On the more standard soundbar front, the Alto 82i with dual built-in subwoofers will include support for Dolby Atmos and Apple AirPlay 2, as well as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Alto 8e will have the same compatibility options, as well as Spotify support, a wireless subwoofer, and up-firing speakers.
Another "premium" soundbar with Dolby Atmos support will also arrive later in 2021. The Alto 82i will launch in Q3, the Alto 8E in Q2, but TCL didn't state when the Alto R1 would arrive, other than within the year. Pricing for the soundbars was not provided in the announcements.
Mini-LED televisions
Of course, the main launches of CES for TCL are its televisions, which this year includes an expansion of its mini-LED technology into a third-generation version it is launching called OD Zero. The new backlighting creates an ultra-slim display with thousands of Contrast Control Zones for improved contrast and brightness.
For 2021, all of the 6-Series Roku TV models will use an 8K resolution, which can play native 8K content from streaming services where available, or upscale content using TCL's AiPQ Engine. As some Roku TVs have the ability to use the Apple TV app, as well as including AirPlay 2 support via a software update in November, these new models are highly likely to have the support for Apple's services.
TCL plans to bring out the 8K versions of the 6-Series Roku TVs later in 2021. Pricing was not announced.
Along with a bigger resolution, TCL is going large physically, with its new XL Collection consisting of a lineup of 85-inch televisions. Three models will be in the collection for 2021, including a 4-Series Roku TV with 4K HDR support, a 4K HDR Roku TV with QLED picture quality, and a mini-LED 8K version with QLED wide color.
This last model will also include Dolby Vision support, Contrast Control Zone, and a Variable Refresh Rate with 120Hz HDMI support.
Release timing of the XL Collection wasn't advised, but it will start from $1,599.