KSOUND AI-W20Lite Smartwatch with True Wireless Earbuds : A Futuristic Yet Impractical 2-in-1 Gadget
Published on June 2, 2023, 6:40 p.m.
The AI-W20Lite by KSOUND brings an innovative concept to the smartwatch world - built-in true wireless earbuds. This 2-in-1 gadget aims to provide both fitness tracking capabilities and audio entertainment in one futuristic-looking device. But does it manage to deliver solid performance to match its space-age aesthetic? Let’s break it down in this review.
Overview
The KSOUND AI-W20Lite Smartwatch with True Wireless Earbuds packs a 2-inch color display, 380mAh battery, heart rate sensor and 11 sports modes into a compact wristwatch body with pop-up earbuds. It’s waterproof up to 1 meter and connects via Bluetooth. The concept is convenient - your tunes and fitness tracker in one wearable. But its execution leaves much to be desired.
Design
Encased in a sleek cylindrical shell, the KSOUND AI-W20Lite Smartwatch with True Wireless Earbuds exudes space-age aesthetics. The watch face pops open to reveal two earbuds tucked within the body. This novel accommodation comes at the cost of bulky proportions on the wrist. Weighing in at 60g, it wears quite heavily compared to standard fitness bands.
Integrated True Wireless Earbuds: While the concept of integrating earbuds into a smartwatch is novel, the execution in the AI-W20Lite has received mixed reviews. Some users appreciate the convenience of having their earbuds readily available, while others find the design bulky and uncomfortable. Additionally, there have been reports of connectivity issues and poor sound quality with the earbuds.
Fitness Tracking: The fitness tracking capabilities of the AI-W20Lite are fairly basic. It lacks advanced features such as GPS tracking and SpO2 monitoring, which are commonly found in other smartwatches in the same price range. The accuracy of the heart rate monitor has also been questioned by some users.
Smart Notifications: The notification functionality is a useful feature, but it’s limited to basic alerts for calls, texts, and a few select apps. Users have reported that the watch often fails to display notifications or displays them with a significant delay.
Health Management: The sleep tracking and health reminders are helpful additions, but they lack the depth and accuracy of dedicated sleep trackers and health apps. The sedentary reminders can be annoying, and the hydration alerts are often inaccurate.
Water Resistance: The IP67 rating provides adequate protection against water damage, but it’s not suitable for swimming or submerging the watch in water for extended periods.
Long Battery Life: The claimed battery life of the AI-W20Lite is impressive, but real-world usage often falls short of expectations. Many users have reported significantly shorter battery life, especially when using the earbuds frequently.
Compatibility: The smartwatch is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, but the accompanying app has received negative reviews for its clunky interface and limited functionality.
Value for Money
With a price tag of $79.99, the KSOUND AI-W20Lite Smartwatch with True Wireless Earbuds is quite steep for a device with very limited battery life and lacklustre smartwatch functionality marred by technical issues. While the design may seem cool, the poor execution provides low value for money. There are much more capable fitness trackers available at this price point.
Conclusion
The KSOUND AI-W20Lite smartwatch with true wireless earbuds is an ambitious device that attempts to merge two essential gadgets into one. However, its execution is hampered by several shortcomings, including bulky design, unreliable performance, and a lackluster app. While the concept is promising, the current iteration falls short of expectations. With further refinement and improvements, future versions of this 2-in-1 gadget could potentially become a more practical and desirable wearable.