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India Today
18-07-2025
- India Today
JBL Tour Pro 3 review: Best sound in any TWS in India and unique features make it worth picking
In the last few months, I have tried a number of wireless headphones and buds. While functional, and in some cases exceptionally well, they all fall short on sound quality. This is largely due to their tuning, which is aimed at popular pop music with its emphasis on lows and bass. It is with this context I went into the review of the JBL Tour Pro 3. But when I used them, I was totally blown away. The Tour Pro 3 is not going for a sound profile that boosts bass, it is not pandering to boom boom. It is going for a more wholesome sound signature, which is difficult to achieve with wireless buds. But JBL succeeds. The Tour Pro 3 sounds superb. Well, more or less. At the same time, this is no one trick pony. Beyond the quality sound too, the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers plenty to see, we buy a pair of TWS earbuds for two purposes. For convenience and creature comforts, such as taking a call while jogging on a treadmill. And for the sound quality so that we can enjoy our music. On both aspects, JBL has dialled up and has gone full throttle. I mean, the Tour Pro 3 is the first pair of earbuds I have used that comes with a multi-functional charging box with a touch screen of its against brands that have better visibility, such as Apple, Sony, Bose and even Sennheiser, in the TWS market, JBL has decided to bring not just a gun to the fight but rather a bazooka. So, the JBL Tour Pro 3 has features that no one else offers in the India market. And these unique features are all part of the charging case. These are also features, that depending on your use and needs, you will find useful or not. The first big feature is the screen on the charging case. With this touchscreen you can control the music playback as well as other settings of the earbuds. For example, you can toggle spatial mode, right from the charging box without needing to download the JBL Headphone app. The screen is small, and obviously not as contrasty or bright as a phone's screen, but it gets the job done. In use, I found it a mixed bag. Sometimes I preferred using the app or phone to control the Tour Pro 3 buds, while at other times I would pick the charging box and quickly toggle a setting or two. Irrespective, it is a nice convenience. Beyond the screen, there are two features that the charging case offers and which I find incredibly useful. One is Auracast that has been created by the Bluetooth consortium. This is tailor-made for someone like me who watches TV with earbuds or headphones. You know that problem with dialogues in movies and TV series nowadays? That is precisely why I prefer headphones. The issue is that if I am watching TV with someone, then it doesn't work. The JBL Tour Pro 3 Auracast solves it. I can connect the case to the TV, and then turn on the Auracast feature. Now, the audio will be transmitted to not just the buds in my ears but also to one more Bluetooth headphones or buds I connect with it. Of course, this requires that the other headphone or the buds should support Auracast but nowadays many of them, particularly in the premium segment do. This is super handy!advertisementThe second feature is similar. This one too lets you connect the case to an audio source, say a laptop of a friend, or a sound system in a hotel room, or even the entertainment console on flights, and then play music on your Tour Pro 3 buds without needing to pair it. This is because the charging case acts as a transponder. Again, a cool feature that not just helps you with privacy — Bluetooth is always a privacy risk — but also lets you connect the Tour Pro 3 to almost any sound system, whether it has support for Bluetooth or not. It is extremely these unique features, the Tour Pro 3 comes loaded with goodies. The active noise cancellation, tuned for different scenarios such as a cafe or a flight, is there. Transparency Mode is supported for the moments when you want to quickly talk to your co-worker while wearing the buds. Spatial Audio with 360-head tracking is supported. Ear detection and pause-play is supported. Ability to create a custom sound profile is supported. The ear fit test is supported through the JBL app. Talking of which, the earbuds come with both silicon tips as well as foam tips, which are marginally better at sound quality. Sound profile for both types of tips is custom and can be selected through the app. Personalised sound profile — JBL calls it Personi-fi 3.0 — is supported. It gives you a hearing test and depending on which frequencies your ears can hear, it creates a custom sound profile for you. Hi-Res codecs and Bluetooth 5.3 LE are supported. Robust IP55 rating is there for the moments when you are sweating it out in the gym. You think of a feature and chances are that the JBL Tour Pro 3 supports it. advertisementBest sounding earbuds, great ANCNow, features are one thing and while they offer convenience, it is the sound quality that truly matters. On this count the JBL Pro Tour 3 is superb, even with the default sound profile that JBL calls Studio in its most wireless headphones and earphones that are tuned for pop music, with emphasised bass, the Tour Pro 3 is tuned in a more general way. The result is that it sounds fabulous in almost all music genres, or at least as fabulous as a pair of general-purpose TWS can sound. As I listened to song after song, I found that the Tour Pro 3 excels at mids, with slightly eager extension into highs. In songs like Sky Full Of Stars by Coldplay and Bohemian Rhapsody, which is rather complex for most TWS to resolve properly, the JBL Tour Pro 3 are excellent. The superb focus on mids also means that vocal-heavy songs like Whitney Houston's I will Always Love you sound great on the Tour Pro clear low-end and bass is definitely there, as I could sense it while I played Bad Guy, but it is not over-emphasised. This is particularly true at lower volume, with bass getting more impactful at volume level above 60 to 70 per cent. At the same time, the JBL Tour Pro 3 resolves enough highs to sound a little exciting without being screechy. The good range across frequencies also means the Tour Pro 3 has a very good soundstage, and instrument clarity, for a pair of earbuds. In fact, the soundstage is so good that you don't need spatial sound on it to truly enjoy the music and mostly I kept its head-tracking and spatial sound switched off while using good soundstage for me was particularly noticeable in Four Seasons and Bolero. I found the Tour Pro 3 to be that rare TWS that can make classical music enjoyable, a difficult task for wireless buds. These were the buds on which I could play Beethoven's Symphony No 9 and enjoy it as much as I do on premium full-size give you a better sense of how enjoyable music sounds on the Pro 3, here is a quick table (performance rating based on subjective opinion). This is some of the finest audio performance I have seen from a pair of buds, wired or wireless. Some songs here are random picks because they are popular while some have been picked because they have complex and distinct sound arrangement that helps evaluate the sound quality of a speaker or a headphone. Beyond sound quality in music playback too, the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers impressive performance. Its ANC is effective in cutting down noise in all sorts of surroundings. It deals with office chatter credibly and assuredly. And it manages to make Indian roads silent, which is a big as good as the JBL Tour Pro 3 are, I do have a few areas where I feel they could have been better — at least the way I used them with MY ears. Fit of TWS is always a subjective part because everyone has different ears. I found the Tour Pro 3 slightly large in size, and in my right ear the fit was often a tad wonky. This was also because the large size means the buds jut out a little. But I guess there is always some price to pay. The great sound quality obviously needs quality hardware inside the buds, the hardware that probably requires slightly larger casing. One more part that didn't click with me — has never clicked with me with any earbuds or headphones — was the touch control on the buds. On the Tour Pro 3 it was always susceptible to accidental touches. So using the app, I switched off the gesture and touch build quality of the Tour Pro 3, as well as its charging case, is superb. Both feel solid and have the kind of heft that we see in this segment. In fact, compared to some more expensive buds, the Tour Pro 3 has a better built quality and finishing with their soft matte plastic and flawless finish. The battery life of the Tour Pro 3 is also on the higher side. In my use, once the buds and the case were at 100 per cent battery, they easily lasted around a week before I needed to charge again. Best sounding earbuds in India?In my opinion, the answer to this question is YES. But even if not everyone agrees with my assessment — you know sense of sound can be extremely subjective just like smell — I am sure everyone will reach the conclusion that the Tour Pro 3 is one of the best sounding TWS in India. And it is definitely the best sounding earbuds under Rs 20,000, the price at which it sells in core areas — sound, noise cancellation, battery life — the JBL Tour Pro 3 are excellent. Then there are additional features, such as the multi-functional charging case, and you can see the value that the Tour Pro 3 offers. It has an MRP of Rs 29,999 but sells for Rs 19,999, or even less if you combine it with a few discounts and bank offers. At these prices, the JBL Tour Pro 3 is a no-brainer. Whether you are looking for a solid pair of premium buds, or want something that can satisfy your discerning ear, you will not go wrong with the Tour Pro 3 in India.- Ends
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
A smart charging case can gradually make the smartphone an unnecessary appendage for earphones
For the past few years, JBL has been trying to make the charging case of wireless earphones smarter than they are expected to be. This attempt to gradually unyoke earbuds from the smartphone is for some reason still limited to this company. The new JBL Tour Pro 3 builds on the experience of products like the JBL Live Beam 3 (I used earphones with a smart charging case and I sort of see the point now ) and now comes with a smart charging case that gives a display withcontrols of its own. Released in time for the new Superman movie, the JBL Tour Pro 3 has a unique design that other companies have still not started experimenting with. The charging case's 1.57-inch customisable display lets you control various aspects of this truly wireless earphone. So you don't have to open the JBL app on the phone to switch on Auracast and connect to other devices, change equaliser modes, or go from noise-canceling to talkthrough mode. This is a very useful feature especiallywhen you are not near your phone and gradually you start using this as the primary way to control the earphones. But don't think this is all you get. Using the JBL app, I could personalise my hearing experience by checking my best fit. I also made a couple of custom equaliser settings to fit my requirements. Also, the app lets you customise the Smart Charging case with your own pictures for the home screen. I also removed some of the screens from this display which I felt I would never use. Despite all this tech, it is the audio quality you are getting a JBL for. The True ANC 2.0 keeps all sounds out and the comfy fit of the earbuds ensures there is nothing leaking in and killing your audio experience. The Tour Pro 3 has one of the best noise canceling I have checked out this year and takes out most of the ambient noise without creating a vacuum-like feel. Listening to Sapphire with Spatial 360 Head Tracking, you feel the Ed Sheeran vocal all around you as you move around. I loved the overall high-resolution sound profile of the JBL Tour Pro 3 which is natural and rich at the same time. During my evening walks it immersed me in my regular podcasts, helping me create a thought bubble of new ideas, cutting off the slow hum of Noida's very own brown noise. At home, listening to the pulsating F1 title track, I was transported back to the most exciting movie I had watched in recent times, with the Dolby Atmos effect really filling the virtual sphere around my head. With Apple's haptic trailer of the movie, I could feel haptic effects on my ears too as the Run for Podium track sped through the clip. The Tour Pro 3 is all about immersive experiences like this. With the equaliser in bass mode, the experience changes drastically with a booming effect embalming my head, which if you know me, is not my favourite way to enjoy music. I was soon back to the vocal mode and then discovered that the studio mode was actually better for numbers like this and Azizam. I would have liked the display on the charger to show me the name of the song that was playing. Now, it shows the home screen by default. You have to unlock this and move to the volume page to see the song title though it does show the battery available on each earphone as well as the case. But why not replace the home screen with album art? One issue I felt was that when walking with the earphones on, you feel your steps in your ears. I have felt this with some other noise-cancelling earphones too over the years. This takes some getting used to. Also, for some reason the device did not remember my iPhone and I had to go back to Bluetooth and connect all the time. The battery life is great and you can use this for close to a week with a full charge. I liked that wireless charging works smoothly on the JBL Tour Pro 3 and I could just plonk it on the charger I was using for my AirPods. At Rs 29,999, the JBL Tour Pro 3 is among the best-sounding truly wireless earphones you can buy and it certainly is the smartest. While you might feel the Smart Charging case is an expensive proposition you will start enjoying this smartscreen as much as you do the sound quality of the Tour Pro 3. Nandagopal Rajan writes on technology, gadgets and everything related. He has worked with the India Today Group and Hindustan Times. He is an alumnus of Calicut University and Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal. ... Read More
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Business Standard
10-07-2025
- Business Standard
JBL Tour Pro 3 launched with smart charging case, hi-res audio: Check Price
JBL launches Tour Pro 3 earbuds in India with smart charging case, on-case display, 360 spatial audio, adaptive ANC, LDAC support, and Auracast sharing JBL Tour Pro 3 New Delhi JBL has launched its Tour Pro 3 wireless earbuds in India. The earbuds come equipped with the company's second-generation Smart Charging Case, which offers complete control over earbud functions without needing to access the paired smartphone. Additionally, they support 360 Spatial Audio with head tracking, adaptive noise cancellation, and Hi-Res audio. JBL Tour Pro 3: Price and availability JBL Tour Pro 3: Details The standout feature of the JBL Tour Pro 3 is its second-generation Smart Charging Case. According to the company, this case not only provides full control over the earbuds' functions but also acts as a wireless audio transmitter, enabling what JBL calls 'Everywhere Entertainment' from any USB or analog source, including in-flight entertainment systems. Notably, the Tour Pro 3 is JBL's first model to support full Auracast functionality. With the press of a button on the case, users can broadcast audio to other Auracast-enabled devices for shared listening. The charging case now features a thirty per cent larger display, offering controls for music playback, call handling, and access to ID3 tags, caller ID, and media file metadata — eliminating the need to pull out a smartphone. In terms of audio performance, the JBL Tour Pro 3 packs a hybrid dual-driver setup in each earbud. The armature driver is tuned for high frequencies, while the 11mm dynamic driver handles the low end, delivering cleaner bass. The earbuds are Hi-Res Audio certified and support the LDAC lossless audio codec for high-fidelity listening. For noise control, the Tour Pro 3 uses JBL's True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0 technology, which continuously monitors ambient noise — over 50,000 times per second — and adjusts noise suppression levels in real time based on the environment. To improve voice clarity on calls, the earbuds feature six microphones and a hydrodynamic windproof design. JBL also incorporates its proprietary Crystal AI call algorithm to enhance speech clarity, even in noisy surroundings.
Phone Arena
09-07-2025
- Phone Arena
One UI 8 keeps it simple and that's the best part
Galaxy Z Flip 7 Galaxy Watch 8 One UI 8 One UI 8 One UI 8 One UI 7 And yep, AI is a big part of the picture One UI 8 Galaxy S25 One UI 7 How do you feel about Samsung's new One UI 8 update? Love the polish – smooth, simple and smart. I'm here for the privacy and security upgrades. AI features sound cool, but I probably won't use them. Meh, feels like a minor update. Need to try it to decide. Love the polish – smooth, simple and smart. 0% I'm here for the privacy and security upgrades. 0% AI features sound cool, but I probably won't use them. 0% Meh, feels like a minor update. 0% Need to try it to decide. 0% There are more fun and handy tools to try Besides improved AI features, One UI 8 also brings in support for Auracast, which uses Bluetooth LE Audio to let multiple devices (like Galaxy Buds 3 or hearing aids) tune into the same audio stream. Setup is as easy as scanning a QR code. Samsung's also improving support at repair centers – thanks to NFC and QR-enabled options tied to your Samsung Account, you won't need to fill out forms. Just scan and go. And for those who love to stay organized, the Reminder app now supports shared to-do lists and easier voice input. Planning a trip? You can manage everything in one spot and even share lists with a tap. Quick Share also gets faster and easier. Now there's a button right in the quick settings menu for instant file sharing. Security takes the spotlight Now this is the part I actually care about: privacy and security. And Samsung isn't messing around with One UI 8 . One of the biggest additions is KEEP (Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection). This basically gives each app its own locked storage space, so AI features like Call Assist won't leak sensitive data between apps. Your transcripts, summaries, and personal info stay locked down where they belong. . Now, if One UI 8 detects suspicious activity, it can auto-log a device out of your Samsung Account to stop the threat from spreading. Plus, the tech giant upgraded how Secure Wi-Fi uses post-quantum cryptography, which sounds a bit sci-fi, but basically means it's built to hold up even when quantum computers start becoming a thing. That's a serious level of future-proofing. One UI 8 may not reinvent your phone, but it's a solid step forward. The interface is smoother, smarter and better adapted to all types of Galaxy devices. AI features are more deeply integrated than ever and while I personally don't care much about most of those tricks, I have to admit the privacy and security upgrades are legit – and could actually make a difference when choosing your next phone. Whether you're into foldables, flagships or just sticking with what works, One UI 8 brings enough polish to feel fresh – without overdoing it. Besides improved AI features,also brings in support for Auracast, which uses Bluetooth LE Audio to let multiple devices (like Galaxy Buds 3 or hearing aids) tune into the same audio stream. Setup is as easy as scanning a QR also improving support at repair centers – thanks to NFC and QR-enabled options tied to your Samsung Account, you won't need to fill out forms. Just scan and for those who love to stay organized, the Reminder app now supports shared to-do lists and easier voice input. Planning a trip? You can manage everything in one spot and even share lists with a Share also gets faster and easier. Now there's a button right in the quick settings menu for instant file this is the part I actually care about: privacy and security. And Samsung isn't messing around withOne of the biggest additions is KEEP (Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection). This basically gives each app its own locked storage space, so AI features like Call Assist won't leak sensitive data between apps. Your transcripts, summaries, and personal info stay locked down where they belong. Samsung's also improving its Knox Matrix platform . Now, ifdetects suspicious activity, it can auto-log a device out of your Samsung Account to stop the threat from the tech giant upgraded how Secure Wi-Fi uses post-quantum cryptography, which sounds a bit sci-fi, but basically means it's built to hold up even when quantum computers start becoming a thing. That's a serious level of not reinvent your phone, but it's a solid step forward. The interface is smoother, smarter and better adapted to all types of Galaxy features are more deeply integrated than ever and while I personally don't care much about most of those tricks, I have to admit the privacy and security upgrades are legit – and could actually make a difference when choosing your next you're into foldables, flagships or just sticking with what works,brings enough polish to feel fresh – without overdoing it. And Samsung's getting better at adapting the UI for different form factors. Whether you're using a tablet, a phone or a foldable, the layout now adjusts better to fit the screen, making the most of the space and improving wouldn't be 2025 without AI being front and on the AI tools Samsung introduced with theseries and takes them even now get a more context-aware experience – the AI knows what you're looking at or doing and offers suggestions tailored to your routine. Things like Now Bar and Now Brief offer more personalized reminders and tips throughout the then there's Audio Eraser – a feature that launched inbut has been made way easier to use. Now you can remove background noise from any video you're watching in the Gallery app with just a single tap. No need to jump into editing mode what is even better, Audio Eraser isn't limited to videos anymore – it now works in Samsung Notes and Voice Recorder too, letting you clean up any distracting sounds from your personal a new Dynamic Effect for photos, too – kind of like Live Effect, but now you can swipe to "move" the subject in a 3D-ish way. It's definitely more of a fun, gimmicky thing than a must-have, but hey, could be cool to play with.
UAE Moments
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
Big Sound Is Coming: LG's New xboom Line Nears Launch
If you're serious about sound, mark your calendar—July 2025 is going to be loud. LG is dropping not one, but three all-new xboom speakers, each designed for a different kind of music lover. Whether you're planning a beach party, cleaning the house with music blasting, or just want great sound that moves with you, there's a speaker in this lineup that's got your vibe covered. The Star of the Show: xboom Stage 301 Co-created with none other than the Stage 301 is your go-to for serious parties and next-level sound. It's got 120W of power, a 6.5" woofer, dual 2.5' midrange drivers, and AI tech that actually adjusts your sound based on the genre and your space. And the dual-bar lights? They don't just glow—they respond to your music. Add in karaoke features, DJ effects, a replaceable battery for up to 24 hours of play, and Auracast™ multi-speaker syncing, and you're looking at a speaker that's more like a portable stage. Portable, Stylish, and Built Tough: xboom Bounce Think of the Bounce as the lifestyle speaker that never stops. It's small enough to grab and go, but inside it packs a punch: track-type woofer, dual dome tweeters, AI sound and lighting, and a whopping 30 hours of battery life. It's also IP67 water and dust resistant, meets military durability standards, and includes a versatile strap you can hang, sling, or loop however you like. Small But Mighty: xboom Grab If compact is your thing, the Grab is your match. With a smart upright design and easy hand strap, it's perfect for spontaneous road trips or backyard playlists. It offers 20W + 10W output, clear sound with dome tweeters, dual passive radiators for bass you can feel, and all the same smart tech as its bigger siblings. And yes, it's also IP67 rated and super easy to pack, carry, and recharge. All Three Have: AI Sound & AI Calibration (no more fiddling with settings) Auracast™ for multi-speaker connection Dynamic lighting that actually changes with your music And seriously, they all look good anywhere Want to be one of the first to get your hands on them? Keep an eye on LG's UAE Speakers page—these are expected to launch July 2025. Big sound is coming. Be ready for it.
