Philips recognises that the electronics industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world. Producing electronics requires large amounts of energy and materials, which contributes to large amounts of waste. Consuming electronics is also energy-intensive, and it is the latter that is addressed with Philips’ new GO series.
Three new models have been launched, two of them for physically active users. One of them features solar charging, which reduces the need for power from the grid. All the headphones are partly made from recycled materials, and the packaging is also made from recycled cardboard.
Philips A6219 – 80 hours of playtime
Solar charging also provides staggeringly high playback times. Philips A6219 is an on-ear headphone with a whopping 80 hours of playtime, according to the manufacturer. The headphones are made with 35 per cent recycled plastic, and we’re talking genuine recycled after use by consumers, not so-called recycled from surplus plastic shavings at the factory. In addition, the packaging is made from recycled cardboard, and is also reduced in size by 40 per cent from the previous standard.
IP55 certification means that the headphones are water-, sweat- and dust-proof, so they can withstand both workouts and use in the outdoors.
The drivers are 40 mm in size, originally developed for the hi-fi orientated Fidelio series. A dynamic bass boost can be switched on, for those who like more bass, and we’re promised clear voice reproduction during calls, thanks to a built-in microphone with artificial intelligence.
Philips A6709 – Open earbuds for training
For those who are more sporty and want to hear the world while exercising, consider the A6709. A compact pair of ‘earbuds’ with a sturdy earhook attachment. Made from partially recycled materials and with a continuous battery life of up to 28 hours. The headphones are waterproof and dustproof, making them suitable for all weather conditions.
The most special thing about them is the open design. Other earplugs close off the ear canal, shutting out the environment. This is often nice, but when exercising outdoors you may want to hear potential hazards around you. You can use ambient sound mode in your earplugs, or you can choose earplugs with a completely open design. Which gives a much more natural reproduction of the surroundings.
In other words, they are not really earplugs, as there is nothing that plugs into the ear canal. Instead, they sit on the outside of the ear. So let’s instead call them a very compact pair of headphones.
Battery life is rated at 7 hours in the headphones themselves, with two extra charges from the case. 15 minutes of fast charging gives one hour of playback.
Philips H6509 – automatically connects to your TV
If you’re looking for a pair of wireless headphones with noise cancellation that are also optimised for TV viewing, look no further than the Philips H6509.
The headphones feature active noise cancellation, 40 mm drivers, Bluetooth multipoint and a full 60 hours of battery life. The party trick is that it easily connects to TVs with Philips’ new Titan operating system, which automatically recognises compatible headphones and offers ultra-low latency connectivity. Automatic connectivity and perfect sound-to-picture synchronisation should go down well with owners of newer Philips Ambilight TVs.
Battery life on the Philips 6509 is rated at an impressive 60 hours with noise cancellation off and 40 hours on.
