TicPods Free are like AirPods for Android, with added gestural smarts

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Mobvio had best hope Apple agrees when it sets eyes on the TicPods Free earbuds (from $79), which bear more than a passing resemblance to AirPods. However, the TicPods feature-set aims to surpass Apple’s kit, while coming in at a lower price point. These Android-oriented (but also iOS-compatible) earbuds are IPX5 water resistant, have noise cancellation tech, automatically pause playback when one earbud is removed – and resume when it’s replaced. There are gestures too – double tap to answer calls, and slide up and down an earbud to adjust volume levels. TicPods don’t just come in white either, but also stylish navy blue and vibrant orange. The only way you’ll get to buy AirPods in those colours is by rampaging around an Apple Store with a massive magic marker.

Craig Grannell Contributor

About

I’m a regular contributor to Stuff magazine and Stuff.tv, covering apps, games, Apple kit, Android, Lego, retro gaming and other interesting oddities. I also pen opinion pieces when the editor lets me, getting all serious about accessibility and predicting when sentient AI smart cookware will take over the world, in a terrifying mix of Bake Off and Terminator.

Areas of expertise

Mobile apps and games, Macs, iOS and tvOS devices, Android, retro games, crowdfunding, design, how to fight off an enraged smart saucepan with a massive stick.