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I've made no secret that I was a massive fan of the OpenDots One from Shokz when they launched last year. It seems I wasn't the only one, with so many similar products launching this year.
The most recent is from Hisense. The Hisense HiClips are clip on style earbuds available in four colours for $199 RRP.
They mark Hisense's first step into personal audio. Rather than the usual in-ear silicone tips, HiClips use a flexible titanium nickel C-bridge frame that hooks over the ear, keeping the ear canal open so you can hear traffic, colleagues or your barista's order call while still listening to music or podcasts.
At just 5.5 grams per earbud, Hisense says the soft-touch silicone coating and adaptive frame are designed for comfort over a full day, whether that's commuting, a gym session or a full workday at a desk. The open-ear format also means no more ripping a bud out mid conversation.
Hisense has paired the design with what it calls anti-leak technology, aimed at keeping audio contained so it doesn't bleed out to the person next to you on the train.
There's also smart noise reduction and a dual-microphone setup for calls, plus dual-device connectivity so you can bounce between a laptop and phone without manually reconnecting.
Kevin Ke, Managing Director of Hisense ANZ, said the launch reflects the brand's push into new categories.
"At Hisense, we believe great technology should enhance everyday life, not disconnect us from it," Ke said. "HiClips has been purpose-built around that philosophy, combining premium sound with an open-ear design that allows Australians to stay connected to both their content and the world around them."
A companion ConnectLife app (the same app Hisense uses across its smart home devices) lets you customise tap gestures, set shortcuts and track down misplaced earbuds.
Wear detection automatically figures out which ear each bud is sitting in, and fast charging promises hours of playback from a short top up.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.5g per earbud |
| Design | Open-ear, titanium-nickel C-bridge frame with silicone coating |
| Colours | Vitality Orange, Cloud White, Graphite Blue, Midnight Black |
| Features | Anti-leak technology, smart noise reduction, dual-microphone calling, dual-device connectivity, wear detection, fast charging |
| App | ConnectLife (gesture customisation, find-my-earbuds tracking) |
| RRP | $199 |
Pricing and availability
Hisense HiClips are available now in Vitality Orange, Cloud White, Graphite Blue and Midnight Black for an RRP of $199. They're sold exclusively through the Hisense Australia website.
That fact alone highlights that this could just be Hisense testing the waters in a new category for now. Without mass retailer distribution, they can't really expect to take any meaningful market share.
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