An unlikely AirPods rival just launched with features I've yet to see on mainstream earbuds
These earbuds kill 99.99% of germs and eliminate the need for Bluetooth dongles.
Deep Dive
LG and will.i.am have launched the Xboom Buds Plus for $180. The earbuds' charging case features a UV light that kills 99.99% of bacteria on the ear tips. More uniquely, the case also functions as a Bluetooth transmitter, allowing you to connect the earbuds to non-wireless sources like in-flight entertainment or gym equipment via a proprietary cable, removing the need for separate dongles. They also offer 30 hours of playtime and active noise cancellation.
Why It Matters
This introduces hygiene-focused tech and universal wireless connectivity to mainstream audio wearables, challenging Apple's dominance.