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LG Electronics will be releasing its new range of TONE Free FP series earphones in South Africa, which contains several improvements over its predecessors. We were fans of the LG TONE Free UVnano FN6 Wireless Earbuds (review), so it good to see the range offering some interesting improvements.

First amongst the upgrades is LG’s new Whispering Mode, which allows users to hold the right earphone close to their mouth and whisper into its microphone. The company notes this enables crystal clear and completely private phone calls even in public environments, such as a library or crowded restaurant.

These days, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is another must-have feature, since it eliminates low-frequency sounds that can’t be completely blocked by normal earphones. LG’s TONE Free models boast three microphones in each headset that listen for ambient noises and neutralise them by producing identical, though inaudible, soundwaves. By blocking intrusive background noise from three different directions, LG believes the ANC of the TONE Free earphones makes calls and music that much clearer.

More immersive audio

LG’s TONE Free earphones feature Meridian Audio, enabling digital signal processing to make sounds appear to originate from all directions. The TONE Free FP series adds a 3D Sound Stage feature to this, expanding the sound point via spatial up-mixing and allowing you to hear your tunes in a simulated 3D space. With larger, upgraded drivers and diaphragms featuring silicone edging (allowing for more flexibility and movement), the new TONE Free models apparently also delivers more powerful bass without compromising on clarity or detail.

Ideal for an active lifestyle

To ensure that its TONE Free FP earphones offer a more perfect fit, LG collaborated with an ergonomic design technology lab to analyse hundreds of subjects’ ears. This resulted in the sleek Arc Design, featuring a headset stem 4.4 millimetres shorter than previous models. The FP series earphones are also IPX4 rated, which means they are water resistant, and allow for worry-free listening during hard workout sessions or in the rain.

Keeping it clean

Love it or find it redundant, two of LG’s three FP series earphones include an auto-cleaning UVnano charging case that uses ultra-violet light to reduce bacteria on the earphone speaker mesh by 99.9% after just five minutes of charging. And, to reduce the risk of skin irritations, the earphones feature medical-grade, hypoallergenic ear gels.

Cutting-edge meets convenience

You can connect to the LG earbuds either wirelessly or via a USB-C to AUX cable for low-latency sound. Moreover, you can use an AUX cable to listen to music when you don’t have Bluetooth available, which is especially convenient when travelling on an aeroplane. On top of that, the FP9 model enables the charging case to double as a wireless dongle.

LG notes the FP series offer up to 10 hours of playback time between charges for a total of 24 hours of usage when used with the charging case. And, with quick charge, five minutes in the case equates to one full hour of listening.

A feature we liked on the LG TONE Free App, is the ability to adjust the Meridian equalisers to match your musical taste. The app also features an Ambient Sound Mode that allows you to change the volume of your surroundings, or have your messages read to you without using your phone. And, if you happen to misplace your headsets, you can simply use Find My Earbuds on the app to locate them.

Listen up

The new LG TONE Free FP series will be available in South Africa this month in Charcoal Black and Pearl White. The FP5, FP8, and FP9 models will retail for R1 999, R2 699, and R3 699 respectively.