The product website says, "An Outlier defines a maverick, an iconoclast, a nonconformist or an original You", and the headphones aim to do just that.
Well, headphones are headphones, right? What’s so special about these ones?
A lot, actually. These headphones are ultra-lightweight, so much so that I often forget I have them on. I have used these for more than a week now, and they seem pretty flexible, and not to mention, durable. I have already dropped this a couple of times and despite the vigorous and rough usage, have barely noticed a scratch on them.
But the main advantage of these headphones, and also the reason why I opted for these, is the wide array of connectivity options it offers. The headphones can be connected to your laptop/Ipod/Phone using Bluetooth, NFC, USB Audio, or the more traditional 3.5 mm jack. Moreover, the headphones support direct playback from micro-SD cards, with a slot built right into the right side.
All the controls are placed on the right side, which include the previous/next track buttons, the volume up/down keys, the aforementioned micro-SD card slot, the micro-USB slot, and a slider button to switch between micro-SD, Bluetooth or USB Audio modes. The right side also has the microphone(a barely noticeable hole), which allows you to answer calls using these, provided it is connected to your phone via Bluetooth.
I have used these headphones more than a week now and have no complaints whatsoever till now. I could get a usage time of 8-8.5 hours on a single charge, on varied usage, including playback via Bluetooth, micro-SD card and also answering calls. The call quality was excellent, with my friends commenting that my voice seemed to sound clearer than before.
The main objective with which I got these was to get rid of wires. When I hit the road for jogging or went to the gym, more often than not the wires of my previous headphones would get stuck somewhere or the other. But with these being wireless, I haven’t had to face any such problem as of yet.
I was reluctant to use these for jogging at first, as I thought they would easily fall off. But even after jogging for 30 minutes, these were adamantly in place. Though my ears did tend to get sweaty. like a lot. I could almost feel sweat drip down my ears as soon as I removed the headphones.
In the box, you get a quick start guide, a user manual, the headphones(only the black colored ones are available in India), 6 pairs of rubber rings of different colors if you are one of those who want to make a fashion statement(Albeit it has been said that removing the rubber rings enhances bass, I didn’t notice any change), a USB cable for charging and a 3.5 to 3.5mm jack wire for using these headphones in the more orthodox way.
Before I wrap up, one thing I did like about the headphones is that Creative hasn’t made use of a proprietary charger for the device. Plug in any micro USB cable and you are good to go. This can be especially handy if you travel a lot, . one of the main reasons considered during the designing of these headphones.