A start-up claims its HYPHEN 2 crowdfunded TWS earbuds have a battery-friendly alternative to ANC

RollingSquare is a start-up responsible for the inCharge Pro, a magnetic miniature USB charging cable that clips together to form a keychain when not in use. Now, it has designed its take on the TWS earbud, which is now available via an Indiegogo campaign.

The OEM claims that these HYPHEN 2 buds have been designed from the ground up so as to stand apart from others in this space. To this end, they are made using "high-end" techniques such as flexible printed circuit (FPC) technology and materials such as PEEK polymer for their drivers. Then again, this has resulted in a form factor with the almost ubiquitous stem, albeit one with a distinct boomerang-like shape that angles towards the user's mouth.

The company claims that this design feature, which looks particularly prominent on the models in its press shots, is optimized for touch controls. RollingSquare has also incorporated a button battery in these earbuds, whereas most others have tiny versions of those found in smartphones.

It asserts that this results in 36 hours of playback - although this translates to 9 hours from these batteries themselves and 27 from the "ultra-thin" wireless-charging case. Some other Indiegogo TWS earbuds, however, are rated for better.

The HYPHEN 2s also have an IPX55 rating, an "up-to-date" Qualcomm chipset (although which one precisely is never mentioned), aptX and "Advanced Passive" noise cancelling. The OEM claims that, as it is hardware- rather than software-based, it does not kill the earbuds' battery life as ANC might, while delivering the same kind of audio enhancement with which this sought-after spec is associated.

The HYPHEN 2 TWS earbuds are available in Etna Gray, Himalaya Pink or Canyon Red, and start at US$69 on their new platform. This project is already fully funded to the tune of ~€323,000 (~US$376,000), or about 1600% of its original goal.