The Vi is a set of smart earphones that comes loaded with an AI buddy/virtual trainer. Manufacturer LifeBeam claims the headphones can offer real-time data and advice mid-workout, and intelligently create tailored training regimes based on a user’s biometric and activity data.
On paper, this makes the Vi sound like a great running companion for a variety of fitness goals, ranging from weightloss to shedding a few precious seconds of your 5K PB time.
After a solid two months with the Vi, I can confirm that the headphones display plenty of potential. But, be warned – a few teething issues with the pre-release software, plus some localisation issues, make the AI feel like an annoying pest at times, rather than a robo running mate.
Upon closer inspection, however, you’ll see that LifeBeam has miraculously managed to load the earphones with an amazing amount of tech. The Vi's sensors include a heart rate monitor, 6-axis accelerometer and gyrometer, barometer, in-ear detection sensor, automatic speech recognition, and an earbud touch sensor.
Outside of built-in GPS, this means the Vi matches the sensor arrangement of most competing dedicated fitness trackers such as the stellar Garmin Vivosmart HR+. This should enable the Vi to monitor cadence, heart rate, distance and elevation – although if you want location data then you’ll need to pair the headphones with a smartphone when running.
The touch sensor is another great inclusion, which on paper means you can enact basic commands such as skipping a track or stopping a workout, and asking the Vi such questions as “how far have I run” using voice commands.
Comfort and fit isn’t an issue, since LifeBeam has loaded the Vi with more bud and wing options than you can shake a stick at, making it easy to get a secure, run-proof fit and seal with the headphones; the flexible collar band helps in this regard, too.
This may sound insignificant, but it makes the headphones far more comfortable to wear than competing devices with rigid collar designs. The Vi can bend to the shape of your neck and naturally flex mid-run to avoid rubbing – a common problem I experience with rival running headphones.
The eight-hour quoted battery life is a little optimistic, but the headphones still managed to see me through about six hours of running before I needed to reach for the charger, which isn't bad.
The Vi’s charms continue when it comes to sound quality. Although these headphones can’t match competing non-sports models for audio-quality, as fitness sets go they’re pretty good, easily matching the likes of the Jaybird X3s, for instance.
Featuring Harmon/Kardon-designed sound, the Vi offers reasonably well-balanced audio and avoids many of the pitfalls that rival sets find themselves in. Maximum volume levels haven’t been raised beyond the headphones’ limits, therefore distortion never creeps in, even when playing songs extremely loudly.
Highs are reasonably well handled. Although piano keys and acoustic guitar sections lack the sparkle of conventional headphones, they remain nicely defined and clearly separate from the mid and low end.
