Yesterday we released an update for the Fairbuds App on both Android (Version 2.1) and iOS (Version 2.0.4). This update contains Firmware Version 6.5 for your TWS Fairbuds.
This firmware update contains the following changes:
Improving ENC performance
Improved latency while watching video
Microphone being undetected on some MAC and Windows versions
Optimising “Second device connected” prompt to be heard correctly
Improvements to the EQ sync
Additionally we have improved the connection between Fairbuds and iOS devices; this should make connecting and updating smoother.
Even with this update I continue to have sync problems both on the smartphone, Oneplus 9 pro with Android 14 and on the PC with Debian Linux and Pipewire 0.7 with AAC support.
The audio of the microphone on calls continues to be terrible and still makes them practically unusable for daily work use. I did the tests both in Telegram call and in normal call with terrible results, I also tried to record a voice on Telegram from the PC and the voice has holes.
If the problem is ENC, can you add an option to disable it? to help you debug.
With these two serious problems the headphones are practically unusable and worse than any pair of €25 TWS headphones unfortunately.
Are you planning new updates or were you hoping these problems would be resolved with this update?
Not being cheap headphones, I would like to understand what to do, I support your company and your work but I also need to have a device that allows me to work in peace and time is starting to run out for me.
Yep, I’ve an opened ticket with number #1200449 but we haven’t talked about trying to return the earphones.
I could try replacing the headphones on Amazon but reading in the forum it seems that the problem may persist.
However FYI, when the headphones are connected to the PC I see very variable and generally low link quality and transmit power.
EDIT: in headset HSP/HFP mode with codec mSBC seems like that I’ve not lip sync problem
No, unfortunately this is a totally common issue with the fairbuds. I wonder sometimes if there are multiple bad bages circulating because if these (microphone and connection) issues are ordinary for all Fairbuds, then Fairphone should have stopped selling them until they solved the problems because that is definitely very bad for the reputation of this company. I also had Fairbuds with these issues, the connection with my Fairphone 3 was so bad that I couldn’t use them in a residential area of a city in the evening when my phone was in my pocket. And calls were also not possible when there was only the slightest background noise. Now I talked to the support for one month and sent them in but I haven’t heard anything since one week. But all I read in this forum is that the problems persists even with new Fairbuds. I think I will ask for a refund, they are not usable or at least only in you own flat or house when you don‘t want to call anyone. Pretty unfortunate for pretty expensive Earbuds (which would be fine without the problems).
It’s the same here with the latency issue. I honestly wonder what exactly was solved with this update because I clearly cannot tell a difference. I even have a FP 4, a device which I assume the developers used for testing as well, but every time I play a video it is out of sync. The same is true for my Linux. I also can confirm that there is no delay with the mSBC codec but it is not an option for me.
I hope the developers continue to work on this issue because apart from that I like the Fairbuds very much.
Actually I noticed that the ENC performance is slightly better (self test with an audio recording). But it is still not at the same level as the iPhone built in mic and in addition I still get the feedback that I’m hard to understand when doing phone calls with the earbuds and it’s not a very pleasant phone call due to the quality issues.
The audio output is fine btw.
I received another pair of headphones today and with both the basic firmware and the version 65 they continue to have the exact same problems.
A solution to this problems is needed! Either there is a hardware problem on all the devices sold or it is a software problem. In either case I expect the basic functionality to work, this way they are literally unusable except for listening to music.
Are you seriously considering the issues?
Is there anything we can do to help you? I would hate to throw in the towel right now on such an interesting piece of hardware.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Since I updated my Fairbuds, changing the EQ in the app doesn’t apply to the Fairbuds anymore.
I updated them with my new Fairphone 5. Everything else seems to work.
I should add that I had some issues during the update. In a first attempt, it was stuck uploading at 7%. After restarting the app, uploading worked, but shortly after reaching 100%, the app closed itself.
Edit:
After resetting them (press button in charging case 10 seconds, then close it) everything is working again.
Its considerably improved for me. For me its usable now, however there still is a noticeable delay. What is “good enough” is a bit subjective, so hopefully others will comment on here too.
having the exact same issues. ios user all up to date. headphone mic is completely unusable and I threw out my original packaging so im not able to return them to the usa reseller i bought them from. super disappointed by this whole experience.
Sorry for your trouble, but I doubt that this is a general problem. I get that you’re frustrated, but a user forum won’t be able to help you further than letting you offload your frustration.
I don’t see why original packaging would be required to file for a warranty case. If they are defective, you should be able to get replacement at the very least. I suggest you keep trying to reach the seller (murena?).
Why do you doubt that this is a general Problem? Do you own a set of Fairbuds that is working flawlessly? I’ve purchased mine in may, and since then i’m facing exact the same issues that the TS reported. I’ve tried updates and factory resets, but nothing ever helped. It is impossible to do phone calls using the fairbuds. Nobody will understand me. And the sound quality of music playback is quite poor, even while using individual eq settings.
I am a dedicated Fairphone supporter, and I’m using my FP3 for more than 4 years now without any complains. But to be honest: These Fairbuds are 100 % garbage.
I just received a return label by FP support and hope to get my refund soon.
In fact, I have tested them intensively for several months and only noticed minor issues already documented in this forum. I also know people who own them and have no issues so far.
Thus, I’m fairly confident in saying that the problems that some people are having are not general. This does not mean that I’m doubting you have a bad experience. It’s certainly not OK if they don’t work properly and you should request refund or replacement in such a case. All I’m saying is that it doesn’t seem to be a general issue as there are clearly devices that work as intended.
