Life was already getting easier with wireless earbuds, and then we had another progress – Inline remote in earbuds.
Inline remotes in earbuds are used for purposes like adjusting the volume control, controlling the playback of music and video, and answering calls or ending them without touching your mobile.
Let’s go in-depth about what it actually is.
What Is An Inline Remote in Earbuds And Earpods Etc.?
Inline remote, as I’ve told you earlier, is a hands-free controller for your device. By plugging in the earbuds in your mobile, you can be freed from actually holding it in your hand and switching songs or adjusting the volume of the audio or video you’re listening to.
But then there are varieties, like with everything. So, earbuds also come in wired as well as wireless forms.
Inline Remote in Wired Earbuds
These are common but are gradually becoming ancient as more people choose wireless over wired ones. Though wired earbuds have several features to consider, like no latency, good sound quality, lighter weight, and affordability, yet, going with the trend is way better.
Well, inline remotes in wired earbuds usually have three buttons in them.
As you can see in the image above, two are for volume control. The button on top is for heightening the audio or video sound, and the one below is for dampening it.
The button in the middle has multiple uses. If you press it once, it pauses or plays the audio twice, changes the track to the next one, receives or disconnects calls when pressed once, and mutes and unmutes you when pressed once while on call.
Some of these wired earbuds have the mic on the inline remote, so the middle button also works as a voice command, i.e., activates Siri or Alexa when pressed for a few seconds.
Inline Remote in Wireless Earbuds
Wireless earbuds do not actually have an inline remote because there are no wires. However, these have touch functions or buttons on the earbuds themselves, which perform almost all the functions that an inline remote in wired earbuds does.
The touch control functions in wireless earbuds are as follows:
- Touch either earbud once for answering or hanging up a call.
- For rejecting a phone call, touch either earbud for 2 seconds.
- For playing or pausing the music, touch either earbud once.
- Touch either earbud twice if you want to change the song.
- If you want to play the previous song again, touch either of your earbuds thrice.
- Press the TCA (Touch Control Area) for 3 seconds to awaken voice assistance.
Inline Remote in Airpods
The wireless version of the Apple headphones are called ‘Airpods’. Like inline remotes in other wired or wireless earbuds, Apple Airpods function almost the same.
Still, to assuage your doubts, below I’ve laid down the touch control functions of Airpods.
Airpods (1st or 2nd Generation) Control
Double tap on the stem of your Airpods can do a number of things. It depends on what you want it to do and set it up properly. You can set your Airpods to perform one of the following functions:
- To answer a call
- Play the next track
- Play and pause audio content
- Go back to the previous track
- Activate Siri
Airpods (3rd Generation) Control
The touch functions in the 3rd generation earpods are not really touch functions; they are more of a ‘Press’ function. Below are the functions:
- Press the stem to pause or unpause the audio.
- Double-press the stem to switch to the next track.
- Triple-press the stem to play the previous track again.
- Press the stem to answer a call.
- Press and hold the stem to activate Siri.
Airpods (1st Generation) Controls
It’s almost like the 3rd generation earpods, but this one’s got a ‘Force’ sensor. Here are what the touch controls can do:
- Press the stem to pause or unpause the audio.
- Double-press the stem to move to the next track.
- Triple-press the stem to play the previous track.
- Press the stem to answer your calls.
- Siri will be activated if you press and hold either of the pods.
Airpods Pro (2nd Generation) Controls
Airpods Pro 2nd generation has got almost the same touch controls that perform the following functions (one of the following)
- Press the stem to pause or unpause the audio
- Double-press the stem to play the next track
- Triple-press the stem to play the previous track
- Press the stem to receive a call
- Lightly slide up and down the stem to adjust the volume
- Lastly, press and hold the stem to activate Siri.
What Is The Difference Between an Inline And a Built-In Microphone?
The inline microphone is the microphone that is located on the Inline remote along with other buttons, whereas the built-in microphone is the one located on the earbuds.
The only difference between these two is the location of the microphone. While the Inline mic comes close to your chest or chin since it is attached to the wire, the built-in mic comes close to your ears and mouth.
How Do You Use an Inline Mic on Headphones?
The inline microphone is placed on the inline remote itself; hence it becomes easy to use them. Unlike built-in microphones, inline microphones do not require pairing them to the source device. All you need to do is plug in the 3.5 mm plug into the headphone jack and listen to music, play games, or talk to someone.
However, sometimes inline microphones need to be held with your hands to get them closer to your mouth so the other person can hear you.
Which One’s Better, an Inline Remote or a Built-in Microphone?
Though Inline microphones are easy to operate, cheap, etc., drawbacks also need to be considered.
Not That Easy to Handle
However easy to handle these Inline remote earbuds are, they are often caught by doorknobs, making you stumble, whereas earbuds with built-in microphones are wireless, so they can’t be caught in door knobs. It only needs a case that can easily be placed in your pocket while still leaving room for your other belongings.
Tangled Wires
Wired earbuds will surely get tangled wherever you keep them. They get tangled easily, and it takes sufficient time to detangle them. Alternatively, built-in microphone earbuds do not have any wires. All you need to do is get them out of the box and pair it.
Wire Related Damage
Since a case can not protect them, the wires are easily damaged. You’d often see cuts on the wires even though you protected them like your own child. With built-in microphone earbuds, there’d be no wires to be damaged, but you do need to protect the buds inside the case.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of earbuds with inline microphones is not too good to be considered, while most earbuds with built-in microphones have almost excellent audio quality.
Cost
As I said earlier, earbuds with inline remotes are cheaper as compared to those with built-in remotes.
Ease of Operation
Earbuds with an Inline remote are the easiest to operate; they do not need to be operated at all. All you need to do is plug in the 3.5 mm jack and begin. However, earbuds with a built-in microphone need to be operated. They need to be correctly paired, keeping in mind the compatibility and settings of both devices.
Convenient
Earbuds with inline remotes are more convenient to use and operate. They do not need to be charged at all. On the other hand, earbuds with a built-in microphone must be charged for a sufficient amount of time to be used for longer hours.
Inline remote earbuds also offer hands-free operation, as do earbuds with built-in mic.
Noise Cancellation
The most important factor to consider is noise cancellation, and Earbuds already win this category with built-in microphones.
To be honest, it can not be said for either of them that they have active noise cancellation.
Inline remote earbuds typically do not have active noise cancellation. It even captures the noise that is generated when the cable rubs against the fabric of your shirt or anything near it.
Contrary to that, earbuds with a built-in microphone do not capture a lot of noise since they are close to your ears. However, it depends on the brand and model if the earbuds possess active noise cancellation technology.
Conclusion
Although headphones, earbuds, Airpods, and headsets are all made to listen to music, several things need to be considered. Thinking of buying an audio device and getting it the next moment does not work these days. There’s a lot of competition, and each of them excels the other, perplexing the consumers.
From the comparison above, it’ll be easier for you to decide which one to choose. The decision and choice is yours, and so is the Economic domain.
Happy listening!
Farhin found her affinity for tech while attending college fests. Joining Tech Wizard allowed her to merge her passions, where she not only satisfies her interests but also informs and engages readers through informative content. She aims to fuel readers’ knowledge and interest in technology through fact-based and credible articles.