PARROT ZIK 2.0

If you follow our website for trending tech updates, you probably know we reviewed the Parrot Zik Gold collection a while ago.  Featuring unique dual detection sensors, an intuitive touch panel for simple use, advanced digital sound processor algorithms to produce a ‘concert hall’ effect and 4 integrated microphones for maximum noise isolation, this is truly a state-of-the-art headset. But why stop there? That’s probably what the Parrot engineering team had in mind when they set out to create the Zik 2.0.  Produced in collaboration with French designer Philippe Starck, Parrot Zik 2.0 wireless headphones boast a handful of new and improved features for best audio performance, user comfort and stylish design.

Compared to the previous Zik headphone generation, the 2.0 is 17 percent lighter and comes with a thicker headband padding coupled with large comfy ear cushions. Like the Gold collection, though, the Zik 2.0 used DSP (Digital Sound Processor) algorithms to transform the sound and provide you with an unparalleled listening experience, creating the impression that the sound source is located in front of you for enhanced harmony and more natural feel. On top of that, the 2.0 headphones also pack an intuitive touch-sensitive side control panel used in the original Gold collection for simple track playback and navigation. Simply slide your finger horizontally (right/left) to play the next song or go back to the previous track, and tune up the playback/call volume by a simple vertical swipe (up/down). Pairing with source devices is easy, too – simply tap the headset to connect to NFC-enabled devices via Bluetooth 3.0 and control, customize or share your music by a subtle touch of a finger.

Packing a potent 32-bit digital sound processor that works in conjunction with six microphones, Zik 2.0 easily identifies and cancels out external sounds for added audio depth and harmony with minimum background noise. One more feature inherited from the Gold collection is the set of two detection sensors, one of which recognizes when the headphones are on or off your head (so it plays/pauses music when put on or taken off) while the other, the so-called bone-conduction sensor, detects voice vibrations to distinguish when you’re speaking to up noise cancellation during phone calls.

However, unlike the previous generation, the 2.0 comes with three different listening modes, including the ‘Flight’ mode for up to 18 hours of use with active noise cancellation (just make sure you plug the Zik 2.0 directly into the source device), ‘Eco’ mode for 7 hours of use with noise cancellation and spatial effects (direct link with the audio source), and the ‘Normal’ mode which lets you connect the headset to the audio device via Bluetooth 2.1 for up to 6 hours of playback/calls with noise cancellation and spatial effects. When used with a phone for calls, the 2.0 uses the innovative text-to-speech feature to read out the caller’s name or dial the person from your phonebook through voice commands. In addition to this, Parrot Zik 2.0 can be paired with a new application (compatible with iOS and Android, i.e. smartphones, tablets and computers) that comes in the shape of a donut-shaped equalizer with a range of spatialization effects and/or a five-band EQ, offering several different music styles and some preset playback options especially tuned up by professional musicians.

Packed in lots of lush leather and brushed aluminum with the total weight of 270 grams, Parrot Zik 2.0 headphones boast a powerful battery which can provide for some 18 hours of continuous playback. Available in six different colors (black, brown, blue, orange, yellow and white), Zik 2.0 should arrive in November 2015 so make sure you grab yours before the supplies sell out!

Get it from Amazon here