Sony has introduced updated versions of its LinkBuds wireless headphones – they have become more comfortable and have a built-in voice assistant, so you can leave them on all day. The line of new products was supplemented by a speaker of the same name.
Image source: sony.com
The original Sony LinkBuds were introduced in early 2022 and featured a unique “open ring design” that replaced sound-isolating earbuds with donut-shaped speakers that let you hear what’s going on around you. The LinkBuds Open model has a similar design with more compact dimensions and new 11 mm speakers with higher volume and rich bass. Sony has also included silicone Air Fitting Supporters to reduce pressure points so the headphones can be worn for long periods of time.
The LinkBuds Open headphones have a voice control system built right into them: you can adjust the volume, switch songs, or change the modes of the active noise reduction system without using the usual voice assistants. Voice control is available even when connected to devices that do not have their own voice assistant, such as consoles or in-flight entertainment systems. The battery life of the LinkBuds Open headphones is 8 hours – or 22 hours taking into account the resource of the charging case, and three minutes of charging is enough for an hour of subsequent listening to music. An automatic battery saving mode is also available – when the battery level drops below 20%, equalizer settings, the ability to make calls and voice control are disabled. LinkBuds Open connect via Bluetooth 5.3 with support for multiple devices, as well as SBC, AAC and LC3 codecs. The model is equipped with a V2 chip on par with the flagship WF-1000XM5 headphones.
Sony LinkBuds Fit is a lighter and smaller version of the LinkBuds S, which debuted in mid-2022 as an alternative to the original LinkBuds for those who need active noise cancellation. The new Fit features shorter ear pads and Air Fitting Supporters, like those included with the LinkBuds Open, which help distribute the weight of the headphones in the ear. With the reduced size, we also had to sacrifice battery life – now it is 5.5 hours instead of six. Taking into account the battery in the case, the total operating time, however, increased from 20 to 21 hours; Supports fast charging like LinkBuds Open.
The V2 processor, also used in the WF-1000XM5, allows you to turn on the active noise reduction system or make it possible to hear external sounds. The premium LinkBuds Fit headphones also inherit Dynamix Driver X – drivers that provide high quality sound. Bluetooth connectivity is the same as the LinkBuds Open, but the LDAC codec is also supported for Hi-Res audio. Air Fitting Supporters will be sold separately for $9.9 in alternate colors: Ash Pink, Ash Green and Solid Black; A silicone case for the charging case is also available for $19.99 in the same colors.
In addition to the headphones, Sony also released the LinkBuds Speaker – it is equipped with one tweeter and one subwoofer paired with a passive radiator; There’s also a charging dock. The speaker’s battery life is up to 25 hours at moderate volume or up to 6 hours at maximum volume. A distinctive feature of the LinkBuds Speaker is the function of automatically switching playback from the headphones when the owner comes close enough. The feature is supported by the new LinkBuds Fit and Open, the old LinkBuds S, as well as the Sony WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 models.
There is a microphone on board the speaker that allows you to use it as a speakerphone; quick launch button for your preferred music streaming; and an app-based scheduling function that lets you use the LinkBuds Speaker as an alarm clock. The speaker is available in gray and black versions, and IPX4 splash protection means it can be used mainly indoors, where there is no bad weather or the threat of dropping it into the pool. Sony’s LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit headphones are available for pre-order for $199.99, and the LinkBuds Speaker will go on sale for $179.99.