Sony’s Clip-On Earbuds Add a Private Quiet Mode
▼ Summary
– Sony has launched the LinkBuds Clip Open, a new pair of open-style wireless earbuds that clip onto the back of the ear instead of blocking the ear canal.
– Priced at $229.99, they are cheaper than Bose’s comparable model but more expensive than similar offerings from Shokz and Soundcore.
– The C-shaped design aims for comfort and a secure fit for various ear shapes, aided by included fitting cushions.
– They offer up to 37 hours of total battery life and feature customizable sound via a 10-band EQ and three sound mode presets.
– Despite the open design, they incorporate bone conduction and AI noise reduction for clear voice pickup during calls.
Sony has introduced a new pair of open-style wireless earbuds that clip onto the ear, offering a comfortable and secure fit without blocking the ear canal. The Sony LinkBuds Clip Open earbuds, priced at $229.99, join a growing category of audio wearables designed for situational awareness, allowing users to hear their surroundings while streaming audio. Available in black, greige, green, and lavender, they present a more affordable option than some competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, while offering unique features for personalized comfort and sound.
The C-shaped design is engineered to avoid putting pressure on the inner ear, which could make them suitable for extended wear. To accommodate different ear sizes and shapes, Sony includes attachable fitting cushions to help users achieve a secure and comfortable fit. This design could be a compelling alternative for anyone who has experienced issues with traditional in-ear buds staying put during activity.
Battery performance is a strong point, with the earbuds themselves offering up to nine hours of use and the charging case providing an additional 28 hours for a total of 37 hours. A quick three-minute charge can deliver about an hour of playback when the batteries are depleted. Sound customization is handled through Sony’s Sound Connect app, which features a 10-band equalizer. Users can also cycle through three sound mode presets directly on the earbuds: a standard mode for music, a voice boost mode for clearer podcasts in noisy settings, and a sound leakage reduction mode for lower volume listening in quiet environments to avoid disturbing others.
A key challenge for open-ear designs is call quality, as the microphone is positioned farther from the mouth. Sony addresses this with what it calls high-precision voice pickup technology. This system utilizes a bone conduction sensor to capture vocal vibrations directly, working in tandem with an AI-driven noise reduction algorithm. The company claims this combination helps ensure callers sound clear even when they are not in a quiet location.
(Source: The Verge)
