Sony is launching the new truly wireless LinkBuds that allow users to always stay connected and aware thanks to an open ring design with audio transparency.
By leveraging LinkBuds’ unique design, sensor and spatial sound technologies, Sony is creating new sound experiences with partners including Microsoft, Niantic and Spotify, to deliver enhanced AR gaming, work from home experiences, sound AR navigation, and quick access to music.
Weighing just four grams, the small and ergonomic design is unlike conventional earbuds. The protective surface covering the speaker diaphragm is integrated within the housing to save space, while the overall shape has been crafted using extensive ear shape data collated since Sony’s world-first in-ear headphones in 1982.
LinkBuds include precise voice pickup technology that performs advanced voice signal processing for crystal clear conversations. Sony’s noise reduction algorithm was developed using AI machine learning and more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise and extract voice clearly.
Thanks to DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), soundtracks are restored to high quality and with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, detail is reproduced with minimal distortion. This is supported by a specially designed 12mm ring driver that provides rich and well-balanced sound. Adaptive Volume Control automatically optimises volume based on the environment.
Designed with ease of use in mind, LinkBuds feature Wide Area Tap for control at your fingertips. By double or triple tapping in front of either ear, playback can be adjusted without touching the LinkBuds themselves. Quick Access means users can configure LinkBuds to resume Spotify playback with Spotify Tap.
With Speak to Chat, users can automatically pause music as soon as they speak to someone, and the music will automatically start playing once the conversation is over. Users can also activate their preferred voice assistant – Google or Alexa. LinkBuds support Google’s Fast Pair feature for connecting to Android devices and Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair LinkBuds to Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices.
Featuring an IPX4 rating for water resistance, users can enjoy 5.5 hours of playback from the earbuds and store an additional 12 hours in the case. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 90 minutes of playback. The LinkBuds and their charging case are made using recycled plastic materials and plastic-free packaging.
LinkBuds will be available in Australia from April 2022 for RRP $299.95.