The Shokz OpenFit had already been previewed by the company in January 2023 with dedicated announcements for Asia only. The difference was that the product being advertised was called Opendots, a trademark that Shokz couldn't register in North America, which might explain why there was a change to the (much better named, anyway) present OpenFit. The original webpages for the Shokz Opendots remain available in some regions but the product itself also shows differences, most significantly in the way the design seats in the top region of the ear (engineering changes or a marketing decision, we will probably never know). The technology is the same.
The new Shokz OpenFit open-ear buds have a light and balanced Dolphin Arc Ear Hook design that adapts to the user natural ear shape. And they seat on the ear, revealing that this is not a bone conduction design, as we've known until now from the brand. Shokz new DirectPitch technology is described by the company as using "reverse sound waves" to optimize the distance and angle between the sound source and the human ear, resulting in relatively greater sound pressure toward the ear and less sound pressure in directions other than the ear canal.
The Shokz OpenFit are designed to be used in any situation that requires interacting with colleagues, staying connected to family and friends, and maintaining situation awareness. The flexible memory wire provides an ergonomic fit and at just 8.3 grams, is so lightweight they can be worn comfortably all-day. Each earphone is engineered with a dual-layered liquid silicone that provides a pliable fit for every ear shape while avoiding discomfort from extended wear.
"When setting out to develop OpenFit, we scanned a vast array of human ear data to create the most comfortable fit within our patented open-ear design," says Vincent Xiong, Chief Executive Officer at Shokz. The consequence of this design is that they needed to look for a new type of sound transducer, developing a customized dynamic driver that could deliver the sound right into the ear without covering the ear canal
OpenFit uses DirectPitch technology, which produces a full audio experience along with Shokz OpenBass, Shokz’s proprietary low-frequency enhancement algorithm, to carry low-frequency vibrations. OpenFit also uses AI Call Noise Cancellation technology to ensure call quality. This technology is tested and proven in common noisy call settings such as stations and intersections filtering out up to 99.7% of ambient noise (maximum 50dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement). Audio playback and calls can be controlled directly on the built-in touchpads.
The new 18x11mm customized dynamic driver unit is built with an ultra light composite diaphragm comprised of two parts. The inner dome-shaped cap is made of a high strength, ultra lightweight carbon fiber that is 20 times stronger than steel, pumping every acoustic vibration with accuracy. A polymer surround amplifies the intensity of the diaphragm's vibrations, delivering deep bass notes. The air conduction transducer's response - 50Hz to 16kHz - is enhanced with the OpenBass algorithm and Dynamic Range Control that dynamically adjusts the EQ in real-time, helping users to get the best listening experience under any volume - and without obstructing the ears.
"We couldn’t be prouder of the natural sound quality, powerful bass and secure, ergonomic fit we perfected with OpenFit. As the first flagship product to feature air conduction technology globally, it is a unique product offering that can be worn comfortably for any occasion - whether you are commuting to the office, working from home or even working out, OpenFit was built to be comfortable, safe and secure in any situation."
The Shokz OpenFit earphones deliver up to 7 hours of listening time with a single charge, and up to 28 hours total battery life in the charging case. A quick 5-minute charge via USB-C provides an additional 1 hour of listening time. An IP54 water-resistant rating, the OpenFit were designed with a double-layer waterproof steel mesh and gauze for additional protection.
This Bluetooth 5.2 design uses a Bestechnic BES 2500YP clip Class 2, with a wireless range up to 33ft (10 meters). Listeners can get a more personalized listening experience by using the Shokz App to select their favorite EQ modes and customize the touch functions. Shokz OpenFit is available for order in beige and black for $179.95 USD on Shokz.com and Amazon.com.
www.shokz.com
