Sony announced two new wireless earbuds with innovative designs and features. The LinkBuds Fit are ANC earbuds with advanced processing, while the LinkBuds Open update the open ring driver design launched in 2022. Available with interesting new colors and with innovative lifestyle accessories, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open earbuds combine premium features in more affordable designs. The LinkBuds range is also expanded with the new LinkBuds Speaker, an innovative concept of a Bluetooth wireless speaker to pair with earbuds.
The LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open earbuds are more advanced designs using Sony's latest processors, and feature new and light Air Fitting Supporters for all-day wearing comfort, great for active lifestyles. The LinkBuds Speaker is an interesting addition to the LinkBuds family, featuring Auto Switch which swaps playback between any LinkBuds and even flagship WH-1000XM5, WF-1000XM5 headphones and earbuds, and the LinkBuds Speaker. Depending on the situation, the audio switch between earbuds and the Bluetooth speaker might be automatic, for a seamless listening experience.
LinkBuds Fit
Describing the core features in the new LinkBuds Fit, a closed in-ear design, Sony highlights improved sound and call quality, improved Ambient Sound Mode, and a shape that perfectly matches the human ear with an ergonomic design for a more stable fit. Sony has designed LinkBuds Fit utilizing extensive ear shape data as well as evaluation of the sensitivity of various types of ears to ensure an ideal shape and comfort.
Small in size yet with better audio quality, these earbuds weigh approximately 4.9g. For an even more secure and comfortable fit, Sony has developed new Air Fitting Supporters accessories, which have a tail that is soft and hollow to reduce ear contact, pressure, and prevent accidental dislodging. Also offered for reduced pressure and increase comfort are the Soft Fitting Earbud Tips. Users can even tailor their look with the optional accessories, including Case Covers, in a variety of colors and looks.
Combined with active noise canceling, an improved Auto Ambient Sound Mode automatically adjusts ambient sound to the listener's surroundings so they can comfortably enjoy music anywhere. The ANC and transparency features are powered by Sony's Integrated Processor V2, the same as in the flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds. The chip optimizes noise canceling in real time, and its dual noise sensor technology filters exterior sound using multiple microphones, for greater immersion.
The LinkBuds Fit earbuds also have intuitive touch controls to access enabled features such as Spotify Tap or Amazon Music Play Now, and also support control with head gestures and voice. A Bluetooth 5.3 design, the LinkBuds Fit feature multipoint connection, have IPX4 water resistance rating, and a battery life of up to 5.5 hours of playback in the earbuds with ANC on, and up to 21 hours of total playback on the case.
LinkBuds Open
The LinkBuds Open evolve the original LinkBuds 2022 design, with an open-ring transducer that keeps users connected to the outside world while enjoying their favorite tunes. Featuring a newly developed 11mm ring driver, open at the center of the diaphragm, the design allows audio transparency at all times, without the need for an active system. Perfecting the concept, the LinkBuds Open also feature Adaptive Volume Control, a smart feature that automatically optimizes the volume based on where users are, maintaining lower volumes in quiet places and higher volumes in noisier places.
Although the LinkBuds Open do not have ANC, they offer well-balanced, high-quality audio with clear mid to high ranges, powered by Sony's Integrated Processor V2, and the custom designed ring-shaped driver. A high-compliance diaphragm and powerful neodymium magnet were specifically selected to reproduce clear mid and high frequency sound. The LinkBuds Open also support DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) and feature precise voice pick up technology for ultra-clear, noise-free calls.
Like the LinkBuds Fit, the LinkBuds Open also feature Sony's newly developed Air Fitting Supporters for a comfortable and secure fit. Plus, LinkBuds Open are built with an evolved geometric form that fits comfortably in the ear. And they are now available in black and white, as well as a new violet color. Users can tailor their look with optional customizable accessories including Fitting Supporters and Case Covers in a variety of colors.
The LinkBuds Open are also packed of intuitive features and controls such as Auto Switch, Auto Play, Quick Access, voice control and Wide Area Tap. Other features include Multipoint Connection, a long battery life of 8 hours (earbuds) plus 14hrs (charging case), and an IPX4 water resistance rating.
Both the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open are compatible with Sony's updated Sound Connect app. By using this app, users can personalize the earbuds by adjusting various settings and tune the frequency response to their liking with an equalizer. When activated, Background Music Effect uses DSP to make audio sound as though it's playing in the user's own space, rather than feeling like it's localized – this is a useful feature for when users are multitasking or want something a little less intense.
LinkBuds Speaker
Creating a wireless speaker that is an extension of the earbuds is an interesting concept for personal audio. Sony is experimenting to upsell the LinkBuds range withe the new LinkBuds Speaker with Auto Switch. This feature swaps playback between LinkBuds earbuds and the LinkBuds Speaker automatically, depending on the situation. With Quick Access users can enjoy one touch listening, and Auto Play plays music according to their routine, for an even smoother experience.
While extremely compact, the LinkBuds Speaker features an X- Balanced Speaker Unit, a tweeter, and passive radiators for improved bass response. The design is also particularly suited for calls, and Sony says it has the best-in-class call quality of any Sony wireless speaker, articulating speech for a clear conversation and using echo cancellation to ensure conversations flow smoothly. The handy, detachable strap lets users take the LinkBuds Speaker wherever they go, whether that's into another room or to the kitchen. Plus, a dedicated charging cradle ensures convenient charging.
The LinkBuds Speaker is also compatible with the renewed Sound Connect app, configuring features such as Auto Switch, Quick Access, and Auto Play. It's an IPX4 water-resistant design, available in light grey and black, with a battery life of up to 25 hours and quick charging.
In respect for the environment, Sony says it only uses sustainable materials in the packaging of all these LinkBuds products. Additionally, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open also incorporate recycled plastic materials in both the earbuds and the charging case. Recycled plastic is also partially used for the body of the LinkBuds Speaker.
The LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open earbuds offer various color options to fit any style, including a new custom colorway designed by singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo. The LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit earbuds are available with a suggested retail price of $199.99 USD. The LinkBuds Speaker retails for $179.99 USD.
www.sony.com
