Panasonic Shows Strong True Wireless Ambitions at CES 2020

January 13 2020, 00:30
CES 2020 will be remembered as the strongest show for true wireless stereo product announcements so far, and also a pivotal moment for technology evolution in the segment. Among the first companies to make a strong statement at CES 2020 was Panasonic - and its affiliated brand Technics - with three different products, two of which already feature one of the most advanced Hybrid Noise-Cancelling Technology platforms currently available.
 

Proudly displaying the Technics brand, the new EAH-AZ70W true wireless earbuds are Panasonic’s premium offering in the TWS class, addressing the growing demand for high-quality true wireless premium sound experiences, combined with superior noise cancelling performance. The flagship from the Japanese powerhouse, Technics’ EAH-AZ70W earbuds combine superior sound technologies with compact size in a lightweight design.

The new earbuds feature the latest Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology, introducing the most advanced filtering, combing feedforward (FF) and feedback (FB) methods as well as digital and analogue processing. The digital and analogue controls work together to minimize noise inside and outside of the headphones, so listeners can immerse themselves in the music without interference, focus on a call, or enjoying noise reduction while staying aware of the surroundings.

Other enhancements include a newly developed 10mm dynamic driver that uses a graphene-coated PEEK diaphragm, combined with an acoustic control chamber, which optimizes the airflow generated from the driver unit and creates a balanced sound space. The newly developed 10mm driver and unique acoustic design are the main differentiator for the additional sound quality offered by the Technics EAH-AZ70W, achieving the same high-quality sound of wired headphones without sacrificing the convenience of a true wireless in-ear headphone. The graphene-coated PEEK material used for the diaphragm of the new dynamic driver enables transparent, high-pitched and clear middle sound ranges. The airflow generated from the diaphragm can be accurately controlled via the original acoustic control chamber on the rear part of the driver unit.

Inside the EAH-AZ70W’s compact body, a touch sensor and Bluetooth antenna deliver connection stability and convenient compatibility with smart devices. In addition, its simultaneous L/R reception method offers interruption-free performance and high-quality sound. A built-in high-performance MEMS microphone minimizes wind and other background interference, enabling outstanding noise cancellation and call quality performance. Furthermore, its beamforming technology enables efficient voice transmission during phone calls.

Its simple touch sensor allows users to switch between Ambient Sound Mode, Noise Cancelling Mode or Off to adjust the listening experience based on preference or environment. Its compact, lightweight, rounded body is designed for comfortable long-term wear. In addition, it features a splash-proof performance equivalent to IPX4. The dual-color, molded earpieces also provide a solid fit, where the high sound insulation contributes to the sound quality.

The Technics EAH-AZ70W earbuds will be available in black or silver with a matching charging cradle and will be at retail in June 2020. When fully charged, the battery provides six hours of continuous playback (with noise cancellation turned ON). In addition, the charging cradle battery provides a total of 18 hours of playback, allowing users to listen for long periods of time without worrying about battery capacity.

Various functions can be controlled via a smartphone by installing the “Technics Audio Connect (free)” app, such as adjusting noise cancelling and external sound capture levels, customizing preferred sound modes, confirming remaining battery levels, search for the earbuds on a map, etc.

New Panasonic TWS Earbuds
Together with the Technics EAH-AZ70W premium earbuds, Panasonic announced two new true wireless in-ears, the RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W models, the first one featuring active noise cancelling performance. Both models are compact designs, offering stable Bluetooth 5 connectivity, premium phone voice quality and on-the-go features for watching videos, playing games and talking on the phone with superior sound.
 

Like the Technics EAH-AZ70W, the Panasonic RZ-S500W model features  Dual Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Technology achieved through the combination of FeedForward Noise Cancelling (FF-NC), Feedback Noise Cancelling (FB-NC) and analog/digital processing, resulting in industry-leading noise cancellation performance that Panasonic is eager to claim was “never before experienced in the true wireless category.” 

All four of these technologies work together to minimize noise generated both inside and outside the ear cups for effective noise cancelling in any environment. Inside the earbuds, there is an expertly crafted structure that integrates the Bluetooth antenna and touch sensor inside the control system, maximizing the use of the antenna. In addition, the independent right/left reception system maintains stable connection with proper sound balance between right and left channels, allowing users to enjoy immersive content and viewing experiences in any environment, regardless of the smartphone or operating system (OS).

The RZ-S500W/S300W high-performance MEMS microphone further contributes to the headphones’ performance, combined with a unique labyrinth structure that suppresses wind noise and other interference, further improving noise cancellation performance and call quality. A simple touch sensor allows users to switch among Ambient Sound mode, Noise Cancelling mode and Off with the tap of a finger.

Both earbuds are IPX4 splash-proof rated, fit comfortably in the ear,  and leverage the Panasonic Audio Connect (free) app to offer additional features and control settings, including customize preferred sound modes and location detection.

The RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W earbuds will be available in June of 2020.
www.panasonic.com
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