Sony beefed up its LinkBuds line by introducing three new models: the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit, and now, a full-on LinkBuds Speaker.
First, we have the Sony LinkBuds Open, which gets a new design with Air Fitting Supporters so you can comfortably wear them for hours. This open design lets you hear ambient sounds like passing cars when commuting or workmates while at the office. It works better than the Transparency Mode on ANC earphones plus, it’s a better alternative to those who hate rubber tips plunged up to their ears.
It now uses an updated 11mm circular driver with neodymium magnets, attached to Sony’s Integrated Processor V2 from the premium WF-1000XM5. Also onboard are Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with AAC and LC3 audio support, DSEE and Adaptive Volume Control that adjusts based on your surroundings, and Sony’s 360 Audio.
The buds are also IPX4 splash-resistant and can last for up to 8 hours of continuous music listening and up to 22 hours with the charging case.
Those in the United States can get the Sony LinkBuds Open for a price of USD199 (~Php11,200).
We also have the Sony LinkBuds Fit, which is the direct sequel to the LinkBuds S and has a closed design. It also works with Air Fitting Supporters and Earbuds Tips. It will come in a variety of colors that you can mix and match. Plus, Sony has teamed up with Olivia Rodrigo to offer the buds in the artist’s signature violet colorway.
Like the Open, Sony designed this one to be very comfortable to the ears so you can wear them for hours. And since it has a closed design, it now has active noise cancellation (ANC). It uses the same Integrated Processor V2 with Auto Ambient Sound feature.
The Fit also uses Bluetooth 5.3 with support for LDAC, LC3 and Hi-Res Audio Wireless. Plus, a cool feature called Wide Area Tap where you can tap your cheek, instead of aiming at the buds themselves, to perform gesture controls.
It is also IPX4 splash-resistant, can last for up to 5.5 hours with ANC on, 8 hours with ANC off, and up to 21 hours with the charging case. This one will have the same retail price of USD199.
Now, you might be wondering what’s the purpose of the Sony LinkBuds Speaker. Well, as per the company, the goal is to seamlessly switch between listening from the earphones to a speaker. Say, you’re using the LinkBuds earphones while on your commute, you arrive home, and you want your ears to breathe and continue listening to your speakers.
The speaker stays on the charging dock. You can then take it anywhere of the house, or outside, without interruption thanks to its built-in battery that can last for up to 25 hours (6 hours on max volume).
It features a single tweeter, woofer, and passive radiators to amplify the sound. There are controls on top, with more customization can be done on the Sound Connect app.
The Sony LinkBuds Fit, like its earbud counsis, has the same price of USD199.