Month: October 2024
Sony expands its LinkBuds line with new open earbuds, ANC earbuds and a speaker
In early 2022, Sony took a gamble on a unique design for open-design earbuds. The company built tiny buds with a circular, donut-shaped speaker that were designed to be worn all day. It then followed those with a more “traditional” set, the LinkBuds S, just a few months later. That second model delivered a lot of the key features from the flagship WF-1000XM5, but at $100 less.
Now Sony is expanding the LinkBuds line once again, adding three new options with very different designs. A second-gen version of the LinkBuds are now called LinkBuds Open (pictured above), with an all-new design debuting alongside them in the LinkBuds Fit. Lastly, there’s a LinkBuds Speaker that allows you to automatically switch the audio between it and a set of earbuds as needed.
LinkBuds Open
My key gripe with the original LinkBuds is that they weren’t very comfortable. Sony did well to pack in a ton of features, including tapping your face in front of your ear for the onboard controls (Wide Area Tap). However, the rigid casing for the ring driver was too firm and the earbuds overall didn’t stay in place that well. To address this, the company redesigned the “fitting supporter” for the LinkBuds Open, opting for a more common fit wing shape off the top edge. Sony also says it reduced the size of the second-gen model to further assist with a more comfortable fit.
Inside, Sony built a new 11mm ring driver that’s still open at the center for an inherent transparency mode. Thanks to a carefully selected high-compliance diaphragm and a powerful magnet, the LinkBuds Open can better replicate clear highs and mids along with louder, richer bass, according to Sony. The company also upgraded the earbud chip to its Integrated Processor V2, the same component that’s found inside the WF-1000XM5. Sony says this update should provide connectivity that’s more stable compared to the LinkBuds.
Sony also extended the battery life on the LinkBuds Open, offering up to eight hours on a charge. That’s up from five and a half on the first model. What’s more, the quick charge feature now gives you an hour of use in three minutes, as opposed to 90 minutes of playback in 10 minutes on the original version. Sony included a fit check tool in its new app this time, allowing you to have the positioning analyzed with a photo (Sony has done this before with other models). Other key specs include an IPX4 rating and multipoint Bluetooth.
The LinkBuds Open are available for preorder today for $200, $20 more than the 2022 model. They’re available in black, white and Olivia Rodrigo-collab purple (purple is US only). There are additional colors of case covers ($20) and additional fitting supporters ($10) to further customize your look. Those are available in blue, green, pink, purple and black.
LinkBuds Fit
Sony
The new LinkBuds Fit are a completely new design and the successor to the LinkBuds S. Based on consumer polling, Sony determined that fit and comfort were the two primary concerns for its customers. So, the company used its analysis of “extensive ear shape data” for the new curves. The earbuds are smaller and shorter, and a new Air Fitting Supporter is hollow to make it more flexible. Plus, a new ear tip is here to further enhance overall comfort.
Inside, a new Dynamic Driver X handles the audio, powered by the WF-1000XM5’s Integrated Processor V2 chip that also assists with the active noise cancellation (ANC). That component also enables a new Auto Ambient Sound mode that automatically adjusts transparency audio based on your surroundings and an Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer that tweaks ANC in real time — all aided by dual noise sensor tech and multiple microphones. Sony called the ambient sound quality on the LinkBuds Fit the “best-in-class,” which is a lofty claim when you consider the high bar Apple set with the AirPods Pro.
Battery life is slightly shorter than the LinkBuds S at five and a half hours. That’s 30 minutes less than that previous model. Other key specs include an IPX4 rating and multipoint Bluetooth. Like the LinkBuds Open, you’ll tap on the side of your face by your ear for the onboard controls (Wide Area Tap).
The LinkBuds Open are available for preorder today for $200, the same price as the LinkBuds S was at launch. They’re available in black, white, green and Olivia Rodrigo-hued purple (purple is US only). There are additional colors of case covers ($20) and additional fitting supporters ($10) to further customize your look. Those are available in blue, green, pink, purple and black.
LinkBuds Speaker
Sony
The third member of the LinkBuds trio isn’t another set of earbuds, it’s a speaker. The LinkBuds Speaker is a small, portable Bluetooth speaker with an IPX4 rating and built-in loop for hanging it up. You can expect up to 25 hours of battery life and a 10-minute rest on the charging dock will give you 70 minutes of use. The driver setup includes a woofer, a passive radiator and a tweeter, and Sony says the speaker is tuned for “well-balanced… pleasant and clear sound that does not tire the listener.” There’s a top-mounted microphone for calls that’s flanked by volume and playback controls. A Quick Play button lets you get the music going with a single button press.
The key feature of the LinkBuds Speaker is Auto Switch with compatible Sony earbuds. Those include the new LinkBuds Open and Fit, but the LinkBuds S and WF-1000XM5 are also on the list. The speaker’s hand-off tool will work with the WH-1000XM5 headphones, too. Just like it sounds, the feature allows you to quickly swap the audio between headphones or earbuds and the LinkBuds Speaker. You can also use the Sound Connect app to set routines for the speaker so that things happen automatically during the day based on your schedule. You can set Auto Switch to occur daily when you’re heading out to the gym or office, for example.
The LinkBuds Speaker is available for preorder today for $180 in black and grey color options. A charging dock is included in the box, but the speaker is only available in the US at this time.
Sound Connect app
During this new LinkBuds series launch, Sony is replacing its Headphones Connect app with a new one called Sound Connect. Starting today, all headphones which were compatible with the old app will now work with this new software. What’s more, ULT speakers and the new LinkBuds Speaker will also work with Sound Connect. If you have Headphones Connect installed, you’ll automatically change over the next time the app updates.
Sound Connect provides a much-needed redesign and a UI that looks more modern than the aging aesthetic of Headphones Connect. All of the key settings are right on the main screen and the app will provide tips for headphone and earbud use on the Discover tab.
For LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit, the app delivers a few unique features that should make your life easier. First, there’s a built-in voice control tool that allows you to control the earbuds with a “Hey Headphones” command. It’s just like Bose offers on its new QuietComfort Earbuds. You can use it to control music, adjust volume, enable/disable ANC and check battery life. Taking a page out of Apple’s book, Sony will also enable head gestures for accepting or rejecting calls on its two new sets of earbuds. An Auto Battery Save feature will disable things like EQ, DSEE upscaling, Speak to Chat and Voice Control to conserve energy when you hit 20 percent remaining. Lastly, a Background Music Effect can simulate less distracting sound as if it were playing in a bedroom, living room or cafe.
A full review of the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Speaker is in progress. Stay tuned to that detailed evaluation in the coming days. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sony-expands-its-linkbuds-line-with-new-open-earbuds-anc-earbuds-and-a-speaker-160045247.html?src=rss
In early 2022, Sony took a gamble on a unique design for open-design earbuds. The company built tiny buds with a circular, donut-shaped speaker that were designed to be worn all day. It then followed those with a more “traditional” set, the LinkBuds S, just a few months later. That second model delivered a lot of the key features from the flagship WF-1000XM5, but at $100 less.
Now Sony is expanding the LinkBuds line once again, adding three new options with very different designs. A second-gen version of the LinkBuds are now called LinkBuds Open (pictured above), with an all-new design debuting alongside them in the LinkBuds Fit. Lastly, there’s a LinkBuds Speaker that allows you to automatically switch the audio between it and a set of earbuds as needed.
LinkBuds Open
My key gripe with the original LinkBuds is that they weren’t very comfortable. Sony did well to pack in a ton of features, including tapping your face in front of your ear for the onboard controls (Wide Area Tap). However, the rigid casing for the ring driver was too firm and the earbuds overall didn’t stay in place that well. To address this, the company redesigned the “fitting supporter” for the LinkBuds Open, opting for a more common fit wing shape off the top edge. Sony also says it reduced the size of the second-gen model to further assist with a more comfortable fit.
Inside, Sony built a new 11mm ring driver that’s still open at the center for an inherent transparency mode. Thanks to a carefully selected high-compliance diaphragm and a powerful magnet, the LinkBuds Open can better replicate clear highs and mids along with louder, richer bass, according to Sony. The company also upgraded the earbud chip to its Integrated Processor V2, the same component that’s found inside the WF-1000XM5. Sony says this update should provide connectivity that’s more stable compared to the LinkBuds.
Sony also extended the battery life on the LinkBuds Open, offering up to eight hours on a charge. That’s up from five and a half on the first model. What’s more, the quick charge feature now gives you an hour of use in three minutes, as opposed to 90 minutes of playback in 10 minutes on the original version. Sony included a fit check tool in its new app this time, allowing you to have the positioning analyzed with a photo (Sony has done this before with other models). Other key specs include an IPX4 rating and multipoint Bluetooth.
The LinkBuds Open are available for preorder today for $200, $20 more than the 2022 model. They’re available in black, white and Olivia Rodrigo-collab purple (purple is US only). There are additional colors of case covers ($20) and additional fitting supporters ($10) to further customize your look. Those are available in blue, green, pink, purple and black.
LinkBuds Fit
The new LinkBuds Fit are a completely new design and the successor to the LinkBuds S. Based on consumer polling, Sony determined that fit and comfort were the two primary concerns for its customers. So, the company used its analysis of “extensive ear shape data” for the new curves. The earbuds are smaller and shorter, and a new Air Fitting Supporter is hollow to make it more flexible. Plus, a new ear tip is here to further enhance overall comfort.
Inside, a new Dynamic Driver X handles the audio, powered by the WF-1000XM5’s Integrated Processor V2 chip that also assists with the active noise cancellation (ANC). That component also enables a new Auto Ambient Sound mode that automatically adjusts transparency audio based on your surroundings and an Auto Noise Canceling Optimizer that tweaks ANC in real time — all aided by dual noise sensor tech and multiple microphones. Sony called the ambient sound quality on the LinkBuds Fit the “best-in-class,” which is a lofty claim when you consider the high bar Apple set with the AirPods Pro.
Battery life is slightly shorter than the LinkBuds S at five and a half hours. That’s 30 minutes less than that previous model. Other key specs include an IPX4 rating and multipoint Bluetooth. Like the LinkBuds Open, you’ll tap on the side of your face by your ear for the onboard controls (Wide Area Tap).
The LinkBuds Open are available for preorder today for $200, the same price as the LinkBuds S was at launch. They’re available in black, white, green and Olivia Rodrigo-hued purple (purple is US only). There are additional colors of case covers ($20) and additional fitting supporters ($10) to further customize your look. Those are available in blue, green, pink, purple and black.
LinkBuds Speaker
The third member of the LinkBuds trio isn’t another set of earbuds, it’s a speaker. The LinkBuds Speaker is a small, portable Bluetooth speaker with an IPX4 rating and built-in loop for hanging it up. You can expect up to 25 hours of battery life and a 10-minute rest on the charging dock will give you 70 minutes of use. The driver setup includes a woofer, a passive radiator and a tweeter, and Sony says the speaker is tuned for “well-balanced… pleasant and clear sound that does not tire the listener.” There’s a top-mounted microphone for calls that’s flanked by volume and playback controls. A Quick Play button lets you get the music going with a single button press.
The key feature of the LinkBuds Speaker is Auto Switch with compatible Sony earbuds. Those include the new LinkBuds Open and Fit, but the LinkBuds S and WF-1000XM5 are also on the list. The speaker’s hand-off tool will work with the WH-1000XM5 headphones, too. Just like it sounds, the feature allows you to quickly swap the audio between headphones or earbuds and the LinkBuds Speaker. You can also use the Sound Connect app to set routines for the speaker so that things happen automatically during the day based on your schedule. You can set Auto Switch to occur daily when you’re heading out to the gym or office, for example.
The LinkBuds Speaker is available for preorder today for $180 in black and grey color options. A charging dock is included in the box, but the speaker is only available in the US at this time.
Sound Connect app
During this new LinkBuds series launch, Sony is replacing its Headphones Connect app with a new one called Sound Connect. Starting today, all headphones which were compatible with the old app will now work with this new software. What’s more, ULT speakers and the new LinkBuds Speaker will also work with Sound Connect. If you have Headphones Connect installed, you’ll automatically change over the next time the app updates.
Sound Connect provides a much-needed redesign and a UI that looks more modern than the aging aesthetic of Headphones Connect. All of the key settings are right on the main screen and the app will provide tips for headphone and earbud use on the Discover tab.
For LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit, the app delivers a few unique features that should make your life easier. First, there’s a built-in voice control tool that allows you to control the earbuds with a “Hey Headphones” command. It’s just like Bose offers on its new QuietComfort Earbuds. You can use it to control music, adjust volume, enable/disable ANC and check battery life. Taking a page out of Apple’s book, Sony will also enable head gestures for accepting or rejecting calls on its two new sets of earbuds. An Auto Battery Save feature will disable things like EQ, DSEE upscaling, Speak to Chat and Voice Control to conserve energy when you hit 20 percent remaining. Lastly, a Background Music Effect can simulate less distracting sound as if it were playing in a bedroom, living room or cafe.
A full review of the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Speaker is in progress. Stay tuned to that detailed evaluation in the coming days.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sony-expands-its-linkbuds-line-with-new-open-earbuds-anc-earbuds-and-a-speaker-160045247.html?src=rss
Pebblebee’s new item trackers works with both Apple and Google ‘Find My’ networks
Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find My Device are both smart tracking solutions to help us prevent losing our items, but devices made for one aren’t typically compatible with the other. However, Pebblebee is changing this by introducing its Pebblebee Universal, a trio of rechargeable item trackers that work with both Apple and Google systems.
The Pebblebee Universal line includes three products: the Pebblebee Clip Universal, Pebblebee Card Universal and Pebblebee Tag Universal. The Clip tracker is the standard model and is great for tracking all kinds of bags and keys. The Card tracker fits inside wallets and passports to prevent losing valuables. Finally, the Tag Universal is Pebblebee’s smallest rechargeable tracker, which will fit almost anywhere. We featured the Pebblebee Clip in our best Bluetooth tracker guide. It performed well in our tests and works as an excellent AirTag alternative.
Being able to connect to either the Apple or Google networks makes the Pebblebee Universal line of trackers much more versatile. Founder and CEO Daniel Daoura says these trackers are part of the company’s “mission to create one connected global ecosystem for all.” Note that if you set up your Pebblebee Universal tracker to connect to the Apple Find My network, you’ll have to perform a factory reset to use the other network in the future. All connections to the tracker are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you get to see where it is. Pebblebee Universal trackers are currently available for $35 per tracker. They’re being sold on Pebblebee’s website, Best Buy stores, and Best Buy’s official website.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/pebblebees-new-item-trackers-works-with-both-apple-and-google-find-my-networks-160043182.html?src=rss
Apple’s Find My network and Google’s Find My Device are both smart tracking solutions to help us prevent losing our items, but devices made for one aren’t typically compatible with the other. However, Pebblebee is changing this by introducing its Pebblebee Universal, a trio of rechargeable item trackers that work with both Apple and Google systems.
The Pebblebee Universal line includes three products: the Pebblebee Clip Universal, Pebblebee Card Universal and Pebblebee Tag Universal. The Clip tracker is the standard model and is great for tracking all kinds of bags and keys. The Card tracker fits inside wallets and passports to prevent losing valuables. Finally, the Tag Universal is Pebblebee’s smallest rechargeable tracker, which will fit almost anywhere. We featured the Pebblebee Clip in our best Bluetooth tracker guide. It performed well in our tests and works as an excellent AirTag alternative.
Being able to connect to either the Apple or Google networks makes the Pebblebee Universal line of trackers much more versatile. Founder and CEO Daniel Daoura says these trackers are part of the company’s “mission to create one connected global ecosystem for all.” Note that if you set up your Pebblebee Universal tracker to connect to the Apple Find My network, you’ll have to perform a factory reset to use the other network in the future. All connections to the tracker are end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you get to see where it is. Pebblebee Universal trackers are currently available for $35 per tracker. They’re being sold on Pebblebee’s website, Best Buy stores, and Best Buy’s official website.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/pebblebees-new-item-trackers-works-with-both-apple-and-google-find-my-networks-160043182.html?src=rss
Hands-on With Sony’s New LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open Earbuds
Sony has upgraded its second-generation LinkBuds earbuds with improved designs and performance.
Sony has upgraded its second-generation LinkBuds earbuds with improved designs and performance.
Champions League Soccer: Livestream Slovan Bratislava vs. Man City From Anywhere
Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Slovakia for this Gameweek 2 clash.
Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Slovakia for this Gameweek 2 clash.
Champions League Soccer: Livestream Barcelona vs. Young Boys From Anywhere
Barca host the Swiss Super League champions at the Estadi Olímpic.
Barca host the Swiss Super League champions at the Estadi Olímpic.
Champions League Soccer: Livestream Arsenal vs. PSG From Anywhere
The pick of Tuesday’s UCL ties sees the Gunners host the French giants in north London.
The pick of Tuesday’s UCL ties sees the Gunners host the French giants in north London.
Sony launches funky new LinkBuds earbuds with customizable cases – and a new Bluetooth speaker to match
Sony’s beautifully odd LinkBuds get an audio upgrade, more personalization, and a clever little speaker too.
Two weeks ago we reported on a leak that said Sony was about to expand its weird and wonderful LinkBuds range of headphones. And now it’s official, and even more interesting than the leak suggested: in addition to two new sets of LinkBuds headphones, there’s a LinkBuds speaker too.
The new Linkbuds range features the new LinkBuds Fit (which replaces the Sony LinkBuds S), the new LinkBuds Open (replacing the original Sony LinkBuds), and the new LinkBuds Speaker. They’re all keenly priced, with the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open at $199.99 / £179, and the LinkBuds Speaker at $179.99 / £139.
All three products are available to order now and will ship during October. Here’s what’s new.
Sony LinkBuds Fit, LinkBuds Open: key features
(Image credit: Sony)
Both pairs of LinkBuds earbuds come in new colors and a wide range of custom cases and have been made with comfort in mind, with a teardrop shape and a squishy ‘supporter’ to really hold them in your ear. The LinkBuds Fit have a new eartips too, which are slightly shallower than those in the Sony WF-1000XM5, again improving comfort compared to many of the best wireless earbuds – something we praised the LinkBud S for.
The LinkBuds Open still have an iconic circular design to their driver, so they’re closer to the best open-ear headphones, allowing outside sound in naturally.
As expected, the Fit are water and sweat resistant with an IPX4 rating. The Open earbuds have the same certification – though the cases aren’t IP certified.
Sony says that the LinkBuds Fit have Sony’s best ambient sound and auto adjustment, with an automatic noise canceling optimizer and a new app to configure it all. There’s a new transparency mode that’s more like what you get on AirPods Pro 2, where it adjusts exactly how much sound is allowed in depending on the ambient volume. Sony gave us the example of wanting lots of fine sound in if you’re out in a quiet park and someone calls your name, compared to needing some control over the sound if you’re at a train station.
They also support a new Background Music mode, which changes how music sounds to feel more like a speaker at the back of the room, rather than pumping right into your ears, with the aim of making it easier to concentrate if that’s useful. Bluetooth is 5.3 with multi-point and LDAC hi-res audio, plus DSEE upscaling.
(Image credit: Sony)
The LinkBuds Open have the same Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point, and Sony claims both louder sound and richer bass than before thanks to a new circular driver. Battery life is longer – 8 hours from the buds and 22 hours via the case – and charging is faster than before. They also support Background Music mode, and have DSEE upscaling to improve low-quality streaming music. There’s no LDAC support here, though.
Both the LinkBuds Fit and Open also have option silicon covers for their case and buds, meaning that you can add in more colors than they initially come with, and can mix and match tones. The covers cost a little extra: $10 / £10 each for earbuds covers, or $20 / £20 for a case cover.
Sony LinkBuds speaker: key features
(Image credit: Sony)
The LinkBuds Speaker was designed based around data that 70% of younger headphones users have a Bluetooth speaker as well, and many would love to be able to flow from one to the other with no hassle. So the centerpiece here is an auto-switching feature that means your music will move automatically from the speaker to your headphones when you put them on, or will switch back to the speaker when you come home.
This feature will work with the both new LinkBuds models, plus the LinkBuds S, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ears. Sadly, it won’t work with the five-star Sony WF-C700N or the brand-new and excellent Sony WF-C510.
The LinkBuds Speaker is small, and comes with a separate charging base and grabbable design with a loop on the back. The speaker is IPX4 splash resistant and promises up to 25 hours of play time with quick charging.
There’s a woofer and tweeter facing forward, with a passive radiator on each side to help provide oomph. It’ll have a 5-band audio equalizer, adjustable from the app. There’s also a built-in microphone so you can use it for calls.
Sony’s new LinkBuds add voice controls without a smart assistant
Sony has updated its LinkBuds line with on-device voice controls and head gestures for answering or dismissing phone calls. | Image: Sony
Sony has announced new versions of its LinkBuds wireless earbuds with “improved wearability” and built-in voice controls, making them easier to leave in your ears all day. Both the new LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit are available for preorder today for $199.99, alongside a new LinkBuds Speaker debuting at $179.99 that will be limited to the US market.
The original Sony LinkBuds, first announced in early 2022, featured a unique “open ring design” that skipped sound-isolating ear tips for a donut-shaped speaker, allowing ambient sounds to be heard at all times. The new version, now known as the LinkBuds Open, features a similar but smaller design, with a new 11-millimeter speaker to enhance volume and bass performance. Sony also includes redesigned silicone wings called “Air Fitting Supporters” that it says will reduce pressure points and make the earbuds more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Image: Sony
Sony has redesigned the silicone wing that helps the LinkBuds Open stay securely worn.
With voice control capabilities now built right into the LinkBuds Open, you can adjust volume, skip tracks, and change ANC modes without having to ask Siri or Google Assistant to do it for you. It also means that voice controls are available when connected to devices that lack a voice-activated assistant of their own, like consoles or in-flight entertainment systems.
Battery life for the LinkBuds Open is now eight hours with the earbuds alone, or a total of 22 hours with their charging case (up from 5.5 hours and 17.5 hours, previously), while a three-minute quick charge will provide up to an hour of music playback. To further extend battery life, Sony is adding a new “auto battery save” option that turns off features like EQ adjustments, speak to chat, and voice controls when the earbuds’ batteries drop below 20 percent.
The LinkBuds Open come with Bluetooth 5.3, offer multi-device connectivity, and support the SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. Sony says the earbuds also now feature the same V2 chip as its flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, offering a more stable connection to devices.
Image: Sony
The Sony LinkBuds S have been rebranded as the LinkBuds Fit.
The new LinkBuds Fit are a smaller and lighter version of the LinkBuds S, which debuted in mid-2022 as an alternative to the original LinkBuds for those wanting ANC. The new Fit comes with shorter ear tips and Sony’s “Air Fitting Supporters,” similar to what’s included with the LinkBuds Open, to help better distribute the weight of the earbuds around the ear.
Their smaller size does come with a sacrifice in battery life for the buds: it is now 5.5 hours instead of six. But when the LinkBuds Fit are paired with their charging case, overall battery life improves from 20 hours to 21, with the same quick charge capabilities as the LinkBuds Open.
The new Fit also feature the V2 processor from Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds, powering both its ANC and ambient sound modes. The Fit also inherit the Dynamix Driver X from Sony’s premium earbuds for improved sound quality, and while its Bluetooth capabilities match the LinkBuds Open, their codec compatibility includes support for Sony’s LDAC, which allows better quality Hi-Res audio to be streamed.
If you’re looking to customize the appearance of the LinkBuds Fit, Sony will also sell the “Air Fitting Supporters” in several alternate colors like ash pink, ash green, and pure black for $9.99, as well as a $19.99 silicone cover for the charging case in matching shades.
Image: Sony
The LinkBuds Speaker is designed to allow music playing on headphones to seamlessly switch to the speaker.
Sony is expanding its LinkBuds line with the new LinkBuds Speaker, designed to complement the wireless earbuds. Featuring a single tweeter and woofer paired with a passive radiator, the speaker includes a charging dock; Sony says battery life is as much as 25 hours at moderate volume or up to six hours at maximum volume.
What sets the LinkBuds Speaker apart from Sony’s other wireless speakers is a new Auto Switch mode that can automatically swap playback from the earbuds when you get close enough. Compatible models include the new LinkBuds Fit and Open, the older LinkBuds S, and Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 headphones. So, if you’re listening to music and head into the kitchen to make a snack, you can opt to have the music switch to the speaker and give your ears a break.
Image: Sony
Inside the LinkBuds Speaker is a single tweeter, woofer, and passive radiator.
The LinkBuds Speaker includes a microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone, a button that will start streaming music from your preferred service, and daily routines that can be scheduled through a mobile app, so you can use it as an alarm clock. It’s available in either a gray or black finish, but with limited IPX4 splash resistance, it’s mostly designed for indoor use away from bad weather or the risk of being dunked in a pool.
Sony has updated its LinkBuds line with on-device voice controls and head gestures for answering or dismissing phone calls. | Image: Sony
Sony has announced new versions of its LinkBuds wireless earbuds with “improved wearability” and built-in voice controls, making them easier to leave in your ears all day. Both the new LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit are available for preorder today for $199.99, alongside a new LinkBuds Speaker debuting at $179.99 that will be limited to the US market.
The original Sony LinkBuds, first announced in early 2022, featured a unique “open ring design” that skipped sound-isolating ear tips for a donut-shaped speaker, allowing ambient sounds to be heard at all times. The new version, now known as the LinkBuds Open, features a similar but smaller design, with a new 11-millimeter speaker to enhance volume and bass performance. Sony also includes redesigned silicone wings called “Air Fitting Supporters” that it says will reduce pressure points and make the earbuds more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
Image: Sony
Sony has redesigned the silicone wing that helps the LinkBuds Open stay securely worn.
With voice control capabilities now built right into the LinkBuds Open, you can adjust volume, skip tracks, and change ANC modes without having to ask Siri or Google Assistant to do it for you. It also means that voice controls are available when connected to devices that lack a voice-activated assistant of their own, like consoles or in-flight entertainment systems.
Battery life for the LinkBuds Open is now eight hours with the earbuds alone, or a total of 22 hours with their charging case (up from 5.5 hours and 17.5 hours, previously), while a three-minute quick charge will provide up to an hour of music playback. To further extend battery life, Sony is adding a new “auto battery save” option that turns off features like EQ adjustments, speak to chat, and voice controls when the earbuds’ batteries drop below 20 percent.
The LinkBuds Open come with Bluetooth 5.3, offer multi-device connectivity, and support the SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. Sony says the earbuds also now feature the same V2 chip as its flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, offering a more stable connection to devices.
Image: Sony
The Sony LinkBuds S have been rebranded as the LinkBuds Fit.
The new LinkBuds Fit are a smaller and lighter version of the LinkBuds S, which debuted in mid-2022 as an alternative to the original LinkBuds for those wanting ANC. The new Fit comes with shorter ear tips and Sony’s “Air Fitting Supporters,” similar to what’s included with the LinkBuds Open, to help better distribute the weight of the earbuds around the ear.
Their smaller size does come with a sacrifice in battery life for the buds: it is now 5.5 hours instead of six. But when the LinkBuds Fit are paired with their charging case, overall battery life improves from 20 hours to 21, with the same quick charge capabilities as the LinkBuds Open.
The new Fit also feature the V2 processor from Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds, powering both its ANC and ambient sound modes. The Fit also inherit the Dynamix Driver X from Sony’s premium earbuds for improved sound quality, and while its Bluetooth capabilities match the LinkBuds Open, their codec compatibility includes support for Sony’s LDAC, which allows better quality Hi-Res audio to be streamed.
If you’re looking to customize the appearance of the LinkBuds Fit, Sony will also sell the “Air Fitting Supporters” in several alternate colors like ash pink, ash green, and pure black for $9.99, as well as a $19.99 silicone cover for the charging case in matching shades.
Image: Sony
The LinkBuds Speaker is designed to allow music playing on headphones to seamlessly switch to the speaker.
Sony is expanding its LinkBuds line with the new LinkBuds Speaker, designed to complement the wireless earbuds. Featuring a single tweeter and woofer paired with a passive radiator, the speaker includes a charging dock; Sony says battery life is as much as 25 hours at moderate volume or up to six hours at maximum volume.
What sets the LinkBuds Speaker apart from Sony’s other wireless speakers is a new Auto Switch mode that can automatically swap playback from the earbuds when you get close enough. Compatible models include the new LinkBuds Fit and Open, the older LinkBuds S, and Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and WF-1000XM5 headphones. So, if you’re listening to music and head into the kitchen to make a snack, you can opt to have the music switch to the speaker and give your ears a break.
Image: Sony
Inside the LinkBuds Speaker is a single tweeter, woofer, and passive radiator.
The LinkBuds Speaker includes a microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone, a button that will start streaming music from your preferred service, and daily routines that can be scheduled through a mobile app, so you can use it as an alarm clock. It’s available in either a gray or black finish, but with limited IPX4 splash resistance, it’s mostly designed for indoor use away from bad weather or the risk of being dunked in a pool.
Halide app update adds new functions for the iPhone 16 Camera Control button
Focus and exposure are now in the Camera Control menu for Halide. | Image: Lux
Halide, a popular advanced camera app for iOS by the company Lux, is releasing a new update that adds manual photography “Adjustments” features for the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button. In version 2.17 (now available), you can adjust focus and exposure on Camera Control; there’s also a new “Locked” mode to lock down some manual settings so an accidental swipe won’t ruin your current shoot.
Halide’s founder Sebastiaan De With says the Exposure adjustment can be set with an exposure bias “three times” that of Apple’s (plus or minus 6 EV vs 2) and that the Manual Focus on Camera Control is a “really nice, smooth experience on iPhone.” Lux also has its own review of the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera.
Halide already supported the iPhone 16 Camera Control button with the ability to launch and take photos quickly (or launch from the lockscreen, if you prefer). Now, you can shave off a few more milliseconds when you take a picture by snapping a photo on the press of the Camera Control button instead of on release. The quick snap even works with the iPhone 16 Pro’s 48-megapixel ProRAW setting and Halide’s recently released “Process Zero” feature is designed to take pictures with minimal processing.
Focus and exposure are now in the Camera Control menu for Halide. | Image: Lux
Halide, a popular advanced camera app for iOS by the company Lux, is releasing a new update that adds manual photography “Adjustments” features for the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button. In version 2.17 (now available), you can adjust focus and exposure on Camera Control; there’s also a new “Locked” mode to lock down some manual settings so an accidental swipe won’t ruin your current shoot.
Halide’s founder Sebastiaan De With says the Exposure adjustment can be set with an exposure bias “three times” that of Apple’s (plus or minus 6 EV vs 2) and that the Manual Focus on Camera Control is a “really nice, smooth experience on iPhone.” Lux also has its own review of the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera.
Halide already supported the iPhone 16 Camera Control button with the ability to launch and take photos quickly (or launch from the lockscreen, if you prefer). Now, you can shave off a few more milliseconds when you take a picture by snapping a photo on the press of the Camera Control button instead of on release. The quick snap even works with the iPhone 16 Pro’s 48-megapixel ProRAW setting and Halide’s recently released “Process Zero” feature is designed to take pictures with minimal processing.