The sequel to Sony’s innovative open air LinkBuds and also the closed LinkBuds S. The new models are simply called LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit. There’s also a speaker (which matters a lot, we’ll get to that).
sony linkbuds unlocked
The Sony LinkBuds Open have been redesigned for a more comfortable fit with Air Conditioning Supporters that allow you to wear them all day long. Their open design allows you to hear ambient sounds and conversations instead of being muffled with an ANC system. Not having your ear canal clogged with a rubber tip also helps to stay comfortable for longer periods of time.
Sony redesigned open ring driver. It’s an 11mm circular driver with neodymium magnets coupled to Sony’s Integrated Processor V2, first featured on the premium WF-1000XM5. Supports Open DSEE and Adaptive Volume Control, which adjusts the sound level based on your surroundings.
Connection is handled by Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point connectivity and support for AAC and LC3 audio codecs. The buds support voice commands, but don’t include the usual cast of digital assistants (Siri, Google Assistant, etc.). With head tracking available, these also support 360 audio.
Gesture and voice control, same chip as WF-1000XM5
Battery life on the LinkBuds Open is much better, lasting up to 8 hours of continuous play and up to 22 hours with the charging case (up from 5.5/17.5 hours on the original LinkBuds). The case is quite small at 46 x 46 x 29.4 mm and 30.6 grams. The buds are IPX4 rated, so you can go out in the rain and not worry about them.
The Sony LinkBuds Fit is the sequel to the LinkBuds S and has a discontinued design. There are also air fitting supports and earbuds tips – Sony sells replacements in a variety of colors, so you can customize your style. Speaking of style, Sony has partnered with Olivia Rodrigo and is offering her signature violet colorway (but only in the US, more details on availability later). Additionally, case covers are available for even more customization.
The Fit are also designed to be worn for long periods of time and Sony has put a lot of work into making them comfortable. They also offer excellent noise cancellation – like the Open, these have integrated Processor V2 – and an auto ambient sound mode for when you need to hear your surroundings.
sony linkbuds fit
The Fit also has better audio codec support with LDAC and LC3 and is certified for Hi-Res Audio wireless. Both the Open and Fit buds support simultaneous Bluetooth transmission, meaning the left and right buds have their own connection to your phone (the old-fashioned way is where one bud connects to the phone and sends audio to the other bud). Is).
In addition to voice control, the new LinkBuds also support wide area tap – the usual tap gesture can be done by tapping your cheek instead of aiming at the buds.
Fit has also been given IPX4 rating. Fit, Open and Speaker use recycled plastic, while their packaging contains no plastic at all.
These gestures, plus equalizer settings and more, can be configured with the new Sound Connect app. You can set up quick access to your favorite music player, whether it’s the phone’s own app or Spotify. The app also supports the new LinkBuds speakers.
The LinkBuds Fit can last up to 5.5 hours with ANC on or 8 hours with it off. With the case, listening time increases to 21 hours (an hour more than the LinkBuds S). The Fit Case measures 47.2 x 47.2 x 32.6 mm and weighs 41 grams.
new sound connect app
The idea of ​​the speaker is that it integrates with the LinkBuds Open and Fit (the older LinkBuds S are also supported), allowing you to seamlessly switch between listening through headphones or through the speaker. Imagine coming home, taking out the headphones and continuing to play your music or podcast on the speakers.
The speaker normally rests on a charging dock, but it has a built-in battery that can last up to 25 hours at reasonable volume or 6 hours at full blast.
sony linkbuds speaker
The speaker has one tweeter and one woofer (X-balanced speaker), and passive radiator. You’ll find a 5-band equalizer and clear bass setting in the Sound Connect app. The Quick Access button provides just as easy access to your favorite music services as the buds themselves.
The Sony LinkBuds Open are now available for pre-order and are priced at USD 200 / CAD 300. You can find these at select retailers as well as Sony.com, Amazon, and Best Buy. Open will be released on October 11. As mentioned above, the purple color is only available in the US (for now), the same goes for accessories like the case cover and air fitting supporters.
The Sony LinkBuds Fit are on pre-order now and have the same price: USD 200 or CAD 300. Find them at select retailers including Sony.com, Amazon, and Best Buy. Fit will be released on November 1st. They have their own case cover and air fitting supporter, which cost US$20 and US$10 respectively.
The Sony LinkBuds speaker will only be available in the US for now. You can pre-order it from Sony.com and Amazon for US$180. The speaker will be available on October 11th.