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Hear everything with the new Nothing Ear (Open)
- Nothing is the latest brand to join the open wearable stereo (OWS) craze with the new Ear (open).
- The earbuds offer a slim hook design with a custom diaphragm and titanium coating.
- Ear (open) includes AI-driven features like ChatGPT integration and Clear Voice Technology for enhanced call quality.
Nothing, the London-based consumer tech company, has announced the launch of its latest product, Ear (open), a pair of open-ear earbuds. Set to be available globally next month, these earbuds aim to provide users with the best of both worlds: great sound quality and environmental awareness.
Unfortunately, as we’ve seen time and time again, those two things are often a contradiction. It’s one or the other, not both. But to our surprise, the Ear (Open) is actually the best open wearable stereo we’ve tested so far.
Nothing’s “Sound Seal System” compensates a lot for the open design here, with directional speakers designed to minimize sound leakage. The speaker also has a custom patent-pending diaphragm, titanium coating, and ultra-light driver. An automatic Bass Enhance algorithm optimizes low frequencies for improved bass response.
Weighing just over 8 grams per earbud and featuring a 19 mm thin charging case, the Ear (open) comes in a long, thin, and slim package that can easily slide into your pants pocket. The earbuds are also designed to be comfortable with a three-point balance system and silicone ear hooks that adapt to various ear shapes. For what it’s worth, I tried wearing them with sunglasses and a hat outside and had no problem with discomfort.
The Ear (open) promises up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. Additional features include Clear Voice Technology for improved call quality, Dual Connection for quick device switching, and a Low Lag Mode for gaming.
Integrating AI-driven features, the earbuds offer ChatGPT integration accessible through the Nothing X app, as many of Nothing’s other earbuds do. This allows users to talk to the AI assistant hands-free.
Pre-orders for the Ear (open) will begin on September 24 in select regions, and global availability will start on October 1. The earbuds will be priced at $149 USD.
