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Sony expands LinkBuds line with new earbuds and speaker
TLDR
- Sony announces three new audio products: LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit, and LinkBuds Speaker
- LinkBuds Open features a more stable open-ear design with on-device voice controls
- LinkBuds Fit offers a more traditional sealed earbud design with ANC
- A new LinkBuds Speaker features Auto Switch for seamless audio handoff from the earbuds
Sony has just expanded its LinkBuds line, introducing new LinkBuds Open earbuds and LinkBuds Fit, both priced at $199.99. These replace the previous LinkBuds WF-L900 and LinkBuds S, respectively. Sony also revealed a new LinkBuds Speaker, designed to facilitate seamless transitions between personal and shared music listening.
LinkBuds Open
The LinkBuds Open retains the signature donut-shaped speaker design that allows ambient sound to pass through naturally.
One of the most significant improvements is the redesigned silicone wings, dubbed “Air Fitting Supporters.” One of our complaints with the original model was the loose fit, so these should help reduce pressure points and improve stability.
Sony has equipped the LinkBuds Open with new 11-millimeter speakers, promising improved volume and bass performance compared to the previous model.
The LinkBuds Open also comes with on-device voice control. Users can now adjust volume, skip tracks, and change noise canceling modes using voice commands without relying on a smart assistant. This feature works regardless of the connected device, making it useful even with devices lacking voice assistant capabilities.
The LinkBuds Open promises up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing a total of 22 hours. If true, that’s a big improvement over the original model’s 5.5 hours of playtime. The new model also features quick charging, with a three-minute charge providing up to an hour of music playback.
LinkBuds Fit
In contrast, the LinkBuds Fit is a more traditional earbud design, offering active noise cancelation (ANC) for those who prefer isolation. It’s a smaller, lighter version of the LinkBuds S, with shorter ear tips and the same “Air Fitting Supporters” for improved comfort.
Battery life is estimated to be slightly shorter than the Open at 5.5 hours (21 hours with the case). Still, they will use the Dynamix Driver X from Sony’s premium earbuds and support Sony’s LDAC codec for high-resolution audio.
Both earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, multi-device pairing, and support for SBC, AAC, and LC3 codecs. They incorporate Sony’s V2 chip, previously found in their flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds, to provide a more stable wireless connection.
LinkBuds Speaker
Alongside the new earbuds, Sony has introduced the LinkBuds Speaker, designed to complement the wireless earbud experience. The speaker has an Auto Switch feature that automatically swaps playback from compatible LinkBuds earbuds when users get close enough, allowing for seamless transitions between personal and shared listening.
The LinkBuds Speaker features a single tweeter and woofer paired with a passive radiator, aiming to deliver balanced and clear sound. Sony claims up to 25 hours of battery life at moderate volume or up to six hours at maximum volume.
The speaker includes a microphone for speakerphone functionality, a button to start streaming from a preferred music service, and the ability to set daily routines through a mobile app. Available in gray or black, the LinkBuds Speaker has an IPX4 splash resistance rating, making it primarily designed for indoor use.
All three products are available for preorder. The LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit are priced at $199.99 each, while the LinkBuds Speaker is priced at $179.99 and is currently limited to the US market. The LinkBuds Open and Fit come in various colors, with additional ear wing color options available for purchase separately.