Source: Sony. The LinkBuds S.
Sony has expanded its LinkBuds series with the new LinkBuds S. This model offers a new audio experience by utilizing Sony’s sensor technology and collaborations, while still providing a seamless “always-on” experience.
The LinkBuds S boast both noise cancellation and high-resolution audio capabilities. These headphones allow users to stay connected to their surroundings with the LinkBuds’ ambient sound feature or minimize distractions with high-quality noise cancellation, letting them fully enjoy their preferred content.
Enhanced Audio
Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 enhances the listening experience by minimizing noise, enriching sound quality, and reducing distortion while using less power. Despite their compact size, the earbuds house a new 5mm driver unit that delivers robust bass and crisp vocals.
These new headphones also offer High-Resolution Audio Wireless capability, powered by Sony’s industry-standard LDAC audio coding technology. DSEE Extreme technology restores all audio to high-range sound by upscaling digital music files in real time, revealing every detail in every track.
Smart Adjustments
Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup Technology uses optimally positioned microphones on both earbuds to ensure crystal-clear calls in any setting. Additionally, Adaptive Sound Control automatically fine-tunes ambient sound based on your location, creating an optimal listening experience wherever you go.
Speak-to-Chat, driven by the precise Voice Pickup technology, intelligently pauses music playback whenever you speak to someone.
With the user-friendly touch sensor control panel, you can adjust sound settings, enable Quick Attention, and even control Spotify music playback or Endel soundscapes with just a few taps on the earbuds.
Seamless Integration
For quick and easy pairing with Android devices, the LinkBuds S support Google’s latest Fast Pair feature. Connecting to a Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptop, desktop, or tablet is also a breeze with Swift Pair.
These new headphones are also compatible with both Google Assistant and Alexa.
Immersive Gaming
Through sensor and spatial sound technology, the headphones deliver captivating, immersive audio for augmented reality (AR) games such as Ingress. Sony’s partnership with Niantic, the creators of Ingress, allows LinkBuds S users to experience directionally-based audio cues within the game.
Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing at Niantic, shared, “Niantic envisions a Real World Metaverse that overlays AR digital layers onto the real world. While these layers are currently visual, we believe that integrating sound will create a richer, more enjoyable, and convenient AR experience.”
“Sony’s LinkBuds series adds this sound layer without compromising real-world visual and audio information. When used with Niantic’s games, this creates a richer, more engaging gaming experience. Ingress, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, will be introducing a new feature before summer. We hope you’ll enjoy this feature with the LinkBuds series.
“Furthermore, stay tuned for an upcoming AR experience combining the LinkBuds series and our Lightship platform, the foundation for Niantic’s game titles, coming soon.”
Additionally, these earbuds are equipped for LE Audio, the next generation Bluetooth audio standard, enabling ultra-low latency, perfect for gaming.
Practical Design
The wireless headphones are ergonomically designed to fit securely and comfortably, weighing approximately 4.8 grams and shaped to match the human ear.
Regarding battery life, Sony states that the LinkBuds S offer a full working day of use – 6 hours with noise cancelling enabled – from a single charge. The compact charging case provides an additional 14 hours of battery life. When you’re in a hurry, a quick 5-minute charge provides up to 60 minutes of playback.
Sustainability
Continuing the LinkBuds series’ commitment to sustainability, the environmentally conscious LinkBuds S packaging is plastic-free. The headphones themselves utilize recycled materials from car parts, highlighting Sony’s dedication to minimizing their environmental footprint.
Details:
The LinkBuds S will be available in White, Black, and Ecru in select Asia Pacific markets beginning late May 2022.