The latest addition to Sony's LinkBuds series, the LinkBuds S headphones are touted as the smallest and lightest headphones in the world, weighing in at around 4.8 grams.
Sony LinkBuds S, active noise reduction
Active noise reduction is supported by Sony technologies like Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts ambient sound settings to the environment, creating an ideal listening experience. It allows you to move around without ever interrupting your music. Precise Voice Pickup technology, for its part, makes it possible to make a call on a noisy street or in the open wind, and it serves as the basis for the Speak-to-Chat function, automatically interrupting the music when talking to someone. Of course, the exclusive 360 Reality Audio technology is in order.
Sony LinkBuds S, LDAC, DSEE Extreme and Hi-Res Audio certification
On the sound side, the Sony LinkBuds S are equipped with a new 5 mm diaphragm for powerful bass and clear vocals. Of note, Sony's integrated V1 processor which improves noise reduction, optimizes sound quality and reduces distortion. Also note that the wireless Hi-Res Audio format is included thanks to Sony's Bluetooth LDAC audio coding technology. Finally, we note the DSEE Extreme technology, which restores luster to compressed music pieces, with a view to approaching high-resolution rendering, even in streaming.
Sony LinkBuds S, Durable True Wireless Earbuds
Environmental lovers will be pleased to know that the headphones' packaging is plastic-free and the headphones use recycled materials from automotive parts. Autonomy reaches 6 hours with noise reduction and an additional 14 hours are provided by the charging case. For those in a hurry, the 5 min quick charge offers up to 60 min of additional energy.
Sony LinkBuds S, augmented audio reality
Finally, note that Sony is collaborating with the developer Niantic in the field of augmented audio reality. Thus, the Ingress game in combination with the LinkBuds S takes advantage of sound detection and spatialization technologies for sound information that follows your gaze.
Words to Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing at Niantic
“Niantic envisions a “real-world metaverse,” which means overlaying the digital layers of AR onto the real world. Currently, AR layers are visual layers; however, we believe adding a layer of sound will create a richer AR experience and make the real world more enjoyable and convenient, says Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing at Niantic. Sony's LinkBuds series adds the sound layer without compromising real-world visual and audio information. Used with the various games offered by Niantic, they can create a richer and more enjoyable gaming experience. Ingress, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, will launch a new feature before the summer. We hope you will discover it with the LinkBuds series”.
Available in white, black or gold immediately. Indicative price: 199 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Sony LinkBuds S headphones:
• Type: 5 mm closed dynamic True Wireless in-ear headphones
• Loudspeaker(s): dynamic
• Answer in frequency: 20 - 40,000 Hz
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
• Bluetooth profiles supported: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP
• Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC
• Certification: IPX4, Hi-Res Audio
• Function(s): quick charge (5 min charge for an additional 60 min of listening time)
• Active noise reduction: yes
• Voice assistants : Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
• Battery life: 10 hrs, 20 hrs with the storage case and its integrated battery
• Charging time: 150 mins (earphones), 180 mm (case)
• Other(s): 360 Reality Audio, 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer, DSEE Extreme• Weight: 4.8 g for earpiece, 35 g for case
