LinkBuds Fit & Open: Sony signs and persists with its concept of holey headphones
Shortly after the launch of the miniature headphones WF-C510Sony is back at it again by marketing a new range of products combining careful acoustic design and sporty design.
This series is mainly composed of the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open headphones, identified as evolutions of the LinkBuds S And LinkBuds released in 2022. Also revealed, the compact LinkBuds Speaker has been specially designed to work in harmony with the headphones.
Improved sound properties thanks to the V2 chip
Although they share many characteristics, these two pairs of headphones stand out due to their different formats. The LinkBuds Fit feature a traditional in-ear design, while the LinkBuds Open adopt an open circular design leaving us fully aware of our surroundings.
Sony promises improved sound performance for both models thanks to the integration of the V2 processor, borrowed 5 star headphones WF-1000XM5. This chip would also offer more effective noise reduction to the LinkBuds Fit, with the ability to adapt in real time to the intensity of ambient noise.
The LinkBuds Open, for their part devoid of noise reduction, would benefit from a better response in low frequencies compared to their predecessors thanks to smaller circular transducers. Given the mediocre performance of the first LinkBuds of the name and ever more aggressive competition, this news obviously arouses our curiosity.
Sporty design and easy playback control
Designed for athletes, these Sony headphones adopt new stabilizers and tips “softer”. Support and comfort would therefore be better compared to old models. Obviously, IPX4 certification is also required for perfect resistance to splashes and perspiration. Weighing just 5.1 grams per earbud, the LinkBuds Open can boast of being one of the lightest headphones on the market.
Use on the go would also be very intuitive, with a port detection system, AI-optimized pickup microphones, multi-point Bluetooth connection and voice command control via Sony Voice Control technology.
Also equipped with Wide Area Tap technology, the LinkBuds can be controlled by tapping the front of one's ear. A very practical function so you don't have to fiddle with the headphones when you're sweating.
The two pairs of headphones display relatively ordinary battery life. The LinkBuds Fit promise 5.5 hours of playback with ANC activated and up to 21 hours thanks to the case. The LinkBuds Open would be capable of offering a battery life of 8 hours extended to 21 hours.
Both priced at €199, the LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open will be available from October 2024 in numerous finishes.
LinkBuds Speaker: a small speaker that goes hand in hand with the headphones
Sony also unveiled a wireless speaker called LinkBuds Speaker whose main functionality depends on the headphones. Called Auto Switch, the latter allows you to switch music playback or your phone calls to the speaker when you store your Sony headphones in their case.
The LinkBuds Speaker of course has other interesting features, such as access to streaming platforms using the Quick Access button, a multipoint Bluetooth connection and IPX4 certification allowing it to be used outdoors.
The speaker is also compatible with the new Sound Connect app which, in addition to bringing together the best of other apps, allows you to control the Auto Switch and Quick Access functions. In terms of design, the speaker is distinguished by a charging base and a circular handle immediately reminiscent of the aesthetics of the LinkBuds range.
You will also have to wait until October to obtain the LinkBuds Speaker at a price of €159.
