Sony is preparing the next step in the development of open-ear headphones with the Link Buds Open. These innovative earbuds aim to maintain the user’s perception of their surroundings while listening. Particularly exciting: the skin control, which allows users to control their music or calls by touching their face.
Important key data:
- Type: Open-ear headphones
- Skin control: Sensors recognize touches of the skin for control
- Battery life: Up to 12 hours
- Voice control: Support for Google Assistant and Alexa
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- App integration: Sony Headphones Connect app for individual settings
- Audio: Clear, balanced sound, optimized for ambient noise
- Design: Lightweight and ergonomic for high wearing comfort
Sony LinkBuds Open: Open design and sound quality
The Sony Link Buds Open are based on an innovative concept: instead of completely shielding the ears, the ear canal remains open so that ambient noise can still be heard. This open design is particularly suitable for people who are out and about in urban environments and have to pay attention to traffic or conversations at the same time. Despite the open design, Sony promises solid sound quality.
The technology behind it is based on advanced drivers built into the earbuds. They offer clear reproduction in the mid and high frequency range, while the bass should be less emphasized due to the open design. The Link Buds Open should therefore offer an ideal balance between safety in everyday use and a pleasant listening experience.
Skin control: innovative or cumbersome?
The outstanding feature of the Link Buds Open is the so-called skin control. Instead of touching the small earbuds directly, users can execute commands by tapping the skin around the ears. This innovative technology uses the vibrations triggered by touch to perform actions such as starting or pausing music, answering calls or adjusting the volume. This enables intuitive and almost invisible control.
This control method was already used in the predecessor, the Sony LinkBuds (164.00 euros at Amazon). Skin control is particularly practical when your hands are otherwise occupied, for example when doing sport or cooking. In addition to skin control, the Sony Link Buds Open also offer seamless integration of voice assistants such as Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
Users can use voice commands to play music, send messages or make calls without having to operate the smartphone directly. The Link Buds Open are also state-of-the-art in terms of connectivity. The headphones support Bluetooth 5.3, which ensures a stable and energy-saving connection. Sony also promises a long battery life, allowing wireless operation for several hours.
Price and availability
The Sony LinkBuds Open bring a breath of fresh air to the headphone market with their open design and innovative skin control. Nevertheless, the unusual controls and the anti-ANC design make the headphones a niche product. However, we will see at the end of October whether Sony can still celebrate success. The Sony Link Buds Open will then be launched at an RRP of just under 200 euros. More information about the newcomer can be found on the official product page.
