Sony says its new LinkBuds S earbuds are the world’s smallest and lightest Hi-Res true wireless earbuds with ANC
Sony says its new LinkBuds S earbuds are the world’s smallest and lightest Hi-Res true wireless earbuds with ANC
Note: This article was first published on 19 May 2022.
2022 is shaping up to be a busy year for Sony audio. Not too long ago, they unveiled the LinkBuds and then they followed up with the WH-1000XM5. Now, meet the new LinkBuds S.
Unlike the LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S have a more conventional in-ear earbud design. However, like the LinkBuds, the new LinkBuds S were designed by Sony to be worn every day, all the time, so that you are "always connected to your everyday worlds."
To do that, special attention was paid to the way the LinkBuds S are shaped. The final shape is said to be the result of looking at decades worth of ear shape data collected since Sony made their first in-ear headphones in 1982. The LinkBuds S is available in three colours: Black, White, and Cream.
Weight is a key factor and Sony kept the weight of the LinkBuds S down to just 4.8g per earbud. This, according to Sony, makes them the "smallest and lightest noise-cancelling, Hi-Res true wireless headphones" in the world. And if you want to take them exercising, you'll be happy to know that the LinkBuds S have an IPX4 water resistance rating.
Active noise cancellation duties are handled by Sony's Integrated Processor V1 – the same chip found in the WF-1000XM4.
Crucially, the LinkBuds S features an enhanced Ambient Sound Mode that allows you to hear what's around you. Though this feature has long been available, Sony claims it's better than ever and sounds more natural. We are eager to find out if this is true.
In terms of connectivity, the LinkBuds S supports Bluetooth 5.2 and the usual SBC, AAC, and LDAC wireless codecs.
As for battery life, Sony claims up to 6 hours on a single charge with ANC on. The case can provide another 14 hours (also with ANC on).
Availability and pricing
The Sony LinkBuds S is priced at S$299 and will be available in retail sometime in the middle of June 2022.
Pre-orders start now and will run until 8 June 2022. Customers who pre-order will receive a S$30 Nike e-voucher and half a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts.