Sony has introduced a new way to enjoy music and the important moments in life, all at once, with their new truly wireless LinkBuds. 

Users can stay connected and aware at all times, with the help of an open ring design with audio transparency, ultra-small super fit and crystal-clear sound and call quality.

By leveraging LinkBuds’ design and its sensor and spatial sound technologies, Sony say they are creating new sound experiences together with their partners, such as AR gaming, new work from home experiences, sound AR navigation, and quick access to music.

Unlike conventional earbuds, the protective surface on LinkBuds – covering the speaker diaphragm – is integrated within the housing, saving space. 

LinkBuds include precise voice pickup technology that performs advanced voice signal processing. Sony said the noise reduction algorithm was developed using AI machine learning, using more than 500 million voice samples to suppress ambient noise and extract voices clearly.

Sony says users shouldn’t be fooled by their size, as LinkBuds are easy to use but with advanced features. With Wide Area Tap, all control is at one’s fingertips. By double or triple tapping in front of either of the user’s ears, they can adjust playback to their liking – there’s no need to touch the LinkBuds themselves.

With Speak-to-Chat, users can automatically pause their music as soon as they speak to someone. Once the conversation is over, the music starts playing automatically, so there’s no need to touch any controls. 

LinkBuds also come with hands-free help so users can get information, connect with friends, set reminders, and more by activating their preferred voice assistant. Users just say “OK Google” or “Alexa”.

LinkBuds support Google’s new Fast Pair feature, allowing users to effortlessly pair with Android devices. Swift Pair makes it quick and easy to pair LinkBuds to Windows 11 or Windows 10 laptops, desktop PCs or tablets.

For the first time, users can take the earbuds out of their case and a pop-up will appear automatically. So no matter where the user is, he or she can easily get connected.

LinkBuds are feature IPX4 water resistance and users can also enjoy a full charge of 5.5 hours and store an additional 12 hours in the sleek and compact case. A 10-minute charge gives up to 90 minutes of play time.

LinkBuds also come with 360 Reality Audio, With 360 Reality Audio, music can feel as real as if one was front row at a live concert or at the recording studio alongside one’s favourite artist.

Peter Lee, CVP of Microsoft Research & Incubations, said: “Microsoft Soundscape is an innovative audio-based technology that exemplifies our mission to empower every person to achieve more.

“In our collaboration with Sony to integrate Soundscape with LinkBuds, we found that the earphones’ thoughtful design enhances the experience of Soundscape to enable people to build a richer awareness of their surroundings and become more empowered to get around, all while enjoying a true heads-up and hands-free experience. This is just the beginning and we’re excited about our ongoing relationship with Sony and how our complementary technologies add value to our personal and professional lives.”

Archit Bhargava, Director of Product Marketing, Niantic, Inc, said: “Our products – Ingress, Pokémon GO and Pikmin Bloom – use augmented reality and real-world gameplay to inspire fun and wonder for our community. Sound is an important part of any entertainment experience, especially ones where users are out exploring. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with Sony on the launch of LinkBuds to deliver immersive real-world audio experiences to our community.

Spotify says it is always working to create the best and most seamless listening experience for every moment.

Sten Garmark, VP of Consumer Experience at Spotify, added: “Together with Sony, we’re excited by the arrival of Spotify Tap on the new LinkBuds, allowing listeners to instantly jump into the music or get served something new – all with simple taps.”

Key selling points:

• Simplicity of use through voice commands
• Fast pairing feature
• Spatial sound technology