Tag Archives: Earphones

Nothing Ear 3 Review: Stylish Earphones Featuring ‘Super Mic’ Party Trick

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The latest translucent noise-cancelling earbuds from Nothing feature an innovative twist: the case includes a high-quality built-in microphone that enables you to communicate simply by pressing a button.

This so-called super microphone caters to those who desire a more direct microphone experience for improved clarity during conversations, recordings, and voice notes, even in bustling environments. It’s particularly suited for individuals who speak directly into the bottom of their phones.

However, this enhancement in the case’s functionality has led to a price increase, with Year 3 now retailing at £179 (€179/$179/AU$299), which is £50 more than the prior model’s launch price. While still competitively priced compared to leading competitors, it’s now closer to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Visible magnets and other features through the earbuds’ case add an intriguing touch to the design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Ear 3 maintains Nothing’s hallmark translucent aesthetic, introducing various small design details that set them apart from mundane earbuds, while incorporating aluminum in place of some plastic for a more polished appearance.

The earbuds have been redesigned for enhanced comfort during prolonged listening sessions. Their lightweight and secure fit ensures a snug seal in your ear. The stem features squeeze controls for playback, noise cancellation, volume adjustments, and voice assistant activation. Although somewhat limited, the controls are customizable and function effectively.

The earbuds come in a square, flip-top charging case that is compact yet noticeably heavier this year. With a battery life of 6 hours on a single charge, and with noise cancellation active, you can enjoy at least 22 hours of total playback when utilizing the case for recharging. The case itself charges in slightly over an hour via USB-C and around 2 hours using Qi wireless charging.

Activating the earbuds’ Super Microphone involves pressing and holding the “Talk” button on the case, which emits a subtle sound when the microphone is turned on. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Equipped with a capable built-in microphone, the earbuds effectively filter out ambient noise, although they may occasionally sound somewhat robotic. The Super Mic offers richer, fuller audio, making it ideal for voice memos, transcription, and calls. Nevertheless, the audio quality doesn’t quite reach the standards for a lapel microphone or similar recording devices.

Specifications

  • Water Resistance: IP54 (splash-proof)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)

  • Battery Life: 5.5 hours with ANC (22 hours with case)

  • Earphone Dimensions: 30.5×21.5×20.8mm

  • Earphone Weight: 5.2g each

  • Driver Size: 12mm

  • Charging Case Dimensions: 56×55.5×22.3mm

  • Charging Case Weight: 61g

  • Case Charging: USB-C

Sound Quality and Noise Cancelling

Each earbud comes with three sizes of silicone tips for a comfortable fit and a secure seal. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

These earphones utilize high-quality Bluetooth 5.4 alongside standard SBC and AAC audio formats, with support for LDAC for compatible Android devices. They also offer the capability to connect to two devices simultaneously; however, this may slow the Super Mic’s performance.

Previous models from Nothing have consistently provided excellent value, characterized by easy-to-listen sound with ample detail and clear sound separation. The Ear 3 follows this tradition, offering louder sound with a prominent bass response right out of the box. It’s well-balanced and does not overshadow the overall sound range, while the Nothing X companion app allows for extensive customization if desired.

The noise cancellation effectively reduces common ambient sounds and low-frequency commuting noises, handling higher-pitched disturbances like keyboard taps and conversations better than prior Nothing models. However, it doesn’t quite match the level of noise cancellation provided by higher-end alternatives, such as the AirPods Pro 3.

The transparency mode performs admirably, delivering a natural sound; however, neither mode excels at managing wind noise.

Sustainability

One of the microphones inside the case is adjacent to the USB-C charging port, indicated by a green LED light when active. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The earbuds and charging case are designed to maintain at least 80% battery capacity survival even after 500 complete charge cycles. Although earbuds themselves are not repairable, they can be replaced individually through service if they fall out of warranty.

The casing is made from recycled aluminum and tin, though Nothing does not provide trade-in options. The estimated carbon footprint of the earbuds stands at 2.87kg.

Price

The cost of the Nothing Ear 3 is £179 (179 EUR/$179/AU$299).

For comparison, the Ear priced at £119, the headphone price for 1 is £299, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 costs £219, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is £219, and the Apple AirPods Pro 3 retails for £219.

Verdict

Nothing has introduced some features we haven’t previously encountered in earbuds, such as the integration of a microphone and push-to-talk button directly into the charging case. This concept is original and serves as an excellent alternative to traditional interview or video microphones, albeit lacking in certain aspects.

For non-content creators, this setup is perfect for phone calls, recording voice notes, and interacting with your phone’s AI assistant, resembling a modern dictaphone. However, personal frequency of use may vary.

The earbuds present a noteworthy offering from Nothing, delivering impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, robust battery life, and a comfortable fit, making them a refreshing alternative to typical earbuds.

While the price increase to £180 places them alongside some top-tier earbuds, they haven’t yet reached that elite status. Additionally, similar to many competitors in the space, these earbuds are non-repairable, which affects their overall score negatively.

Pros: Super microphone, unique design, excellent sound quality, reliable noise cancellation, comfortable fit, intuitive controls, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint support, cross-platform app options, and impressive battery life.

Cons: Non-repairable, higher cost than its predecessor, a fairly heavy case, the Super Mic doesn’t fully substitute for a dedicated mic, and noise cancellation struggles in high-noise settings.

The Nothing Ear 3 boasts attractive design features along with a couple of unique functionalities. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Should I Repair My Earphones or Just Replace Them? | Headphones

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I have a pair of Beats earphones that I received as a Christmas gift three years ago. Apple once replaced them for free when they developed a fault during the warranty period. Recently, one earbud has stopped working. I went to an authorized Apple repair service, and they informed me that the repair cost is nearly as much as buying a new pair of earphones. This feels pointless since I only want to fix a single broken earbud. I’m also curious if there is an inclination towards lower repair costs to encourage device repairs over outright replacements.

– Alana, Victoria

Cat George says: With Australia facing increasing e-waste challenges, it’s appropriate to question the tech industry’s throwaway culture. Australians generated 511,000 tons of e-waste in 2019, and the government estimates a 30% rise by 2030.


Firstly, consider whether you’re bearing the repair costs or if you should just replace them. Your consumer rights extend beyond the assurances given by the retailer; the Consumer Guarantee is available under Australian Consumer Law.

The consumer warranty cannot be substituted with the product warranty. The warranty provided to the product is an addition to the consumer warranty.

The Consumer Guarantee stipulates that the product must be of “acceptable quality and durability.” This implies the product should “last long enough to perform its intended function for a reasonable period.” For Beats earbuds, anecdotal evidence from Google searches suggests this span could be between three and five years.

For instance, unless you’ve used the Beats in a manner other than intended, such as using them as a doorstop or causing damage, the consumer warranty is applicable.

If applicable, since your Beats have already been replaced, the Consumer Guarantee applies to exchanges similar to the original product. This suggests that from the date of replacement, the exchanged Beats should meet standard quality and durability expectations.

This entitlement ensures that you have full protection under Australian Consumer Law for replacement products, including exchanges, refunds, or repairs.

Instead of opting for an authorized repair service, it might be worthwhile to approach Apple directly. Contact Apple’s Customer Service and present your situation in writing, detailing your purchase and initial exchange. Make sure to inform Apple that they are responsible for the faulty product and that you wish to have it repaired.


Apple can either offer to repair your product (at no cost) or refund the repair costs. Regardless, any agreement must be reached with Apple before proceeding with any repairs on your Beats.

Should Apple decline to assist with repairs, consider reaching out to the ACCC or Consumer Affairs Victoria. One of these consumer advocacy organizations may be able to intervene and communicate with Apple on your behalf to resolve the issue.

Ultimately, your recourse is through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). VCAT can be a costly and time-consuming process, so it may not be worth pursuing for earphones unless it’s a matter of principle.

Ask Kat

Are there any issues concerning Australian consumers seeking advice from Kat? Please fill out the form below to share your concerns.




Source: www.theguardian.com

Review of Nothing Ear (a): Affordable, Compact, and Durable Earphones

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Tech company Nothing’s latest low-cost Bluetooth earphones offer great sound and noise cancellation at an even more competitive price, while still standing out from the crowd with their cool design.

The London-based company has launched the affordable £99 (€99/$99) Ear (a), which retains almost everything great about its previous Nothing earphones. That’s £30 cheaper than its predecessor and the new £129 (€149/$149) Ear, which lets you customize the sound and adds a few more features.

Ear (a) maintains the same shape as its predecessor, but with an infusion of color to make it more vibrant. The fit and finish remain excellent, and the company’s transparent design showcases some of the internal workings.




The Nothing earphones manage to stand out from the crowd despite their AirPod-like shape. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Stalks features the same playback, noise canceling, and volume squeeze controls as its predecessor. These are customizable and work really well by pinching once, twice, or thrice, or by squeezing and holding the stem. However, the double squeeze and hold gesture required some practice to master consistently.

The earbuds’ bodies and silicone tips provide a comfortable and secure fit for long listening sessions. The battery offers 5-6 hours of playtime and can be recharged an additional 3 times with the case.

The Ear (a)’s case is also compact, similar in size to industry leaders like Apple’s AirPods, and fits snugly into the watch pocket of jeans. It features USB-C charging, foregoing Qi wireless charging for a smaller form factor.




The flip-top case has a clear lid that makes it easy to slip into your pocket, but the glossy plastic base is prone to scratches. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

specification

  • water resistance: IP54 (splash proof)

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (SBC, AAC, LDAC)

  • Battery life: 5.5 hours with ANC (24.5 hours with case)

  • Earphone dimensions: 30.9×21.7×24.3mm

  • Earphone weight: 4.8g each

  • Driver size: 11mm

  • Charging case dimensions: 47.6×63.3×22.7mm

  • Charging case weight: 39.6g

  • Case charging: USB-C

Great sound for the price




The Nothing X app for Android and iPhone shows battery life, updates, controls, and customize sounds. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and have multi-point capability, allowing you to connect two devices simultaneously for easy switching. They support SBC and AAC Bluetooth audio formats as well as the high-quality LDAC, common on Android devices.

Nothing continues to deliver superior sound quality compared to its competitors at this price point. The Ear (a) is well-rounded in its sound profile and closely resembles its pricier Ear counterpart. It handles complex tracks effortlessly and offers a wide and expansive soundstage. While it delivers deep bass, there is also ample treble detail.

With the new bass enhancement feature, you can immediately experience more bass. This feature has 5 levels and can be adjusted in the Nothing X app along with the basic equalizer settings.

The noise cancellation is effective, particularly at maximum setting, in dampening out commute noises and office chatter. It performs well with high-pitched sounds and offers improved handling of keyboard clicks and voices compared to its predecessor. The ambient sound mode is one of the best available, and call quality in various environments is decent, albeit slightly artificial-sounding.

sustainability




Various internal parts are visible through the transparent shell, but cannot be accessed or repaired. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The earbuds and case batteries are designed to retain at least 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. Out-of-warranty replacement cases or earbuds cost £39.99 each, but the earbuds are not repairable and ultimately disposable.

Despite containing recycled tin, Nothing does not offer trade-in programs for its audio products or publish environmental impact assessments. The earbuds have an estimated carbon footprint of 2.72kg.

price

Nothing Ear (a) is priced at £99 (€99/$99), available in three colors, and shipping from April 22nd.

For comparison, the Ear costs £129, the Fairphone Fairbuds costs £129, OnePlus Buds Pro 2 is priced at £179, Google Pixel Buds Pro at £199, and Apple AirPods Pro 2 at £229.

verdict

The Ear (a) has set a new standard for quality in the low-end market. At just £99, it offers better sound and noise cancellation than most rivals, and has an interesting-looking transparent design.

The earbuds perform well, provide a comfortable fit, have good controls, support multipoint Bluetooth, and offer solid battery life. The new, smaller, more pocket-friendly case is a clear improvement over previous Nothing earphones. While it may lack advanced features like a full equalizer or spatial audio support, for top-notch audio quality and noise cancellation, it’s a great value. However, to enhance everyday user experience further, a larger investment may be necessary.

The major drawback is the non-replaceable batteries in the earbuds and cases, making them disposable in the long run. Fairbud has shown it’s possible to have replaceable components, prompting others to follow suit.

Strong Points: Great value, interesting design, great sound and noise cancellation for the price, comfortable fit, great call quality, stable controls, multipoint, Bluetooth 5.3 with cross-platform apps.

Cons: Disposable, case easily scratched, no head-tracking spatial audio support, no future-proof LC3 or Auracast support.




The Ear (a) is a great set of affordable earbuds that beat the competition in sound and noise cancellation and have a standout design. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Review: Bose Ultra Open Earphones with Unique Open Fit and High-Quality Sound

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Bose’s latest earbuds are a big departure from previous noise-canceling champions, as they’re designed to let outside sound in instead of blocking it out and sitting in your ears, making them more than just gadgets. It also resembles jewelry.

These are the latest evolution of Bose’s open audio technology, which uses small speakers to play music without blocking your ears, and was last seen in the excellent Frames audio glasses, which have since been discontinued.

The Ultra Open Earbuds cost a hefty £300 (€349/$299), joining the ranks of smaller open earbuds such as:
£179 Shocks Open Fit Or the £149 Sony LinkBuds. However, Bose has two major advantages over his rivals. It has a great, full sound and an innovative fit that doesn’t get in the way of glasses or other headwear.





The look and fit of the Ultra Open is unlike any other earphone. The slit on the top projects noise canceling sound and reduces noise leakage from the earphones.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The battery cylinder is located behind the ear and connected via a flexible silicone spring to an L-shaped plastic speaker arm, which together hold the earbuds in place around the side of the ear.

The fit is very unique and takes a little practice to get it right, but once it’s in place it’s light and comfortable. I was sure it would fall if I ran, but no matter how much I sweated or how much I shook my head, it remained firmly in place.





The earbuds are charged via metal contacts on the underside of the battery.

Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com