Introducing Nothing’s Latest True Wireless Earbuds: A Comprehensive Review
Nothing, the 2020 startup founded by Carl Pei, has recently unveiled its latest offering in the true wireless earbuds market. The company is introducing two models of earbuds that bear a striking resemblance to each other but differ in terms of features and price. The higher-end model, called Nothing Ear, comes with a price tag of $149 / £129 (approx. AU$250), while the cheaper option, Nothing Ear (a), is priced at £99 / $99 (approx. AU$192).
Both models are set to be released on April 22, 2024, with pre-orders available before then. Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications of these earbuds.
Design and Features
Both Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) are true wireless in-ear buds equipped with a custom 11mm driver for delivering quality sound. They also feature active noise cancellation with a Transparency Mode, powered by Nothing’s “smart ANC algorithm”. Each earbud is equipped with three microphones to ensure optimal noise cancellation and call quality. The on-ear controls, similar to those of the AirPods Pro 2, can be operated through pinch gestures.
Furthermore, both models offer an IP54 rating for sweat- and dust-proofing, making them suitable for light exercise activities. The earbuds can be customized and controlled through the Nothing X app, which enables users to adjust the EQ settings, enhance bass, customize on-ear controls, locate misplaced earbuds, and perform an Ear Fit Test to ensure a secure fit and optimal sound quality. Both models also feature multi-point connectivity, allowing for easy switching between devices.
Integration with ChatGPT
An exciting update from Nothing is its integration of both models of earbuds and the Nothing OS with ChatGPT. With the latest Nothing OS and ChatGPT installed on Nothing phones, users will soon have the ability to use pinch-to-speak functionality with the popular AI tool. This integration will be rolled out gradually, starting with Phone (2) and followed by Phone (1) and Phone (2a) for the Nothing Ear and Ear (a) in the weeks following April 18.
Key Differences Between Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a)
Despite their similarities, the Nothing Ear offers a few extra features compared to the Nothing Ear (a). The Nothing Ear is equipped with an “advanced EQ with profile sharing” and a “Personal Sound Profile” feature, providing users with a more tailored and customizable audio experience.
Additionally, the case of the Nothing Ear boasts an IP55 rating, ensuring better water- and dustproof protection compared to the IPX2 rating of the Ear (a) case. The Nothing Ear case also supports wireless charging, a feature absent in the Ear (a) case. In terms of weight, the Nothing Ear buds are slightly lighter at 4.62g per bud, while the Ear (a) buds weigh 4.8g per bud. However, the Ear (a) case is heavier at 51.9g compared to 39.6g for the Ear case.
Battery Life and Comparison to Competitors
One area where both models fall slightly short is battery life. The Nothing Ear offers a battery life of 5.2 hours per charge with ANC on, while the Ear (a) provides 5.5 hours. Although these figures are not groundbreaking, they are fairly average for true wireless earbuds. Other budget-friendly options, such as the Earfun Air Pro 3 at seven hours per charge or the Sony WF-C700N at 7.5 hours, offer longer battery life.
When compared to other top-tier earbuds such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 or the Beats Studio Buds Plus, the Nothing Ear models still offer a more affordable option. In the UK, the price increase for the top-tier Nothing Ear is only 30% compared to a 50% increase in the US, making them more appealing to UK consumers. However, the true test lies in their performance and how they stack up against the competition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nothing’s latest true wireless earbuds are set to make a splash in the market with their impressive features, customization options, and affordable price points. The Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) models offer similar core functionalities, with the former boasting a few additional features and a more robust case design. While their battery life may not be on par with some competitors, they still offer a compelling option for those looking for budget-friendly earbuds.
As we await the release and official reviews of these earbuds, it is clear that Nothing is positioning itself as a strong contender in the true wireless earbuds market. Their dedication to innovation and integration with emerging technologies, such as ChatGPT, shows that they are committed to providing users with a seamless and customizable audio experience. It will be interesting to see how the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) fare in the coming months and whether they will be able to disrupt the market with their unique offerings.
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