In addition to smartphones and the announcement in Europe of the Phone (2a) Plus, Nothing is particularly active in the audio field. The company has already presented several pairs of headphones and is adding a new string to its bow by launching the Ear (Open). As their name suggests, these headphones are open and therefore do not have active noise reduction. Essential during the explosion of the true wireless headphones market driven by Apple and AirPods, open headphones have lost ground following the development of headphones with ANC. However, they have certain advantages, often being considered more comfortable since they do not enter the ear canal.
For its Ear (Open), Nothing opts for a 50-degree ergonomic design. This choice positions the speaker directly on the ear, in order to make comfort optimal. The manufacturer also seeks to improve comfort by offering a 3-point balance system while the ear contour benefits from a liquid silicone material, flexible and soft. The Ear (Open) adds a 0.7 mm flexible memory nickel-titanium alloy wire for support, without exerting any pressure on the ears. Each earphone weighs 8.1 g and slips into a thin case that is only 19 mm thick. According to Nothing, this is one of the thinnest cases in this category. The earphones can therefore slip more easily into a pocket or bag. The set benefits from an IP54 certification.
Nothing goes to open headphones
On the subject of sound, each earbud features a custom 14.2mm dynamic driver. Nothing features a stepped chamber design for a “better sound consistency”. As for the design of the diaphragm, it is exclusive in order to reduce distortions and avoid resonances. In order to limit the total weight, the brand explains that it uses titanium for the diaphragm and this material is “one of the best strength/weight ratios of all metals”. It allows to gain up to 3 additional dB according to the manufacturer, or 50% more than a classic diaphragm. Overall, Nothing claims that its headphones are 30% lighter than their competitors.
Still on the sound front, there is a system called Sound Seal to minimize sound leakage thanks to directional diffusers. Another system called Reverse Sound Waves cancels noise by superimposing sound waves from the rear and front acoustic ports. This aims to offer a more precise sound while Nothing reminds us that the “open” design allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. An approach that appeals to several types of users, including those who play sports outdoors. For safety reasons, open headphones are preferable.
Full of technology
Technologies are also present at the dual microphone level. As is often the case, AI comes to the rescue with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 based on AI to attenuate wind and noise. Beamforming technology improves noise reduction in specific sports angles to isolate the voice, specifies Nothing. Finally, a High Dynamic Echo Cancellation technology works on eliminating echoes during calls.
The manufacturer continues to integrate AI into its headphones, still relying on ChatGPT. The Ear (Open) benefit from advanced integration with Nothing widgets for quick search, as well as text, voice or image searches from the home screen. Voice control is also present and is managed from the Nothing X application. The latter includes an advanced equalizer and offers to activate bass reinforcement via the Bass Enhance algorithm.
Finally, Nothing claims a battery life of up to 30 hours with the Ear (Open). The earphones alone provide 8 hours of listening and the case allows you to reach this bar from 30 hours, ensuring almost 3 additional charges. In call time, you can get up to 18 hours with the case and 8 hours with the earphones. Finally, a quick charge function offers the possibility of recovering 2 hours of listening in 10 minutes of charging.
The headphones feature dual connection and support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair. They support AAC and SBC codecs.
Price and availability
The Nothing Ear (Open) are available for pre-order today for 149 euros.
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