Latest news with #UltraOpenEarbuds
Gizmodo
6 days ago
- Gizmodo
The Best Open Earbuds You Can Buy Aren't Actually Earbuds at All
Back in my day, the name of the game when it came to wireless audio was noise cancellation. That's to say, how much noise can your wireless earbuds possibly block? And sure, active noise-cancellation (ANC) wireless earbuds are probably never going to fall out of vogue entirely, but in recent years, audio companies have recognized that it is, in fact, nice to sometimes be aware of your surroundings. Thus, a market for open earbuds was created. If you're not familiar with 'open earbuds,' as they've been marketed, they're a category of wireless earbuds that—instead of focusing on noise cancellation—actually allow ambient audio to bleed into your Bluetooth audio by design. Why in God's name would you ever want that, you ask? For lots of reasons, actually. Say you're biking, for example. On one hand, biking and listening to music is great, but on the other, so is hearing a runaway 18-wheeler barreling in your direction. The same can be said for exercising on foot—being able to hear traffic and pedestrians isn't just a perk; it could be potentially life-saving, and ANC earbuds don't exactly allow you to do that. And then there are less morbid perks like comfort. As great as being able to cancel out the screaming baby on an airplane is, sometimes shoving earbuds in your earholes isn't the most comfortable arrangement for extended use. Open earbuds don't have that problem. Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds, for example, are more like a piece of jewelry, with a clip-like design that tucks a speaker behind your ear so that your ear passage remains unblocked. If you're like me, you're probably skeptical that they could sound even remotely good, but I've tried them, and I'm here to tell you that not only are they comfy, but they also sound kind of ridiculously good. But what if I told you that—as useful and surprisingly functional as open earbuds are—there's actually a third category of open audio device that I think is even better, and they do a lot more than just play audio? This device is actually the best pair of open earbuds you can buy, and they're not even earbuds at all. Yes, I'm talking (once again) about smart glasses. I've extolled smart glasses a million times over at this point, but maybe one of the most underrated reasons why I actually like them in their current form is that they function incredibly well as an audio product. I personally use a pair of Meta Ray-Bans almost every day, and while they're not a solution I opt for 100% of the time, they're the first ones I grab when I need to actually hear my surroundings. Anyone that I ever convince to listen to Meta's Ray-Bans is immediately surprised by the quality of audio that they put out. Sure, you're not going to want to wear them when you're listening to a podcast on a crowded subway, but if you're in a non-Armageddon-like noise situation, they work a lot better than you'd think. And with Spotify integration, when Meta's onboard audio assistant actually hears my commands and understands them, they're fairly functional, too. And it's not just music; there's arguably a better use for smart glasses as an open-ear audio product, and it's voice calls. I use my Meta Ray-Bans so much for calls that going back to talking into wireless earbuds (even open-ear ones) feels like a major downgrade. Meta's Ray-Bans, in my experience, beat out most of the open-ear competition when it comes to calling, not just because the audio you're receiving sounds good, but because the microphones kind of kick the shit out of earbuds I've used. As much as I love Bose's Ultra Open Earbuds for their sound quality, the microphone on those things is weak at best. Nothing's Ear Open, which I've also used extensively, is a little better, but not exactly great. Meta's Ray-Bans, however, combine the best of both worlds. People who I've called often report that I sound better than usual when I'm taking calls, and the same goes for their voice on my end. Also, being able to walk around and feel completely unencumbered when I'm taking calls is a perk that I didn't know I needed. But that's just the audio side of things. Smart glasses, as you may already know, are capable of a lot more than just playing music or taking calls. If you pivot away from open earbuds, you could wind up with a gadget that takes pictures and records video as well. Yes, Meta's Ray-Bans have AI built in, but having used (or tried to use) Meta AI often, I can't, with a clean conscience, recommend anyone buy these glasses for AI capabilities. In short, Meta AI is shaky at best when it's not just downright insubordinate or wrong about stuff. With that caveat out of the way, though, you are getting more than just an audio product in smart glasses, and I've got the pics to prove it. Obviously smart glasses aren't great in every situation. Right now, my biggest complaint about the Meta Ray-Bans that I own is that they're tinted, which makes using them indoors (especially in my dark-ass New York apartment) less than ideal. Earbuds obviously don't have that problem, so point for earbuds here. That could change in the future, though, since an increasing number of smart glasses are incorporating electrochromic lenses that allow you to adjust the tint of your glasses just by pressing a button. But mostly, I just see smart glasses as a better value, especially if you're considering high-end open earbuds like the aforementioned offering from Bose. Those usually retail for $299, which is the same price as a pair of Ray-Bans from Meta. And yes, the audio quality on Bose's earbuds is better than Meta's Ray-Bans, but you're still getting so much more for the money: a camera, audio, and a pair of sunglasses all in one. I know smart glasses aren't exactly the groundbreaking future product we all want them to be right now, but they are—if you can get past the fact they still have a lot of room to grow—solid for some things that we do in the here and now. And one of those things is listening to stuff. So, if you're in the market for a pair of earbuds that you can wear while you're exercising or on a bike, or ones that simply don't plug your ears up, you may want to buy the best open-ear earbuds of all: smart glasses.
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Noise-cancelling headphones with ‘immense battery life' are slashed by 39%
If you're looking for a new pair of headphones, Amazon has slashed the price of a noise-cancelling pair with 'immense battery life' in an early Prime Day deal Wireless headphones have quickly become an essential for many, especially due to the current WFH era we're living in. However, brands such as Apple, Beats and Sony can see prices rise up to £500 for a pair. Luckily for us, Amazon has slashed the price of a noise-cancelling pair from Anker by almost 40%. Origianlly priced at £89.99, the Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones from Soundcore by Anker are now 39% off at £54.99. Whether you're looking for a pair of headphones for the morning commute, after-work runs or for getting your head down in the office, this pair offers a 98% noise reduction capability, all thanks its adaptive noise cancelling feature that can detect external sounds, meaning you can work all day long disruption free. These headphones also feature an impressive 40 hours of playtime, making them great for long days or journeys when you don't want to worry about your battery draining. Shoppers have been praising these headphones for their sound quality and battery life, with thousands of five star reviews. One reviewer wrote: "This is the best one I've ever had. Not only does it charge quickly and have a long battery life. The noise cancelling is fantastic and you can adjust it via the app. You can also take a hearing test so it can set up the best levels for your own hearing range. I'm absolutely blown away with how good it is". While a second added: "I am blown away by how good these are. I'm sure that these probably won't compare to the high end alternatives but these are as good (if not better) than my Sony pair. They're extremely comfortable to wear, the audio is clear and enjoyable and set up was a breeze. I haven't tried the ANC yet but I have high hopes." The main criticism came from shoppers who argued the sound quality is not comparable to more expensive headphones on the market from Beats and Apple. However, considering the cost is far cheaper, this an expected criticism. If you are looking for a pair of wireless earphones to watch TV shows and movies, Sony's WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds, £39 are a great option. They've been hailed by shoppers for having a great connection anywhere and providing clear, crisp audio. Looking to splash out on a pair? Bose is offering £50 off their Ultra Open Earbuds making them £249.95 here. Ideal for a payday treat, customers 'can't recommend them enough'.
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bose × LISA Ultra Open Earbuds review: I tested the Blackpink singer's latest collaboration - they're the most comfortable earphones I've ever worn
K-pop star, White Lotus actress, and now tech mogul – is there anything Lisa can't do? The Blackpink singer has joined forces with Bose on a new pair of headphones – and they're seriously chic. The Ultra Open Earbuds have a glossy black finish and a cuff-like fit, and almost look like fancy earrings. Upon closer inspection, they even feature Lisa's signature chrome star, which is a sweet nod to her latest album. Unlike traditional earphones which cover your ears, the Ultra Open Earbuds sit a short distance from the ear canal. This makes them super comfortable to wear, but does result in some sound leakage, which could lead to embarrassment if your playlists look anything like mine. MailOnline's Science and Technology Editor, Shivali Best, tested them out this week. At £379.95, they're definitely not cheap – so, would you buy them? Bose × LISA Ultra Open Earbuds Our verdict The Bose x LISA Ultra Open Earbuds are the most comfortable earphones I've tried yet. They're barely noticeable on your ear, and could easily pass as jewellery amongst your other earrings. Despite not physically going into your ear, the sound quality is excellent - albeit with some sound leakage at higher volumes. At £379.95, they're definitely on the pricier side, so unless you're a die-hard Lisa fan, I'd advise saving yourself £130 and opting for the almost identical Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. How we test earphones When testing earphones, we try them across multiple real-world settings, including the office, our homes, and out and about. We evaluate the devices across a range of measures, including design, comfort, price and sound quality. Each pair of earphones goes through several days of hands-on testing, allowing us to provide an in-depth review to help consumers make informed decisions. Why trust us Shivali Best is the Science & Technology Editor at MailOnline and has been testing products and writing reviews for nine years. She completed a Master's degree in Science Journalism at City University London in 2014 and previously worked at The Mirror as Deputy Science & Technology Editor. Bose x LISA Ultra Open Earbuds review Design Lisa is one of the biggest fashion stars around the world, so it comes as no surprise that her earphones are seriously stylish. The case itself has a glossy black finish, and the chrome star - one of Lisa's signature designs - emblazoned on the back is lovely touch. Opening up the case, you're met with the chrome earphones, which could easily pass as jewellery. This is particularly the case when you put them on alongside other earrings, with the shiny wraparound design easily blending in with more traditional hoops and studs. I wore the earphones around the office to show my colleagues, who all agreed they were much cooler than standard in-ear alternatives. There's no doubt about it - these are some of the best looking earphones on the market. Comfort Unlike traditional earphones which cover your ears, the Ultra Open Earbuds wrap around your helix and sit a short distance from the ear canal. As someone who usually wears in-ear earphones, this open ear design certainly took some getting used to. Clipping them over my helixes for the first time, I was convinced I'd done something wrong. I could barely feel there was anything there at all. Surely this couldn't be right? Upon inspection in a mirror, I was amazed to discover that they were properly secured - something that I confirmed with a tentative shake of the head. I also really like that you can slide the earbud slightly up or down the outside of your ear - ideal if, like me, you like to mix up the number of earrings you wear. This design is an absolute gamechanger for comfort, and it's also probably a lot more sanitary than in-ear earphones, which can accumulate sweat, earwax and dirt. Sound quality It's all well and good looking great, but one thing is obviously key with earphones - the sound quality. Without a bud in my ear, I was initally worried that the sound quality would be compromised, but thankfully this wasn't the case. The earphones feature Bose's OpenAudio technology, which allows for deep, rich audio, even when they're a short distance from the ear canal. I tested the earphones in the noisy office, and was pleasantly surprised to hear my songs and podcasts with great clarity. The one slight downside is the sound leakage. Bose claims that in most environments and at most listening levels, people around you won't hear a thing. However, when I cranked the volume up, my colleague could hear that something was playing, and after a few seconds could even name the song. £379.95 Shop This could prove rather embarrassing if your playlists are as eclectic as mine... Price The Bose x LISA Open Earbuds are some of the most expensive earphones on the market. At £379.95, they're £150 more than Apple's AirPods Pro 2, £220 more than Huawei's FreeBuds Pro 4, and £190 more than the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. What's more, they're £130 more than the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which are identical, simply without the Lisa branding. Unless you're a die-hard fan or desperate for the chrome star emblem, it's probably best to save your cash and opt for the unbranded versions!
Hype Malaysia
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
From Kazuha To Yeonjun: 7 K-pop Idols Who Were Recently Appointed As Brand Ambassadors
How to market your brand to be even more outstanding? Appoint K-pop stars, of course! The hot trend of appointing our beloved K-pop idols to be the face of brands has worked in high regard, such as BLACKPINK's Jennie (김제니) for Chanel and TWICE's Sana (사나) for Graff. Now, we'll dive into the news of recent idols who were appointed as brand ambassadors. From Lisa for popular audio company Bose to Kazuha for trending fitness attire brand Lululemon, here are 6 recent K-pop idols who are now the faces of these brands. 1. Benefit – TXT's Yeonjun (연준) Meet the new, fresh face of Benefit Cosmetics, TXT's Yeonjun (연준)! Exuding summer crush vibes in the announcement made on 7th May, the 25-year-old idol poses with the brand's signature 'Benetint' in new concept photos. To celebrate the launch, Benefit is also offering fans a set of four ID-style photos with any purchase of the eight 'Benetint' shades. 2. Damiani – Stray Kids' I.N Italian luxury jewellery brand, Damiani, named Stray Kidz I.N as their newest face on 8th May 2025. They announced the official collaboration via social media with the caption, 'We are thrilled to embark on this journey together with such a talented artist: we love his distinctive style and captivating aura. This ambassadorship marks an exciting and dynamic chapter for the Maison Damiani'. Along with the statement, Damiani also released concept photos of the idol adorned with their signature classic pieces in rose gold and silver as he's dressed effortlessly in casual clothing. 3. BOSE – BLACKPINK's LISA (리사) Audio company BOSE has officially partnered with BLACKPINK's LISA (리사) for a star-worthy collab featuring their Ultra Open Earbuds. The BOSE x LISA partnership not only marks the company's growing presence in the pop culture space but also officially showcases LISA as their newest global ambassador. The collaboration launched on 12th May 2025, which features the BOSE Ultra Open Earbuds with an exclusive 'Rockstar' LISA design that was featured in her recent released single 'WHEN IM WITH YOU'. 4. Miu Miu – MEOVV's Ella (엘라) After stealing the spotlight at the Miu Miu AW25 show for Paris Fashion Week earlier in March, the Italian luxury brand has officially named MEOVV's Ella (엘라), as their newest muse. Announced via Miu Miu's social media on 30th April, the brand officially dropped the news with concept photos featuring the 16-year-old idol styled in blue and brown designs from the brand, marking Ella as Miu Miu's youngest global ambassador. 5. Lululemon – LE SSERAFIM's KAZUHA (카즈하) Meet lululemon's newest ambassador, LE SSERAFIM's KAZUHA (카즈하)! Known for her magnetic stage presence, unwavering passion and skills as a ballerina, KAZUHA embodies everything lululemon stands for – living with intention, moving with purpose, and boldly expressing herself in every moment. 'Through this partnership, I hope to inspire everyone to express themselves freely and feel alive in every movement, while finding joy in the process', said the idol in an official statement. 6. BOSS – SEVENTEEN's (에스쿱스) SEVENTEEN's has been named a new member of the BOSS family, joining the lineup featuring notable stars such as David Beckham, Lee Jong Suk, Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen. In an official statement made by BOSS, they mentioned, 'Known for his outstanding leadership and sophisticated style, S. Coups brings a bold presence both on and off the stage, setting the tone for a powerful synergy with Boss'. In line with the announcement, the 29-year-old idol also made his Met Gala debut dressed in a custom BOSS creation. 7. Prada – MEOVV's Gawon (가원) Announced on 17th April 2025, Prada announces that their newest ambassador is none other than MEOVV's Gawon (가원). Similar to Ella, Gawon is also Prada's youngest global ambassador, ready to make headlines and statements with the brand. Her relationship with Prada started at the brand's Fall/Winter 2025 Collection Show in Milan back in February. The 20-year-old idol remarks after the posting that she has admired Prada's vision and philosophy and is honoured to be part of the brand. As the list grows from here on out, which idols are you excited to see as brand ambassadors in the near future? Sources: Soompi, WWD, CultrAlyssa Gabrielle contributed to this article.
Hype Malaysia
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
WHEN I'M WITH YOU: 5 Fun Facts About BLACKPINK Lisa's New Single & MV With Tyla
BLACKPINK member Lisa (리사) is turning up the heat (quite literally) with the release of her latest music video for the single 'WHEN I'M WITH YOU', featuring South African singer-songwriter Tyla. Rumours of a collaboration began swirling after the pair were spotted together in the studio, and fans finally got to hear the long-anticipated track following the release of the idol's 'Alter Ego' album earlier this year. The music video premiered last Friday (16th May) and has already surpassed 5 million views on YouTube. To celebrate this impressive milestone, let's take a closer look at the song and the visuals that brought it to life. 1. The MV featured the Bose × Lisa Ultra Open Earbuds collab In case you missed it, Lisa has partnered with tech brand Bose for a limited-edition release of the Ultra Open Earbuds collection. The product makes an appearance at the start of the music video, where the idol is seen putting them on just as the song begins to play. 2. It is Lisa's 3rd single with a featured artist Following the release of her debut single 'ROCKSTAR' from the 'Alter Ego' album, Lisa has dropped five additional singles, two of which are collaborations. She previously teamed up with Rosalía on 'New Woman' and with Doja Cat and RAYE on 'BORN AGAIN'. Her latest track, 'WHEN I'M WITH YOU' featuring Tyla, marks her third collaborative single to date. 3. It was filmed at the iconic Paramour Estate If you think the filming location looked familiar, it's because it is. Paramour Estate, also known as the Canfield-Moreno Estate, is a historic residence situated in the Moreno Highlands neighbourhood of Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California. The location rose to prominence once again after the legendary Britney Spears filmed the music video for her 2004 hit 'My Prerogative' — a cover of Bobby Brown's original track. 4. The MV had several star cameos Lisa and Tyla's new music video features a handful of special appearances. In addition to actor Mason Gooding, spotted shirtless next to the BLACKPINK member, 'Love Island USA' couple Leah Kateb and Miguel Harichi also make a cameo, seen leaving the villa for a romantic poolside date night. 5. It was directed by Olivia De Camps If you're unfamiliar with Olivia De Camps, then you might be familiar with her work. She's the mastermind behind multiple music videos and short films, including Rebecca Black's 'Trust' and 'Salvation', Marina's 'CUNTISSIMO', and our very own Yuna's 'I'll Show You'. Watch the music video below: Sources: LLOUD, Cosmopolitan, OliviaDeCamps, Bose
