We know more about Sony’s next audio novelty. A recent leak revealed the release date and price of the Linkbuds S, new true wireless earphones, and the WH-1000XM5 (Sony’s ANC wireless earphones).
- Sony may launch more expensive LinkBuds S earphones next week
- LinkBuds S may lean towards a more traditional design
- The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones will start at $400, or about 380 euros, excluding tax
Sony LinkBuds S with a more traditional design
It looks like Sony will launch the WH-1000XM5 this week. The earphones were followed by the arrival of the Sony LinkBuds S, without the open-loop design we saw on the basic LinkBuds launched earlier this year.
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As for the price, the LinkBuds S can be positioned at 200 euros, an increase of 20 euros compared to the current price (Linkbuds sell for about 180 euros). However, beyond the circular design shown earlier, it’s unclear what the distinguishing element of the “S” nomenclature is. Compared to the original LinkBuds earphones, the unadvertised earphones look more like the WF-1000XM4, with an open fit rather than an in-ear fit.
Sony’s LinkBuds S could ditch the open design of the original LinkBuds. /©Sony via Snoopy Technology
The increase in the price of Linkbuds may lead to the addition of ANC capability or a more powerful battery. In any case, there’s not much active noise cancellation, as the base Linkbuds lack it, as we saw in testing. The earphones are also available in two colors: beige and black.
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Newly designed WH-1000XM5 earphones
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have also been leaked again. This time around we see what is said to be the Apple Airpods Max competitor and successor to the WH-1000XM4 in packaging. The box says it will have 30 hours of battery life, not the 40 hours mentioned last month. Unsurprisingly, it will be paired with 360-degree spatial sound and Sony’s noise reduction.
The XM5 is speculated to be priced at $400 or around 380 euros, more than 75 euros more than last year’s XM4. Sony is expected to release ANC headphones on May 12. It was followed by the LinkBuds S wireless earbuds on May 18.
What do you think of the Linkbuds S design? Do you prefer the new internal format or the open fit of the previous model?