The pandemic has accelerated many of the changes that we used to see from a distance. For example: remote work, which until not long ago was considered something atypical, is now socially accepted –and even desired–, either in a hybrid format or without offices altogether. This change also has a second derivative: we communicate more often through digital channels –either by video call or messaging–.
In parallel, the use of virtual assistants or digital services has been increasing in recent years. And it will continue to be so for a long time considering the inevitable computerization of homes, the expansion of the aforementioned assistants and the emergence of new services that propose ideas that were unimaginable until now –such as playing in the cloud or immersing ourselves in a virtual world such as the metaverse–.
Talking about an increasingly digital life in 2022 may seem ridiculous considering the levels of computerization that society currently has. “Our life is extremely digital today”, some will say. And yes, it is true. But, if we look at what is happening around us, it is also obvious that our link with technology will be even greater in the future. The real will become even more intertwined with the virtual. And the pandemic has only accelerated that process.
To satisfactorily embrace all these changes that will inevitably come, one of the challenges facing the technology industry is the development of new concepts that make it possible to strengthen the link between the real and the virtual. And all this, moreover, must be with the maximum possible invisibility. That is to say: technology that enriches us, but without getting in the way (visually or functionally).
The new Sony product, named LinkBuds, is the first iteration of a concept with which the Japanese brand intends to face that world in which we are beginning to immerse ourselves. It is about headphones that pretend to be invisible, to live in our ears almost permanently and to be ready to interact with the virtual world at the precise moment we need it. A kind of recreation of Her, but without the love story that moved us in theaters.
What are the Sony LinkBuds like?
The first thing to note about the LinkBuds is that they have a rather peculiar format . The internal circuitry is arranged in the form of a ring, leaving a hole inside that allows any external sound to reach the interior of the ear without problems. They are the antithesis of in-ear ones.
The headphones, too, are smaller and lighter than the WF-1000XM4 – this applies to both the box and the headphones themselves. This is an important attribute if we take into account the purpose of the product: to accompany us on a day-to-day basis, breaking down barriers between the digital and the physical. To achieve this goal, it is essential to pursue the invisibility that I mentioned above. And both weight and size are two key factors for this.
To prevent them from falling out easily, the brand has designed a kind of silicone molds that exert pressure against the cartilage of the ear. These are interchangeable. And Sony, in the product box, includes several of different sizes. It is important, therefore, to choose the right one the first time you use them. Once you do, it stays fairly stable in place.
As far as performance is concerned, these headphones do not match the aforementioned WF-1000XM4 in several aspects. But it is not the main objective either, since they are in different product categories. The XM4s aim to be the most advanced true-wireless on the market; the LinkBuds, on the other hand, have a different aspiration. That does not mean that its sound is not of good quality. Or that your connection is unstable. Or your insufficient battery. The product measures up in all these aspects.
These headphones, by the way, do not have noise cancellation – unlike other similarly priced products. However, considering the purpose of the LinkBuds, it is more than obvious that it is not present.
What is a real lack –especially considering the concept– is the multipoint connection. Headphones, like any other, can be paired with various devices. What they don't do is stay connected to more than one source simultaneously. What does this mean?
With a headset that allows multipoint connection, such as the WH-1000XM4, the headset is simultaneously connected to, for example, your computer and your mobile. If you're listening to music on your computer and suddenly get a call on your smartphone, the earbuds automatically pivot the connection so you can take the call without having to do anything. For LinkBuds, which don't have this feature, you would have to go to the settings of the smartphone, press to establish the Bluetooth connection with the LinkBuds and then you could answer the call. Why did you say that this is especially important considering the concept? Again, because of the invisibility. Making a product invisible is not only that it does not attract attention when we wear it or that it simplifies certain tasks; It also implies that its operation generates the least possible friction.
A good example of how the LinkBuds do become invisible is found in the function that adapts the volume dynamically depending on the environment. If we are in a noisy room, it raises it correctly; otherwise, it reduces it. Everything, without user intervention.
The same could be said of the function that pauses the music when we start talking. We do not have to take out the mobile to stop playback when entering a cafeteria, for example. The headset autonomously detects that we have started to speak and pauses any sound so that we can communicate without problems. It is a perfect example of invisibility. And the LinkBuds do it quite well.
The LinkBuds also hide a curious innovation that is very well thought out. Instead of touching the earphone itself to pause the music, all we have to do is touch the part of the skin near the ear. Sony's headphones will be able to detect it and act accordingly. And, again, it works quite well.
Why opt for this method instead of the classic touch on the outer surface of the earpiece? It has two main benefits. First of all, we prevent the earpiece from moving when touched. And secondly, the area for the touch is noticeably larger. Again, an excellent example of how an innovation simplifies the use of a product and contributes to its invisibility.
As if that were not enough, the headphones are compatible with different voice assistants. Once configured, just say the activation words to be able to launch questions. In a headset intended to live in our ear as much as possible, it is an excellent option.
The same can be said for the Swift Pair (Windows) and Fast Pair (Android & Chromebooks) compatibility present in the LinkBuds. These systems simplify processes such as the initial pairing via Bluetooth, the location of the product in case of loss or the display of relevant information (such as battery levels).
And speaking of battery: Sony promises up to 17.5 hours of use (combining the 5.5 offered by the headphones with an additional 12 provided by the case). It is a figure more than enough to face a day of use. And, in addition, they have a fast charge, so in less than 10 minutes you can recover a notable percentage of charge. The figures, by the way, are quite close to reality, according to our tests.
Another addition that we find in the Sony LinkBuds is what the brand calls Precise Voice Pick Up. This is nothing more than the combination of the microphone array with a series of algorithms based on artificial intelligence to refine the capture of our voice. That is to say: in the calls they listen to us better and the noise of the environment captured by the microphones is less. And yes, it's not just words: the results of this combination are really good.
Lastly, Sony's LinkBuds work hand in hand with the Headphones Connect app, available on both iOS and Android. This allows you to adjust different parameters, as well as update their software when appropriate.
Are these Sony headphones worth it?
The idea of having a headset as invisible as possible that allows me to interact with both my physical and digital environment regardless of the situation is something that definitely has potential. And the LinkBuds are a good step in that direction.
They are small as well as comfortable; its autonomy allows it to withstand a day of use without problems; the ring-shaped chassis allows you to interact naturally with the outside world; it has additional functions that contribute to its invisibility –such as Fast Pair or the skin gesture system–; allow you to interact with voice assistants; they have a good sound; microphones accurately pick up voices during calls; etc.
However, what is its main virtue is also, at least for me, a weakness. Writing this review, for example, what I need is for nobody around me to disturb me or interrupt my concentration, instead of having a part of my attention focused on what is happening around me. And that, in an environment like an office, is quite common.
Personally, therefore, I would prefer to invest my money in a product like the WF-1000XM4, since there end up being more situations in which I need to isolate myself than those in which I need to be simultaneously connected to the two worlds. And, if that's the case, I can always use the ambient mode of the WF-1000XM4, which is not so natural –since the audio from outside is picked up by a microphone– but it is good enough for those specific occasions.
The LinkBuds therefore have two readings. As a concept that looks to the future they are super interesting. I would not be surprised if its strengths, added to other evolutions that will come over time, make many people want to opt for a product like this in a few years.
As a product designed to cover the present, however, we are left only with the fact that they are good at their headset job. Of course, I would only consider them as an option if you are very clear that you are not going to want to isolate yourself from the real world or that in-ear headphones are not for you.
The Sony LinkBuds will be sold in Europe for 180 euros.
