Nothing has unveiled its latest audio product, the Ear (open) wireless earbuds, marking the company's first venture into open-ear designs. Known for their distinctive aesthetic, the Ear (open) maintains Nothing's signature semi-transparent look while introducing a new design aimed at providing both comfort and environmental awareness.
The Ear (open) features an on-ear design with wrap-around silicone ear hooks for a secure and balanced fit. Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, these earbuds rest just outside the ear canal, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings, making them ideal for outdoor activities or those who prioritize situational awareness. While they do not offer active noise cancellation (ANC), the focus is on delivering all-day comfort without completely isolating users from their environment.
The Nothing Ear (open) will be available in a single white colour and is priced at $149/€149/£129. Pre-orders are now open through Nothing’s official website, with general sales beginning on October 1.
One of the standout features of the Nothing Ear (open) is the Sound Seal System. This innovation uses directional speakers to minimize sound leakage, ensuring that the audio remains private despite the open-ear design. Each earbud weighs 8.1 grams, providing a lightweight experience, and both the earbuds and charging case come with IP54 dust and splash resistance, adding to their durability.
Inside, the earbuds are powered by 14.2mm titanium-coated drivers, delivering a powerful and balanced sound. They connect via Bluetooth 5.3, with support for dual-device pairing, allowing users to seamlessly switch between two connected devices. The dual microphones in each earbud, coupled with Clear Voice 3.0 technology, ensure clear call quality, even in noisy environments.
For control, the Ear (open) offers pinch gestures that allow users to manage media playback, adjust volume, and handle calls without needing to take out their phones. The earbuds are compatible with the Nothing X app, where users can customize their EQ settings, share profiles, and even update firmware. The app also enables low-latency mode for gamers and provides support for Find My network, helping users locate their earbuds if misplaced.
An intriguing feature for those in the Nothing ecosystem is ChatGPT integration, available exclusively when paired with a Nothing phone. This allows users to access the AI assistant directly from their earbuds, adding a layer of smart functionality.
In terms of battery life, the Ear (open) earbuds offer up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge, with their 64mAh batteries. The charging case, equipped with a 635mAh battery, extends the total playtime to 30 hours. Charging is done via USB-C, though wireless charging is notably absent.
With its unique open-ear design and a focus on both comfort and situational awareness, Nothing’s latest earbuds cater to users who seek a balance between audio quality and environmental awareness, while staying true to the brand’s bold design philosophy.