On the morning of May 19, linkbuses s is Sony's latest wireless headset. Although the name of linkbuses is adopted, the "+ s" rear earplug design is more traditional than the fully open design. This makes it have the active noise reduction function that linkbuses lacks** Sina has compiled this product for you.
Sony linkbuses s (picture from theverge)
From left to right: Sony wf-c500, linkbuses, linkbuses s, wf-1000xm4. (picture from theverge)
Linkbuses s costs $199.99, only $20 more than linkbuses. However, the purpose and target customers of these two products are very different. Previously, linkbuses was completely open. This upgrade is to let users hear the noise of the outside environment at any time. The editor of theverge said linkbuses is also the best headset product they have tested for voice call experience.
Linkbuses s is a product between linkbuses and 1000xm4, and hopes to provide the best of both worlds: it is more suitable for listening for a long time than the flagship earplugs with higher price - which is largely due to the smaller and lighter design. Sony's transparent model is better than ever. Although its sound quality and noise reduction function cannot be completely compared with the $279.99 1000xm4, it may be good enough for many people.
The active noise reduction function on linkbuses s is certainly not comparable to the flagship 1000xm4, but it is also good, and can effectively suppress noise interference when working in environments such as coffee shops. Sony is continuing to improve its transparency model, and it sounds more and more natural. It still can't reach the level of airpods, but it's much better than the very digital and over processed ambient sound mode a few years ago. You can control linkbuses s by tapping the earplug: the left earphone switches between active noise reduction and environmental mode, and the right earphone is used for music. (click play / pause once, skip tracks twice, return three times, etc. very standard things). Users can choose to add a shortcut, such as playing music from spotify immediately on their mobile phone.
If you want to make a complete evaluation of linkbuses s, it is excellent performance. Sony used 5mm speakers to achieve the weight and compact size they wanted. But in fact, speaker size is not everything: 1000xm4 earplugs use 6mm speakers, and Sony adds "computational audio" to obtain impressive bass. However, this is not the case for linkbuses s. Whether in high-end or low-frequency, it sounds a little convergent.
Linkbuses s appearance (picture from theverge)
It sounds very clear, especially in intermediate frequency and human voice. The plug can well display human voice and multi-level tracks without any confusion or clutter.
Basically, theverge's editors were happy with linkbuses s, but the sound quality didn't meet their expectations for $200 earplugs. They have a narrower sound field and all sounds are heard in your mind - while wireless earplugs with richer audio (such as 1000xm4) are more immersive and surrounded. If you have an Android phone, LDAC can help display more details. Sony said that linkbuses s will support Bluetooth Le audio after the firmware update in the coming months.
The designs of Sony's linkbuses and linkbuses s are completely different (picture from theverge)
S in linkbuses s should represent "smart". Sony's expectation for these earplugs is "never close". The company envisages that people wear them all day, and the earplugs will automatically respond to different activities and changes in location.
In fact, Sony's earphones always have this function. For example, when detecting sports (such as walking or running), you can switch to the corresponding noise reduction scene or transparency setting.
Linkbuses s tries to enhance this with new features such as "wear and play". Once you put the earplug in it, the earplug will start playing music immediately. Using the "after call" function, they can automatically start spotify to play music. These two functions are unique to the Android system. However, it is also awkward to use. Multiple applications need to be installed, and only apps from spotify and endel are supported.
Actual wearing of linkbuses s (picture from theverge)
Overall, it is much smaller than 1000xm4
Proven Sony's iconic features, such as adaptive sound control, EQ customization, and even speak to chat, are available. But the new features are not impressive, and are only half baked tosses. After all, Sony can't control Apple The entire product ecosystem, such as, Samsung or Google. There is also no head tracking, spatial audio or automatic device switching. It is hoped that the multi device connection function will appear in Sony's next generation earplugs.
The voice call experience on linkbuses s is very good. In a noisy environment, they can still well separate people's voice. The mesh structure covering the external microphone helps to avoid wind noise distortion.
The battery life of linkbuses s is estimated to be about 6 hours when active noise reduction is enabled, and the total power of the charging box is 20 hours. The actual experience is basically consistent with the official label. Considering their size and weight, this is good. In addition, like other Sony product lines, their waterproof grade is IPx4, which is suitable for sports.
Linkbuses s may be the most comfortable earplugs Sony has ever made, but they are not cheap. There are many competitors in the price range of $200. Some can provide users with excellent active noise reduction or more bass sound, long service life of linkbuses s, or provide more functions, such as wireless charging.
When many people have praised the comfort of airpods or galaxy buses, Sony's latest earplugs face a hard battle to prove their value.
Considering the all day comfort, powerful voice call performance and active noise reduction function, the verge editor thinks it is a good choice, although there is room for improvement.