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Review: Sony LinkBuds S

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Sony launched the original LinkBuds wireless earbuds in March 2022 with a unique ring driver design, and the company quickly followed up with the launch of the new LinkBuds S. Unlike the LinkBuds, which focus on allowing ambient sound in, the S model is designed to block out ambient noise with an in-ear fit and active noise cancelling (ANC) system.

These earbuds are also similar in appearance to the Sony WF-1000XM4 but are made of recycled plastic, making them lightweight and comfortable to wear. In terms of sound profile, Sony has moved away from a heavy bass, boomy sound, and towards a more balanced audio experience. Inside the box, you get the Sony LinkBuds S earbuds, four tip sizes, a charging case, the USB-C to USB-A charging cable, and user manuals.

The Sony LinkBuds S come in three colour variants such as Black, White, and Ecru. We tested the Black variant for this review. The design of the LinkBuds S is familiar and easy to use. The earbuds come with four different sizes of ear tips, and their ergonomic shape fits comfortably in my ear.

The sealed fit of the earbuds means that you won’t be able to hear your surroundings as well as the original LinkBuds, but it also means that you can hear the bass in your music more clearly. Additionally, the sealed fit can also help to protect your hearing by reducing the need to crank up the volume during loud environmental noise.

One aspect that carries over from the original LinkBuds WF-L900 is the matte textured plastic of the LinkBuds S and its charging case. On one hand, the texture feels nice, and it’s hard to imagine them ever slipping out of your hand. However, they are also quick to attract dust which actually isn’t a biggie if you are used to regularly cleaning your earbuds.

The LinkBuds S are also IPX4 water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and commutes. In addition to active noise-cancellation, they also feature an ambient sound or transparency mode that allows you to hear more of your surroundings.

The Sony Headphones Connect app offers 20 levels of adjustment for this feature, providing a significant amount of flexibility. The earbuds come equipped with the same Integrated Processor V1 and DSEE Extreme processor found in the LinkBuds and the WF-1000XM4, allowing it to upscale digital music files to near-high-resolution quality.

The LinkBuds S is easy to control – all the functions can be controlled by tapping on the flat exterior of the earbuds. The controls include toggling between active noise cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode, activating your virtual assistant, controlling volume, and controlling playback.

There is also an awareness mode, which you can activate by holding the side of an earbud for a quick hit of transparency mode, similar to other Sony audio products like the WH-1000XM5. You can customise the control profile of each earbud in the Sony Headphones Connect app, but you cannot set individual controls – you can’t set the left earbud to control playback and the right earbud to control volume, for instance.

The LinkBuds S features Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and support for LE Audio, in addition to Sony’s high-resolution LDAC codec, SBC and AAC. They also have the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously, thanks to a firmware update that allows for Bluetooth multipoint connectivity.

Sony claims that the LinkBuds S can last up to 6 hours on a single charge, and in testing, we found the earbuds to come close to that claim. With a constant output of real music peaking at 75dB (SPL), the Sony LinkBuds S lasted for 5 hours and 41 minutes on a single charge, which is pretty good. The charging case also provides an additional 14 hours of charge, bringing the total to nearly 20 hours.

The Sony LinkBuds S have outstanding consistency in their frequency response. When you get a good fit and seal, you will experience consistent bass and treble delivery with every use. They also have excellent mid-range accuracy. Their frequency range is fairly neutral, which makes vocals and lead instruments sound clear and detailed.

Additionally, the peaks and dips in the frequency response of the Sony LinkBuds S are excellent. In terms of noise isolation, the LinkBuds S perform excellently as well.

Sony is already well-established in the world of in-ear earbuds, with its WF-1000XM4 being a highly sought-after pair of truly wireless earbuds. The noise cancellation and audio quality on the WF-1000XM4 are superior to the LinkBuds S, making them the top choice if you’re considering Sony earbuds.

However, the Sony LinkBuds S still offer many of the same features at a lower price point, and their more lightweight and compact design may appeal to those who find the XM4 to be too bulky. At their current price of AED 450, they are a solid investment and a marked improvement over the original LinkBuds.

Price: AED 450

Sony LinkBuds S AED 450
  • Final Rating
3.5

Summary

The LinkBuds S is easy to control – all the functions can be controlled by tapping on the flat exterior of the earbuds. The controls include toggling between active noise cancelling (ANC) and transparency mode, activating your virtual assistant, controlling volume, and controlling playback.

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Apple’s Beats Unveils Powerbeats Pro 2 with Heart-Rate Monitoring

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Apple Inc.’s Beats division has unveiled the long-awaited Powerbeats Pro 2, which features noise cancellation, a heart-rate monitor, and a revamped design aimed at athletes. This new model incorporates capabilities seen in Apple’s AirPods, such as transparency mode for better external noise awareness and the H2 chip for enhanced sound quality. Additionally, it offers improved spatial audio for a 3D listening experience and comes with a smaller, wireless charging case.

The heart-rate monitor is a notable first for Apple-designed earbuds, expanding the company’s health-related features, and utilizes technology found in the Apple Watch. Despite a slow holiday season for Apple’s wearables business—with sales in the division falling nearly 2% to about $11.8 billion—the introduction of these new earbuds is anticipated to drive interest and sales.

Priced at $250, the same as the previous model, the new Powerbeats Pro 2 will be available in black, orange, purple, and a color called quicksand. This price point matches the AirPods Pro 2, although the Powerbeats may be more appealing to athletes due to their secure ear hooks.

Apple Vice President Oliver Schusser, who oversees Beats as well as the company’s sports, TV+, and music initiatives, hailed the new Powerbeats as “the most impressive product in Beats’ history.” Acquired by Apple in 2014 for $3 billion, Beats remains the company’s largest acquisition to date.

The heart-rate monitor will be compatible with fitness apps like Peloton, Nike Run Club, Ladder, and Slopes, with data integration into the Apple Health app. The earbuds will also be compatible with Android devices. Apple is reportedly working on AirPods with heart-rate monitoring, though they are still many months away from release.

In terms of battery life, the Powerbeats Pro 2 holds an advantage over AirPods, with 10 hours of usage on their own and 45 hours with the charging case, compared to six hours for AirPods alone and up to 30 hours with the case. However, AirPods continue to offer unique features, such as a new hearing aid functionality.

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OWC Launches OWC Dock Ejector 2.0

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Other World Computing (OWC) has announced the general availability launch of the OWC Dock Ejector 2.0, the ultimate solution for efficiently and safely ejecting all connected devices, including SoftRAID and AppleRAID volumes. This updated version works with all docks, including non-OWC docks and hubs, expanding compatibility and drive protection to all Mac and PC users.

The newly enhanced OWC Dock Ejector takes the tedium and risk out of un-docking devices individually. By ensuring all data has been written before any disk is unmounted, you can safely eject your dock without worrying about losing or fragmenting files.

New in OWC Dock Ejector 2.0:

  1. Streamlined install process (new for Mac) – OWC is the first to ship software that enables high-power Thunderbolt dock ports without requiring reduced macOS security settings. OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 eliminates the need for Recovery Mode and simplifies the process compared to competing docks, which require users to boot into Recovery Mode, lower Mac security settings, reboot multiple times, and install system extensions. With OWC Dock Ejector 2.0, simply install the software, approve the system extension, and you’re done!
  2. Enhanced Volume Mounting (new for Mac) – OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 simplifies volume management like never before. If you unmount a volume, you can easily remount it without the hassle of unplugging cables or using Apple’s Disk Utility application.

“OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 is all about making your life on the go easier while keeping your data secure,” said Larry O’Connor, CEO and Founder, Other World Computing (OWC). “With features like safe drive ejection, seamless connection management, and timesaving simplicity, it empowers everyone – whether you’re a creative professional, IT administrator, or tech enthusiast – to work more efficiently and securely, without ever compromising your macOS security settings. Never worry when you need to disconnect and go – we’ve got you!”

OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 Features and Benefits:

  • Data Security – Avoid data corruption by safely ejecting all connected drives with a single click.
  • Easy Connection Management – Optimized for seamless disconnection of storage devices and peripherals.
  • Security First – No need to compromise your macOS security settings.
  • Timesaving – Skip the tedious recovery mode process required by other docks.
  • User-Friendly – Designed for simplicity without sacrificing functionality.

OWC Dock Ejector 2.0 is now available for free.

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GENKI Unveils Moonbase: A Revolutionary 240W Charging Hub

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GENKI has announced the launch of Moonbase, a revolutionary charging hub designed to redefine how we power our devices. Featuring 4 USB-C ports and 3 AC outlets, Moonbase can simultaneously power up to 7 devices, from laptops and tablets to gaming consoles and more. Its 140W USB-C output can charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro to 50% in just 30 minutes, while the remaining ports efficiently handle a range of other devices.

Designed for universal compatibility, Moonbase supports a wide range of devices and standards, including USB-C PD and backward compatibility for older gadgets. Beyond functionality, Moonbase boasts a sleek, futuristic design inspired by lunar bases, available in two elegant finishes: Moonlight and Darkside. Customizable LED effects add a touch of personality, allowing users to adjust the lighting to match their environment or mood.

Safety is paramount, with Moonbase equipped with advanced features such as surge protection, safety door protection, grounding protection, and overcurrent/overvoltage protection. For those needing even more power, the optional TurboCharger module expands Moonbase to a 540W, 10-port powerhouse.

The Moonbase is currently available for pre-order on Indiegogo at a special introductory price of $88.

Key Features:

  • 240W total power output
  • 4 USB-C ports and 3 AC outlets
  • 140W USB-C output for fast laptop charging
  • Sleek, futuristic design with customizable LED effects
  • Advanced safety features
  • Optional TurboCharger module for expanded capacity
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices
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