Huawei has launched its latest audio innovation, the HUAWEI FreeArc, further solidifying its leadership in the fast-growing open-ear wearables segment. Designed for comfort and situational awareness, the FreeArc offers a secure, pressure-free fit without blocking the ear canal—catering to users who demand high-quality audio without sacrificing awareness of their surroundings.

Open-ear earbuds, which sit outside the ear rather than inside it, have surged in popularity due to their comfort and safety benefits, particularly for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and professionals. According to Canalys, global shipments of open-ear headphones reached nearly 8 million units in Q3 2024—a staggering fourfold increase from the same period last year.

Huawei has been at the forefront of this shift. The company ranked first in global wearable shipments for the first three quarters of 2024 (IDC), backed by its extensive audio R&D network—including seven research centers, over 1,000 audio specialists, and more than 250 patents. Its first open-ear model, the HUAWEI FreeClip, has already surpassed 2 million units shipped worldwide, demonstrating strong consumer demand for innovative wearable audio solutions.

Huawei’s journey in open-ear wearables began in 2019 with its collaboration with Gentle Monster on HUAWEI Eyewear, blending fashion with cutting-edge audio technology. The FreeClip, launched later, marked Huawei’s entry into the Open Wireless Stereo (OWS) category, featuring a flexible C-bridge design for a lightweight, breathable fit.

Now, the FreeArc takes this legacy further as Huawei’s first open-ear earbuds with earhooks. Built with a nickel-titanium alloy frame, the new model enhances stability and adaptability for a wider range of ear shapes while retaining the signature C-bridge comfort. Engineered for active lifestyles, the FreeArc boasts an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, making it ideal for workouts, travel, and daily commutes. Key enhancements include:

1. High-sensitivity drivers for crisp, balanced sound
2. Dual-Resonator Antenna for stronger connectivity
3. Wind-resistant microphones for clearer calls in outdoor environments

With the FreeArc, Huawei continues to refine its open-ear offerings, combining ergonomic design with practical durability.

Sony has launched its 2025 BRAVIA Theatre home audio lineup, designed to replicate the cinematic experience within home environments. Addressing the limitations of typical home setups, the new range offers immersive surround sound solutions, drawing from Sony’s expertise in professional film production.

The lineup includes the BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6, a 3.1.2ch soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, and the BRAVIA Theatre System 6, a 5.1ch home theatre system, both delivering standalone cinematic audio. For enhanced experiences, the BRAVIA Theatre Rear 8 rear speakers and BRAVIA Theatre Sub 7 subwoofer can be added to compatible soundbars, creating a more dynamic and personalized audio setup.

These new products, alongside Sony’s new BRAVIA TVs and home cinema projector, aim to connect creators and viewers by delivering film sound designers’ intended audio experience. The BRAVIA Theatre Bar 6 features Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, Vertical Surround Engine, and S-Force PRO Front Surround for immersive sound, and a dedicated center speaker for clear dialogue. Its AI-powered Voice Zoom 3 enhances dialogue clarity when paired with compatible BRAVIA TVs.

The BRAVIA Theatre System 6, a 5.1ch 1000W system, offers deep, rich sound with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support and Voice Zoom 3. Multi Stereo expands stereo sound to a multi-directional experience. The optional BRAVIA Theatre Rear 8 and BRAVIA Theatre Sub 7 elevate existing setups with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and powerful bass, respectively. Both feature designs that complement modern living spaces.

BRAVIA Theatre products seamlessly integrate with BRAVIA TVs, controllable via smartphone app or TV remote, for user-friendly operation. Sony’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the reduced plastic packaging and recycled PET fabric used in the products. Accessibility features, like QR code indicators and tactile dots, aid visually impaired users during setup.

The TOZO NC9 is a pair of true wireless earbuds featuring Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a sleek design, and solid audio performance at a competitive price. TOZO has built a reputation for delivering affordable yet capable audio gear, but does the NC9 stand out in a market flooded with budget ANC options? Let’s take a closer look.

Design and Build Quality
The TOZO NC9 adopts a minimalist in-ear design. The earbuds have a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges, maintaining a clean look even with frequent use. Each earbud weighs just 5 grams, making them comfortable for extended wear, and they come with three pairs of silicone ear tip sizes to ensure a secure fit.

The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly, featuring a smooth, pebble-like shape with a satisfying magnetic snap closure. While the build is primarily plastic—expected at this price—the overall feel is sturdy and well-constructed.

One of the standout features of the charging case is that it has an LED display on the front that shows the battery level of the case and the earbuds. Another notable highlight is the IPX6 water resistance, which makes the NC9 resistant to sweat and light rain, adding durability for workouts and outdoor use.

Technical Specifications
The TOZO NC9 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection with minimal latency. It features Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, capable of reducing ambient noise by up to 35dB, and is powered by 9mm dynamic drivers for audio output.

While the earbuds support SBC and AAC codecs, the absence of aptX or LDAC means audiophiles may miss higher-resolution streaming. Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled (24 hours with the case) and 9 hours without ANC (40 hours with the case). Charging is handled via USB-C, with a full recharge taking about two hours, and the case also supports wireless charging for added convenience. Touch controls are fully customizable through the TOZO companion app, allowing users to tailor gestures for playback, calls, and ANC modes.

Audio Performance
The 9mm dynamic drivers deliver a V-shaped sound signature, emphasizing bass and treble while slightly recessing the mids. This tuning makes the NC9 particularly well-suited for bass-heavy genres such as EDM, hip-hop, and pop, though vocals and acoustic instruments may not be as pronounced as on more neutral-sounding earbuds.

The bass response is punchy and deep without becoming muddy, while the treble remains crisp, though it can get slightly harsh at higher volumes. The midrange is clear but not as forward as some listeners might prefer, which may affect the naturalness of voices and certain instruments.

When it comes to Active Noise Cancellation, the NC9 performs admirably for its price, effectively dampening low-frequency noises such as airplane engines, traffic, and air conditioning. However, higher-pitched sounds (such as chatter or barking dogs) are less effectively blocked. The Transparency Mode works well, allowing external sounds to pass through clearly when needed.

Battery Indicator Screen
One of the standout features of the NC9, as mentioned before, is its LED battery percentage display on the charging case. Unlike many budget earbuds that rely on vague LED indicators, this small screen provides an exact remaining charge percentage, eliminating guesswork and ensuring you always know how much battery is left.

Additional Features
The TOZO companion app enhances the user experience by allowing customization of the EQ, touch controls, and ANC settings. A low-latency mode helps reduce audio lag for gaming and video watching, though some minor delay may still be noticeable.

The earbuds also support multi-point connectivity, enabling simultaneous pairing with two devices—a useful feature for switching between a phone and laptop. Pairing is quick and hassle-free, with most devices recognizing the NC9 instantly.

Verdict
The TOZO NC9 delivers very good ANC performance for its price, along with a comfortable, secure fit and IPX6 water resistance. The battery life is solid, and the inclusion of wireless charging and a battery percentage display adds convenience rarely seen in budget earbuds. Sound quality is energetic and bass-forward, making these a great choice for casual listeners and commuters.

While the ANC is effective for low-frequency noise, it struggles with higher-pitched sounds. The lack of aptX or LDAC support may disappoint those seeking higher-resolution audio, and the V-shaped tuning might not suit listeners who prefer balanced mids.

If you’re looking for affordable ANC earbuds with good battery life, wireless charging, and a useful battery display, the TOZO NC9 is an excellent choice. However, if you prioritize audiophile-grade sound or stronger ANC for voices and sharp noises, you may want to consider higher-end models.

Pros:
✅ Strong ANC for the price
✅ Good battery life with wireless charging
✅ Clear battery percentage display
✅ Comfortable, secure fit with IPX6 rating
✅ Customizable via TOZO app

Cons:
❌ No aptX/LDAC for high-res audio
❌ Mid-range clarity could be better
❌ ANC struggles with high-frequency noise

Price: AED 150