Sony introduces LinkBuds S Earth Blue; bringing multipoint to WF-1000XM4, LinkBuds series

Sony Electronics launched a new colour of LinkBuds S noise-canceling truly wireless headphones today. Since May 2022, “Earth Blue,” made from recycled water bottles, has joined the white, black, and ecru colours. LinkBuds and LinkBuds S will provide multi-point connectivity for easy device pairing. A new model, “LinkBuds UC for Microsoft Teams,” will have Microsoft Teams-compatible features.

LinkBuds S “Earth Blue” color

The LinkBuds S in Earth Blue colour have a unique marble pattern due to their recycled water bottle body and casing. Sony designed it to explore new design expressions for recyclable materials. LinkBuds S “Earth Blue” supports Sony Group’s “Road to Zero.” Sony Group’s “Road to Zero” goal aims to eliminate our environmental impact by 2050. Sony created the “Green Management 2025” environmental medium-term targets in 2021, which will last through 2025.

Quick specifications: Sony LinkBuds S

• Product Name: LinkBuds S True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds
• Model Number: WFLS900N/C
• Headphone Fit: In-Ear
• Audio: Noise Cancelling (Active), Sound Isolating and Environmental Noise Control
• Bluetooth Version: v5.2
• Battery Life: 6 hours
• Battery Charge Time: 2 hours, fast charge offer 60 minutes of play time with a 5-minute charge
• Battery Life Provided by Charging Case: 20 hours (6h + 14h)
• Charging interface: USB Type C
• Features: Waterproof, Built-In Microphone, Noise cancelling, Dolby Atmos and 360 Spatial Sound
• Voice Assistant Built-in: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and works with Siri as well
• Ear Tip Sizes Included: Extra small, Small, Medium, Extra large
• Dimensions: H x 3.5 inches x Width x 3.34 inches x Depth x 2.64 inches
• Weight: 4.8 grams each
• Warranty: 1 Year

Sony LinkBuds UC for Microsoft Teams

Sony’s first-generation LinkBuds model, the LinkBuds UC for Microsoft Teams, is also certified for Microsoft Teams. With genuinely wireless LinkBuds headphones, this product makes online meetings easier. The ring driver unit’s open central diaphragm makes it easy to talk to coworkers and connect to the environment in Microsoft Teams meetings.

Tapping headphones makes calls easy. To mute the microphone, tap the right earbud three times or wide area tap. This beneficial function improves hybrid working efficiency, such as when one leaves their PC during a meeting to talk.

The Headphones Connect App enables users to configure Microsoft Teams-specific functionality like receiving calls and raising hands for meetings on the LinkBuds. Users can smoothly switch between their PC and phone using the bundled USB transceiver and Bluetooth. Users can seamlessly switch between Microsoft Teams meetings from phone to PC without having to reconnect their LinkBuds.

Quick Specifications: Sony LinkBuds UC

• Headphone Type: Open, Dynamic
• Driver Unit: 12 mm
• Bluetooth: v5.2 (10m range)
• Bluetooth Profile: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
• Supported Audio Format(s): SBC, AAC
• Supports DSEE: Yes
• Magnet: High-power neodymium magnets
• Battery life: USB Type-C Charging (with Case); Battery Life (Waiting Time): Max. 11 hrs; General Features (Active Headphones): Max. 5.5 hrs; Continuous usage: Max. 2.5 hrs
• Water Resistant: IPX4
• Weight: Approx. 0.14 oz (4.1 g) x2

Multipoint Connection Software Update

By November 2022, all LinkBuds models except LinkBuds UC for Teams will receive a software upgrade to enable multipoint connectivity, which lets users connect to two devices simultaneously. This winter, LinkBuds and the award-winning WF-1000XM4 headphones will have more convenient Bluetooth function. If a user is listening to music on their PC and their smartphone rings, it will instantly switch to the smartphone for a hands-free call.

Furthermore, the multipoint connection feature of the Auto Play app, which plays music automatically based on the user’s activities, is advantageous. When customers end a call or finish their job and shut off their PC, music from their smartphone will instantly begin playing.

Pricing and availability

The LinkBuds S Earth Blue colour variant is priced at $199.99 (Rs. 16,395 approx.) and will be available in the United States at the end of October 2022 at Sony Electronics, Amazon, and other Sony authorized retailers.

The LinkBuds UC costs $249.99 (Rs. 20,495 approx.) and will be available in Winter 2022 from Sony Electronics and Sony authorized retailers.

Speaking on the announcement, Albert Kooiman, Senior Director of Microsoft Teams Devices Partner Engineering and Certification, said,

“t’s clear that the future of work will involve a combination of working in the office as well as remotely. A device that allows users to participate in Teams meetings anytime and anywhere with high-quality audio is becoming increasingly important. We are excited for the LinkBuds to be Certified for Microsoft Teams, allowing users to take advantage of the powerful collaborative functionality of Teams in conjunction with the flexibility provided with the LinkBuds’ open ring design enables users to hear to their call and their direct surroundings, which is ideal for multi-tasking and on-the-go work.