Sony’s successor to the unconventional LinkBuds could be the lightest active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds yet. According to WinFuturethe new earbuds – so-called LinkBuds S – weigh just 4.8 grams each.
And while the LinkBuds released earlier this year are slightly lighter, weighing just 4 grams per button, the new LinkBuds S come with ANC, while the LinkBuds don’t. Other ANC earbuds, such as the AirPods Pro (5.4 grams each), Beats Studio Buds (5.1 grams each), and Galaxy Buds Live (5.6 grams) are still all heavier than the rumored LinkBuds S.
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In addition to the ANC, WinFuture expect the LinkBuds S to have high-resolution audio with 5mm drivers (much smaller than the 12mm drivers you’d find in standard LinkBuds) and slightly longer battery life. The LinkBuds S can provide up to 20 hours of listening time with the charging case or up to six hours without it, as opposed to 17.5 hours of battery life with the case and 5.5 hours without.
Like its predecessor, WinFuture predicts that the rumored earbuds will support Sony’s speak-to-chat mode, a handy feature that automatically pauses audio when you start talking. In addition, the LinkBuds S can also come with adaptive sound control. This feature automatically switches between Ambient Sound Mode, which lets you hear the world around you, and Noise Canceling based on your surroundings, and is likely the reason for the prominent vents on both the inside and outside of each button.
WinFuture says the LinkBuds S will go on sale “soon” for $199 (about $209.85) and will be available in black, white, or beige. The edge contacted Sony with a request for comment, but did not immediately hear back.