[UPDATE: 2:00pm – 2 October 2024] Sony Malaysia has listed the pricing for the LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit models on its website, which is revealed to cost RM999 each. Missing from the list is the LinkBuds Speaker, so it is still unknown how much it will cost once it arrives locally.
[Original story: 9:57am – 2 October 2024]
Sony is expanding its LinkBuds lineup with three new additions: the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit, and the LinkBuds Speaker. All products are confirmed coming to Malaysia, with pre-orders for the Fit and Open models slated to be available from 1 November 2024 onwards, while the Speaker is slated to arrive much later in January 2025.
The second-generation LinkBuds, now called LinkBuds Open, feature a revamped design to improve comfort. Sony replaced the firm, uncomfortable ring driver casing from the original version with a softer, more flexible fitting supporter. The updated 11mm ring driver maintains the open design for natural transparency, while enhanced components promise clearer sound and richer bass.
The LinkBuds Open’s battery life is boosted to eight hours, with a quick charge offering an hour of playback in just three minutes. This model will be available in blue, green, pink, purple, and black colours.
Featuring a completely new design, the LinkBuds Fit succeeds the LinkBuds S, prioritising comfort and fit based on user feedback. The earbuds are smaller, featuring flexible hollow Air Fitting Supporters and new ear tips. Inside, Sony’s Dynamic Driver X delivers improved sound quality, supported by the Integrated Processor V2 for enhanced noise cancellation and adaptive ambient sound.
The LinkBuds Fit offers five and a half hours of battery life, multipoint Bluetooth, and an IPX4 rating. Like its sibling, it will be available in blue, green, pink, purple, and black colours.
Last but not least, we have the new LinkBuds Speaker, a portable Bluetooth speaker with an Auto Switch feature that allows users to seamlessly switch audio between it and compatible Sony earbuds, such as the LinkBuds Open, LinkBuds Fit and other models. Sound delivery is done through the onboard X-Balanced Speaker Unit, a tweeter, and passive radiators.
Other than that, the speaker comes with IPX4 water resistance, provides 25 hours of battery life, and includes a dock for quick charging. The LinkBuds Speaker will be available in just two colourways: light grey, and black.
Alongside the product launches, Sony has introduced the new Sound Connect app, replacing its previous Headphones Connect software. This new app offers a modernised interface and expanded functionality, including voice control and head gestures for the new earbuds, alongside features for automatic energy saving and audio customisation.
Local pricing for all three new Linkbuds devices have yet to be announced. For your reference, the Fit and Open models are priced at US$200 (~RM833) for the US market, while the Speaker is at US$180 (~RM749).
(Source: Sony Malaysia press release / global website [1] [2] [3])
