I was a bit disappointed with transparency mode on the AirPods Pro headphones. While it was fantastic for getting a general idea of your surroundings, engaging in conversations, listening for your doorbell, or something like that, it’s terrible for actually paying attention to your surroundings. I found that while outside, I could hear vehicles coming, but if I was also moving pretty quickly, it was hard to judge their location and distance. Lag between the microphones and speakers, the digital processing, and changes in the amplification of sound can ruin your ability to truly capture your surroundings with your ears. For that, you’d need true transparency. You’d need holes in your headphones.
Oh, hey, here’s a set of headphones with holes in them.
Sony’s upcoming “Linkbuds” look completely unique. They have a doughnut shaped hole in the middle instead of a typical silicone plug to form a seal. They may be the perfect tool for cyclists, skateboarders, pedestrians, runners, and anyone else who wants to listen to music without tuning the outside world out completely.
We don’t know everything about these yet, but I already want them.
Linkbuds Leak
If these do allow sound in, they could become the best pick for people who like to hear their surroundings. This includes commuters, cyclists, pedestrians, hikers, joggers, and more. The headphones will supposedly launch with the name “Sony WF-L900,” or, “Linkbuds,” if Sony decides to give them an actual name. We don’t know what Sony will charge for it yet, but if it’s reasonable, I think I’ll be first in line.
Sources:
- Jay Bonggolto, Android Central
- C. Scott Brown, Android Authority
- Arol Wright, Android Police