It is hard to track down a model of True Wireless that has been so much discussed recently, particularly without having so far disclosed even an official visual. Made by one of the prime supporters of OnePlus, The Nothing brand has dominated its advertising alright to make a genuine assumption around its first earphones: ear (1).
However, the secret was finally unveiled at the disclosed event. On the program, a model with a straightforward design of the most unique prepared to defy the best, at some cost playing with the 100 euros, approximating to Ksh 12,700.
The background is significant for wireless earphones. In any case, similar to any object, the design stays a possibly significant argument. Nothing manages pretty well to stick out to this title by betting on a generally transparent methodology, from the box to the earphones.
The earphones are worked around a classic stem design with a semi-intra port; however, they quickly stand apart by allowing their bowels to show up. The entire thing is outwardly intriguing (even though it will definitely separate), since it is both current and retro, reviewing in certain regards the players of the 80s and their lines for the most part
However, the Nothing brand indicates that it didn’t simply put a transparent envelope. However, it chipped away at inward parts that function admirably with this transparency, like magnets and amplifiers with an exceptional, more exquisite design.
Nonetheless, it is a pity to take note of that this transparency stops at the part incorporating the transducer for acoustic reasons. This white component, ovoid fit, is to a great extent suggestive of models, for example, the Oppo Enco W51. Originality is consequently most important in appearance instead of structure. In any case, we can note that the earphones are somewhat lighter (4.7 g) than normal. The semi-intra shape should be very un meddling for solace, similar to models like Airpods Pro or Freebuds 4i. For confirmation, the Nothing ear (1) depends on IPX4, which is very exemplary in 2021.
The parallelepipedic box is similarly as unique. Additionally, generally enhanced with a transparent dress, it permits highlighting the earphones, without forgetting to integrate a charge by induction. The translucent side is additionally helpful for watching that the earphones are clean.
Large aspirations and fears about autonomy
Nothing does not hide its technical ambitions with the ear (1). At the base of the earphones is a large dynamic transducer of 11.6 mm, placed in an acoustic chamber of 0.34 cm3. The hardware and software processing of the model was entrusted to the teams of the Teenage Engineering brand. Needless to say, Nothing’s laudatory comments about the sound of the ear (1), all brands have the same discourse. This will be seen on the ground.
Supported by this large-diameter transducer, a hybrid active noise reduction system is integrated, with a promise of attenuation up to 40 dB, a particularly optimistic figure for
earphones, and that would mark a real turning point. It will also be possible to switch between an “ANC max” mode and an “ANC light” mode to best adapt to the situation. Of course, the ear (1) also incorporates a sound feedback.
The connectivity itself is quite simple, with a modern Bluetooth 5.2 chip and support for SBC and AAC codecs. However, no word on a possible multipoint connection would be rather a (good) surprise. At least the earphones will be compatible with Google Fast Pair technology.
The controls are based on a tactile principle, with four possible actions per earphone: double tap, triple tap, press, and hold, vertical scan. Everything will be adjustable via a dedicated application, which will allow other settings (which we will detail during our test). One of the quite useful functions will make the earphones ring to find them.
On the other hand, autonomy seems frankly limited, at least for a recent product. It is thus announced at only 4 hours with ANC, and at 5.7 hours (around 5:40 am, therefore) without ANC. With the charging box, you have to count on a total autonomy of 24 hours and 34 hours, depending on the modes.
Finally, Nothing relies heavily on the quality of its hand-free microphones, particularly the sound processing and voice isolation algorithm. In addition, the microphones of the ear (1) will be able to withstand a wind of 40 km/h without saturating.
Many promises for these first earphones of Nothing, therefore, but in a market already very mature and very competitive.
The earphones (1) will be available for 99 euros, Ksh 12,700, from August 17. We would have been happy to offer a test/grip as early as this week, but an element beyond our control prevented us from having the earphones early enough. We will have to wait a little longer.