Second-gen Amazon Echo Buds have been announced by the retail giant for sale in the US. These earbuds sport a 20 percent smaller design and a host of other enhancements, including improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Available for pre-order right now, they are scheduled to start shipping this May. While the version with USB Type-C wired charging will cost $119.99, the one supporting wireless charging will go for $139.99. However, as part of a limited-time offer, the wired option will be sold for $99.99 and the wireless option for $119.99.
Being smaller than their predecessors allows the Amazon Echo Buds to also be lightweight. They indeed come with an IPX4 rating, which makes them safe from splashes, sweat, or light rain. The new design includes a shortened nozzle on the earbuds, which leads to more comfort, whereas new built-in vents help reduce ear pressure.
Tom Taylor, Senior Vice President, Amazon Alexa, said, “The all-new Echo Buds are better in so many ways—a smaller design, a more comfortable fit, Active Noise Cancellation technology, a new color and wireless charging option, and high-performance drivers for dynamic audio. It’s never been easier for customers to bring Alexa with them throughout their day—whether at home, walking the neighborhood, or commuting to work, all they have to do is ask to play music or podcasts, call to check in on a loved one, add an item to their to-do list, and so much more.”
The new ANC technology onboard these earbuds uses the inner and outer microphones to intelligently estimate sound pressure in your eardrum and generate the inverse of that signal. A Passthrough Mode is also present, allowing you to easily adjust the amount of ambient sound you hear. While the first-gen Echo Buds were only available in black, the second-gen product also comes dressed in a special Glacier White color.