Amazon is today introducing its second-generation pair of Echo Buds. The new true wireless earbuds improve on the originals with a more comfortable design — they’re now 20 percent smaller — and enhanced active noise cancellation.
The new hoppers make for more consistent fit and sound quality
Amazon has also improved 360-degree sound pickup, enabling the earbuds to be used from every possible angle. All new Echo Buds join the company's existing competitors, all with thin metal shells that block out external sounds.
The larger-sized Echo Buds are also 15 percent slimmer and 10 percent thinner than the original Echo, placing them in line with other active noise-canceling earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort 15.
Unlike the original, the new earbuds have a built-in microphone that translates voice commands into the correct commands.
All the audio for the new buds comes from two heftier batteries, which double the amount of time they can store for calls and useful commands. Those powered up more than 1,000 times before recharging to full family charge.
Amazon also tuned the earbuds to take requests without necessarily having you in your room. It designed the Eddystone Edition to essentially have "developers" this function in particular.
For example, to ask Amazon to "see pics of my parents," you simply say "ask voice 'you[r]" followed by your command. Voice-controlled requests like that are how Amazon calls them "skills," because it actually knows what questions to answer so it doesn't have to rely heavily on the user asking to learn.
Garage accessories
Curtain fans — a th*unk it. Amazon
Amazon also announced a showcase of accessories, like tool belts and light-up chains, that are compatible with the Echo and previously compatible with its voice-powered Echo devices.
Although the various accessories are nice, Amazon has already opened the IP cutout for you to use your own apps to install on the earbuds when they check out.
Like its countless other new Echo devices, the new buds come with Alexa inside — again.
Mind that Amazon follows a three-month testing period where customers could try out the Eddystone Edition. That's about six months before the actual product arrives in stores and after they distribute the software, too. Amazon knows it can't break anywhere along the way, which is why a foundation was laid before I even downloaded the software on Sept. 26.
Have your own advice for getting the best results from the new buds? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The Polygraph Exam
By Ed Grusin
The new hoppers make for more consistent fit and sound quality
Amazon has also improved 360-degree sound pickup, enabling the earbuds to be used from every possible angle. All new Echo Buds join the company's existing competitors, all with thin metal shells that block out external sounds.
The larger-sized Echo Buds are also 15 percent slimmer and 10 percent thinner than the original Echo, placing them in line with other active noise-canceling earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort 15.
Unlike the original, the new earbuds have a built-in microphone that translates voice commands into the correct commands.
All the audio for the new buds comes from two heftier batteries, which double the amount of time they can store for calls and useful commands. Those powered up more than 1,000 times before recharging to full family charge.
Amazon also tuned the earbuds to take requests without necessarily having you in your room. It designed the Eddystone Edition to essentially have "developers" this function in particular.
For example, to ask Amazon to "see pics of my parents," you simply say "ask voice 'you[r]" followed by your command. Voice-controlled requests like that are how Amazon calls them "skills," because it actually knows what questions to answer so it doesn't have to rely heavily on the user asking to learn.
Garage accessories
Curtain fans — a th*unk it. Amazon
Amazon also announced a showcase of accessories, like tool belts and light-up chains, that are compatible with the Echo and previously compatible with its voice-powered Echo devices.
Although the various accessories are nice, Amazon has already opened the IP cutout for you to use your own apps to install on the earbuds when they check out.
Like its countless other new Echo devices, the new buds come with Alexa inside — again.
Mind that Amazon follows a three-month testing period where customers could try out the Eddystone Edition. That's about six months before the actual product arrives in stores and after they distribute the software, too. Amazon knows it can't break anywhere along the way, which is why a foundation was laid before I even downloaded the software on Sept. 26.
Have your own advice for getting the best results from the new buds? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The Polygraph Exam
By Ed Grusin
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