Amazon will launch a complete wireless earphone "Echo Buds (2nd generation)" with ANC today on February 24.The price is 12,980 yen (tax included) for the USB-C charging case type, and 14,980 yen (tax included) for a wireless charging case.Click here for product photos, such as installation images, Echo Buds (2nd generation) was launched in the United States in April 2021, and the development in Japan was recently announced on February 16.The body color is a lineup of two colors, black and Gracier White.Approximately 20%miniaturized from the first generation, the mass is 5.7G and lighter weight is also realized.In the face plate part equipped with a touch sensor, a change in design was added, such as engraving Amazon's "Smile Logo".By using this smile logo, it is also a device that a perfect fit can be obtained by installing it in the right direction.The driver configuration was also changed, and the first generation used a Knowles dual balance armature driver, but Echo Buds (2nd generation) φ5..Equipped with a 7mm high -performance dynamic driver.They are tuned with heavy bass and stretchy treble, providing a clear and balanced sound without distortion overall.It also supports the equalizer function, and can be adjusted from the Alexa app to three types: bass (base), middle tone (medium tone), treble (treble), each in ± 6 steps.The active noise canceling function has also been renewed.The first generation was equipped with BOSE noise reduction technology, but in Echo Buds (2nd generation), Amazon's unique ANC technology was designed based on the accumulation of smart speakers audio technology.powered by.They say that reducing noise can reduce the burden on the ears.There is one microphone inside the earphone and two beam forming microphones on the outside, which reduces environmental noise using a total of three microphones.The sound pressure in the eardrum is estimated according to the surrounding sound, and the opposite audio signal is generated to suppress unnecessary background noise.In the comparison of noikan performance with the first generation, it appeals that the noise reduction was substantially reduced.It also has an ambient mode that captures outer sounds, which allows you to adjust the outer sound capture level in 5 steps from the Alexa app.ANC/ambient switching operation is possible by pressing and holding the earphone itself, so you can not only operate on the application, but also talk to Alexa to turn on the function.When I actually tried it, if I pressed it by holding a long earphone, it will announce the current mode in Japanese audio.When I said, "Alexa, turn on noise canceling," the ANC function became effective at the same time as the reply of "I understand."When switching with the app, both ANC / outer sound imports seems to be effective after only a few seconds.The effect of ANC is a natural impression rather than super powerful.When used in the office environment, the environmental sounds emitted by air conditioning and servers were suppressed, and the voices of people and typing were slightly lighter.Even in ambient mode, the minimum level of the voice of the human voice and the incorporation seemed to be equivalent, but the environmental sound was heard.Once again, I realized that the ANC function was able to understand unnecessary environmental noise and reduce it.On the other hand, the ambient mode is cleared as if you were not wearing earphones, such as human voices, at the maximum level.The environmental sound is a little high sensitivity, but it seems that low bandwidth is not taken in much because of its original passive sound insulation.The company holds a press conference online.Amazon Japan Joint Alexa International Senior Senior Product Manager Tetsuhiko Kodama appeared, introducing the features of Echo Buds (the second generation), and demonstrations by models.In recent corona environments, the use of remote environments has expanded, and the use of audio content and communication regardless of location, such as home and on the go, has increased.The demand for high -quality and comfortable earphones is increasing.Under such circumstances, Echo Buds (2nd generation) offers an affordable price, combining high -quality sound, high -performance noise canceling functions, and convenience of hands -free operation by Alexa.It is a model that "realizes excellent audio experiences in various scenes" and is one that responds to demand.For pairing with Bluetooth compatible devices, open the lid in the case, press the button on the back for 3 seconds to pairing mode, and connect.In order to enable all functions of Echo Buds (2nd generation), set up the Alexa app on the smartphone before pairing.In other words, obtaining an Amazon account and setting Alexa in advance is required.In addition, when using a PC with a PC with a Bluetooth, it is possible to use it as a wireless earphone such as music playback or ANC function, but it is not possible to use Alexa's hands -free operation.Pairing with a smartphone is essential for the use of Alexa.Echo Buds (2nd generation) explained that in order to achieve an "excellent audio experience", it was designed to focus on wearing while balancing stability and sealing.As described above, the earphone body is miniaturized, and the length of the nozzle is reduced and it is a short type that does not fit too much in the ear hole, and the outer shape is more compact, so that it fits well in all ears.It was realized.A vent that lowers the pressure inside the ear is also placed, and a comfortable feeling of use that suppresses pressure while maintaining high tightness.In addition, in order to optimize the wearing feeling according to the size of the individual ears, the eartips have increased from the conventional three sizes to 4 sizes, making it easier to adjust the fit.In addition, two types of wing chips are included.In addition, a fit test of the eartip can be performed on the Alexa app.By attaching the earphones to the ears, the acoustic performance with the selected ear chips or wing chips is mounted, and the score is displayed in three stages for each left and right.Earphones can be operated from a touch sensor built into the face plate, and for 4 patterns of 4 patterns of single/double/triple/long -pressed gestures, music playback/pause, song feed/return, call response/end, ANC/ambientIn addition to switching, various operations such as Alexa startup, volume adjustment, microphone/mute can be customized from the application.The built -in sensor detects the earphone attached and removes the earphones, and the media playback such as music stops, and starts playing when installed.In addition, it is possible to use only one side, and the earphones of the one who removed the left and right are automatically connected to the smartphone.In Alexa's hands -free operation, it is possible to call by calling, instruct music playback, manage tasks such as scheduled confirmation, and operate Alexa -compatible smart home appliances.As of February 2022, more than 4,000 skills have been released, and you can experience various other functions by voice operation.In terms of music regeneration, it is also characterized by a seamless cooperation with the Echo series.If you have an Echo smart speaker, for example, if you go home from the go, listen to the music at Echo Buds (2nd generation), and when you arrive at home, say "Alexa, continue", and Echo Buds.It can be played on the smart speaker side while keeping the playback position of the music you listened to (the second generation).The feature can be used not only for Amazon Music but also for other music distribution services such as Apple Music.The earphone body is a drip -proof specification of IPX4, and can be used during exercise.The workout function of the Alexa application is also available, and you can record the exercise information (or operate from the app) and say "Alexa, start workout", and register your height/weight with a workout profile.Distance and calories consumption are also displayed.Other apps are equipped with a "search for devices".Realtek "RTL8763C" is used for the processor.Bluetooth is version 5.Supports 0.The corresponding codec has not been disclosed.Continuous playback time is up to 5 hours (up to 6 for OFF) with the hands -free function of ANC/Alexa is turned on..5 hours), up to 15 hours (up to 19 when OFF is OFF).5 hours).Calling can be used up to 4 hours and up to 12 hours in case of case.It also supports quick charging that can play music playback for up to 2 hours by charging for 15 minutes.The company also aims to realize ambient computing using IoT through the Echo series, and Echo Buds (2nd generation) with high -quality sounds, various functionality and convenience described above.I appealed that it was an important step.
Editorial Department: Natsuki Kawada