Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Gen) announced
- The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) have the ANC (Active Noise Canceling) technology from Amazon, a smaller design and efficient fast charging.
- The headset is available for pre-order today for $ 99.99 with the standard USB-C case.
- Listeners can upgrade to a wireless charging case for an additional fee.
Amazon announced the Echo Buds (2nd generation) with Amazon’s own active noise cancellation (ANC). This technology is an upgrade from the first generation Echo Buds, which are based entirely on Bose Active Noise Canceling technology. Bose technology is effective, but a competent ANC has to surpass it. Amazon continues its sealed design with the new Echo Buds, making sure that its headphones are different from the Apple AirPods.
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd generation) are 20% smaller than the first iteration, so more users should find a comfortable fit than before. Despite the reduction in size, the noise-canceling Echo Buds offer five hours of battery life with 10 hours of reserve power out of the case. The case can quickly charge the earbuds: 15 minutes in the case gives 120 minutes of playback. Listeners can easily access Alexa with just their voice as long as they download the Alexa app.
Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation): What’s In Stock?
Athletes can also appreciate the Echo Buds as the earbuds are IPX4 rated and can withstand splashes, sweat and rain. Amazon has built pressure relief vents into each earbud to minimize uncomfortable suction-like sensations.
Each earphone still has a dynamic driver with a consumer-friendly frequency response (enhanced bass and treble). This is a similar sound profile to the original Echo Buds, although hopefully Amazon has softened the bass response a bit.
Start here: Headphone Buying Guide: A beginner’s guide to all things headphone-related
This time, Amazon has developed its own active noise cancellation technology that is supposed to cancel out twice as much background noise as the first-generation Echo Buds. It uses inward and outward facing microphones to combat annoying noises in real time.
These new Echo Buds seem like a promising headset for anyone knee deep in the world of Alexa smart home products. Later this year, Amazon will be releasing its VIP filter for the Echo Buds. This allows you to choose which phone notifications to hear while filtering out unwanted pings and things.
The Amazon Echo Buds (2nd Generation) come in black or glacier white and can be pre-ordered today at a special price of $ 99.99 for the standard USB-C case bundle (this will later increase to $ 119.99). The wireless charging case package is $ 139.99. The company will begin shipping the Echo Buds in May, at least in the US. Qualified customers receive Amazon Music Unlimited and Audible Plus free of charge for six months.
