Amazon has unveiled the 2nd generation of Echo Buds, which is their truly wireless earbuds offering. They feature a 20% smaller design, built-in vents for ear comfort, custom-designed Active Noise cancellation technology, improved microphones, wireless charging capabilities and more.
The new Echo Buds feature a smaller, lightweight design that is meant for all day-comfort, and it is IPX4 rated, which should provide protection against accidental splashes and rain. The earbuds have a vent built-in this time, which will help alleviate ear pressure when wearing them for long sessions.
Amazon has added their custom Active Noise Cancellation technology to the earbuds, which they claim will block twice as much of outside noise as the first generation. The earbuds also feature a Passthrough Mode, which will let the outside world sounds in, so that the user is more aware of their surroundings.
The earbuds do feature complete integration with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and the on-board mics have been improved so that the Alexa can hear the user’s voice better and call quality is improved. Battery life is rated at 5 hours on a single charge with ANC turned on, which can then extended to a total of 15 hours with the charging case. It also supports quick charging – 15 minutes will give 2 hours of listening time. Amazon is also offering two charging methods for the case, a USB Type-C wired option and Qi-wireless supported option.
The 2nd gen Amazon Echo Buds will be available for purchase in the U.S. in May, and will be priced at $119.99 (Approx. Rs. 9,008) for the USB-C wired charging option, or $139.99 (Approx. Rs. 10,510) for wireless charging support. At launch, for a limited time Amazon will be offering a discount of $20 for both variants of the Echo Buds.