Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Starting a sentence with this company’s name turns it into a garden path sentence. This article was oddly difficult to read.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gusmula
I got the first edition when they came out, because at that point AirPods Pro didn't have the touch volume control. They are very nice looking and fun, but when you're used to Apple's ecosystem... the process of connecting these is a real bummer, especially if you have other AirPods as well.

I always thought Nothing's (phones and earbuds) whole raison d'etre was to provide a Apple-like UX and Apple-adjacent aesthetic to Android users who wanted it. For someone all in on the Apple ecosystem, there's no point.
 
I always thought Nothing's (phones and earbuds) whole raison d'etre was to provide a Apple-like UX and Apple-adjacent aesthetic to Android users who wanted it. For someone all in on the Apple ecosystem, there's no point.
Well, yes and no — as I stated, at that point AirPods Pro didn't have the option for volume control(on the AirPods), and also the price difference was quite significant.
 
Their branding is a little odd, like their name being 'Nothing' and their font looking like brail, but I love how combination of white and translucent plastic over circuity kinda look like Apple's old design language, like from the flower power iMac era.

5ebbe46ab0ee9253522f0ffc086fc478.jpg
I definitely love the swivel arm and design of that iMac. Current swivel/arm solution for some of the Apple displays to me is like a step backwards: the cost of a tilt + height adjustable arm for the Apple Studio Display is about $400. Like...wow! Plus, it looks extremely clunk. I've seen and played around with it at the Apple Store and it is definitely very clunky looking.
 
Maybe these would work for Android users, but if you live in the Apple ecosystem like I do (iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.), I don't know how you'd even consider them over the AirPods Pro. Missing features, especially pairing them.
 
This is literally the worst EQ I have seen in my life.
Then don't use it?

I think the intended use of the audiogram is to tweak a sound profile to help your ears compensate in frequencies where you may be lacking due to loss (age, damage, etc) to bring it back to a somewhat normal/flat line. Then from there, I dunno, use an EQ that you think is better? 🤷‍♂️

Thank you, @LogicalVue for leading me to this, I had never played with the audiogram section before!
 
Sounds interesting, Used to have AirPods Gen 1 but they moved on, needed something temporary so I got the JBL Vibe 300 TWS for $19.99 at Walmart and they are not too bad so picked up two pairs. Not as good as the Gen 1 AP but good enough for Bluetooth buds until I can get some pros. :)
 


Nothing today announced the launch of its second-generation wireless earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2), which offer many of the same features as Apple's AirPods Pro 2 at a lower price point. We went hands-on with the Ear (2) earbuds to see whether they're a viable alternative to the AirPods Pro 2 for those who want to save some cash.


The Ear (2) earbuds are the successor to the Nothing Ear (1), and Nothing has used the same general form factor. Nothing's products stand out because of the clear design that lets you see some of the internals, and it's definitely a unique and appealing look. There's a clear body for the stem, with additional components housed in the white plastic top that also has a silicone tip for a comfortable fit in the ear. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, the Nothing Ear (2) are just about as comfortable, even for longer periods of wear.

Like the AirPods Pro 2, the Ear (2) earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation. Nothing advertises some bells and whistles like personalization that tailors ANC to the shape of a user's ear, but the ANC on the Ear (2) is about on par with the AirPods Pro 2 ANC. There is a transparency mode that is meant to adjust noise reduction based on environment in real time, like Apple's Adaptive Transparency, but as we've encountered before, no one seems to be able to do Transparency like Apple. The Ear (2)'s transparency options just aren't great.

As for sound quality, Nothing has added Hi-Res Audio certification and LHDC 5.0, which is a low latency audio codec meant to deliver better sound. There's also an 11.6mm driver and a "dual-chamber" design for better sound quality and "smoother airflow," and while the sound is good, it is not quite at the AirPods Pro 2 level.

The Ear (2) earbuds are also lacking many of the features that you get using AirPods Pro 2 with Apple devices, such as instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Spatial Audio, which is something to keep in mind.

Nothing highlights a range of features like Dual Connection for connecting to two devices at the same time, a personal sound profile for customization, and clear voice technology for better call quality. The customization in particular is something that you can't get with the AirPods, so that might appeal to some who want more control over the listening experience.

The Nothing Ear (2) buds feature 36 hours of total playback time with the charging case battery life included and ANC turned off, and they offer IP54 water resistance so they're able to hold up to sweat. There are on-device controls that are activated with a press, and if you have an Android device or a Windows device there are some quick pairing options to take advantage of.

Make sure to watch our video to see the earbuds in action, with a full overview of all of the available features.

The Nothing Ear (2) earbuds are priced at $149, and they are available for purchase from the Nothing website starting today.

Article Link: Nothing Launches $149 Ear (2) Wireless Earbuds to Compete With AirPods Pro 2
Let’s not overlook the fact APP 2 also double as an airtag.
 
I have the first generation. Used them happily for a year or so then got the B&O EX buds (since stolen at airport).

I see Nothing here that warrants the upgrade to the (2).
 
  • Haha
Reactions: msackey
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.