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Sony’s new LinkBuds add voice controls without a smart assistant

Sony wants you to leave your headphones in all day.

The original Sony LinkBuds, first announced in early 2022, featured a unique “ open ring design ” that skipped sound-isolating ear tips for a donut-shaped speaker, allowing ambient sounds to be heard at all times. Sony also includes redesigned silicone wings called “Air Fitting Supporters” that it says will reduce pressure points and make the earbuds more comfortable to wear for longer periods. The LinkBuds Speaker includes a microphone so it can be used as a speakerphone, a button that will start streaming music from your preferred service, and daily routines that can be scheduled through a mobile app, so you can use it as an alarm clock.

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