What you need to know
- Samsung is reportedly working on a new pair of earbuds called “Galaxy Buds Able”, which may feature an open-ear design.
- Rumors claim that this design may also feature bone conduction to transmit sound through vibrations “through the user’s cheeks”.
- It was said that bone conduction may lack audio richness, for which overseas users have praised the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, as the latest series has seen positive sales.
Rumors about the new Galaxy Buds form factor have led to speculation about how it will deliver sound.
a report from saimiguru An early glimpse of what Samsung’s so-called “Galaxy Buds Able” could look like has been claimed. The design, which has reportedly been found via One UI’s software, suggests that the company is opting for an open-ear “clip design” for the Buds Able. While open-ear designs typically hold the user’s ear, the publication alleges another aspect: bone conduction.
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There’s very little to be had in this leaked design, but it gives a pretty good look at what it has to offer. Although we’re missing the finer details, “everything else” is there. It’s a familiar design, I would say, if we consider the competition. This is my first time being introduced to the term bone conduction, and it has made me very curious.
It has been reported that the Galaxy Buds may ditch standard audio drivers in favor of Able Bone Conduction technology. It states that such a method depends on the transmission of vibrations “through the cheekbones” for sound. Saimiguru says this is different from drivers, which “push air” for sound. While “sound leakage” is reportedly less with this audio method, reports say that bone conduction lacks the heavy, head-shaking bass (which the latest Galaxy Buds were praised for).
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What is shown in Samsung’s software will probably be an example for illustrative purposes. The depiction is as detailed as one would want; However, it shows two bulbous halves with a flat side, presumably where they “clip” or press against the body. The publication alleges that there is a “grill” on one side, which could serve as its final microphone placement.
More Galaxy Buds
It also reiterated that “Galaxy Buds Able” was originally discovered through name only Android Authority search (through) saimiguru). Its name was found with Samsung’s recent Galaxy Buds 4 series devices. Moreover, we do not have anything concrete in our mind to make this product. What was strange in the publication was its model number: SM-U600. It notes that the company typically uses “U” to denote phones for the US, but that appears to have changed.
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On one hand, I like some heavy bass in my music. But open ears also have a place in the market. I’m curious to see how Samsung positions these, if we can have confidence that they’re on the way and not just some playful concept. The fit of your earbuds is always a priority. While Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 are quite slippery (there are no ear tips), the Buds 4 Pro stay relatively in place. However, a pair of open ears may work better.
What’s interesting about this is that Samsung is likely to go the bone conduction route. As stated in the publication, the richness of the sound is often a downside. The Galaxy Buds 4, especially the Buds 4 Pro, were praised for having great sound quality. It was reported that 90% of the Buds 4 sold recently (over 100,000 units) were its Pro variants. Improved bass and treble were listed as positives that consumers in South Korea talked about.
Of course, Samsung may be trying to break into the open-ear market to attract a different group of consumers. Open ears are great for high activity, as running around and jumping can cause in-ear versions to slip.
