The company didn't announce any updates to its earphone line today. The naming convention here is a bit complicated, but Nothing Ear is an update to Nothing Ear (2), and Nothing Ear (a) is more of a spiritual successor to Nothing Ear Stick.
But perhaps the most notable news of the day is Nothing's adoption of ChatGPT. As “AI smartphones” around the world compete for mindshare with devices like Humane's Ai Pin and Rabbit R1, the London-based mobile company is integrating its technology into its new earbuds. Looks like you skipped a step.
Specifically, if you have the ChatGPT app installed on your connected Nothing handset, you'll be able to ask questions of the generative AI program by simply pinching the stem of your headphones. Think Siri/Google Assistant/Alexa style access on your earbuds. Only these earbuds offer direct access to OpenAI's hugely popular platform.
“We also improve the user experience for Nothing smartphones on Nothing OS by embedding system-level entry points to ChatGPT, such as screenshot sharing and Nothing-style widgets,” the company said. This feature will only be available on both new earbuds.
Pre-orders for both buds begin today. Thanks to the new driver system, I can't say that these earphones sound any better than the previous earphones. On the other hand, it gives you more battery space and up to 25% longer lifespan than Ear (2). The “smart” active noise canceling system adapts according to environmental noise and checks for “leakage” between the buds and the ear canal.
The Ear (a) also offers improved noise-canceling capabilities, but what Nothing really seems to be pushing is a bright yellow color that goes against the black-and-white aesthetic that has defined its devices. This is Way.
Both Ear and Ear (a) are reasonably priced at $149 and $99, respectively. Shipping will begin on April 22nd.