London-based Nothing has become known the world over for their aesthetically appealing smartphones and earbuds, and now they’re expanding their audio lineup with a new black iteration of their popular Ear (2) buds, which recently took home a prestigious Red Dot Design Award. A follow-up to the Ear (2)’s white-based launch colorway that dropped in March, this new black iteration offers a fresh look with its mix of smoky and matte shades — plus new audio EQ features for its accompanying Nothing X app — but combines those with the same futuristic aesthetic and sound quality of its airy-toned predecessor.
From a tech standpoint, the Ear (2) features 11.6mm drivers, housed inside a graphene and polyurethane shell that was custom-designed to amplify and improve sound frequencies: the former enhances low frequencies with its softness while the latter bolsters high-end frequencies without adding bulk to the buds. Aesthetically, it uses the same blend of transparent and solid materials that the white buds did, a side-by-side comparison of which can be seen directly below.
Nicholas Llanton/Hypebeast
Nicholas Llanton/Hypebeast
Nicholas Llanton/Hypebeast
Nicholas Llanton/Hypebeast
To maximize the Ear (2)’s functionality, Nothing has also upgraded the aforementioned Nothing X app. Its EQ function has been expanded to allow further customization of a user’s audio profile thanks to an 8-band equalizer that lets you preview changes in real time and share your profile with other users. The Ear (2)’s Ear (stick) predecessor has also received an upgrade via the app: it now offers a noise reduction feature that blocks out ambient sound for a more focused music listening experience.
The Nothing Ear (2) in black drops via Nothing’s webstore today, July 6, then will see an exclusive release at Nothing’s store in Soho, London on July 13. After that it’ll touch down at global retailers on July 21. The MSRP is set at $149 USD.
Elsewhere in the world of tech, it’s been announced that ByteDance (the parent company of TikTok) is working on “Ripple,” an AI-powered music creation app.
Special thanks to High Low Beverage Co., who served as the photography location for this “Detailed Look.”
