Sony’s New PlayStation Earbuds Promise Lossless Audio for Gamers

PlayStation's new earbuds delivers lossless, low-latency audio (From: PlayStation).
PlayStation’s new earbuds delivers lossless, low-latency audio (From: PlayStation).

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Meet the earbuds designed for PS5, PC, and Project Q compatibility.

Sony unveiled its first-ever PlayStation-branded true wireless earbuds, promising lossless audio for PS5 and PC gaming, alongside the debut of the new Project Q handheld device at the PlayStation 2023 Showcase last May 24.

According to Sony, the earbuds will bring “next-generation audio immersion” to complement the gaming experience. The Bluetooth-enabled earbuds are expected to be compatible with the PlayStation 5, PC, and the new handheld device. Additionally, you can use them with mobile devices, like smartphones, as well.

Lossless, Low-Latency Audio Quality

The new PlayStation earbuds features a charging case with a sliding lid (From: PlayStation).
The new PlayStation earbuds features a charging case with a sliding lid (From: PlayStation).

These new earbuds come with a “new wireless technology” developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). This is said to deliver lossless, low-latency audio quality. Sony hasn’t divulged any other details regarding this, though it has promised to reveal more in the coming months.

Aside from this, the earbuds share a similar design to the PlayStation 5. Moreover, the charging case has an elongated indicator light and a sliding lid. These easily set it apart from most earbuds.

The company already has a number of well-regarded wireless earbuds on the market, namely the Sony WF-1000XM4. That said, the new PlayStation earbuds are expected to offer a unique gaming experience.

Mixed Reactions

The PlayStation earbuds have a similar design aesthetic to the PS5 (From: PlayStation).
The PlayStation earbuds have a similar design aesthetic to the PS5 (From: PlayStation).

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions on Reddit, with users expressing a range of opinions.

Some are optimistic about the new product.

Users like u/toastyhoodie state, “Probably going to be pretty decent given that Sony knows their stuff.” Others expressed more interest in the mention of lossless audio using “SIE technologies,” wondering if Sony has developed a new lossless codec.

A few users speculated whether the new earbuds would use LDAC.

Speculation on the lossless audio codec (From: Reddit/EMTease) https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/13rd398/comment/jlk79f4/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3
Speculation on the lossless audio codec (From: Reddit/EMTease)

However, not all reactions were positive.

One user expressed skepticism, stating, “Their PlayStation branded headphones all sound terrible.” Another user pointed out that if the earbuds are for gaming, they are likely more focused on low latency than anything else.

A Reddit user, in particular, notes that the technical advancements in Sony’s different branches don’t always coincide:

“Look at the Sony phones and their garbage cameras and then look at Sony’s professional cameras and wonder to yourself how that happened. I’d be skeptical that Sony’s audio branch had much to do with any of the PlayStation brand headphones or earbuds.” – u/Kami_no_Kage

Despite mixed reactions, the announcement has piqued the gaming and tech community’s interest. As we await more details from Sony, it will be interesting to speculate how these earbuds will fare in the market and whether they will live up to the expectations set by the company’s previous audio products.

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