Nothing has pulled back the curtain on its latest audio innovation, and it’s clear the company is still dancing to the beat of its own drum. Enter the Nothing Ear (3), a new set of wireless earbuds that not only refines Nothing’s signature transparent aesthetic but also introduces a quirky, yet potentially game-changing, new feature: the Super Mic.
While the Ear (3) may look like a subtle evolution of its predecessors, it packs some notable upgrades under the hood, all while maintaining that distinct, almost futuristic vibe. The brand has given the buds and the case a more premium feel, incorporating recycled aluminum accents that fuse with the plastic, creating a seamless, glueless finish that’s both elegant and a nod to their eco-conscious design. The earbud’s shape has also been slightly tweaked, with a more natural stem angle and internal venting to improve fit and reduce in-ear pressure — small details that can make a big difference during long listening sessions.
Super Mic: A walkie-talkie for the future
The biggest talking point, literally, is the new Super Mic. Housed within the charging case, this is a second set of microphones designed for superior voice pickup in noisy environments. The idea is simple: Instead of relying solely on the tiny mics in the buds, you can hold the case up to your mouth like a walkie-talkie for clearer calls.
Nothing Ear (3) official product video
Nothing says this beamforming technology helps to cut through background noise, and in practice, it makes your voice sound notably clearer to the person on the other end of the line. While it won’t completely silence a coffee shop around you, it allows you to speak at a lower volume and still be heard perfectly. The catch? The Super Mic requires software support and won’t work for every application. It’s compatible with major call apps like Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, and WhatsApp, but you’ll be out of luck for voice notes in many messaging apps or for video recording unless you’re using a supported app like Blackmagic Camera.
Improved sound and battery life
Beyond the mics, the Nothing Ear (3) features a redesigned 12mm dynamic driver. The company has moved away from the neutral sound profile of the Ear (2) to a richer, bass-forward tuning, while still maintaining clear trebles. You can, of course, fine-tune the sound to your preference using the Nothing X companion app.
Battery life also sees a welcome bump. With Active Noise Cancellation or ANC on, the Ear (3) can now last for roughly 5.5 hours, a solid increase from the previous model’s four hours. The case provides an additional 22 hours of listening, and a quick five-minute charge can give you up to an hour of audio playback.
The earbuds likewise introduce a few new AI-powered features, though they are exclusive to Nothing Phone users. One of these, tied to the Super Mic, allows you to press and hold the case to record voice notes that are then automatically transcribed — a neat trick for capturing thoughts on the go. There’s even a built-in ChatGPT function you can access with a double-pinch gesture.
Global pricing and PH preorder Interest
The Nothing Ear (3) is priced at $179, a slight increase from the Ear (2)’s $149 launch price. It’s a jump that raises expectations, especially when compared to its predecessor, which was valued for its blend of performance and affordability. The Nothing Ear (2) launched in the Philippines with a price tag of P8,490, and with Digital Walker, the official distributor of Nothing products in the country, already taking preorder interest registrations, it should’t be long before we see the Nothing Ear (3) hit local shelves.
If you’re keen on being one of the first in the Philippines to get your hands on the Ear (3), you can register your interest now on this page.
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