Samsung has launched Galaxy Buds On, its first open-ear earbuds, with a clip-on design that lets listeners hear their surroundings while playing audio. The earbuds support voice controls and Head Gestures, including nodding to accept a call or shaking the head to reject one.
The open design allows sounds such as passing bicycles and approaching runners to remain audible during music playback, according to Samsung. The company says the earbuds hold their position during vigorous head movements and remain comfortable through hours of wear without placing pressure on the ears. Samsung claims the TwinBoost speaker produces stronger bass than earlier Galaxy Buds models.
For runners preparing to head out, Galaxy Buds On provide access to Gemini Live through a spoken request, allowing questions about possible routes, their distances and notable features without taking out a smartphone. Tapping the rear of an earbud starts music, while spoken commands can move between tracks or change the volume. Head Gestures also support checking message notifications and dismissing alarms when users have their hands occupied.
Quick Voice Memo gives users a way to capture tasks after a meeting by holding the rear of an earbud and speaking to begin recording. They can later ask Bixby about those tasks and listen to the details instead of locating the recordings themselves. Samsung also says its Audio Leakage Reduction technology limits how much audio escapes from the earbuds, a feature it highlights for people using shared workspaces.
For calls in noisy places, Samsung says Intelligent Clear Call separates the wearer's speech from surrounding noise. The system combines three microphones with a Voice Pickup Unit Sensor that uses bone conduction and a solution based on machine learning. Samsung describes crowded subway stations as one setting where the earbuds can preserve call clarity.
