When the British tech disruptor Nothing (co-founded by the legendary Teenage Engineering) hit the scene in 2021, it was clear the label wanted to do things differently. And they’ve done just that over the last three years, introducing powerful, clean, and future-forward products. Now, they’re back with the Ear (a) and Ear earbuds, boasting ChatGPT integration and adaptive ANC.
We’ll start with the Ear (a), and right off the bat, this new slimmer (and bubblier) case just looks great. But the real kicker here is the ChatGPT integration, allowing users to talk to ChatGPT (and hear answers) by pinching the buds, all without having to pull out their phone. Nothing is also adding some ChatGPT widgets to the Phone (2) for even more options (along with more updates down the road to further integrate ChatGPT into its products). These sub-$100 buds not only come with ChatGPT on demand but Smart Active Noise Cancellation as well, which automatically gives you the right amount of noise cancellation depending on your environment. They’re also Hi-Res Wireless Audio Certified and equipped with a more compact and powerful driver, working alongside a bass-boosting algorithm that enhances bass frequencies in real time.
Next up, we have the more premium version with the Ear, equipped with the same ChatGPT integration, 45 dB ANC, LDAC audio (5.0 this time), and IP54 water resistance, but it’s beefed up with a ceramic driver and an advanced equalizer with 8-band EQ for better sound quality. You do get a few hours less listening time here, with 40.5 hours total, compared to Ear (a)’s 42.5, but that’s a worthy trade-off for the new ceramic diaphragm and driver giving you more clarity and less noise.
The Nothing Ear (a) is available now for $99 in white, black, and (for the first time) yellow, which we’ve featured here. The Ear is going for $149, coming in both black and white (no yellow, unfortunately). It’s also worth noting that the ChatGPT integration is only compatible with the Phone (2) at the moment, but the Phone (1) and Phone (2a) are slated to receive an update soon.
