For the first time, Amazon is bringing its own true wireless headphones to Germany. The second generation of Echo Buds comes with Alexa and active noise reduction.
Amazon itself describes the Echo Buds as the first hands-free Echo device for on the go. The company already presented the first generation of its in-ear headphones with Alexa in 2019, but these never appeared in Germany. But Amazon is now changing that with Generation 2. The new version of the Echo Buds will be available in Germany from February 24th.
Echo Buds come in two versions
The Echo Buds (Gen.2) are visually reminiscent of the Google Buds. The headphones themselves come without a stem and look quite knobbly with their round shape. They are available in either black or white. They are stored in an elongated charging case, which is also available in two versions. One case is charged via USB-C, another version also supports wireless charging. Especially for the latter version, Amazon, in cooperation with Anker, offers a QI charger that has a small cavity in which the Echo Buds charging case can be placed.
Amazon promises a battery life of around five hours for both versions with activated noise cancellation. The headphones can be fully charged twice in total via the charging case, so that the total running time is around 15 hours. Thanks to the quick charge option, around 15 minutes should be enough to charge the battery to the point where two hours of music playback are possible.
Proprietary noise cancellation
The Echo Buds promise IPX4 protection against splash water and sweat. They can be worn in the rain as well as during sports. In addition, the true wireless headphones have a ventilation opening on each earbud, which is intended to reduce the pressure in the ear. They are adjustable thanks to the four included ear pads and two different ear hooks.
Amazon’s in-ear headphones have dynamic drivers in each earpiece that are designed to provide improved sound reproduction for both high frequencies and lower tones and bass. In addition, three microphones are integrated for telephony, for example. For noise cancellation, Amazon uses a specially developed technology that uses the inner and outer microphones to estimate the sound pressure at the eardrum. They then create an inversion of that signal, removing unwanted noise.
The noise suppression can be switched on and off via the touch surfaces on the Echo Buds. They can also be used to control music, activate transparency mode or accept calls. It is also possible to mute the microphones at the touch of a button and thus deactivate Alexa if you want more privacy.
Alexa in ear
The special feature of the headphones, however, is the integration of Alexa. It allows users to search for music or podcasts by voice. The smartphone can stay in the pocket. The Echo Buds not only access Amazon Music, but also Apple Music or Spotify if desired. Music that you have played on the Echo at home, for example, can be listened to directly on the buds when you leave the house. All you have to do is say “Alexa, continue music on the Echo Buds”.
But Alexa also helps with organizing everyday life, according to Amazon. For example, users can be informed about appointments via the Echo Buds, set reminders – for example that they regularly want to get up after 30 minutes at work – or ask general questions about opening times, the weather or the traffic situation. You can also use other Echo devices or the Alexa app to find the buds if you misplace them. As an alternative to Alexa, the Echo Buds can also be used with the voice assistants from Google or Apple – depending on whether you have an Android smartphone or an iPhone.
The prerequisite for using the Echo Buds is the installation of the Alexa app on the smartphone. It needs access to contacts, location, etc. – so users shouldn’t have any problems with this type of data sharing with Amazon.
Also Read: The 7 Best In-Ear Headphones on a Budget
Prices and Availability
Amazon offers two versions of its headphones. The model with USB-C charging option costs 119.99 euros. It is available for a short time at the launch of the headphones at the introductory price of 79.99 euros. The version with a wireless charging option costs EUR 139.99 and is also available at a reduced price right from the start. It will then cost 99.99 euros. Pre-orders are now possible, according to Amazon, the delivery of the Echo Buds will take place from February 24th.