Several popular tech brands are currently on the audio bandwagon with leaks and rumors suggesting they will release headphones and earbuds in the coming weeks and months. Many launches may be in conjunction with new smartphones and many of the new products may be the next generations of audio lines from brands, including Google, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus. Here’s a rundown of what we can expect.
OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z
The new OnePlus 8 smartphone series is set to launch next week, but there are also several rumors and leaks abound for the brand’s next generation of wireless headphones. The Bullets Wireless Z headphones are set to have 20 hours of battery life, “Warp Charge” fasting charging support that allows for and added 10 hours of battery life in a 10-minute charge, and 110ms Bluetooth latency for improved connectivity among their main features, according to Pricebaba.
The headphones are also expected to be rated IP55 for dust and water resistance and to come in Ultramarine Blue and Glacial Green, as well as Black and White color options.
Google Pixel Buds 2
There have been many rumors circulating for the Google Pixel 4a, which many expect will launch soon. The tech giant may also launch a new set of headphones alongside its budget smartphone. A fairly damning preorder leak recently surfaced on the website for the U.S. retailer, Abt Electronics showcasing the Pixel Buds 2 with a $179 price tag and Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Almost Black, and Quite Mint color options.
The listing has since been taken down, but before so it revealed several specs for the Pixel Buds 2, including custom 12mm dynamic speaker drivers and built-in sensors that detect speech and diminish background noise. The earbuds may also include touch controls, which allow users to tap for play and pause and to swipe for volume. Much like the prior model, the Pixel Buds 2 will likely have a real-time translation feature, sweat and water resistance, fast pairing, voice search with Google Assistant and wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy Buds+ (Next-Gen)
Reports from WinFuture suggest that Samsung is already working on a follow up to its Galaxy Buds+ earbuds that launched alongside the Galaxy S20 series in February. The leakster shared render images and some details about the Samsung audio product that carries the model number SM-R180 and is being referred to by the internal codename “Beans.” This is due to their striking design, resembling kidneys or kidney beans.
There aren’t that many details on the earbuds, but the report states that Samsung is currently in early phases of testing for this product, with its development largely finished. Even so, the design and details of the earbuds could change drastically between now and a market release; and a release also isn’t guaranteed.
So far, details associated with the earbuds suggest they are about 2.8cm in length and feature two inner-facing loudspeakers and microphones on their upperparts. They may include sensors that can detect proper placement of the earbuds but may not include any noise-canceling features due to being made of silicon.
If released, many suspects the earbuds may be announced in the late summer or early fall as reports suggest Samsung is aiming to still unveil its Galaxy Note 20 series during that timeframe.
Apple Headphones
Apple may be delving more into the audio game with not one but two products slated to release in 2020. Tech analyst, Jon Prosser recently shared on Twitter, details for potential Apple over-ear headphones and wireless earbuds.
The headphones could be announced as early June, coinciding with WWDC, Apple’s annual conference. The headphones carry the model number B515 and may be similar to the Beats 700 headphones in terms of design and price, roughly $350, according to Prosser. Many have connected these headphones to the icons that were discovered in leaked iOS 14 code in early-March, which suggests the upcoming software may include various new audio controls.
The earbuds, which Prosser refers to as the AirPods X, carries the model number B517 and may be similar to the Beats X earbuds, with a sports and running focus and a price tag under $200. These may be announced in the September to October timeframe, likely alongside the next major iPhone.
