Samsung is expanding its range of wire-free earbuds with a rather peculiar pair of headphones: the Galaxy Buds Live. Instead of aping the all too common AirPods-esque design, Samsung has instead gone for a unique shape perhaps best described as a jellybean.
Instead of protruding from your ear, the Buds Live conform to the shape of your ear, entirely filling the cavity. While the design might be divisive, it's certainly different from anything else we've seen on the market. Notably, the buds don't have a silicone tip or an in-ear seal, which Samsung says helps with comfort. There are optional wings in the box, to help customise fit if needed.
Given the willingness to experiment with form-factor, it's a shame Samsung didn't go with a more interesting name. We've seen far too many headphones dubbed Whatever Buds or Buds Noun. There are only so many possible permutations. Early rumours suggested the Galaxy Buds Live would be called the Galaxy Beans, and honestly, we're disappointed Samsung didn't lean in.
Etymology aside, the Galaxy Buds Live are Samsung's first wire-free headphones to feature noise-cancelling. We're curious to see exactly how this will work given the lack of an in-ear seal, but Samsung says the Buds can cut background noise by up to 97% in low frequency bands.
In terms of battery, the Galaxy Buds Live offer up to six hours of playback per charge, and a further 15 hours when combined with the charging case. Popping the earbuds in the case will get you as much of hour of juice in just five five minutes.
The Galaxy Beans, I mean Galaxy Buds Live, will set you back $319. That's not bad considering noise-cancelling earbuds from Apple and Sony will both set you back $399. They're available in a choice of white, black, or bronze. If you pre-order a Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, you'll receive a bonus pair of Galaxy Buds Live. Otherwise, you'll be able to get your hands on them from August 7.
Alex Choros
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