For a while, I almost believed it was the end of the road for Nothing Ear after we heard nothing (no pun intended! I swear!) after Ear (2) in 2023. Well, the good news is, it is not (the end of the road) for Nothing’s OG line of earbuds. The smartphone maker has recently quietly launched the new Ear (3).
Over the two years, Nothing’s engineers have whipped up what the brand claims as a pair of TWS with a “breakthrough super mic,” along with a cool 45 dB noise-canceling capability and support for 24-bit Hi-Res LDAC audio. Speaking of audio, it is delivered through Nothing-tuned 12 mm dynamic drivers that support static spatial audio.
In the battery department, each earbud is outfitted with a 55 mAh battery, while the case packs a 500 mAh cell. The case supports both wired and wireless charging. When fully charged, the earbuds offer up to 5.5 hours between charges with ANC on, and the entire setup — case plus earbuds — provides up to 22 hours of playback with ANC on. Do note that LDAC will suck more juice. You’re looking at up to 3.5 hours with ANC or 5.5 hours without. Quick charging is supported too, giving an hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging (earbuds only).
The new Ear (3) features real-time adaptive ANC enabled by three mics on each side. In addition, there’s a mic for voice pickup duties on each earbud. Presented in Nothing’s now-signature transparent design with polished metallic finishes, the new Ear (3) is said to be “sensorial,” slimmer, stronger, and more than just a pair of audio-delivering buds.
You can lock down ideas, thoughts, and to-dos as they come by recording voice notes with the Super Mic, which the Essential Space app will automatically transcribe. You can also pair it with your Nothing Phone to prompt ChatGPT with your voice, and be in the know with daily updates delivered by Essential News.
It is IP54-rated for dust, sweat, and light rain resistance. Other notables include Bluetooth 5.4, dual connection support, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, LED charging status, in-ear detection, low-lag mode, pinch sensors for controls, and, of course, LDAC and Hi-Res certification.
The hardware is not all. There’s a companion app, too, for you to make the most out of this pair of lovely TWS. The Nothing X app offers custom EQ with profile sharing, personal sound profile, dynamic bass enhancement, customized controls, Find My Earbuds, dual connection, ear tip fit test, and firmware updates. The case has a nano-injection-molded build made from recycled aluminum.
The Nothing Ear (3) is available now for US$179.
Images: Nothing.
