Amazon announces second generation Echo Buds for $ 99

Amazon on Wednesday announced the second version of its Echo Buds headphones, which are smaller and start at $ 99, while promising some of the features found in Apple’s $ 249 AirPods Pro.

The headphones are Amazon’s latest effort to attract people who don’t want Apple and to attract those who want to use Echo products and bring the Amazon Amazon voice assistant to your ears wherever it is within range of Bluetooth.

The new Echo Buds have active noise cancellation, just like the AirPods Pro. Amazon says it blocks twice as much background noise as the first model. The function ensures better listening in places such as planes or crowded streets.

Amazon seems to have addressed a lot of complaints that we had with the first version of Echo Buds. They are 20% smaller than the first generation and should be more comfortable due to a redesign and a variety of rubber tips that come with the headphones.

They also come with a carrying case 40% more compact than the older model. And finally, the case uses a more modern USB-C charger that you may already have for your laptop, tablet or phone. You can also opt for an upgraded case that supports wireless charging, a feature offered by Apple for another $ 20.

Amazon said each bud has three microphones to help improve audio quality in noisy environments. They will also help Alexa hear you better and improve your voice clarity in phone calls. He also improved his bass and treble.

There are some new software features. Amazon introduces a feature that helps you find your lost headphones by just saying “Alexa, find my buds,” for example, which is similar to Apple Find My software. Alexa will also provide public transportation directions to seven cities – New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Jersey City and Philadelphia. Support for other cities will be released in the coming months, Amazon said.

Amazon says the second-generation Echo Buds will offer five hours of music playback, with noise cancellation turned on (or 6.5 hours if turned off) and up to four hours of calling. The case offers up to 15 additional hours (or 19.5 hours with active noise cancellation).

Echo Buds will be released on May 13 in black and white. They will start at $ 99 for the regular model or $ 119.99 for a version with a wireless charging case. After a promotional period ending on May 12, they will cost $ 119.99 and $ 139.99, respectively.