Amazon announces second-generation Echo Buds for $ 99

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

The earbuds are Amazon’s latest effort to lure people who don’t want Apple and to attract those who want to use Echo products and bring Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant all over their ears within Bluetooth range.

The new Echo Buds have active noise cancellation, just like the AirPods Pro. Amazon says they block out twice as much background noise as the first model. The feature provides better listening in places such as airplane cabins or busy streets.

Amazon seems to have addressed many of the complaints I had with the first version of Echo Buds. They are 20% smaller than the first generation and should be more comfortable thanks to a new design and a variety of rubber tips that come with the headphones.

They also come with a carrying case that is 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 updated case that supports wireless charging, a feature also offered by Apple, for $ 20 more.

Amazon said each button has three microphones to improve audio quality in noisy environments. They also help Alexa hear you better and improve your voice clarity during phone calls. It also improved the bass and treble.

There are a few new software features. Amazon is introducing a feature that lets you find your lost earbuds by saying, for example, “Alexa, find my earbuds,” similar to Apple’s Find My software. Alexa also provides public transit directions in seven cities: New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Jersey City, and Philadelphia. Support for other cities will be launched in the coming months, Amazon said.

Amazon says the second-gen Echo Buds offers five hours of music playback with noise cancellation on (or 6.5 hours if turned off) and up to four hours of talk time. The case provides up to 15 additional hours (or 19.5 hours with active noise cancellation turned off).

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