News in Short

• Samsung has unveiled the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on earbuds.
• The earbuds use an open-ear design that keeps the ear canal unobstructed.
• They offer up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge.
• The Buds On feature Audio Leakage Reduction and TwinBoost speakers.
• Compatible Galaxy AI devices support Gemini Live, Quick Voice Memo and Head Gestures.

Samsung has expanded its Galaxy Buds lineup with a new form factor. The Galaxy Buds On use a clip-on, open-ear design instead of sitting inside the ear canal.

The design leaves the ears unobstructed. As a result, users can continue hearing surrounding sounds while listening to music or taking calls.

Samsung says it studied different ear shapes while developing the earbuds. The design places the speakers and battery around the ear. It also uses a wider contact area and adjustable band to keep the earbuds secure during movement.

Galaxy Buds On focus on open-ear audio

The Galaxy Buds On use Samsung’s TwinBoost speakers for audio playback. They also feature automatic volume control, which adjusts listening levels based on the surrounding environment.

Samsung has added Audio Leakage Reduction technology as well. The feature aims to reduce sound escaping from the earbuds.

This could make the open-ear design more practical in shared environments such as cafes and libraries.

The earbuds use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform with a Class-D amplifier. Samsung claims up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge.

However, the company has not revealed the full battery and charging specifications yet.

Three microphones target clearer calls

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy Buds On with three microphones. The earbuds also use a bone-conduction-based Voice Pickup Unit sensor.

Machine learning helps separate voices from background sounds. Samsung says this setup can improve call clarity in challenging conditions.

The company specifically highlights situations involving strong wind and indoor appliance noise.

Samsung has not yet disclosed the complete driver configuration, Bluetooth version or supported audio codecs.

Galaxy AI brings hands-free controls

The open-ear design also supports several hands-free features when paired with compatible Galaxy AI devices.

Users can start Gemini Live using a voice command. They can also record notes through Quick Voice Memo.

Another feature is Head Gestures. Users can answer calls, dismiss alarms and check message notifications using head movements.

These features make the Buds On more closely integrated with Samsung’s connected device ecosystem.

Galaxy Buds On connect without the Wearable app

The Galaxy Buds On connects with compatible Galaxy smartphones and tablets when users open the charging case.

Samsung says users can adjust the volume and equaliser through the phone’s settings or quick panel. They do not need to use the Galaxy Wearable app for these controls.

The company has not yet detailed all connectivity specifications.

Price and availability

Samsung Galaxy Buds On are priced at KRW 299,000 in South Korea, which is roughly Rs. 21,000 based on the price provided by Samsung.

The earbuds will go on sale in South Korea on October 27. They will initially be available in Black.

Samsung says a global rollout will follow. However, the company has not yet announced specific international markets or pricing.

More specifications are also expected when the Galaxy Buds On reach the South Korean market.