Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) is rolling out Galaxy Buds On, clip-style wireless earbuds designed to stay in place during vigorous exercise while reducing sound leakage. Because the earbuds do not seal the ear canal, users can listen to music and still hear what is going on around them. The device also supports an artificial intelligence voice assistant and lets users answer or reject calls with a simple head movement.
Samsung Electronics held a media briefing in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 20th to walk through the development process and key features of Galaxy Buds On, the first clip-style wireless earbuds in the Galaxy Buds lineup. First shown on the 1st of this month, the product goes on sale on the 27th. It comes in a single color, black, and is priced at 299,000 won (about $210).
Unlike conventional in-ear models that plug the ear canal, Galaxy Buds On hook onto the outer ear. Because the design does not fully block the ear, users can hear car horns or nearby voices while listening to music.
To improve fit, Samsung Electronics analyzed 119 million data points collected from ear shapes across a range of ages and ethnicities using four-dimensional simulation. The earbuds also use a shape-memory alloy that flexes to match the contours of the ear. The company said the design keeps the earbuds from slipping out during intense workouts.
Sound quality also got attention. Because clip-style earbuds that leave the ear open can deliver weaker bass, the company fitted the device with a "Twin Boost Speaker" built around two woofers. A sound-leakage reduction technology, a first for the Galaxy Buds series, was also applied. Call quality was improved by using three microphones and a bone-conduction vibration sensor to distinguish ambient noise from the user's voice.
AI-driven convenience features also stand out. Users can summon and talk with Google's AI assistant, Gemini Live, by voice command without taking out their smartphone. When a call comes in, users can nod to answer it or shake their head to decline. Pressing and holding the touch area on the earbud records a voice memo, and the device can also adjust volume automatically in response to ambient noise.
"More and more users these days want to hear their surroundings while enjoying content in daily life," said Nam Hyun-jung, a professional in the wearable product planning group at Samsung Electronics' Mobile eXperience division. "Galaxy Buds On was designed so that users can comfortably enjoy audio without blocking their ears."
