CMF by Nothing released the CMF Buds Neo on October 12, an entry-level pair of wireless earbuds priced at 3,800 yen, according to ASCII.jp. The London-based Nothing's sub-brand has packed the model with a 12.4mm dynamic driver, noise cancelling rated at up to 35dB, and support for spatial audio.
The publication said the price prompted a double take, and that the earbuds carry a design it describes as stylish rather than cheap-looking. Connectivity runs on Bluetooth 6.0, and the Buds Neo can stay linked to two devices at once, such as a phone and a computer.
Why it matters
Cheap wireless earbuds are now common, but ASCII.jp notes that many low-cost models from unfamiliar overseas brands feel poorly built or sound bad, leaving buyers with regrets. The Buds Neo is aimed at people who want a dependable pair of earbuds without spending much, and the report argues the product delivers more than its price suggests.
The involvement of CMF by Nothing also matters. Nothing has built a following on distinctive design, and the sub-brand carries that identity into a much lower price bracket than the company's main lineup.
Software features and low-latency mode
Through the dedicated Nothing X app, owners can choose from six sound presets and boost the bass, according to ASCII.jp. The app also includes a low-latency mode that cuts audio delay to 120ms, or 0.12 seconds, which the publication frames as useful for video and gaming.
The earbuds also support spatial audio, a feature more often associated with pricier models.
The three advantages ASCII.jp highlights
The publication lists three reasons to buy the Buds Neo. First, it says the sound has punch that belies the 3,800 yen price. Second, it describes the noise cancelling and call performance as well suited to everyday use. Third, it points to the design and long battery life as things rarely expected at this price point.
ASCII.jp's overall verdict is that the Buds Neo offers performance beyond its cost, with no compromise on design.
What to watch: whether the Buds Neo reaches buyers outside Japan, and how its noise cancelling and call quality hold up against rivals in the same price range.
