Subtle has unveiled its first noise-cancelling earbuds, expanding beyond accessibility-focused audio devices into the broader premium wearables market. The new earbuds, priced at US$199, combine active noise cancellation with voice dictation capabilities that work across apps on both mobile devices and desktop computers.
According to sources, the earbuds are designed to allow users to dictate text directly into any application, including email clients, messaging apps and document editors, without relying on platform-specific voice tools. Subtle says the feature is aimed at professionals, writers and users who prefer hands-free input, as well as people with speech or motor impairments.
The earbuds use onboard microphones and cloud-based speech recognition to process voice input, with Subtle claiming improved accuracy even in noisy environments due to its noise-cancellation system. Users can switch seamlessly between listening mode and dictation mode, making the device suitable for work, commuting and calls.
Subtle noted that the earbuds are compatible with both iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, positioning them as a cross-platform productivity tool rather than just a consumer audio accessory. The company added that privacy safeguards are built into the system, with voice data processed securely and not stored longer than necessary.
The launch marks Subtle’s latest push to blend accessibility-driven design with mainstream consumer technology, as competition intensifies in the premium earbuds market dominated by Apple, Sony and Bose.
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