Modern earbuds often highlight their impressive number of microphones, enhancing call clarity and noise cancellation capabilities. However, the newly announced Nothing Ear 3 takes a unique approach by featuring microphones located not in the earbuds, but in the charging case itself. This innovative design includes two microphones, integrated into what Nothing refers to as the “Super Mic” system.
Activated by a prominently placed “Talk” button on the side of the case, the Super Mic allows users to make calls, record voice notes, or jot down memos within the AI-powered Essential Space on Nothing phones. However, it’s essential to note that the earbuds must be out of the case and connected to your phone for this feature to function. Although this limitation may reduce the versatility of the Super Mic, Nothing claims that users can expect clearer audio from the case’s microphones compared to the earbuds’ built-in mics, potentially making this feature worthwhile.
Initial testing of the Ear 3 has not shown a significant improvement in call clarity due to the Super Mic. Further evaluations will be conducted before the comprehensive review is released next week. The Super Mic is also positioned to capitalize on the growing trend of handheld lavalier microphones, particularly for platforms like TikTok. However, there are notable limitations; Nothing has confirmed that Super Mic does not function with the default camera applications on either iOS or Android. It will be compatible with select third-party video apps, such as Blackmagic.
Andrew Freshwater, the head of global smart products marketing at Nothing, stated, “Most of these apps default to the phone’s native microphone and don’t give users the option to select another input. That’s an OS and app-level decision, not ours. We’d love to see this flexibility opened up so more people can benefit from Super Mic.”
Beyond the Super Mic innovation, the Ear 3 continues the tradition of midrange earbuds established by previous Nothing models. They feature a semi-transparent design available in black or white, showcasing clear plastic that reveals the technical components inside. Both the earbuds and the charging case are now reinforced with metal parts, which Nothing claims enhance durability and antenna performance.
The Ear 3 is equipped with 12mm drivers that deliver high-quality sound, supporting features like spatial audio, LDAC Hi-Res, and a personalized equalizer based on an in-app hearing analysis test. Battery performance is rated at five and a half hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, and a total of 22 hours when considering the charging case. While these figures are adequate, they do not stand out in the competitive market of wireless earbuds. Additionally, the Ear 3 supports wireless charging.
One potential source of confusion for consumers is the naming convention of the product. Following the release of Ear 1 and Ear 2, the line took an unexpected turn with the release of simply "Ear" last year, and now returning to the numerical sequence with Ear 3. This inconsistency may raise concerns about the company’s branding strategy.
Despite potential naming confusion, the Ear 3 is priced at $179, with preorders opening today and a full release scheduled for September 25th. As the market for wireless earbuds continues to evolve, the innovations introduced by Nothing in the Ear 3 could redefine user expectations for sound quality and functionality.
