Nothing Ear (Stick) Review: Fine Sound, Funny Fit

“Nothing shall come of nothing.” As it seems, that’s not precisely true. William Shakespeare might proceed to have a extra acute deal with on the human situation than every other author, however he merely can’t be relied on relating to the world of shopper electronics.

Nothing is beginning to imply one thing. Yes, the promise the corporate made when it launched—to do the unconventional, to “disrupt” or to “shake up,” or to in any other case put the frighteners on the incumbent and complacent class-leading manufacturers—might at this level appear to be a lot chin music, provided that Nothing’s product portfolio consists of 1 Android smartphone and (as of proper now) two pairs of wi-fi headphones. Still, it’s arduous to argue that Nothing merchandise aren’t easy, enticing and (comparatively) inexpensive. And, on this trade, “mildly interesting” positively counts for one thing. So what if opening a brick-and-mortar retailer in London’s Soho is hardly probably the most unconventional transfer for a model to make? This isn’t the place to dwell on Nothing’s orthodoxy. It’s the brand new Ear (stick) we’re right here for.    

Nothing describes the Ear (stick) as a “half-in ear” design. In truth, the broad design, which fits with out silicone eartips and as an alternative depends on a fastidiously ergonomic form on the enterprise finish to maintain the earbud in place, is strongly harking back to the unique Apple AirPod. Apple, after all, is an organization that’s used to seeing its many and varied improvements shamelessly appropriated by much less ingenious producers. But, till now, nobody has appeared all that eager on copying the design of the AirPod. Almost actually as a result of its “one size fits no one” design is about as removed from the Cupertino firm’s best hour because it’s attainable to get.  

The level of Ear (stick) is to really feel much less intrusive than the extra typical, extra invasive (and, let’s be trustworthy, safer) in-ear design. A per-earbud weight of simply 4.4 grams and dimensions of 30 x 19 x 18 mm actually counsel they’ll be no form of burden to put on (so long as they keep in place, after all.)

“Design” is a giant a part of the Nothing identification. So the Ear (stick) journey in a cylindrical charging case that’s impressed by the cosmetics trade. The prime portion, which additionally homes a USB-C enter and a “Bluetooth pairing” button, turns to rotate the earbuds within the barrel with a purpose to make them accessible. The case, just like the earbuds themselves, makes liberal use of clear plastic in what Nothing has shortly established as its default aesthetic vocabulary. Nailing a design that appears particular person whereas nonetheless being recognisable as “what it is” can’t be simple, and Nothing (in addition to Teenage Engineering) is to be applauded for the design job on the Ear (stick) package deal. 

Standard Specs

Design will solely carry you to this point, although. True wi-fi “half-in” earbuds have a job to do, in any case. Happily, Nothing has given the Ear (stick) the form of technical specification that makes them aggressive, in just about each respect, with their main price-comparable rivals.