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NTT Sonority unveils nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones with active noise leakage suppression

NTT Sonority unveils nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones that actively block sound leakage. (Image source: NTT Sonority)
NTT Sonority unveils nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones that actively block sound leakage. (Image source: NTT Sonority)
NTT Sonority has unveiled the nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones with active noise leakage suppression. The open design allows wearers to hear emergency warnings and critical sounds. Active phase cancellation technology reduces sound leakage to prevent annoying others nearby.

NTT Sonority has launched the nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones with active noise leakage suppression. The suppression technology reduces the amount of music emanating from the 12 mm dynamic drivers from reaching the wearer's surroundings.

The open design allows wearers to hear the surrounding environment, especially emergency alarms and crying babies. The active phase cancellation technology called Personalized Sound Zone helps reduce sound leakage that would otherwise annoy others nearby.

The nwm Dots have a frequency range of 80 Hz to 20 kHz. The Dots utilize proprietary NTT voice technology called Magic Focus Voice, which utilizes beamforming with the dual MEMS microphones along with spectral voice separation, to clearly transmit the wearer’s voice during calls in noisy environments. The Dots connect to audio devices over Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint wireless connections. A smartphone running the nwm Connect app can adjust the equalization, update the firmware, and adjust other earbud settings. The nwm Dots earbuds weigh 0.56 oz. (16 g) for the pair and have an IP54-rating for dust and water resistance.

The charging case for the Dots provides four additional full recharges of the earbuds, which have a runtime of eight hours. Full charging takes one hour while a quick charge of five minutes provides an hour of runtime. The charging case itself takes two hours to recharge. The case measures 3.5 x 2.1 x 1.2 in. (88.7 x 52.1 x 29.6 mm) and weighs 2.3 oz. (65 g).

The nwm Wired has a frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz. The Wired connects to audio devices with a 3.5 mm headphone jack attached to a 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) cable. The earphones have an impedance of 16Ω and a maximum input power of 40 mW. This model uses only an ECM microphone with no spectral voice separation capability. The nwm Wired weighs 0.56 oz. (16 g) and has an IPX4-rating for water resistance.

The nwm Dots have an MSRP of 24,200 yen (~$150) and the nwm Wired has an MSRP of 4,950 yen (~$30). Both are available for purchase today in Japan and will be available shortly from the nwm store on Amazon US. Readers wanting open-ear, over-the-ear headphones with dual drivers can pick up the nwm One from Amazon US.

The nwm Wired can be used all day long without the need for recharging. (Image source: NTT Sonority)
The nwm Wired can be used all day long without the need for recharging. (Image source: NTT Sonority)
The nwm Dots have an eight hour runtime and can be recharged four times using the charging case. (Image source: NTT Sonority)
The nwm Dots have an eight hour runtime and can be recharged four times using the charging case. (Image source: NTT Sonority)

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Multi-use model "nwm DOTS" and entry-level model "nwm WIRED" to be released Activity model "nwm GO" to be released in spring 2025

Against the backdrop of the expansion of the open-year market, the "Ear Spy" lineup is expanded.

NTT Sonority Corporation

20th November 2024, 1:00 pm

NTT Sonority Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Hiroshi Sakai, hereinafter referred to as "NTT Sonority") has launched the open-ear completely wireless ear speaker "nwm DOTS", which is a multi-use model, from the NTT Group's first acoustic brand "nwm", which is based on the concept of "co-being" rather than immersion. The entry-level model "nwm WIRED," an open-ear wired ear speaker, will be available sequentially from November 20, 2024 (Wednesday). In addition to the official nwm store, it can be purchased at Amazon directly managed stores, Rakuten Ichiba directly managed stores, electronics mass retailers, etc. In addition, the open-ear neckband wireless ear speaker "nwm GO", which will be an activity model, will be released next spring.

With the change in lifestyle due to the Corona disaster, earphones are now a part of our lives, regardless of the scene, from remote work to private life. A survey of 500 headphone users conducted by the company in October revealed that about 40% of them use earphones or headphones for more than three hours every day. In this way, the new lifestyle that has taken root during the Corona disaster is continuing, regardless of the place of work or environment, and the market for Open Year is expected to expand in the future.

Therefore, as a further expansion of the lineup of open-ear earphones "ear speakers" that "coexist" with the needs of the times, we will announce and release three new products with a wide range of price variations and usage scenarios according to lifestyles and life stages.

The nwm DOTS open-ear completely wireless ear speaker combines an iconic circular design with a chic two-tone color to tickle the playful spirit of adults. Equipped with NTT's core sound manipulation technology, you don't have to worry about sound leakage even though you don't block your ears, and in online meetings, you can cut out noise and deliver only your voice clearly. The driver has been newly developed, and both sound quality and sound pressure have been greatly improved compared to the previous model. It is a multi-use model that is ideal not only for listening to music but also for making calls, and can be worn all day long, regardless of whether it is on or off. The distinctive two circle motifs and the product name "nwm DOTS" contain the message that "dots connect and coexist."

The open-ear wired ear speaker "nwm WIRED" is priced at 4,950 yen (tax included) so that even those who want to try open-ear earphones and young people can easily pick them up. While pursuing cost performance as an entry-level model of ear speakers, the newly developed driver improves sound quality and sound pressure compared to the old model. We have a selection of basic and pastel colors so that both young and old can choose the color that suits their taste. Since it is wired, you don't have to worry about delays or running out of charge, making it ideal for online meetings, as well as for gaming and watching videos.

The open-ear neckband wireless ear speaker "nwm GO" is a model developed for nwm's first activity. Until now, based on the concept of "coexistence", we have been developing with an awareness of business use such as online meetings, but we focused on the compatibility between open ears and activities. We have newly developed an ear speaker that makes you want to use it as a companion for hobbies and play. We are particular about sound quality that is satisfactory even in open ears, natural wearing and operability, and coloring that blends in with activity fashion. You can listen to your favorite sounds while moving your body, hear environmental sounds, and communicate comfortably with your friends. As the name "nwm GO" suggests, it is a product that enhances positive feelings and improves the quality of activities.

■ [Sequential release from November 20, 2024] Multi-use model open-ear type

completely wireless ear speaker "nwm DOTS"

< product points>

[1] Listening, talking, and free. It is equipped with a double core technology that manipulates sound.

Born from solving the problems of communication and communication, it is equipped with a double core technology that manipulates sound. NTT's unique "PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)" technology, which traps sound in the ear without blocking the ears, does not cause sound leakage to be a concern even though it is open-eared.

NTT's patented "Magic Focus Voice" technology, which cuts out ambient sounds and delivers only your voice, reduces stress caused by the sound of the other party in calls and online meetings.

[2] Sound pressure and sound quality are greatly improved. It is also lightweight and light to wear.

Although it is the same 12mm diameter speaker as the previous model, the sound pressure and sound quality have been greatly improved by a newly developed driver with a completely new design. It's open-eared, yet delivers a powerful audio experience.

It is also about 8g per ear, which is 12% lighter than the previous model. In addition, the silicone hook that can be gently hung on the ear ring and the three-size tail tip that can be fixed according to the thickness and shape of the ear pursues a light and stable wearing comfort.

[3] An iconic design using circles that tickles the playful spirit of adults.

Following the design of the flagship model "nwm ONE", the speaker part adopts the iconic design of a circle motif. Based on a basic black color that is easy to use on and off, you can casually express yourself in a two-tone combination of chic accent colors.

The charging case is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and it is not bulky in a bag. The inner surface of the lid is in the same color scheme as the accent color, with the MWM embossed logo.

< specs>

Official name

Open-ear true wireless ear speaker

"nwm DOTS"

color

Stone White, Charcoal Black

Mustard yellow, burgundy red, moss green

price

Open price (estimated market price: ¥24,200 (tax included))

Release Date

Charcoal Black, Stone White

Released on Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Mustard yellow, burgundy red, moss green

Released in early December 2024

Model

Dynamic Types

Units used

Caliber 12 mm

Frequency Playback Band

80 Hz 〜 20,000 Hz

Bluetooth® Version

Bluetooth Ver.5.3

Bluetooth Class

Class 1

Supported Bluetooth Profiles

A2DP,HFP,AVRCP,TMAP,PBP

Supported Codecs

SBC,AAC,LC3,CVSD,mSBC

microphone

MEMS (Omnidirectional)×2

battery

Li-ion Battery

Continuous playback time (when playing music)

Body: up to 8 hours,

Including charging case: Up to 32 hours *1

Charging time

Body: about 1 hour,

Charging case: Approx. 2 hours *1

5 Minutes Charging Playtime

Approx. 1 hour

Dustproof and waterproof standards

IP54 equivalent

material

Hook: Silicone,

Front case: PC+ABS

Multi-pairing

10 units *2

Multipoint

Up to 2 units *2

size

Body: W41.2 mm × H33.9 mm × D18.6 mm

Charging case: W88.7 mm × H52.1 mm × D29.6 mm

mass

Body: Approx. 8.0g (excluding one ear and tail tip),

Charging case: about 65g

accessory

Tail tip S size x2,

Tail tip L size x2

The above specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

*1 Varies depending on usage conditions and usage environment. *2 Combination and operation with all Bluetooth-enabled devices are not guaranteed.

[Trademarks] The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by NTT Sonority Corporation is under license. nwm is a registered trademark or trademark of NTT Sonority Corporation. Other system names and product names mentioned in this manual are generally registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

< product page>

nwm DOTS (Stone White, Charcoal Black)

nwm.global/products/dots *On sale from 11/20 (Wednesday)

nwm DOTS (mustard yellow, burgundy red, moss green)

nwm.global/products/dots-preorder *Released in early December 2024. Pre-orders are now being accepted

■ [Released on November 20, 2024] Entry-level open-ear

wired ear speaker "nwm WIRED"

< product points>

[1] Make your work style more open. Stress-free with PSZ technology.

NTT's unique "PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)" technology, which traps sound in the ear without blocking the ears, does not cause sound leakage to be a concern even though it is open-eared.

It is a wired type that can be used without worrying about charging, and is intended to be used in all scenes such as online learning and online meetings. You don't have to worry about lag, so it's perfect for gaming and watching videos.

[2] While improving sound quality and sound pressure and reducing weight, it has excellent cost performance.

Although it is the same 12mm diameter speaker as the previous model, the sound pressure and sound quality have been greatly improved by a newly developed driver with a completely new design. It's open-eared, yet delivers a powerful audio experience. The weight is about 7.2g (not including cord) in both ears, which is 20% lighter than the 9g of the previous model. It is the lightest weight in NWM history and is more comfortable to wear. The cable has also been improved to make it less likely to get tangled. While making improvements, we pursued cost performance so that everyone who is "concerned about open ears" can easily pick it up.

[3] With a wide variety of colors, you can use it for yourself or as a gift.

Following the design of the flagship model "nwm ONE", the speaker part adopts the iconic design of a circle motif. We have a selection of basic and pastel colors so that both young and old can choose the color that suits their taste.

The package is a complete craft specification that does not use any staples. With a coloring that links to the color of the earphone body, we aimed for a design that makes you want to give it to someone.

< specs>

Official name

Open-ear wired ear speaker

「nwm WIRED(3.5mm)」

Price (tax included)

Open price (estimated market price: ¥4,950 (tax included))

Release Date

November 20, 2024

color

dark brown, white-beige, navy blue,

Mint Green, Coral Pink

Model

Dynamic Types

Units used

Caliber 12 mm

Output sound pressure level

87 dB

Maximum frequency band

100 Hz ~ 20,000 Hz

Maximum Input

40 mW

impedance

16 Ω

Cord Length

1.2 m

microphone

ECM (Omnidirectional)

plug

3.5mm 4-pole stereo mini plug (gold-plated)

material

Ear hooks: Polypropylene

Earpiece: ABS

mass

Earphones only: Approx. 7.2 g (binaural, not including cord)

Total: Approx. 16 g (including cord)

Dustproof and waterproof

IPX4

The above specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

< product page>

nwm WIRED https://nwm.global/products/wired

■ [Scheduled for Spring 2025] Activity Model Open-Ear Wireless Neckband Ear Speaker "nwm GO"

Official name

Open-ear wireless neckband ear speaker "nwm GO"

Release Date

Scheduled to be released in spring 2025

* Specific product information and release date are scheduled to be announced in 2025. The above specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

■ NTT Sonority's two core technologies for manipulating sound

PSZ Technology

― Confines sound and suppresses sound leakage

NTT's unique "PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)" technology* reconciles the ultimate contradiction. The principle is that when a waveform with a 180-degree phase inverted (reverse phase) is superimposed on a certain sound wave (positive phase), the sound disappears. The unique hardware design allows the sound to stay in a certain area near the ear, so it suppresses sound leakage to the surroundings without blocking the ears.

Magic Focus Voice

– Get the sound you need, just the clarity

NTT's patented technology "Magic Focus Voice"* was developed based on a thorough understanding of the characteristics of voices. Hybrid processing uses two technologies: "beamforming" that uses the time difference between the sound reaching two microphones to recognize the acoustic space and identify the speaker, and "spectral filter" that removes noise and extracts only the voice. It cuts out the sounds around you and delivers only your "voice".

* This technology was developed by NTT Computer & Data Science Laboratories.

About "NWM"

nwm is the NTT Group's first audio brand that was created to seamlessly connect one's world with the world around them in a changing lifestyle. Based on the concept of co-existence rather than immersion, we are developing products and services that utilize core technology that manipulates sound. To date, nwm has developed three types of earphones with different types of earphones, including wired, neckband, and completely wireless, as an open-ear device "ear speaker," and in July 2024, it released its first flagship model, the overhead type "nwm ONE."

About NTT Sonority

Established on September 1, 2021 as a company engaged in acoustics-related businesses using cutting-edge acoustic signal processing technology. Using three technologies: sorting sound, trapping sound, and finding specific sounds, we provide products and services that create a comfortable acoustic space for each person in various scenes such as business and private life. In 2022, the acoustic brand "NWM" was announced. In about two years, we have created five acoustic devices based on two core technologies that manipulate sound, and have greatly contributed to the improvement of ear problems and QOL. Even though it is an earphone, it has grown into an acoustic brand that solves the world's problems with sound technology through the development of the ear speaker "Ear Spi", a new experience that looks like a speaker.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 11 > NTT Sonority unveils nwm Dots and nwm Wired open-ear earphones with active noise leakage suppression
David Chien, 2024-11-21 (Update: 2024-11-21)