Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; August 5: CMF has launched its latest open-ear true wireless stereo earbuds, the CMF Clip Pro, in select international markets. Designed with a distinctive clip-on form factor, the new earbuds combine an open-ear listening experience with a 10.8mm dynamic driver, LDAC support, AI-powered calling features and a range of smart controls. The earbuds also come with a Smart Dial built into the charging case, Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity and support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair.

The CMF Clip Pro has been introduced at a price of $99 in the US, which is approximately Rs. 9,400, while the UK price has been set at GBP 79, equivalent to around Rs. 10,100. The earbuds will be available in Dark Grey, Light Grey and Coral colour options.

CMF has confirmed that sales will begin in the US, UK and Japan from August 15 through Nothing’s official website and selected retail partners. The company plans to expand availability to Europe and other international markets from September 15. However, Indian consumers will not be able to purchase the CMF Clip Pro officially, as the company has confirmed that the earbuds will not be launched in India.

The CMF Clip Pro adopts an open-ear design built around a three-point clip structure. According to the company, this design is intended to distribute pressure more evenly around the ear for improved comfort during extended use. The C-shaped bridge incorporates an elastic titanium wire core, while skin-friendly materials have been used to make the earbuds more comfortable for everyday wear.

One of the standout features of the new earbuds is the Smart Dial integrated into the charging case. The customisable dial allows users to perform several functions without reaching for their connected smartphone. Depending on the configuration, it can be used to control music playback, adjust volume, answer calls and access other supported functions. Physical buttons are also provided on the individual earbuds for additional control.

For audio performance, the CMF Clip Pro uses a 10.8mm dynamic driver featuring a TPU and LCP diaphragm. The company has applied its own custom sound tuning to the earbuds and claims that they deliver a frequency response ranging from 20Hz to 40,000Hz. The earbuds are also Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified, positioning them as a higher-quality wireless audio option.

Bluetooth audio codec support includes LDAC, AAC and SBC. The inclusion of LDAC is particularly notable, as the codec can transmit higher-resolution audio over compatible Bluetooth connections. The earbuds also support Static Spatial Audio, five preset equaliser modes and one custom EQ mode, giving users several options to personalise their listening experience.

CMF has incorporated its proprietary Malleus algorithm into the Clip Pro. The company claims that the technology is designed to enhance bass reproduction while reducing distortion in higher frequencies. This is intended to provide a fuller audio experience while maintaining clarity across different types of content.

Calling is another major focus of the CMF Clip Pro. The earbuds feature four microphones in total, with two microphones positioned on each earbud. The microphone system works alongside a VPU-powered call processing system and Elephant Sound AI, which are designed to improve voice pickup and enhance speech clarity during calls.

The earbuds also feature a Sound Seal function aimed at reducing sound leakage from the open-ear design. The feature can be customised through the Nothing X companion application, allowing users to adjust the listening experience according to their preferences and surroundings.

The Nothing X app provides a range of additional features for CMF Clip Pro users. These include firmware updates, dual-device management, low-latency mode, custom controls and a Find My Earbuds function. Users can also customise the Smart Dial and configure gesture controls through the application.

On supported Nothing smartphones, the earbuds can also be configured to provide shortcuts for ChatGPT or Nothing AI News. This adds an additional layer of smart functionality to the earbuds and allows users to access supported AI-based services more conveniently.

For connectivity, the CMF Clip Pro supports Bluetooth 5.4 along with Bluetooth Low Energy. The earbuds are compatible with devices running Android 5.1 or later and iOS 13 or later. Other connectivity features include dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, making pairing and switching between compatible devices more convenient.

CMF has also focused on battery performance with the Clip Pro. Each earbud is equipped with a 60mAh battery, while the charging case houses a larger 475mAh battery. The company claims that the earbuds can provide up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 32.5 hours of total playback when used with the charging case.

The total playback time can reportedly increase to as much as 36 hours when Long Battery Life mode is enabled. For voice calls, CMF claims up to 6.5 hours of talk time on a single charge and up to 25 hours when the charging case is taken into account.

The charging case features a USB Type-C port for charging. CMF also claims that a quick 10-minute charge can deliver up to four hours of playback, providing a useful option for users who need additional battery life in a short period.

Durability has also been addressed with water and dust resistance ratings. The CMF Clip Pro earbuds carry an IP54 rating, offering protection against dust and splashes, while the charging case has an IPX2 rating.

In terms of dimensions, each earbud measures 30.75 x 24.84 x 18.21mm, while the charging case measures 52.1 x 51.01 x 26.69mm. Each earbud weighs approximately 5.92 grams, while the charging case weighs 38.81 grams.

With its open-ear clip-on design, LDAC support, AI-enhanced calling, customisable Smart Dial and long battery life, the CMF Clip Pro is positioned as a feature-rich alternative to conventional in-ear wireless earbuds. Its combination of lightweight construction and pressure-distributing design is also aimed at users who prefer to remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.

The CMF Clip Pro will initially reach customers in the US, UK and Japan from August 15, followed by a broader international rollout from September 15. However, despite the global launch, Nothing’s CMF brand has confirmed that the new open-ear earbuds will not be officially launched in India.