Rob ⚡️
Wanted to add my perspective on Transparency Mode for Ear products:
I want to preface this feedback by sharing my love for Nothing! You all make awesome products and I’m just so grateful you guys push boundaries and against the norm!
That being said, let’s get into it:
I still stand by Ear (1) having the superior Transparency Mode to date; wide soundstage, perfect clarity, absolutely felt like I wasn’t wearing earbuds at all.
When I purchased Ear (2), I found that Transparency Mode was given “less priority” over the other welcome improvements. I found it to be a noticeable downgrade vs Ear (1), and was JUST enough clarity for me to keep the product, but barely. I wish I knew this before purchasing, but ultimately I kept them. The other improvements outweighed returning them.
When I purchased Ear (2024), Transparency Mode was shockingly bad. I thought maybe I had an issue; no problem! I’ll reset them and try again, tech isn’t easy!
Still extremely muffled and a huge downgrade from Ear (2), which was a downgrade from Ear (1). I felt really let down by this. I was really excited to support Nothing again, and I was optimistic that the successor to Ear (2) would bring Transparency Mode back to the level Ear (1) achieved as a first-gen product.
As of today, a new firmware update is available, which addresses a variety of feedback, most importantly: Transparency Mode.
My honest impressions of this update are that it’s a small step in the right direction, but still work to be done.
It’s a noticeable “difference” in terms of EQ: more of a focus on natural mids than treble, less bass, which is objectively better, but this can also be subjective depending on the user. The soundstage still doesn’t let anywhere near the same range/amount of noise in as Ear (1) by a large margin, I still feel like I’m definitely wearing earbuds. It is closer to the level of Ear (2), but there’s still a gap in between.
For a newer product, I just don’t think there should be downgrade in any area of development.
I just wish more than anything that Transparency Mode matched the quality of Ear (1). I’m not sure if there were any hardware or software compromises made for Ear (2) or Ear (2024), I understand there are sometimes trade offs, but I just wish this were the case. These products are SO close to being incredible.
This feedback isn’t meant to undermine every other AWESOME thing these products do! I just want to shed light on a feature I value, others value, and a feature that needs more attention for these products to be truly considered “AirPods Killers” as such.
For now, I’m going to hold onto Ear (2024), but I’m afraid they will return to Nothing if there isn’t any indication of acknowledgement of this feedback or further improvement.
I want to thank Nothing again for existing in the first place; you’re genuinely one of my favorite companies, full stop. You guys saw the landscape, knew what to do, and you’re doing it.
I also want to personally thank Rob for everything he does here, it doesn’t go unnoticed, the community engagement is great!
Finally, I want to thank Carl for personally posting about Transparency Mode improvements, as well as feedback in general, on X. That was amazing to see a CEO address an arguably small gripe that users are having. Thank you Carl!
I’m happy to give any additional feedback or info if necessary, I want to make sure I provide value more than just criticism 🙂
