Sony has announced a significant upgrade to its budget-friendly wireless earbuds, the WF-C710N, which now boast improved active noise cancellation (ANC), longer battery life, and several premium features borrowed from its higher-end offerings. The new earbuds are available for preorder at $119.99, the same price as their predecessors.

One of the major complaints about the previous WF-C700N earbuds was their lackluster ANC, which struggled to remove anything beyond low-frequency hums and rumbling. Sony has addressed this issue by utilizing dual microphones to enhance both ANC and ambient sound mode performance. Although the company hasn't employed the dedicated ANC processors found in its premium earbuds, the upgrade is expected to provide a noticeable improvement.

Battery life has also seen a significant boost, with the WF-C710N earbuds offering up to 8.5 hours of playback with ANC turned on, and up to 30 hours when paired with their charging case. Turning off ANC extends battery life to up to 40 hours. Quick charging has also been improved, with just five minutes in the charging case providing an hour of playback.

The WF-C710N earbuds have adopted touch sensors, replacing the physical buttons found on the WF-C700N. These sensors can be configured in a mobile app to control music playback, answer calls, adjust volume, or launch a preferred music app. Additionally, the earbuds feature IPX4 water resistance, allowing them to withstand splashes but not complete submersion. They can also connect to two Bluetooth devices for seamless switching.

Other premium features that have trickled down from Sony's higher-end earbuds include a sensor that automatically pauses playback when the earbuds are removed from the user's ears. The WF-C710N are available in black, white, pink, and a new transparent blue color option.

The upgrade to the WF-C710N earbuds demonstrates Sony's commitment to providing high-quality, affordable audio solutions. With its improved ANC, extended battery life, and premium features, the WF-C710N are an attractive option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich wireless earbud experience without breaking the bank.

The availability of the WF-C710N earbuds at the same price point as their predecessors is a testament to Sony's focus on delivering value to its customers. As the wireless earbud market continues to evolve, Sony's latest offering is likely to remain a competitive force in the budget-friendly segment.