Wireless earphones have become essential accessories for anyone active and on the go including music lovers, students and office workers. Even though people have listened to music through wired earphones for decades, the arrival of wireless ones rapidly changed people’s behavior thanks to the freedom of movement, ease of connection and wealth of features packed into their compact frame.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds series distinguishes itself from other wireless earbuds available on the market through enhanced sound quality, comfortable fit and a smarter sound experience powered by Galaxy AI. Samsung Newsroom revisited the history of the Galaxy Buds series — a device that has become a must-have item with smartphones.

[2019] Galaxy Buds

Focusing on the Essentials: The Beginning of Galaxy Wireless Earbuds

In February 2019, Samsung launched the wireless Galaxy Buds for consumers who value a more convenient and exciting lifestyle. Accented with a glossy texture and round design, the wearable was compact enough to conveniently fit into the user’s pocket. The earbuds could also be secured with wingtips once placed in the ear, so they don’t slip out during intensive exercise.

However, the most impressive feature was sound quality — the essence of earbuds. Samsung focused on enriching audio so users could hear crystal-clear sound regardless of their environment. The Galaxy Buds featured technology from Harman’s premium acoustic brand AKG to deliver a rich auditory experience that resembled the original sound. Adaptive Dual Microphone technology was another key to the clear sound quality whereby two mics located on the inside and outside of each earbud adjusted to ambient noise. Users could expect smooth sound quality even when taking phone calls in noisy public places.

The portable Galaxy Buds boasted a long-lasting battery life. On a single charge, these earbuds provided up to 6 hours of play time or up to 5 hours of talk time. In addition, users could enjoy up to 13 hours of music playback with a dedicated charging case. Through the Galaxy S10’s Wireless PowerShare feature, the Galaxy Buds could be charged using the smartphone as well.

[2020] Galaxy Buds+

Clearer Sound, Longer Hours of Use

Introduced in February 2020, the Galaxy Buds+ showcased enhanced sound quality. Featuring 2-way speakers with a tweeter for crisp, clear highs and a woofer for powerful bass, these earbuds created a balanced sound. The three mics — one inside and two outside — reduced external noise while capturing the user’s voice accurately to allow for clear communication in any environment.

The Galaxy Buds+ provided up to 11 hours of play time on a single charge. Users could enjoy 11 additional hours with the charging case for a total of 22 hours. Through Android and iOS device compatibility, more people could enjoy the latest features of the Galaxy Buds+.

[2021] Galaxy Buds Pro

Evolved Noise Canceling, Dressed in Sustainable Materials

As a response to the expanding wireless earbuds market, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds Pro in January 2021. Offering premium performance, these wearables highlighted the intelligent Active Noise Canceling (ANC) feature — reducing background noise significantly so users can dial the world up or down. When the Buds Pro recognized a user’s voice, the device would automatically switch to Ambient sound and adjust the music volume. By reducing unnecessary noise, users could tune into what they really wanted to hear.

For unparalleled sound quality, Samsung innovated both the interior and exterior design. The new structure minimized the effect of wind for clearer sound, and the 2-way speaker delivered dynamic audio across the entire sound range. By incorporating recycled polycarbonate (PC) into some components of the earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Pro provided the same level of performance and durability as the original but in a new, sustainable design.

[2021] Galaxy Buds2

Smaller, Lighter Earbuds in Sync With Life

Samsung launched the smallest and lightest earbuds in the Galaxy Buds series with Galaxy Buds2 in August 2021. Each earbud only weighed 5 grams, making the wearable perfect for users with active lifestyles. Equipped with 2-way dynamic speakers, Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and a new machine learning-based solution that responded to different noise levels, the Galaxy Buds2 effectively blocked out background noise during phone calls to deliver a clear voice to the person on the other line.

Since earbuds are used throughout the day, the Galaxy Buds2 offered ear tips in three sizes and an Earbud Fit Test to ensure users could comfortably wear the device for long periods. If the earbuds didn’t fit snugly, the test result would indicate a “poor fit” and give users instructions on how to adjust. The Auto Switch feature allowed users to freely and conveniently switch connection between their Galaxy devices including smartphones, watches or tablets without disconnecting their Galaxy Buds2 each time.

[2022] Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Taking Immersive Sound to the Next Level: An Expansion of Seamless Connectivity

Released in August 2022, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offered the most immersive sound experience in the Galaxy Buds series. Complete with High-Dynamic Range and wireless 24-bit high fidelity (Hi-Fi) audio, the earbuds reimagined how users listen to music. The 360 Audio Recording feature allowed users to vividly capture surrounding sound on smartphone-recorded videos, delivering multi-dimensional audio that makes users feel as if they are actually inside the video.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro earbuds were designed to be 15% smaller with an ergonomic design, so users could watch media content more comfortably. Extending beyond the realm of mobile devices, the wearable “can” be connected to a Samsung TV but can automatically connect to a paired smartphone if a call is received while watching. When the call “is” finished, the earbuds would seamlessly reconnect to the TV.

The Next-Generation Galaxy Buds Will Be…

This February, Samsung released a software update for the Galaxy Buds series. Now, users can enjoy the Galaxy S24 series’ AI technology along with various other hands-free AI features on the Galaxy Buds series. In addition, the update strengthened the Samsung device ecosystem experience by connecting the Galaxy Buds series to more products including the Galaxy Book4 series, Samsung TVs and more.

Though sound cannot be seen, it has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories and stimulate people. As the Galaxy Buds series constantly evolves to reflect the values and needs of users, Samsung is changing the listening experience by delivering earbuds with comfortable wearability that produce quality sound and expand connectivity. The Galaxy Buds series will continue to serve as a friendly medium — allowing users to enter a new world of sound every time they wear their earbuds.

At Samsung, we design meaningful, human-centric innovations that offer people greater control and more enriching experiences in their daily lives. Through a variety of Galaxy features — from simple, easy devices gestures to auditory assistants and vision enhancements — we strive to open access to technology that works for people of all abilities.

To celebrate this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, let’s take a look at some of these features and how we continue to bridge barriers.

Making the Galaxy Experience More Accessible

Adding Clarity With Relumino Mode

Born out of Samsung’s in-house incubator, Relumino Mode was designed to improve the lives of those with low vision by increasing the visibility of on-screen text and images. This feature enhances the screen’s contrast and brightness and sharpens image outlines and shapes, enabling users to easily discern content on their devices.

To understand our users’ perspectives and needs, we collaborated with advisors with low vision, researchers, engineers, programmers and testers to develop a solution for inclusive visual displays. Relumino Mode is the product of years of research and development to advance Samsung’s goal of providing “Screens for All” and improving the viewing experience for those with limited vision. This new feature is available in the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and beyond.

From following a ball during a sports match to reading smaller text on a news broadcast, Relumino Mode¹ helps users with low vision to connect with the world and enjoy content that matters most to them.

Enabling Relumino:

Providing Audio Descriptions With TalkBack

The TalkBack² feature, also known as Voice Assistant, is designed to help users with low or no vision to get the most out of their device experience without looking at their screens. This feature transforms Galaxy smartphones and tablets into an intuitive audio interface. As users navigate their devices, Talkback can provide speech feedback for anything they touch, highlight or select, such as menus, emails and notifications. TalkBack shortcuts can also be enabled for more seamless navigation.

Navigating the screen is simple. With easy-to-use gestures, such as Swipe Left, Double Tap or Use Two Fingers To Scroll, TalkBack provides users the freedom to control their devices conveniently.

Turning on TalkBack:

1) Launch the Settings app, and then select Accessibility

2) Tap TalkBack

3) Tap the switch to activate TalkBack

Bringing Media to Life With Live Captions

Live Captions³ helps those who are hard of hearing to follow their favorite media and audio content effortlessly. The feature transcribes audio as it plays through the device in real-time. With Live Captions, users can better enjoy videos, podcasts, phone and video calls, audio messages and voicemails.

Live Captions are available in English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.⁴

Activating Live Captions:

1) Open Device Settings

2) Tap on Accessibility

3) Tap on Hearing Enhancements

4) Turn on Live Caption

Fostering Inclusivity Through Accessories and Wearables

Amplifying the World With Ambient Sound

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro features an Ambient Sound setting that adapts background noise at five levels of amplification,⁵ designed to cater to a diverse range of needs and situations. This feature gives users the ability to customize how they want to hear and experience sound. From making a conversation more audible to increasing the noise of traffic at a crosswalk, the Ambient Sound feature allows users to participate in social interactions while being aware of their surroundings.

Setting up Ambient Sound:

1) Insert both Buds into your ears

2) Open the Galaxy Wearable app

3) Tap on Earbud settings

4) Tap on Accessibility

5) Tap the Ambient Sound button

Reimagining Your Galaxy Watch With Universal Gestures⁶

Universal Gestures offers an innovative way to use your Galaxy Watch touch-free. With four intuitive gestures, Make Fist, Make Fist Twice, Pinch and Double Pinch, users can navigate their Galaxy interface, open apps, scroll messages and more, without needing to push down or touch the screen with force.

Prompting Universal Gestures:

1) Open Device Settings

2) Tap on Accessibility

3) Scroll to the Interaction and Dexterity Section

4) Turn Universal Gestures on

A Better World for Everyone

Samsung is on a journey to advance a more inclusive and sustainable future through our innovations and open collaborations, and will continue to take steps in delivering accessibility features to our devices, so more people can enjoy what our Galaxy products have to offer. The work does not end here.

For more information, visit our Galaxy Mobile Accessibility page.

¹ Relumino Mode is available on Galaxy S24 series operating on One UI 6.1 or above.
² Talkback is available on all Galaxy smartphones.
³ Live Caption is available on Galaxy smartphones with 4GB memory or higher.
⁴ Additional languages will be available in coming updates.
⁵ Additional two levels can be activated in the Laboratory — Ambient Sound menu under Earbuds settings in the Galaxy Wearable app.
⁶ Universal Gestures is available on Galaxy Watch6, Watch5 and Watch4 series with One UI 5 Watch.

Whether it’s listening to your favorite music, or simply tuning into — or tuning out — your surroundings, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers the ultimate in sound for everyone. As we recognize Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Samsung is committed to helping those who are hard of hearing better enjoy the sounds of the world around them with the introduction of new enhanced Ambient Sound.

Making Technology More Accessible and Inclusive

Previously available at three levels of customization, the updated Ambient Sound feature — which gives users the ability to listen to and stay aware of their surroundings — now adds two additional levels, offering five levels of amplification¹ and providing the benefit of improved hearing to even more users.

To assess the feature’s efficacy,² a clinical trial was undertaken by the University of Iowa’s Hearing Aid and Aging Research Laboratory. Their research concluded that Galaxy Buds2 Pro significantly improved speech perception in those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A similar trial conducted by Samsung Medical Center also found that the Galaxy Buds2 Pro could be an effective tool to help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to better communicate in a quiet place.

Bringing New Levels to Audio Customization

With this improved feature, Galaxy Buds2 Pro users can also fine tune their Ambient Sound settings across a variety of needs. Users can adjust the volumes on the left and the right respectively, as well as customize their Ambient Sound tone range from soft to clear across five different stages. Additionally, Ambient Sound can tune to users’ ears through the Adapt Ambient Sound feature, allowing for even more clarity in helping users hear the world around them better.

“We are excited to be introducing the new enhanced accessibility feature of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro to users on Global Accessibility Awareness Day,” said Han-gil Moon, Master and Head of Advanced Audio Lab, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung will continue to work to help each and every user experience the best possible audio anytime, anywhere with their Galaxy Buds2 Pro.”

Availability

The enhanced Ambient Sound feature will be progressively released on Galaxy Buds2 Pro via software updates in the coming weeks.³

¹ Accessed in the Laboratory menu under Earbuds settings in the Galaxy Wearable app.
² Clinical trials by the University of Iowa and Samsung Medical Center were conducted with the Ambient Sound feature at its maximum level (Level 5).
³ Availability may vary by market, carrier and model.

With so much content available at our fingertips, wireless earphones have a unique ability to improve users’ daily lives. Packed with cutting edge software and hardware, wireless earbuds have become an “all-in-one” audio solution that deliver a rich sound experience no matter where you are.

The well-loved Galaxy Buds series has returned with the powerful Galaxy Buds Pro, offering a new standard for wireless earphones. With cleaner call quality, active noise canceling, and a comfortable ergonomic design, Galaxy Buds Pro bring listeners closer to their audio than ever before. We were curious to find out what would happen when an audio expert tried out Galaxy Buds Pro, so Samsung Newsroom sat down with Sung Yonjin, editor-in-chief of “High-Fi Magazine,” to find out his thoughts on Samsung’s newest earphones.

Capturing the Texture of Sound for Clearer Audio Quality

The most important feature for earphones will always be their sound quality. With dynamic vocal range, and an organic, smooth balance for natural sounding audio across genres, Galaxy Buds Pro’s biggest advantage is clean, clear sound.

These earphones really delivered on the low pitches, with drum kicks hitting clear and punchy. Their ability to deliver on the deep sounds makes them perfect for tracks with heavy bass. Sounds in the middle range were warm and rich, while the high-pitched sounds carried surprising detail and openness. Where Galaxy Buds Pro really shined was in capturing things like sharp but fine vocals and the texture of violins without missing any of their warmth.

Galaxy Buds Pro also have an excellent ability to recreate the spatiality of sound. In the case of classical music, they reenacted the sound of deep brass instruments and the voice of a choir all while capturing the feeling of hearing the music in a concert hall. At the same time, they proved able to deliver on the minute details of a performance with clarity.

Dual concentric drivers also play a major role in delivering a sense of space with Galaxy Buds Pro. The earbuds are equipped with a two-way driver consisting of 6.5mm tweeter and 11mm woofer. Samsung has developed an all-in-one two-way driver that places the tweeter at the center of the woofer, improving sound efficiency and raising sound quality to a new level. Galaxy Buds Pro prove that wireless earbuds can deliver clean and clear studio-like sound.

Active Noise Canceling: Hear the Sounds You Want, Not the Ones you Don’t

Galaxy Buds Pro are loaded with functions that help deliver an immersive sound experience, but perhaps the most notable is Active Noise Canceling.

A must-have feature for high-performance wireless earphones, Galaxy Buds Pro do Active Noise Canceling especially well by allowing users to focus on the audio they want without feeling like they’re simply having their ears plugged.

The beauty of Galaxy Buds Pro’s natural noise canceling comes through in the low-pitch range. Active Noise Canceling works to cancel out unwanted sounds by generating sound waves that have the same wavelength as the external noise but move in the opposite direction. While other earphones tend to focus on eliminating noise in the mid-to-low band frequency, Galaxy Buds Pro cover a wider spectrum, eliminating unwanted sounds in the high-pitch range as well. At 118Hz, 99 percent of noise was removed, leaving only a clean sound no matter what your taste in music calls for.

Smart Conversation Detection and Better Call Quality

We’ve all struggled through that awkward moment of removing our headphones and interrupting our music to talk with someone. Galaxy Buds Pro take a unique approach to solving this problem. Equipped with a conversation detecting function, they automatically turn on Ambient Sound by recognizing your voice when you start speaking. This makes it possible to communicate with people around you even when your music is playing. If Galaxy Buds Pro then detect that you haven’t spoken in a while, they’ll assume your conversation has ended and go back to Active Noise Canceling. They can even adjust external volume levels, so small sounds can be amplified to a maximum of 20 dB if necessary, much like how a hearing aid works.

There is also a noticeable improvement in call quality. Galaxy Buds Pro use three microphones to get the job done, including a high-sensitivity microphone and voice pickup unit. When used indoors, they matched the quality of a speaker and microphone on a smartphone, and when used in noisier environments like subways and buses, it was still possible to have clean and clear calls without a drop in quality. Meanwhile, Galaxy Buds Pro’s windshield chamber and mesh coverings also stop wind from cutting through your calls, allowing you to talk worry free, even if you find yourself in some harsh weather.

Game Mode & 360 Audio: Immersive Viewing & Gaming Experience

The job of earbuds has grown more complicated in recent years. Users demand more than just crisp call quality and rich music experiences as they also seek better audio for games and movies. Galaxy Buds Pro are uniquely equipped to meet those demands with the Game Mode that reduces the delay time often felt when using Bluetooth devices, so that your game screen and sound remain perfectly in sync. Features like Sound Play set the Buds Pro apart when it comes to live gaming situations where accurate real-time audio is crucial to the experience.

The 360 Audio feature also adds a sense of immersion while watching movies and other videos. The technology tracks the movement of the user’s head, so it can accurately arrange sound on a virtual landscape. This ensures that sound remains centered and accurate, and that the user stays immersed in the experience even when moving around.

With their comfortable fit, best-in-class sound quality, unique design, and a long list of functions, Galaxy Buds Pro are the perfect companion for users that want to immerse themselves deep into their audio experiences —anytime, anywhere.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or policy of Samsung Electronics.

Samsung Electronics announced today that it is bringing new connectivity features to Galaxy Buds through a software update, available starting today.¹ Previously available on Galaxy Buds+, the features allow Galaxy Buds users to now go completely wireless and take their music more easily than ever before – whether it’s on a run, at your workspace or around your home.

Here’s a look at how these new features will enable you to do more with your Galaxy Buds.

Easily Pair Galaxy Buds with Your PC

With Microsoft Swift Pair feature, you can now more easily pair your Galaxy Buds to your Windows 10-based PC.² This allows you to utilize Galaxy Buds’ innovative sound quality on work-related tasks, such as remote video meetings, or listening to the music that helps you power through the workday. With the addition of Swift Pair compatibility, Galaxy Buds join Galaxy Buds+ to support multiple pairing experiences across mobile and PC devices,³ giving you the freedom to easily connect to, and switch between, your favorite devices.

Tune In, or Out, of the World Around You

With this update, and for the first time on Galaxy Buds, you can now experience Ambient Sound⁴ automatically. By simply putting your Buds on, you can now hear your surroundings and remain aware of the world around you, even when you’re watching movies or listening to your favorite tunes with the volume up. In addition, you can now experience Ambient Sound even with only one earbud in, giving you more options of how you tune in, or tune out, of your surrounding environment.

Instantly Listen to Your Personalized Playlist with a Single Press

Spotify users can now instantly listen to personalized music on their Galaxy Buds with a single press. Through a simple ‘Tap & Hold’ gesture, users can launch Spotify and start listening to music where ever you left off.⁵ Not feeling it? Tap and hold again and Spotify will recommend playlists just for you so you can effortlessly discover your new favorite song through your Galaxy Buds. With these updates, you can start playing your personal soundtrack instantly, as soon as you need it – whether you’re starting a workout or starting your day.

For more information about Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds+, please visit https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-buds/ and https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-buds-plus/.

¹ Available on smartphones running Android L OS or higher with more than 1.5GB RAM. Requires the latest version of the Galaxy Wearable app and the earbuds software.

² Available on PCs running Windows 10, version 1803 or above. Go to the ‘Bluetooth & other devices’ menu under settings on a PC to pair your Galaxy Buds.

³ Galaxy Buds support Samsung’s Easy Pair for mobile devices and Microsoft’s Swift Pair for PCs.

⁴ Ambient Sound can be pre-set and enabled through the Galaxy Wearable app, which can be downloaded via the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.

⁵ Requires pre-setup. Go to setting and ‘Touch Pad’ menu to select your preference under the Galaxy Wearable app. This feature is available to users that have installed the latest version of the Spotify app on their smartphone, subscription fees may apply for personalized music.

Featuring advanced speaker and microphone technology, all-day battery¹ and new customizable sound, navigation and fitting options, Galaxy Buds+ allow users to enjoy studio-quality audio on their terms.

A Next-Generation Sound Experience

With sound by AKG, Galaxy Buds deliver an innovative audio experience for on-the-go users, and Samsung is raising the bar once again for sound quality with the new Galaxy Buds+. In addition to AKG sound, Samsung Galaxy Buds+ are equipped with an innovative 2-way speaker system, complete with an added tweeter for richer treble and a woofer for powerful bass sounds. With Galaxy Buds+, every sound is balanced and clear, just the way it was meant to be heard.

For those who rely on their wireless headphones for phone calls and video conferencing, Galaxy Buds+ are fitted with three mics—one inner and two outer—for crystal clear voice capture. The exterior microphones use beamforming to hone in on your voice and tune out background noise so that you can always be heard, no matter where you are.

With improved Ambient Sound², users can tune out the outside world when they want to or amplify background noise when they need to stay alert by selecting from a range of new settings including low, medium, high or extra high.

No Outlet? No Problem

There’s nothing more disappointing than when wireless headphones run out of battery mid-podcast and there’s not an outlet in sight. Thanks to a powerful 85mAh battery, Galaxy Buds+ are the perfect companion for those who like to listen when on the go.

Galaxy Buds+ offer eleven hours of music playback,³ and you can double that to 22 hours just by placing them in the 270mAh wireless charging case – perfect for on-the-go listening. When users in a hurry need to recharge, quick charging capabilities can generate 60 minutes of playback in just three minutes by using wired, wireless, or device-to-device charging with Wireless Powershare⁴.

Stay in Control Easier than Ever

All-new customizable touch capabilities on Galaxy Buds+ allow users to stay in control even without their smartphone in-hand. A single tap can play or pause music; a double tap can skip to the next track or answer a phone call; and the touch & hold command can be customized to whatever other action users need the most.

For Spotify listeners, with Galaxy Buds+, you can continue listening to your favorite music instantly with a single press. Through a simple ‘Tap & Hold’ gesture, Spotify plays recommended music, curating based on your preferences.

Connectivity Meets Simplicity

Galaxy Buds+ make it easy for users to enjoy their wireless headphone experience across devices with just one simple set-up. Once paired with a Galaxy smartphone, Galaxy Buds+ are automatically available on all other devices tethered to the same Samsung account⁵.

Redefining how we experience sound, Galaxy Buds+ provide a simpler, more seamless way to listen. Now, the new earbuds are also iOS compatible so you can enjoy the latest features across more devices.

Galaxy Buds+ are always on, always connected, and always clear—so that you’re never left waiting for the content you’re craving.

¹ Average battery life of Galaxy Buds+ without charging is up to 11 hours, based on typical usage. Case provides up to another 11 hours of battery life for Galaxy Buds+ when Galaxy Buds are stored and charged between use. Battery life will vary.

² Features including Ambient Sound enabled through the Galaxy Wearable app on Android, available through Google Play Store, and the Galaxy Buds+ app on iOS devices, available through the App Store.

³ Average battery life of Galaxy Buds+ without charging is up to 11 hours, based on typical usage. Case provides up to another 11 hours of battery life for Galaxy Buds+ when Galaxy Buds are stored and charged between use. Battery life will vary.

⁴ Wireless PowerShare limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones and accessories with WPC Qi wireless charging. Check samsung.com for compatibility. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices.

⁵ Connection pop-up window will appear only on Samsung mobile devices running Android 7.1.1 or later that have the SmartThings app installed. If the popup window does not appear, update the SmartThings app to the latest version.