Danny Weber
A new Samsung headset called Galaxy Buds Able appears in One UI firmware. It features an ear-hook design with bone conduction technology for open-ear audio without blocking ambient sound.
References to a new Samsung headset called the Galaxy Buds Able have appeared in the One UI firmware. Unlike the brand's usual earbuds, this device features an ear-hook design and uses bone conduction technology, transmitting sound through cheekbone vibrations directly to the inner ear.
Instead of conventional speakers, the earbuds attach via curved hooks that wrap around the ear, making them closer to an open-ear format. This design does not block the ear canal, so users can hear audio and ambient sounds simultaneously without needing a transparency mode.
This approach does have drawbacks. Due to how the sound is transmitted, these earbuds lack the bass depth and detail of traditional models, and active noise cancellation is not possible. However, the device may offer less sound leakage and greater all-day comfort.
The new model is expected to slot between Samsung’s basic and Pro-level earbuds, launching alongside the Galaxy Fold 8 Wide. It is unlikely to replace conventional ANC-equipped earbuds but rather complement the ecosystem.
The Galaxy Buds Able target the growing open-ear segment, where products like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Huawei FreeClip already exist. Unlike competitors such as the Shokz OpenFit, Samsung is betting specifically on bone conduction rather than directional speakers.
© A. Krivonosov