What's Different: Gen 2 Enhancements
1. Noise Cancellation & ANC Algorithm
Improved ActiveSense ANC: The Gen 2 uses AI-driven ActiveSense algorithms that adapt more smoothly to sudden loud sounds (like sirens or passing traffic), offering noticeably better isolation than Gen 1.
Call Quality Boost: Gen 2 earbuds incorporate AI-powered noise suppression (inspired by hearing-aid tech), providing markedly clearer voice calls even in noisy environments.
2. Wireless Charging
Gen 2 adds wireless (Qi) charging capability for the case—a major convenience upgrade. Gen 1 lacks this feature.
3. Design Tweaks & Hygiene
Ear-wax guard on the eartip nozzles helps prevent earwax buildup and eases cleaning and maintenance. A small but thoughtful physical improvement.
Almost visually identical design, aside from the wax guard and an occasional new color like Deep Plum.
4. Connectivity & Controls
Multipoint Bluetooth pairing allows seamless switching between two connected devices (both Gen 1 and Gen 2 support this, but transistorized improvements may be present in Gen 2).
Touch-control toggling now allows you to disable accidental pad touches via the app.
5. Audio & Features
Immersive Audio / Spatial modes remain, delivering wide soundstage and spatial placement. Feature is available on both.
Sound quality is comparable, delivering warm, rich audio with strong bass—neither generation has radical improvements here.
Battery life remains about 6 hours per charge, ~24 hours total with the case. Immersive Audio may reduce active time.
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Summary Table
Feature Gen 1 (Original) Gen 2 (2nd-Gen) Enhancements
ANC & Adaptive Algorithms Excellent, but slightly less smooth Smoother transitions, AI-powered improvements
Call Quality Very good Even clearer with AI noise suppression
Wireless Charging No Yes, Qi wireless charging for case
Ear-wax Guard No Yes, easier cleaning/hygiene
Touch Control Customization Basic Can disable via app
Multipoint Connectivity Yes Yes (enhanced possibly)
Sound / Immersive Audio Excellent Equally excellent with similar tuning
Battery Life ~6h earbuds / ~24h total Same ~6h / ~24h
Design Chunky, familiar form-factor Nearly same, minor tweaks (colors, guards)
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Review Highlights & Perspective
What Hi-Fi?: Declared Gen 2 the winner for ANC and call quality improvements.
TechRadar & Tom’s Guide: Noted the updates are incremental—if you have Gen 1 and you're happy with it, upgrading isn’t urgent. But for new purchases or replacements, Gen 2 makes more sense due to its refinements.
HomeTheaterReview: Emphasizes that while the Gen 2 isn’t ground-breaking, the upgrades—wireless charging, smoother ANC, AI call clarity—are well executed.
Users (Reddit): Some reported little to no difference in fit or ANC in casual comparison, though others noticed improvements in call or ANC performance.
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Should You Upgrade or Buy?
Upgrade? If you're using Gen 1 and wireless charging plus better call clarity matter to you—Gen 2 is worthwhile.
Buy fresh? Go with Gen 2. It adds key convenience and performance tweaks without raising MSRP (still around USD $299).
Save money? Gen 1 prices have dropped significantly in sales—if you can find them for a good deal and don't mind missing wireless charging, they’re still excellent earbuds.