Sony is bringing back one of its iconic Walkman-era headphones with the MDR-3R. The new wired headphones modernize the original MDR-3 with USB-C connectivity and updated features.

Introduced in 1979, the original Walkman and MDR-3 headphones helped popularize portable music listening. The MDR-3R carries that legacy forward with a familiar design and modern conveniences.

The headphones retain the original’s lightweight, open-ear construction. They also feature interchangeable blue and orange ear pads. Sony even gives the packaging and instruction manual a design inspired by the original model.

The MDR-3R connects to compatible smartphones and other devices through USB-C. Users can listen to music without charging, pairing, or installing updates. A built-in microphone and in-line remote also make calls and playback controls more convenient.

Sony equipped the headphones with the same 23mm driver units as the original MDR-3. The company also tuned them to closely reproduce the original’s sound signature. They deliver balanced audio, natural vocals, and the emotional richness associated with Sony headphones.

Sony MDR-3R gets a Stranger Things edition

Sony is also launching a special MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. The collaboration celebrates the 1980s inspiration shared by the Walkman era and Netflix’s popular series.

Inspired by Max’s signature headphone style and the mysterious Upside Down, the special edition features exclusive design details. These include an engraved Stranger Things logo and custom packaging.

Sony also considered environmental impact when developing the headphones. Approximately 25 percent of the plastic used in the product comes from recycled materials. The packaging is also plastic-free.

Price and availability

Sony has opened preorders for the MDR-3R and MDR-3R Stranger Things Edition. Availability and pricing vary by market.

In the United States, the standard MDR-3R costs US$59.99, while the Stranger Things Edition costs US$79.99. The standard model is available through Sony and authorized retailers.

In Singapore, both models will launch in December 2026. The standard MDR-3R costs SG$89, while the Stranger Things Edition costs SG$129. Both are exclusive to Sony Stores and Sony Store Online.

In the Philippines, Sony has yet to announce local pricing and availability. Based on US pricing, the headphones would cost approximately PHP 3,500 for the standard edition and PHP 4,700 for the Stranger Things Edition, before local taxes and retail adjustments.

UGREEN has launched the ClipBuds Pro 2, a pair of open-ear wireless earbuds designed for clear calls, immersive audio, and AI-powered productivity.

The earbuds feature a six-microphone system, support for high-resolution wireless audio, and AI-powered translation across more than 130 languages. They also offer up to 46 hours of battery life with the charging case.

Clearer calls in noisy environments

The ClipBuds Pro 2 uses four microphones and two bone-conduction Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) sensors to improve voice pickup during calls. The VPU sensors detect vibrations when the user speaks, helping distinguish their voice from surrounding noise.

Combined with AI-enhanced noise reduction, the system is designed to minimize interference from office chatter, traffic, and wind. UGREEN says the earbuds can maintain clear voice pickup in environments with noise levels reaching 75dB.

Open-ear design with high-resolution audio

Each earbud weighs approximately 6 grams and uses a C-shaped bridge with a 0.5mm memory-titanium core. The flexible design adapts to different ear shapes while distributing pressure for a more comfortable fit.

The open-ear design leaves the ear canal unobstructed, allowing users to hear their surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.

For audio, the ClipBuds Pro 2 features custom 11mm dual-magnet titanium-composite drivers, Hi-Res Wireless certification, and LDAC support. It also offers a bass mode for stronger low frequencies and spatial audio for a wider soundstage.

UGREEN collaborated with four-time Grammy Award winner Terri Lyne Carrington to tune the earbuds’ sound profile, aiming for a balanced presentation of vocals, instruments, and rhythm.

Directional acoustics also help reduce sound leakage, making the earbuds more suitable for shared spaces such as offices and cafes.

AI translation and meeting features

Beyond audio playback and calls, the ClipBuds Pro 2 includes AI-powered productivity features. These include simultaneous translation and face-to-face translation across more than 130 languages, as well as live recording, transcription, and AI-generated meeting summaries.

The earbuds use speech recognition and AI models, including GPT and Gemini, to support these functions.

Dual-device connectivity also lets users switch between a laptop and smartphone without repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting their earbuds.

Price and availability

The UGREEN ClipBuds Pro 2 has a suggested retail price of US$99.99. In the Philippines, the earbuds are listed on the UGREEN Official Shop on Shopee for PHP 4,499.

The company has yet to announce official Philippine availability details.

The Anker soundcore AeroClip 2 is now available in the Philippines. These open-ear clip-on earbuds combine lightweight comfort, AI-powered call technology, and an IP57 rating for everyday listening, workouts, and commutes.

Unlike conventional earbuds that sit inside the ear canal, the AeroClip 2 clips onto the outer ear. This design allows users to listen to music and take calls while remaining aware of their surroundings.

Lightweight design for all-day comfort

The soundcore AeroClip 2 weighs just 6.2 grams per earbud. Its open-ear clip-on design is engineered to stay securely in place during daily activities, including commuting, walking, and exercising.

Anker developed the earbuds using a database of more than 2,000 ear profiles and tested them on over 1,000 users. The earbuds have also undergone more than 10,000 flex tests to assess their durability.

Immersive audio with customizable sound

The AeroClip 2 features 12mm dual-magnetic drivers, Hi-Res Audio certification, and LDAC support for compatible Android devices. Users can also personalize their listening experience through soundcore’s HearID 5.0 technology.

Its open-ear design allows users to enjoy music and podcasts without completely blocking out ambient sounds. This makes the earbuds suitable for everyday listening and outdoor activities where environmental awareness remains important.

AI-powered call clarity

For users who frequently take calls while commuting or working outside the office, the AeroClip 2 features soundcore’s THUS AI chip and 6-Sensor Call Technology.

These technologies are designed to isolate the user’s voice and reduce distracting background noise during calls.

The earbuds have also received a Guinness World Records certification as the “World’s Clearest Open-Ear Clip-On Earbuds for Calls.”

Nap Mode for quick breaks

The AeroClip 2 includes a Nap Mode that lets users listen to offline white noise through the earbuds.

Price and availability in the Philippines

The Anker soundcore AeroClip 2 is now available in the Philippines for PHP 9,995. It comes in four colors: Burgundy Red, Midnight Black, Cloud White, and Mist Blue.

Customers can purchase the earbuds through Anker’s official stores on the following platforms:

• Shopee: Anker Official Store | Anker Authorized Store PH
• Lazada: Anker Official Store | Anker Authorized Store PH
• TikTok Shop: Anker Official Store | Anker Authorized Store PH | Anker soundcore

The AeroClip 2 is also available through authorized Anker stores and retail partners nationwide.

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