Nothing Ear (3) launched with a case that talks back, walkie-talkie style

Nothing has launched its flagship Ear (3) TWS earphones, with global sales kicking off on September 25. In typical Nothing fashion, the Ear (3) leans on design to cut through the crowd, but this time, it’s the charging case that takes the spotlight. Intrigued? Read on to know more.

Nothing Ear (3) launched: Hardware with intent

The familiar transparent shell of the case now carries a brushed aluminium trim and, more importantly, a built-in microphone with a Talk button. Nothing calls this setup the ‘Super Mic’; essentially, they’re a second pair of microphones tucked inside the case.

Thanks to beamforming tech and the case’s ability to mimic the positioning of a traditional handheld mic, the Super Mic can filter out everything but your voice. The effect feels futuristic, like talking through a walkie-talkie from another era, while still using your earbuds. Support is limited for now, working with in-app calls on Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, WhatsApp and WeChat.

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Paired with the Nothing Phone’s Essential Space, the case can actively join conversations, moving beyond its usual role as a silent charger. It’s a subtle but significant twist on how accessories are expected to behave.

The earbuds themselves get practical upgrades. Each side has three microphones and a bone-conduction sensor, designed to make calls sound clearer and less tinny. Active Noise Cancellation has been reworked to cover a broader range of frequencies, a step up from the Ear (2) and Ear (a).

Sound is driven by 12 mm dynamic drivers tuned for balance, avoiding the over-bass approach of many rivals. Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC support, and a low-latency gaming mode round out the connectivity features.

Battery performance is strong, too. Nothing promises 10 hours on the buds and 38 with the case. A 10-minute charge adds another 10 hours, and wireless charging is supported. The semi-in-ear fit is unchanged, keeping the buds lightweight for long listening sessions.

Nothing Ear (3) price and availability

The Ear (3) is priced at $179 (Rs 15,800 approx.) with global availability from September 25. Nothing says the India launch will follow shortly.

The Ear (3) is more than an iterative spec bump. By giving the case a direct role in user interaction, with the Super Mic at its core, Nothing is rethinking what even the smallest part of your tech setup should do. What are your thoughts about the Nothing Ear (3)? Drop a comment to let us know!