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Huawei FreeBuds 6 Review: How Open-Ear Earbuds Finally Got ANC Right

The Huawei FreeBuds 6 have arrived, and as someone who’s been testing them extensively alongside the FreeBuds Pro 4, I wanted to share my experience. Can open-ear earbuds with dual drivers truly compete with traditional in-ear designs? How does Huawei’s approach to ANC work without the benefit of ear tips that made the Pro 4 so effective? These questions drove my weeks of testing across different environments and musical genres.

Designer: Huawei

Huawei has refined nearly every aspect of open-ear design with the FreeBuds 6, improving fit, sound quality, and ANC performance without losing the natural awareness that makes this form factor so appealing. The dual-driver system combines an 11mm dynamic driver with planar magnetic technology, creating a soundstage that feels surprisingly full and dimensional for an open design. What struck me most during extended listening sessions was how the FreeBuds 6 maintain their position and comfort over hours of wear, though in a fundamentally different way than the Pro 4’s memory foam tips.

The curved, ergonomic design follows the natural contours of your ear, creating a secure fit that feels both stable and weightless. Testing them during workouts, commutes, and long work sessions revealed their versatility as true all-day companions, though with different strengths than their sealed counterparts. The big addition here is Active Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design, and I was initially skeptical about how effective it could be without the ear tip seal that makes the Pro 4 so capable in noisy environments.

However, Huawei’s Intelligent Dynamic ANC 3.0 system genuinely surprised me with its ability to reduce ambient noise while maintaining the open, natural feel that makes these earbuds so comfortable for extended wear. While they can’t match the Pro 4’s isolation capabilities, they offer something the sealed design cannot: complete environmental awareness without sacrificing audio quality.

Design and Ergonomics

Huawei has created something visually distinctive with the FreeBuds 6, taking a completely different approach from the Pro 4’s understated elegance. The curved, sculptural form factor immediately sets them apart from conventional stem-based designs and even from Huawei’s own in-ear models. This design choice serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, creating earbuds that look more like modern art pieces than typical tech accessories.

The charging case continues this design philosophy with its own unique aesthetic, departing from the Pro 4’s more traditional approach. Rather than the typical pill-shaped cases we’ve grown accustomed to, Huawei has crafted something that feels more like a piece of modern art. The case’s smooth curves and premium materials create a satisfying tactile experience, while the magnetic closure provides reassuring feedback. Available in three colors – Black, White, and Purple – the FreeBuds 6 offer options ranging from understated to bold, with the Purple variant making a particularly strong statement.

Each earbud weighs just 4.5 grams, making them among the lightest premium earbuds available and noticeably lighter than the Pro 4. The weight distribution feels balanced, and the curved design prevents the earbuds from working loose during movement. The FreeBuds 6 have held up well durability-wise, carrying the same IP54 rating as the Pro 4, making them resistant to dust, sweat, and moisture across various daily conditions.

The ergonomic advantages become clear during extended use. Unlike the Pro 4’s memory foam tips that create a seal, the FreeBuds 6 rest naturally in your ear without pressure buildup. This open design eliminates the fatigue that sometimes accompanies extended use of in-ear models, allowing for truly all-day comfort. The curved form factor follows the natural contours of your ear, creating stability without the need for ear tips or constant adjustment.

Performance

The audio performance of the FreeBuds 6 caught me off guard. After months with the Freebuds Pro 4, I expected compromise, but these earbuds deliver something different rather than diminished.

Bass response became the first pleasant surprise. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” delivered low-end presence that open-ear designs usually struggle with, though it approaches bass differently than the Pro 4’s sealed chamber effect. The bass feels controlled and punchy without drowning out vocals. Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” made it impossible not to move along with its infectious groove, energy intact despite the open design. The 11mm dynamic driver handles these low frequencies with authority while the planar magnetic driver takes care of high frequencies with precision that surprised me during extended listening sessions.

Hip-hop testing revealed the dual-driver system’s strengths. Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” showcased the earbuds’ ability to separate heavy sub-bass from intricate vocal delivery, while The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” maintained its retro-synth energy without sacrificing clarity. The planar magnetic driver’s contribution becomes evident in these modern productions, delivering crisp highs and detailed textures that add dimension to contemporary music.

Jazz recordings highlighted where the FreeBuds 6 shine compared to the Pro 4’s more intimate presentation. Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” sounded natural and spacious, with instruments positioned clearly within the soundstage. The lack of ear tip seal creates a more natural acoustic presentation that many listeners will prefer to the closed-off feeling of traditional in-ear monitors. John Coltrane’s saxophone on “So What” had breathing room it deserves, with subtle details and harmonics clearly audible in ways that feel more natural than sealed environments. This open approach transforms how you experience classic jazz, making it feel like a live performance rather than a studio recording played through tiny speakers.

Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb” pushed the FreeBuds 6 through complex arrangements and wide dynamic ranges. Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” tested their capacity for vocal layering and orchestral complexity. The open-ear design provided space that complemented these epic compositions, though without the deep bass extension that sealed designs provide for the heaviest moments.

Electronic music showcased the extended frequency range beautifully, with Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” revealing production layers that lesser earbuds miss. Deadmau5’s “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” provided the sub-bass foundation that makes electronic music compelling, though with less physical impact than the Pro 4’s sealed design. Radiohead’s “Everything In Its Right Place” demonstrated the FreeBuds 6’s ability to handle atmospheric electronic textures while maintaining vocal clarity through complex sonic landscapes. Alternative tracks like Radiohead’s “Creep” and Arctic Monkeys’ “Do I Wanna Know?” showed how the open-ear design maintains emotional weight while providing clarity for production nuances.

The Active Noise Cancellation represents a significant achievement for open-ear design. My experience in Japan highlighted their capabilities during daily commutes on Tokyo’s subway system, where the ANC proved remarkably effective at reducing constant train rumble and crowded platform chatter. Walking through busy districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, the noise cancellation handled the complex mix of traffic, construction, and urban activity with competence that surprised me.

Japan’s unique acoustic environment tested the FreeBuds 6 in ways I hadn’t anticipated. High-pitched station announcements, melodic crossing signals, and constant city hum all became manageable background elements rather than distractions. The ANC system adapts dynamically to these changing conditions, maintaining audio clarity while allowing important sounds like approaching trains or crossing signals to remain audible for safety. This balance proved essential for navigating unfamiliar urban environments safely while still enjoying high-quality audio.

The bone conduction microphone technology proved valuable for calls, whether speaking with colleagues from busy Tokyo streets or taking calls while walking through quieter residential areas. Voice quality remained consistently clear, and the open-ear design allowed me to maintain awareness of my surroundings.

Sustainability

The FreeBuds 6 prioritize longevity over disposability. Huawei built these earbuds with modular components that allow professional replacement when needed, while the IP54 rating ensures they survive daily wear for years rather than months.

Battery health receives intelligent management through optimization features that prevent overcharging and extend overall life. The case delivers 24 hours total with ANC enabled, while quick charging provides 2.5 hours of playback from 5 minutes of charging. This reduces charging cycles and extends battery longevity over time.

Packaging uses recycled materials with minimal plastic waste. The curved design distributes stress more evenly than traditional shapes, reducing failure points that lead to premature replacement. USB-C compatibility ensures long-term usability as the industry standardizes on this connector, eliminating the need for proprietary charging solutions.

Material choices focus on durability rather than planned obsolescence. The construction quality and thoughtful engineering suggest these earbuds will remain functional long after cheaper alternatives have failed, making them a more sustainable choice despite their higher upfront cost.

Value and Wrap Up

The FreeBuds 6 deliver compelling value in the premium open-ear segment, offering a different value proposition than the Pro 4’s sealed design excellence. Priced competitively against Apple’s AirPods 4 with ANC, they offer comparable features with some distinct advantages, particularly for users who prioritize environmental awareness over maximum isolation. The dual-driver system provides audio quality that rivals more expensive options, while the advanced ANC implementation brings noise reduction capabilities that seemed impossible in open-ear designs.

The feature set justifies the price point through practical daily benefits that complement rather than compete with the Pro 4’s strengths. Multipoint connectivity allows seamless switching between devices, while codec support including LDAC ensures high-quality audio from compatible sources. Touch controls respond accurately once you learn the proper placement, and the AI Life app provides customization options that enhance the user experience.

For users seeking open-ear comfort with high-quality audio performance, the FreeBuds 6 represent a compelling choice that serves different needs than the Pro 4’s sealed excellence. They excel in daily scenarios where situational awareness matters, while the Pro 4 dominates in environments requiring maximum isolation. The distinctive design sets them apart both visually and functionally, creating earbuds that feel like a mature product rather than a compromise.

The FreeBuds 6 succeed in areas where many open-ear designs fall short, though they approach audio differently than the Pro 4’s sealed perfection. Their dual-driver system delivers bass depth and clarity that rivals sealed earbuds, while the advanced ANC implementation provides meaningful noise reduction without sacrificing the natural openness that makes this form factor so appealing. Testing them across various musical genres and daily situations revealed their versatility as true all-day companions that enhance rather than isolate your listening experience.

Where the Pro 4 excels in creating an immersive, isolated listening environment perfect for flights and focused work, the FreeBuds 6 shine in maintaining connection to your surroundings while still delivering exceptional audio quality. Both represent different approaches to premium wireless audio, with the FreeBuds 6 proving that open-ear design can deliver serious performance when executed thoughtfully.

The post Huawei FreeBuds 6 Review: How Open-Ear Earbuds Finally Got ANC Right first appeared on Yanko Design.

World’s smallest gaming mouse has high-end hardware that’ll make opponents sweat

Gamers know the importance of having the right hardware to gain a tactile advantage over opponents. The mouse is one of those vital peripherals that lets you have the slight advantage when points are slipping away on the leaderboard. High sensitivity on the knife’s edge is another attribute of a good gaming mouse for impressive KDR in FPS games. Not to forget the importance of weight, less is always more in the case of a gaming mouse.

YouTuber Juskim wanted to create a custom mouse for gamers who want everything up their alley. In the process, he ended up creating together a gaming mouse that is unofficially the world’s smallest as far as we know. Given his affinity for tiny peripherals, the tiny size was an eventuality. Earlier this year, he put togetherthe world’s lightest wireless mouse (not a gaming mouse to be precise), and now he has built this one to be even smaller and lighter at just 15 grams.

Designer: Juskim (YouTube)

The key to the lightweight credentials while reducing the already mini size is the 3D-printed skeletonized frame that has structural strength to take on the onslaught of the most animated gamers who like to vent out their emotions amidst intense gaming action. To improve the surface grip, the creator added texture. The PCB fitted onto the frame is smaller than the previous wireless mouse. To make it a complete package that’s worthy of zero nitpicks, Juskim sealed the deal with a PAW3395 sensor having a 8KHz sampling rate (up to 26K DPI resolution) for precise inputs. Since the sensor is used in high-end gaming mice, you’ll be assured of prime input control. On top of that, the wireless gaming mouse has up to 650 IPS (Inches Per Second) tracking speed, and handles 50g acceleration with ease.

All the hardware is secure inside the 3D-printed housing; including components like buttons, battery and charging circuit. While everything else seems top-notch from the DIY built video, there’s one fundamental flaw that may let the whole thing down. Yes, you guessed it right – the small size leaves very little real estate for a good grip while gaming. Just imagine playing a high-octane battle in a multiplayer game with this small mouse. Of course, a standard-sized gaming mouse can be put together with all these components, but where’s the fun in that? Of course, that can be easily worked around with a bigger shell that houses this small mouse to get a normal form factor. Nonetheless, the DIYer needs to be appreciated for the unique creation, and there were no corners cut as far as the hardware goes to achieve the small size. We hope he at least gets his space in The Guinness Book of World Records.

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Transform Your Pixel 3 XL into a Linux-powered Clamshell Cyberdeck

Turning an old phone into a pocket-sized workstation is something that never gets old for DIY enthusiasts. If you have a Google Pixel 3 XL lying around, there’s a clever way to bring it back into daily use. By combining it with Kali NetHunter, a Linux distribution famed for its security features, and a Bluetooth keyboard, you end up with a compact tool that’s perfect for those who enjoy tinkering, hacking, or just having a portable command center at their fingertips.

The real beauty of this project is how it transforms a familiar smartphone into a fully functional palmtop device. With a custom 3D-printed clamshell case, the Pixel 3 XL now pairs up with a folding keyboard for a setup that’s both portable and practical. It feels like carrying a mini laptop, but it’s far easier to slip into a bag or even a jacket pocket, making fieldwork or on-the-go troubleshooting so much simpler.

Designer: Sergiy Gordienko

Even though the Pixel 3 XL isn’t the newest phone on the block, it’s still got plenty of power for the tasks at hand. Installing Kali NetHunter opens up a world of network analysis and penetration testing, turning this old handset into a valuable gadget for security experimentation, among other things. The folding case design means you can pop it open, start typing, and get to work almost instantly, which is great when you need to act fast.

The first version of this build focused on a tough, rugged look, but assembling all those pieces could get complicated. While it definitely stood out with its two-tone color scheme, the original design had a fair share of parts to put together. For anyone who loves customizing their gear, it was a fun challenge, but there’s always room to make things easier without losing that cool factor.

When designing the next version, the aim was to keep assembly as straightforward as possible. By reducing the number of 3D-printed components, it becomes much less of a puzzle to put together. The updated panel shapes not only keep things looking sharp but also provide handy spots for attaching external cards and accessories, so you can expand your setup whenever you want.

One of the best tweaks in the latest design was moving the phone right to the center of the lid for better balance. The sections meant to tie down cables or cards with plastic have been removed, which helps streamline both the look and the build process. The newly modified upper panel gives the device a cleaner appearance, and it’s now well-suited for printing with durable PETG filament.

Another improvement worth mentioning is the upgraded lock slider, which addresses earlier issues where the sliders would sometimes fall out when opening the device. That little upgrade makes the entire deck feel sturdier and more reliable. With these refinements, the Pixel 3 XL NetHunter C-deck is not just a neat weekend project, but a genuinely useful pocket computer that’s easy to build and even easier to take anywhere.

The post Transform Your Pixel 3 XL into a Linux-powered Clamshell Cyberdeck first appeared on Yanko Design.

C-Q Sand Robot concept can help stop coastal erosion

Coastal erosion is a growing problem for seaside towns all over the world. Waves and storms wash away sand, causing some beaches to get narrower. Not only does this threaten the beauty of our beaches, but it can also damage local wildlife habitats and even put buildings and roads at risk. You see steep drop-offs where sand once gently sloped down to the water. Sometimes, sandbags are used as a temporary fix, but these solutions rarely last. The constant battle to keep sand on our beaches is both costly and labor-intensive.

To tackle this problem, designer Miyeog K looked to the ocean itself for inspiration. One fascinating creature, the sea cucumber, plays a vital role in its ecosystem by eating sand, digesting it, and then releasing cleaner, aerated sand back into the environment. This helps keep the ocean floor healthy. Enter the C-Q Sand Transport Robot, a concept for a futuristic robot designed to “eat” and move sand, just like a sea cucumber, but much faster and more efficiently. With its sleek, rounded body and sturdy treads, the C-Q looks like something out of a science fiction movie, yet its purpose is very down-to-earth.

Designer: Miyeog K

The C-Q robot moves on four tracks, allowing it to travel easily over soft, shifting sands and even underwater. At the front, it has a scoop and intake system that gathers sand from areas where it’s piling up or causing problems. It can carry sand inside its body as it moves to places that need replenishing, specifically eroded sections of a beach. At the back, the C-Q gently releases the sand in a steady stream, helping to rebuild the beach naturally. The C-Q is designed to work around the clock, even at night. Its onboard sensors and cameras let it navigate safely and do its job without disturbing people or wildlife.

The robot’s design isn’t just for looks. Its durable, waterproof shell and efficient movement system means it can work both on land and underwater, making it ideal for the dynamic environment of the shoreline. The C-Q is intended to be electric-powered, so it won’t pollute the beach or ocean. Traditional beach restoration is expensive and requires heavy machinery, which can damage delicate ecosystems. The C-Q concept offers a gentler, more sustainable approach. It can help replenish sand exactly where it’s needed, protecting beaches, wildlife, and coastal communities and you don’t even need constant human supervision.

While the C-Q is still a concept, it shows how creative thinking and inspiration from nature can lead to smarter solutions for environmental problems. Imagine a team of these sand robots quietly working along our coasts, keeping beaches beautiful and resilient for future generations. And yes, we just need to lie down and sunbathe and let them do their job. Hopefully, no sand transport robots will rise up and become our overlords.

The post C-Q Sand Robot concept can help stop coastal erosion first appeared on Yanko Design.

Orange Amps O Turntable in White Gloss Finish: Beautifully Engineered for your vinyl

When premium design meets precision engineering, you get something as exciting and inducing as the O Turntable. The brainchild of iconic British guitar amp maker Orange Amps, the turntable is the first from the company, yet is built with music aficionados in mind who yearn for high-fidelity vinyl sound. The turntable is designed and created based on decades of experience in audio performance, which Orange Amps has managed on stage since 1968, when the company made its first guitar value amplifier.

Since revolutionizing the guitar valve amplifier design and sound technology, our favorite amp company has come a long way. It now makes consumer audio devices, including headphones, award-winning Bluetooth speakers, and of course, all kinds of amps for musicians. With the launch of the O Turntable, Orange has added another feather to its cap and entered a new product category, which, with the O Turntable is surely going to experience some change.

Designer: Orange Amps

If you look back in time; the kind of experience Orange Amps entails, one would actually expect some sort of retro-modern impression on the turntable. However, the iconic brand has taken a very contemporary approach, the O Turntable blends modern convenience with audiophile-level features you’d expect from the company. Built from scratch in the UK, this plug-and-play device borrows the goodness of a record player and brings Orange’s sound heritage from the stage to your drawing room.

To ensure that, the interestingly designed O Turntable flaunts a white gloss plinth overlaid with a ‘Voice of the World’ slipmat. The turntable has a belt-driven deck and features a 23mm high-mass phenolic platter, which according to the company, assures very smooth rotation and speed stability, courtesy of the flywheel effect that is actually possible in very expensive models. The vibration for stable sound playback is further controlled by the use of a custom PCB and aluminum pulley on the 24V low-noise synchronous motor. There is also an auto-bias tonearm and moving magnet phono stage built into the O Turntable, so it is ready to play right from the word go.

The clean, lifestyle-oriented appearance of the turntable is maintained by the power switch hidden underneath the plinth. Its versatility, however, is assured by its compatibility with a wide range of audio devices that include the Orange Pyramid System. If you want a high-fidelity partner for your vinyl collection, that doesn’t break the bank, you can trust the O Turntable. It is slated to go on sale, through Orange Amps, in late July, starting with the USA, and followed by other countries. The glossy white vinyl player will set you back £499 (approximately $699) and come stored in a transparent glass box.

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