Specializing in voice isolation AI for improved computer understanding in noisy settings, the startup Subtle has unveiled a new line of wireless earbuds designed to ensure crystal-clear calls and precise voice note transcriptions for users.
These earbuds were introduced by the company in anticipation of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, with U.S. shipments expected within months. Priced at $199, the earbuds include a one-year subscription to their iOS and Mac application. This app enables users to record voice notes or interact with AI hands-free, leveraging a custom chip that can activate a locked iPhone.
Subtle aims to challenge existing AI-powered voice dictation applications, including Wispr Flow, Willow, Monolouge, and Superwhisper, by enabling users to dictate within any app via their voice buds. The company asserts that their earbuds achieve five times greater accuracy compared to AirPods Pro 3 when paired with OpenAI’s transcription model.
During a TechCrunch demonstration, the voice buds effectively captured audio amidst significant background noise. Furthermore, they successfully transcribed a voice note even when Subtle’s co-founder and CEO, Tyler Chen, spoke in a whisper.
“We’re observing a significant trend toward voice as an emerging interface, widely embraced by many. Voice offers a more intuitive interaction than traditional keyboards. Yet, we noticed that voice isn’t often utilized in social settings. Our noise isolation model, integrated into our earbuds, will empower consumers to fully engage with a voice interface, even when others are present,” Chen explained to TechCrunch during a phone conversation.
In the past year, firms such as Sandbar and Pebble introduced upcoming smart rings designed for note-taking. Chen highlighted that Subtle’s earbuds, paired with their dedicated app, aim to consolidate diverse functionalities—including dictation, AI chat, and voice notes—into a single, integrated solution.
Pre-orders for these earbuds are available through the company’s website. They come in both black and white options.
To date, Subtle has secured $6 million in investment and is collaborating with consumer electronics giants such as Qualcomm and Nothing to implement its noise isolation technologies.