Latest news with #CMFbyNothing
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Raya Distribution appointed Exclusive Distributor and after-sales partner for UK Tech Innovator Nothing and its Sub-BranRayad CMF by Nothing
Cairo, Egypt - Raya Distribution, a key division of Raya Trade which is a portfolio company of Raya Holding for Financial Investments, has announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Nothing, a leading London-based consumer technology company, and its sub-brand, CMF by Nothing. Under this agreement, Raya Distribution will serve as the sole official distributor and after-sales service provider for both brands in Egypt. Through this collaboration, Raya Distribution will introduce Nothing and CMF by Nothing' products to the Egyptian market—including smartphones, wireless earbuds, and smart accessories—across its extensive network of retail and e-commerce channels. Additionally, the company will offer comprehensive after-sales support through its well-established service infrastructure. Raya distribution shall also provide customers with tailored payment solutions through its installment plans and through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Commercial International Bank (CIB Egypt), Halan, and AMAN Consumer Finance. This partnership reinforces Nothing's ongoing commitment to global expansion through strategic market entries and impactful collaborations. Egyptian consumers can soon expect the official release of a carefully selected range of devices, including the latest Nothing smartphones and CMF audio products—designed to seamlessly blend technology, style, and usability. Bassem Megahed, CEO of Raya Trade, stated: 'This partnership expands our smart technology portfolio and further strengthens Raya Distribution's position as a leading distributor in Egypt. Through our collaboration with Nothing and CMF by Nothing, we're bringing more globally recognized innovations to local consumers—delivered via a premium distribution model and supported by our extensive after-sales network. It marks a key step in fulfilling our mission to meet the evolving demands of Egypt's tech-savvy market.' Rishi Kishor Gupta, Regional Director of Nothing Middle East and Africa, stated: 'We're thrilled to mark Nothing's official entry into Egypt—an important milestone in our expansion across the Middle East and Africa. Our partnership with Raya Distribution ensures that Egyptian consumers will gain access to Nothing and CMF by Nothing's signature products through a trusted, top-tier partner. Raya Distribution's strong presence, deep market expertise, and commitment to excellence make them the ideal gateway for our vision of a more open and design-focused tech ecosystem in the region.' Raya Distribution, a key division of Raya Trade, stands as one of Egypt's leading distributors and after-sales service providers for consumer electronics, home appliances, and smart technology. Since its establishment in 1998, Raya Distribution has built strong partnerships with both global and local brands across diverse tech sectors. Today, its vast distribution network spans over 8,000 retailers through 15 regional offices across Egypt. Additionally, the company continues to invest in local manufacturing through strategic collaborations, producing home appliances for major international brands and further contributing to Egypt's technological advancement. Founded in 2020 in London, Nothing has rapidly emerged as a global disruptor in consumer technology, delivering high-performance smartphones and smart electronics defined by their design-centric philosophy and distinctive transparent aesthetics. In 2023, the company introduced CMF by Nothing—a sub-brand dedicated to offering stylish, high-quality tech at accessible prices, emphasizing Color, Material, and Finish. Nothing's debut smartphone, Phone (1), earned Time Magazine's prestigious Best Inventions award for its groundbreaking approach to smartphone design. To date, Nothing has sold more than 9 million units worldwide across its product lines, including eight audio products, eight smartphones, and two smart wearables under the Nothing and CMF by Nothing brands. With cumulative revenue exceeding $1 billion, the company develops its products in close collaboration with the Nothing Community—comprising over 8,000 private investors—while prioritizing sustainability in its designs.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Time of India
Nothing's CMF Buds 2 Plus & CMF Buds 2 are the affordable earbuds that actually get it right
In the wild west of budget wireless earbuds, where every brand promises the moon for pocket change, CMF by Nothing has quietly been building something different. Their latest duo, the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus , don't just talk a big game about premium features at affordable prices; they actually deliver on those promises in ways that feel refreshingly honest. What makes these earbuds interesting isn't just their sub-Rs 3,500 price tags, but how they've managed to pack genuinely useful features without the usual compromises that plague budget audio gear. The CMF Buds 2 at Rs 2,699 and the Buds 2 Plus at Rs 3,299 are Nothing's more affordable earbuds, one that prioritises substance over flashy marketing. This isn't about finding the "best bang for your buck" or discovering some hidden gem that "punches above its weight class." These earbuds simply work well, sounding decent, which, frankly, is exactly what most people need from their daily drivers. Two peas in a very minimalist pod by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The first thing you'll notice about both the CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus is how they've managed to look expensive without trying too hard. The squared-off minimalist design language carries over from the original CMF Buds, but everything feels more refined now. The sandblasted matte finish on both models feels smooth under your fingers, while metal accents add just enough visual interest without screaming for attention. Both earbuds sport the same basic form factor and identical IP55 ratings for dust and splash resistance, making them suitable companions for workouts or those inevitable caught-in-the-rain moments. The fit is consistently comfortable across both models, lightweight enough that you'll occasionally forget you're wearing them, secure enough that they won't fall out during moderate activity. The charging cases tell a more interesting story. Both feature that transparent corner dial that's purely decorative (though functional as a lanyard attachment point), but here's where CMF made a curious decision. Unlike their previous Pro 2 model with its beloved Smart Dial functionality, both the Buds 2 and 2 Plus have ditched the tactile control system entirely. While I appreciate these for thier simplicity, but I do also miss the convenience of case-based controls. Colour options remain playful without being juvenile, Dark Grey, Light Green, and Orange for the standard Buds 2, while the Plus model offers its own palette. Neither feels like it's trying too hard to be different, which is perhaps the most refreshing design choice of all. The sound of sensible choices Here's where the two models start to show their distinct personalities, though the differences are more subtle than you might expect from a Rs 600 price gap. The CMF Buds 2 pack an 11mm PMI driver and lean into a bass-forward but surprisingly controlled sound signature. When I played James Blake 's "Limit To Your Love," the sub-bass had proper weight without turning his vocals into a distant whisper. The low-end has presence and depth, but it doesn't bully the rest of the frequency spectrum into submission. Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker" showcased how well these earbuds handle baritone vocals, his voice maintained its gravelly authority against the instrumentation without getting lost in the mix. The treble region is where the Buds 2 show their budget roots slightly, with guitar attacks in rock tracks sounding somewhat muted. It's not offensive, just a gentle reminder that you're not wearing Rs 15,000 earbuds. The included Dirac Opteo EQ preset helps balance things out, creating a more neutral presentation that works across genres. The CMF Buds 2 Plus step up with a 12mm LCP driver and LDAC support, and the difference is immediately apparent. The same James Blake track reveals better separation between elements, with improved precision in the bass that doesn't sacrifice warmth. On Sofia Kourtesis' "Si Te Portas Bonito," the spatial depth becomes more apparent, vocals maintain their presence while the various electronic elements breathe around them rather than competing for attention. Jazz recordings like Alabaster DePlume's "Don't Forget You're Precious" really show off the Plus model's strengths. The various saxophone layers position themselves with clear separation, creating an almost holographic listening experience that's rare in this price range. The soundstage feels naturally wide even without enabling the Spatial Audio effects. Both models handle percussion well, but the Plus model's improved driver delivers kick drums and bass lines with more attack and definition. Hi-hats retain their shimmer without becoming harsh, while cymbals have the right amount of bite without making you wince. When the world gets too loud Active noise cancellation on budget earbuds is usually where manufacturers make their most creative compromises, but both CMF models deliver surprisingly effective isolation. The Buds 2 offer up to 48dB of noise reduction, while the Plus model claims 50dB, though real-world performance puts both around the 35-40dB range in optimal conditions. In practical terms, both earbuds excel in the frequency ranges that matter most. Low-frequency rumble from buses, trains, and air conditioning gets significantly reduced, making commutes and flights more pleasant. The Plus model edges ahead slightly in handling higher-frequency irritants like keyboard clacking or conversational chatter, thanks to its Smart Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment automatically. Neither of them create that uncomfortable pressure sensation that plagues some noise-canceling earbuds. The ANC feels natural and unobtrusive, doing its job without drawing attention to itself. Transparency modes on both models work well enough for quick conversations or environmental awareness, though they won't make you forget you're wearing earbuds entirely. Wind noise handling deserves special mention, both models incorporate Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 technology that actually works. Outdoor calls remain intelligible even in breezy conditions, a feature that many more expensive earbuds struggle with. App-solutely loaded with features The Nothing X app serves as command centre for both models, and it's genuinely one of the better companion apps in the budget space. The interface feels intuitive without being overly simplified, offering meaningful customisation options without overwhelming casual users. Both earbuds get access to the tri-band custom equaliser with various presets including Pop, Rock, Electronic, Classical, and Vocals. The Vocals preset consistently emerged as the most balanced option during testing, reducing bass emphasis while improving clarity for both music and spoken content. The Ultra Bass feature offers five intensity levels, though anything beyond level 3 tends to muddy the overall presentation. The Plus model introduces Personal Sound powered by Audiodo, which creates a customised audio profile based on a brief hearing test. The effect is subtle rather than transformative, but it does provide noticeable improvements in midrange clarity, particularly around the 3-5kHz range where vocal details live. Other smart features include Low Lag Mode for gaming (achieving under 110ms latency with Nothing Phones ), seamless dual device connection (though not true multipoint), reliable in-ear detection, and ChatGPT voice integration. The "Find My Earbuds" function helps locate misplaced buds by making them blink rapidly, a small but welcome addition that uses the battery indicators cleverly. Touch controls are customisable across both models, allowing independent adjustment of double taps, triple taps, and tap-and-hold gestures for each earbud. The absence of single-tap functionality feels like an odd omission, particularly for play/pause controls that most users expect to access with a quick tap. Marathon runners in tiny packages Playtime is where both earbuds genuinely impress, delivering numbers that were flagship territory just a few years ago. The CMF Buds 2 managed roughly 9 hours of playbook with ANC disabled during testing, extending to about 55 hours total with the charging case. That's legitimate week-without-charging territory for most users. The Plus model goes even further, delivering 10 hours and 22 minutes of continuous playback in testing conditions. Total battery life with the case reaches around 60 hours, making these ideal for extended travel or simply forgetting about battery anxiety altogether. Fast charging capabilities have improved significantly on both models. The Buds 2 provide 7.5 hours of listening time from a mere 10-minute charge, while the Plus model delivers over 8 hours from the same quick top-up. These aren't just marketing numbers, they're genuinely useful for those inevitable moments when you realise your earbuds are dead five minutes before leaving the house. Neither model supports wireless charging, which feels like a reasonable omission at these price points. The USB-C charging is fast enough that the convenience factor of wireless charging becomes less critical. Smart money, smarter choices The CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus represent something increasingly rare in the budget audio space: products that deliver on their promises without asterisks or excuses. These aren't earbuds that are "good for the money", they're genuinely good earbuds that happen to cost less than premium alternatives. For most users, the standard CMF Buds 2 at Rs 2,699 offer exceptional value. The combination of effective ANC, solid battery life, and balanced sound tuning creates a package that competes directly with options costing significantly more. The inclusion of Dirac Opteo tuning and spatial audio effects adds premium touches that feel meaningful rather than gimmicky. The CMF Buds 2 Plus justify their Rs 600 premium primarily through improved sound quality and the Personal Sound feature. LDAC support, better driver implementation, and Smart Adaptive ANC create a more refined listening experience that audio enthusiasts will appreciate. However, the absence of the beloved Smart Dial from previous CMF models feels like a step backward in user experience. Both models succeed by focusing on fundamentals: they sound good, block noise effectively, last all day, and integrate seamlessly into daily routines. In a market flooded with earbuds making bold claims about revolutionary features, CMF's approach feels refreshingly grounded. The choice between the two comes down to priorities. If you want the most value for your money and don't need LDAC or personalised sound profiles, the Buds 2 deliver everything most users need. If you're willing to spend slightly more for refined audio and smart adaptive features, the Plus model provides meaningful improvements without breaking the bank. Either way, you're getting earbuds that understand their place in the market and excel within those boundaries, which, frankly, is exactly what budget audio should be about. Our rating: 4/5 AI Masterclass for Students. 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Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
CMF Buds 2 Plus Review: Budget ANC buds that punch above their weight
If you're on the hunt for a pair of true wireless earbuds that won't drain your wallet but still offer solid performance, the CMF Buds 2 Plus might just be what you're looking for. Positioned as an affordable upgrade over the original Buds 2, these earbuds come from CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand known for delivering high-quality design and features at a fraction of flagship prices. But do they live up to the hype? After spending almost a month testing the Buds 2 Plus across daily commutes, gym sessions, and long calls, here's our in-depth review of what works, what doesn't, and whether these buds deserve a spot in your pocket. Right out of the box, the CMF Buds 2 Plus carry that minimalistic, slightly industrial design language we've come to associate with Nothing. The case is compact and lightweight, with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints well. It's available in multiple colours, light grey and blue, offering a bit of personality without going over the top. The buds themselves are stem-style, reminiscent of the Apple AirPods, but with a squared-off design that feels more modern. They sit snugly in the ear and are surprisingly comfortable even over longer periods. The IP54 rating adds peace of mind, making them a reliable companion during workouts or a rainy commute. Here's where things get interesting. For their modest price, the CMF Buds 2 Plus pack in a compelling list of features: -Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 45dB -Bluetooth 5.3 with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair -Customisable touch controls via the Nothing X app -Dual-device pairing -13.4mm dynamic drivers These aren't just nice-to-haves, they're features we usually associate with earbuds twice the price. Pairing is effortless thanks to Fast Pair support, and once connected, the Buds 2 Plus maintain a strong, stable connection. Multipoint connectivity also worked seamlessly in our tests, allowing us to switch from a laptop to phone without any fuss. Let's talk about audio. The 13.4mm drivers deliver a pleasingly full-bodied sound with an emphasis on bass. If you're a fan of thumping low-end, ideal for gym playlists or EDM, you'll be pleased. That said, the mids and highs hold their own, producing a fairly balanced output with crisp vocals and clear instrumentation. The Nothing X app allows for EQ adjustments and even offers a hearing test to personalise your audio profile. It's a nice touch that makes a genuine difference if you're picky about your sound signature. One small caveat: at higher volumes, the audio can get a bit sharp. While not a deal-breaker, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer cranking your music all the way up. Active Noise Cancellation on the Buds 2 Plus is better than expected for the price point. While it doesn't reach the effectiveness of premium ANC earbuds like Sony's WF-1000XM5 or the AirPods Pro, it certainly cuts down on ambient noise, especially low-end hums like engine rumbles or air conditioning. Transparency mode is decent too. It's not the most natural sounding, but it does the job when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. There's also adaptive ANC which adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. It's subtle, but works well enough to justify its inclusion. The CMF Buds 2 Plus feature AI noise reduction during calls, and in practice, they're among the best in this price range. Voices come through clearly on both ends, and background noise is significantly suppressed, even in busy settings. For regular voice or video calls, these won't let you down. Battery life is one of the CMF Buds 2 Plus's strongest suits. You get around 8 hours of playback on a single charge, and the case offers up to 43 hours in total. With ANC on, expect about 6 hours per charge, which is still respectable. Charging is via USB-C (no wireless charging, understandably at this price), and a quick 10-minute top-up gives you a couple of hours of playtime, perfect for when you're in a rush. The Nothing X app, available on both Android and iOS, is cleanly designed and easy to navigate. From here, you can customise touch gestures, adjust the EQ, toggle ANC modes, and even perform a fit test to ensure the buds are sealed correctly in your ears. It's refreshing to see such thoughtful software support in budget earbuds. For a pair of earbuds that cost under ₹3300, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are an outstanding deal. They bring together quality sound, decent ANC, reliable connectivity, and long battery life, all wrapped in a stylish design with the backing of a reputable brand. Are they perfect? No. Audiophiles may crave more nuance in the mids and treble, and wireless charging is missing. But for the vast majority of users, these are incredibly easy to recommend. If you're after budget wireless earbuds with premium features, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are likely the best bang-for-your-buck option right now.
Digital Trends
13-05-2025
- Business
- Digital Trends
Nothing and Kef are making premium audio products together
Technology brand Nothing has announced a partnership with audio experts Kef, and said it's already hard at work on co-developed products together. Nothing is best known for its smartphones these days, but its first ever product was the Nothing Ear 1 earbuds, and it has continued to build and diversify the line ever since. However, Nothing has greater ambitions in audio and it's with Kef it intends to make plans for an expansion into new audio categories a reality. Kef has been building audio products for more than 60 years. Andrew Freshwater, Nothing's head of smart products said: Recommended Videos 'By combining Kef's decades of expertise with our design-led approach to technology, we're laying the groundwork for a new standard in everyday listening. Our products launching later this year mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter of our collaboration and the future of Nothing Audio.' If that wasn't interesting enough, Kef's Grace Lo, head of global marketing, added: 'This partnership allows us to bring our acoustic heritage into a fresh context, working with a brand that shares our dedication to innovation, quality, and design. Together, we're setting out to redefine what premium audio can look and feel like for the next generation.' There's no hard information about the products Nothing and Kef are designing together, aside from the press release stating 'several acoustically co-developed products' are already in progress, with further details expected to be shared in the coming months. Nothing's last audio product releases were the Nothing Ear (a) in April 2024, along with a series of new earbuds in its CMF by Nothing range in April 2025. It's also reasonable to think Nothing and Kef may work together on future smartphone releases, tuning the speakers and the audio for higher quality sound. Asus and Dirac have proved great sound can come from a smartphone with the ROG Phone 9 Pro, but few others have exploited mobile audio in the same way, leaving an opportunity for Nothing and Kef beyond the new audio products it has planned.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
CMF Buds 2, Buds 2 Plus, and Buds 2a TWS earbuds launched starting at ₹2,199- Details
CMF by Nothing hosted a launch event in Delhi on April 28, revealing its new generation products, the Phone 2a Pro, Buds 2, Buds 2 Plus, and Buds 2a. While the affordable smartphone is gaining much popularity, the latest TWS has also been revamped to provide an upgraded experience to audiophiles. From enhancing personalisation to providing high-quality sound, each model has something new to offer at different price points. Therefore, if you are looking for a TWS upgrade, then know what the new CMF Buds 2 series has to offer at an affordable price. Also read: Flipkart Big Savings Days Sale 2025: Save big on POCO X7 series, M7 series and more The CMF Buds 2 features an 11 mm PMI driver with Dirac Opteo, and the Buds 2 Plus features a 12 mm LCP driver with Hi-Res LDAC. Both models offer advanced Active Noise Cancellation with 48 dB Hybrid ANC and 50 dB Hybrid ANC with Smart Adaptive Mode. Both models offer Noise Reduction 3.0, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, 6 HD mics with Clear Voice Technology 3.0, and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0. Also read: Nothing Phone 3 tipped to launch on July 25: Here's what to expect from the upcoming device For an uninterrupted audio experience, the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are backed by a 53mAh battery on the earbud and a 460mAh battery on the case. However, both offer different battery lives. The Buds 2 offers 13.5 hours of playtime with buds when ANC is off and up to 55 hours with the case. On the other hand, the Buds 2 Plus offers up to 14 hours with ANC off and up to 61.5 hours with the case. Both models come with IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. The CMF Buds 2a features a 2.4 mm Bio-fibre driver with Dirac Tuning and offers 42 dB ANC with Transparency Mode. It also offers Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, 4 HD mics with Clear Voice Technology, and a low latency mode of 110ms. The Buds 2a offers up to 8 hours of playtime with ANC off and up to up to 35.5 hours with the case. Also read: Oppo F29 Pro 5G vs Nothing Phone 3a Pro: Which latest mid-ranger is worth the hype? All three TWS will be available to purchase on Flipkart.
