Skullcandy Method 540 ANC to get full Skull AI release
The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC support the full version of Skull AI.
- Skull AI is coming out of beta exclusively with the Skullcandy Method 540 ANC.
- The feature comes with a two-week free trial — after that, it’ll cost $4.99/month.
- The Skullcandy Method 540 ANC cost $199.98 with a year’s subscription to Skull AI.
Skullcandy’s new Method 540 ANC earbuds are the direct successor to last year’s popular Method 360 ANC buds. However, unlike their older sibling, the Method 540 ANC boast the company’s new Skull AI feature. Similar to Google Gemini on the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, this allows you to say “OK, Skully” to receive quick answers, recommendations, hands-free music control, and more. Better still is that the Method 540 ANC are set to receive the full version of Skull AI.
Unfortunately, unlike Google’s Gemini, which offers a free tier that includes Gemini Live, Skull AI only provides a two-week free trial. After that, you’ll have to pay $4.99 a month or $49.99 per year for the privilege. Given that the buds retail for $149.99, you’ll pay an upfront cost of $199.98 with Skull AI. That’s more than double the price of the non-AI Method 360 earbuds.
Skull AI is Skullcandy’s solution to rival AI assistants, like Gemini.
Skullcandy’s AI feature uses Bragi AI (powered by OpenAI). So, when you activate the assistant, it processes the request, formats it for ChatGPT, and sends it to OpenAI. It then processes the response and reads it aloud directly into your ears. You can also use it to control your earbuds, if that’s your thing.
The Method 540 ANC are Skullcandy’s latest earbuds with Bose sound tuning, 4-microphone noise canceling, and over 32 hours of ANC-enabled battery life. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair, and Bluetooth Multipoint, and come equipped with three pairs of ear tips. The Skull-iQ app is the brains behind the buds, where you’ll find all of the buds’ customizations and the Skull AI feature.
