TLDR
- Shokz has launched the OpenFit Pro, its latest flagship earbuds that emphasise an open-ear audio concept, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or calls.
- The launch event also featured a panel discussion on evolving audio listening habits, with many opting for devices that let them remain aware of their environment.
- The OpenFit Pro is priced at RM1,199 and is designed for active lifestyles that require flexible audio technology without fully isolating the user.
Shokz recently gathered media, creators, and tech enthusiasts in Kuala Lumpur for the launch of its latest flagship earbuds, the OpenFit Pro, however, the spotlight wasn’t just on the product itself.
Instead, the event leaned heavily into a bigger conversation, how people are rethinking the role of audio in their everyday lives, particularly in a world where multitasking and constant movement have become the norm.
Audio that keeps you connected to your surroundings
Since its founding in 2011, Shokz has built its identity around open-ear listening, a design philosophy that allows users to hear their surroundings while still enjoying audio content.
That idea was a recurring theme throughout the event, with the OpenFit Pro presented as the brand’s latest attempt to refine that balance between awareness and immersion.
Image Credit: Shokz
Speaking at the launch, Shokz APAC Sales Manager Lyndon Chen highlighted Malaysia as a key market, pointing to the increasing demand for audio solutions that can keep up with modern, on-the-go lifestyles.
Rather than fully isolating users, the brand is leaning into a use case where audio enhances daily activities, whether it’s working in a café, commuting, or exercising outdoors.
A panel that reflected changing listening habits
Beyond the product showcase, one of the more engaging segments of the event came in the form of a panel discussion centred on how audio habits are evolving.
Moderated by tech reviewer Adam Lobo, the session featured a mix of personalities across industries, including Dr. Say Shazril, Timothy Tiah, and Hunny Madu, each offering their own take on how they integrate audio into their routines.
Image Credit: Shokz
A common thread across the discussion was the growing preference for staying “present” while listening.
Whether it’s taking calls, staying alert during workouts, or simply being more aware in public spaces, the panelists pointed out that more users are shifting away from fully noise-isolating devices in favour of options that allow for greater environmental awareness.
More than a product demo
While the OpenFit Pro was, of course, the centrepiece, the event itself felt more like a lifestyle showcase than a traditional tech launch.
Guests were encouraged to try the earbuds, but the emphasis wasn’t just on features, it was on how those features translate into real-world use.
Image Credit: Shokz
The hands-on approach made it easier to understand how open-ear audio fits into everyday scenarios, especially for users who may be more familiar with conventional in-ear or noise-cancelling options.
As people juggle work, fitness, and social life, often all within the same day, there’s a growing need for tech that adapts without completely pulling them out of their surroundings. With the OpenFit Pro, Shokz is continuing to push that narrative.
The Shokz OpenFit Pro is priced at RM1,199, and comes in black and white. For more information check out their website.
Featured Image Credit: Shokz