Mobile Audio Hub

Some ads on Spotify may gain voice-control options in the US. (Source: TechCrunch)

Spotify reportedly pilots a new kind of in-app ad in the US

Spotify has reportedly rolled out a new kind of ad to grab user attention in the United States. The messages involved apparently encourage the user to give a voice command in order to navigate to relevant sponsored content. These ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 May 2019 17:22

AirPod inside the stomach and outside the bathroom. (Image source: Daily Mail/AsiaWire/edited)

AirPods survive brutal durability test by passing through human digestive system without a scratch

It has been reported that an AirPod has managed to survive passing through the entire digestive system of an adult male human being. Fortunately, this is not some new horrifying development test by Apple nor is it an extreme bench...

Daniel R Deakin, 04 May 2019 12:27

The Recon 70 headset line. (Source: Turtle Beach)

Turtle Beach releases Recon 70 headset for PlayStation and Xbox

The Recon 70 headset already exists for the Nintendo Switch; now, Turtle Beach has released variants of the same that are compatible with the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The headphones have faux-leather cups over 40mm drivers, com...

Deirdre O Donnell, 02 May 2019 18:50

Massdrop becomes Drop, announces new range of own-brand products

Massdrop has become increasingly well-known among the tech community as a company that makes or sources products based on the feedback given by its customers. This has released in novel electronics such as the Massdrop x Sennheise...

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Apr 2019 18:01

The OPPO Reno series apparently uses Nokia's OZO for audio. (Source: Nokia)

OPPO Reno allegedly uses Nokia's OZO audio technology

The latest OPPO smartphones use OZO, a form of audio capture developed by Nokia. This claim can reportedly be found in the latter's first-quarter financial report for 2019. The rest of this report apparently makes for less intrigu...

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Apr 2019 18:04

The Soundesk wireless speaker table. (Source: Coolgeek)

The start-up Coolgeek has made a coffee table that is also a speaker

Need an original twist on the common-or-garden wireless speaker? The start-up Coolgeek might have you covered with their new Soundesk product. It is a round glass coffee table with a conical aluminum stand - that also houses a 360...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Apr 2019 17:20

The new Creative Outlier Air earbuds. (Source: Creative)

Creative releases the Outlier Air true-wireless earbuds

Creative has finally joined the true wireless earphone market with the new Outlier Air buds. They boast IP5X ingress protection, 10 hours of playback on a single charge and graphene in their driver-diaphragms. These Bluetooth 5.0 ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Apr 2019 17:44

The Samsung Galaxy Buds. (Source: TechRadar)

Samsung Galaxy Buds: latest update adds voice-control via Bixby, other new features

Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds as a wireless audio companion for devices such as the Galaxy S10s. However, they have recently improved in this capacity through a new software update. It allows the user to operate them using Bixb...

Deirdre O Donnell, 17 Apr 2019 18:19

Voice-controlled smart speakers are getting more and more popular. (Source: Entrepreneur)

36% of US households with high-speed internet own at least one smart speaker by now

A new report released by Parks Associates has found that 36% of US households with broadband-level internet connections also owned at least 1 voice-controlled smart speaker in early 2019. This data suggests that these connected de...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Apr 2019 18:10

The next Xiaomi Black Shark is set to have a headphone jack

Xiaomi's Black Shark 2 is a powerful gaming phone that can be spec'd out to as much as 12GB in RAM. However, it does have one drawback: no 3.5mm jack. However, a brand spokesperson has indicated that this discrepancy will be recti...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Apr 2019 18:36

Skype for Mobile now allows for screen-sharing. (Source: Digital Trends)

New Skype Insider Preview build adds screen-sharing on iOS and Android

Skype for Mobile now offers the user an option to share their screen with a caller. This could enable people on a Skype call to share things such as slideshows, webpages, a homescreen and so on. The new function is found in the '....

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Apr 2019 14:42

The AirPower has been cancelled some 18 months after being officially introduced by Apple. (Source: Apple)

The prevailing theory about why AirPower failed

The ultimate demise of the AirPower charging mat appears to have been foretold by Apple insider Sonny Dickson several months ago. In the absence of any official word from Apple, other than it cancelled AirPower because it couldn’t...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 31 Mar 2019 06:16

Google leaked its apparently upcoming Nest Hub Max device. (Source: Android Police/Google)

Google leaks its Nest Hub Max smart home device

Google has accidentally leaked a new product in its Google Home range. The Nest Hub Max, which was spotted by Android Police, was featured in the Connected Home section of the tech giant’s website. The information about the Nest H...

Daniel R Deakin, 30 Mar 2019 06:51

AirPods were the most popular true-wireless earbuds for the last quarter of 2018. (Source: Apple)

Apple got at least one thing right: AirPods were the most popular true-wireless earbuds in 2018

Apple's original AirPods snatched the majority of the true wireless earphone market at the end of 2018, according to Counterpoint Research. Its latest report on the subject put the earbuds' share at 60%. Jabra, Samsung, JLabs and ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Mar 2019 18:32

LG G8 ThinQ US launch set for April; preorders on Sprint start sooner

The G8 ThinQ is LG's latest flagship, and introduces its Crystal Sound technology among other features. This smartphone will become available in the United States from April 11, 2019. However, those who want it on Sprint can pre-o...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Mar 2019 19:13

The Jabra Evolve 65e neckbuds. (Source: Jabra)

The new Jabra Evolve 65e is a pair of neckbuds with "professional-grade sound quality"

Jabra has released its latest generation of neckbuds, the Evolve 65e. The audio company claims that this wireless set of earphones has consumer-grade comfort with professional levels of audio. This product has attained Skype for B...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Mar 2019 18:24

The Apple Music app has been downloaded over 40 million times on the Google Play Store. (Source: Apple)

Apple Music for Android is surprisingly popular

Apple Music on Android has been more popular than you would think. New data from SensorTower shows that since it has launched, over 40 million users have downloaded the app from the Google Play Store.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 27 Mar 2019 11:18

The Huawei CEO introduces the company's most unusual wearable yet. (Source: YouTube)

Huawei unveils its own line of smart glasses

Huawei also revealed the existence of some new wearables at its early-2019 launch event in Paris. The least expected of these are the new 'smart' glasses the OEM has developed with the eyewear company Gentle Monster. Their main fu...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Mar 2019 17:34

The new Beats PowerBeats Pro earphones have been spotted in iOS 12.2. (Source: 9to5 Mac)

Apple’s black AirPods leak out, but they are from Beats and don’t look ridiculous

Apple subsidiary Beats will be launching its first pair of truly wireless earphones imminently. The discovery of the name PowerBeats Pro and black and white versions was uncovered by 9to5 Mac in the code for iOS 12.2 which went li...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 26 Mar 2019 01:07

The connected living room is a billion-dollar marketplace these days. (Source: Amazon)

The "connected living room" is a concept that may make a US$900+ billion market in 5 years

Transparency Market Research's latest report is based on the observation that the demand for a 'smart' or 'connected' living room is growing steadily these days. It may consist of entertainment or media hardware that works seamles...

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Mar 2019 18:24

Apple is reportedly losing traction in China. (Source: Apple)

Apple is losing its majority in the Chinese smartphone market

Apple's market share in China has reportedly fallen by 26.6% in 2018. Unsurprisingly, the culprits are more 'local' OEMs such as Huawei and Xiaomi, who offer more innovative features in premium handsets that go for less than those...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Mar 2019 19:57

The Powerbeats are Beats' take on the wireless earphone. (Source: Amazon)

Next-generation Powerbeats could come in true-wireless form and with the new Apple AirPods' features

Beats by Dr. Dre has been an Apple subsidiary for some time now. The brand's next product may be a pair of truly-wireless earbuds. According to a CNET report, they may run on the new Apple H1 chip, which is also found in the newly...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Mar 2019 14:56

The Blue Yeti is apparently the best USB mic. (Source: Amazon)

The best USB microphone is made by Blue: new analysis

In a world where everyone seems to be a streamer or caster or some kind, a USB microphone may be a viable purchase. They combine the possible advantage of improved audio with a power source that is already built into your machine....

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Mar 2019 13:54

The latest LG OLED TVs will be available for purchase soon. (Source: LG USA)

LG announces US availability of 2019 OLED TVs - and that they will be super expensive

LG has stated its US dollar prices for its new OLED TVs. These state-of-the-art panels were previewed at CES 2019, and come with Dolby Vision, ThinQ AI and inbuilt Google Assistant. They start at US$2,499 - and work their way up t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Mar 2019 00:34

Myspace has lost all the music that once made it the world's most visited website. (Image source: Myspace)

Myspace has corrupted and lost 12 years of music uploaded to its website

In an embarrassing admission, Myspace has confirmed that it has lost every piece of music that users uploaded between 2003 and 2015, which equates to over 50 million files. The company reports that there is no way to recover the l...

Alex Alderson, 18 Mar 2019 22:36

In-ear Bluetooth headphones could pose a health risk, despite relatively low emissions. (Source: Notebookcheck)

If AirPods pose a potential health risk, what are the options?

Our article about the possible detrimental health effects of wireless devices including Apple’s AirPods, among others, seemed to strike a chord with a lot of readers. We are exposed to a lot of EMF radiation on a daily basis and 2...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 Mar 2019 11:06

Do wireless headphones like Apple's AirPods post a cancer risk? (Source: Notebookcheck)

250 scientists sign petition warning of dangers posed by AirPods, other wireless devices

Concerns have been raised by a group of scientists about the possible carcinogenic effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by modern devices. Of particular concern are wireless headphones like Apple’s popular AirPods as they ...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 12 Mar 2019 10:40

The AirPods 2 device might offer more color options than just white. (Source: Cult of Mac)

Leak claims AirPods 2 and case can be fully charged wirelessly in just 15 minutes

A new leak has claimed that Apple’s next generation of wireless earbuds will incorporate extremely fast charging technology. According to a post on Twitter made by XDA Portal writer Max Weinbach, the Apple AirPods 2 will be able t...

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Mar 2019 11:49

The new Alcatel 3T 10 tablet. (Source: Alcatel)

MWC19 | Alcatel's newest tablet has a stand that is also a full-sized speaker

The TCL subsidiary Alcatel has launched its new 3T 10 tablet at MWC19. This device has a 10-inch screen and runs Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box. It also comes with a Google Assisant pre-install. The Alcatel 3T 10 is compatible w...

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Feb 2019 18:50

OnLeaks' latest AirPods rumor suggest that the next generation will come in colors beside white. (Source: Colorware)

New Apple AirPod 2 rumors result in 2 possible launch dates in the same day

A new post on the Greek Apple leaks site iPhoneHellas alleges that the second-generation AirPods will launch in March. However, a second tipster, OnLeaks, has also asserted that his sources say they will be released 'in the fall'....

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Feb 2019 17:36

The very good Surface Pro 6 will be available in new markets such as the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft brings the Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Studio 2, and Surface Headphones to many new markets

Microsoft has announced in a blog post that the Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 devices are now launching in 20 more markets worldwide. The tech giant also revealed that its Surface Headphones will be coming ...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Feb 2019 23:01

Reverse wireless charging between the Samsung Galaxy S10+ and the new Galaxy Buds. (Source: Twitter/Roland Quandt)

Major Samsung Galaxy S10 leaks: Live images and reverse wireless chargeable Galaxy Buds

A new set of leaks concerning the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 has appeared, including information and a picture of a brand-new product. There are some live photos of two different Galaxy S10 devices in the hand, and there is an im...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Feb 2019 06:26

Casio's slimmest-ever digital grand piano is a fully up-to-date piece of audio hardware. (Source: Casio)

Casio has released the "world's slimmest" digital grand piano

Casio has updated its line of digital pianos with the Privia PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, 2 variants of what the company claims is the "world's slimmest grand piano". The new models use Smart Scaled Hammer Action to replicate the tactil...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Jan 2019 12:13

The part of the iOS 12.2 code that may refer to a new iPod Touch. (Source: Twitter)

iOS 12.2 code hints at possible new iPads and iPod Touch

The well-regarded leaker Steve Troughton-Smith claims to have found references to unfamiliar iPads while diving into the code for the iOS 12.2 update. It suggests that new 11-inch iPads, as well as an iPad Mini, are on their way. ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Jan 2019 18:33

Apple's AirPods may or may not be getting an update soon. (Source: Apple)

2nd-gen Apple AirPods may get launch date in first half of 2019

Our last report on the Apple AirPods 2 covered rumors that they could have been released by now, at least. However, their maker failed to live up to this leak, and the 2nd generation of these wireless earbuds has yet to appear. A ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Jan 2019 23:43

The Sonos high-fidelity Play:5 speaker currently costs US$499. (Source: Sonos)

Smart speaker specialist Sonos could be targeting the headphones market

There has been a report published stating that the American consumer electronics manufacturer Sonos is planning a foray into the headphones market. The company is probably best known for its work with smart speakers and other home...

Daniel R Deakin, 24 Jan 2019 21:52

Spotify may release its first hardware later this year. (Image source: Reddit)

Spotify is reportedly working on an in-car music player

Spotify, the popular music and podcast streaming service, is planning on releasing its own hardware. The Financial Times reports that the device will be an in-car music player and could cost US$100.

Alex Alderson, 21 Jan 2019 19:37

The latest form of iPod Touch. (Source: Apple)

iPod Touch will be resurrected for 2019 with USB type C: new rumor

Apple has not refreshed or updated the iPod Touch since 2015. That year saw the 6th generation of the device, which was not heard of much since. However, that fact did not stop a Japanese outlet posting claims that a supplier had ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Jan 2019 19:04

The HyperX Cloud MIX HX-HSCAM-GM has a detachable Discord, and TeamSpeak certified boom microphone. (Image source: HyperX)

HyperX Cloud MIX: A Hi-Res Audio gaming headset and Bluetooth headphones in one

HyperX has announced its Cloud MIX headphones, a wired gaming headset that also doubles as a set of lightweight and portable Bluetooth headphones. The Cloud MIX has an understated design, 20 hours of battery life over Bluetooth an...

Alex Alderson, 15 Jan 2019 13:19

The Google Chromecast Audio supported lossless high-resolution audio. (Source: Google)

Google discontinues Chromecast Audio

Google has officially confirmed the discontinuation of the Chromecast Audio device. A quick glance at Google’s online store lists the music-streaming gadget as out of stock, after recently receiving a heavy price cut from US$35 to...

Daniel R Deakin, 11 Jan 2019 23:54

The Jabra 85h headphones. (Source: Jabra)

CES 2019 | Jabra debuts the new 85h noise-cancelling headphones, rated for 32 hours of battery life

Jabra is one of many prominent audio companies at CES this year. It has come to present its new 85h headphones, which, as Jabra claims, can allow playback with active noise-cancelling (ANC) for as long as 32 hours. These new audio...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2019 19:35

The LG Rollable TV has a product name and model number for its third run at CES. (Source: LG)

CES 2019 | LG's rollable TVs are here again, but they're close to retail this time

TVs that can curl up and store themselves in a box are becoming a staple of CES. This technology, introduced by its maker LG in 2017, has yet to appear in stores. However, this year, the company has brought them to the event again...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2019 19:00

Asus is offering a smart decluttering solution with Lyra Voice. (Source: Asus)

CES 2019 | Asus combines a Wi-Fi router and a smart speaker to create Lyra Voice

Taiwanese manufacturer Asus has announced the Lyra Voice device, or 3-in-1 Smart Voice Router. The gadget combines an AC2200 tri-band mesh Wi-Fi router with two 8 W stereo speakers and includes Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant. Th...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Jan 2019 11:30

Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo Dot speakers have sold out for the month. (Source: TechWiser)

Amazon executive reveals sales of over 100 million Alexa-enabled devices

In an interview with The Verge, Amazon’s SVP of devices and services, David Limp, has revealed how many devices have been sold that have Alexa built into them. Apparently, over 100 million speakers, smartphones, gadgets and other ...

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jan 2019 03:42

The Zanco smart pen is available on Kickstarter now. (Source: Zanco)

A crowd-funding campaign for a mobile phone in pen form has raised 575% of its goal already

The Zanco smart pen is a stylus with (nearly) all the features of a smartphone crammed into it. It has physical buttons, a click-pad, front and rear cameras and even a teeny tiny screen. It is intended as a smartphone replacement ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Dec 2018 17:09

Dirac will add another string to its phone-audio bow at CES 2019. (Source: Dirac)

Dirac plans to bring a smartphone-speaker bass enhancer to CES

Even the best speakers in smartphones struggle to produce even a relatively small amount of bass. Dirac, a rapidly-growing name in device audio, wants to change that with its new Dirac Bass feature. This tweak, which boosts the ba...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2018 18:16

The Pixel 3 and 3XL may have yet more issues. (Source: Engadget)

Pixel 3 and 3XL users allege call-quality issues in their phones

A number of Pixel 3 and 3XL owners have reportedly taken to the Google Product Forums to complain about issues with voice-calls on their devices. These problems apparently include low-quality in-call audio, connection issues and m...

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2018 17:30

The ROG phone has multiple USB ports to support accessories like this one. (Source: Android Authority)

Reddit post shows what happens when the ASUS ROG Phone is connected to itself

The ASUS ROG Phone has multiple USB type C ports, so that it can support accessories that need two of these ports. A Redditor has demonstrated that this feature can be hi-jacked in order to make it appear that the phone can charge...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Dec 2018 19:32

The Antlion ModMic Wireless. (Source: Antlion)

Antlion Audio wants you to turn any set of headphones into a gaming headset with its ModMic Wireless

Antlion Audio claims that its ModMic Wireless attachment adds mic capabilities to any kind of headphone. It has the aptX low-energy Bluetooth codec, 16-bit 48khz audio and a USB type A receiver. The ModMic Wireless also has a pate...

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Nov 2018 19:50