Audio

The engineer behind the first iPhone with a USB Type-C port has returned with a series of non-destructive mods for all AirPods and AirPods Max models with Lightning ports. For as little as CHF 24.90 (~$29.11), it is now possible to add a USB Type-C port to an old pair of AirPods, or even the original AirPods Max for CHF 39.90 (~$47).

3M has introduced the WorkTunes Connect hearing protector with solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and adaptive noise reduction. The headphones help prevent hearing loss in gardeners, construction workers, and others working in noisy environments.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are new wireless headphones with powerful features and, according to the manufacturer, are designed to impress with particularly strong noise canceling.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are now at their lowest-ever price of $129.99 on Amazon, offering features like ANC, decent battery life and IPX7 water resistance. With a 44% discount, they are a great option for those who value comfort and working out.

Skullcandy has introduced the Icon ANC, on-ear headphones that revive the almost 20-year-old Icon, but now come with ANC and other modern features.

Fresh 'n Rebel has just introduced the Clam Ace, new over-ear headphones that come with hybrid active noise cancellation and in six different colors for just under €100.

Waterbury Police used a pair of AirPods left in a stolen Ferrari to track and recover the $575,000 vehicle. The 22-year-old suspect fled but left his iPhone behind, which led to his arrest.

Sony has expanded its LinkBuds series with the LinkBuds speaker. Rolling out alongside two pairs of new earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds Speaker boasts IPX4 certification, auto switch functionality from LinkBuds earbuds and over a day's battery life.

Ulanzi has unveiled the A30 mini wireless microphone kit for vloggers and influencers. The kit comes with two microphones with active noise cancelling to capture voices clearly in noisy environments. The petite, clip-on design enables hours of comfortable wear.

Bose has released a new home speaker in the US. Available in two colours, the SoundLink Home Bluetooth Speaker expands the SoundLink series with Bluetooth and USB C audio input for $219.

Sony has announced two new pairs of earbuds to its LinkBuds line: the LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit. The former are open-ear buds, while the latter are more like traditional wireless earbuds. Both come with redesigned wings for a secure fit.

Creative Technology has launched the Sound Blaster GS5, a new soundbar in a compact format. In addition to Bluetooth 5.3, it offers various connections and is equipped with RGB lighting.

Anker is launching new wireless earbuds onto the market, which do not correspond to the typical earbud design. Relatively large drivers are used and it is possible to connect to several devices at the same time.

TASCAM has unveiled the compact FR-AV2 32-bit audio recorder with timecode sync and generator. The recorder can be controlled and monitored wirelessly with an optional Bluetooth adapter. The unit can also be used as a USB audio interface when connected to a computer.

Xiaomi is launching an affordable soundbar onto the global market, namely the Soundbar 2.0ch, which offers numerous inputs and Bluetooth 5.3, among other things.

A MySKU forum user set out to pit used products released over 40 years ago against a brand-new product released just a few months ago that is the CP13. The results are somewhat surprising and may appear rather distressful to many advocates of Chi-Fi out there.

Razer asserts that its latest accessory is rated to convert any old chair into the ultimate gaming asset. The Freyja integrates custom, "multi-directional" Sensa HD Haptics into its cushions in a way touted to confer tactile feedback on gaming that syncs perfectly via Razer HyperSpeed Wireless or Bluetooth.

The new Kraken V4 Pro is backed to act as all headsets to all gamers with its support for audio via Bluetooth, USB-C or a 3.5mm jack as well as Razer's HyperSpeed Wireless 2.4GHz connection. It even has its own Control Hub with an OLED display to keep track of all its features, those of its in-built Sensa HD Haptics and retractable mic included.

Zoom has finally launched the H2essential multi-mic handheld recorder as an update to the popular H2n, now featuring 32-bit float audio and a colour LCD for waveform monitoring. Housing three mics, it offers multiple pickup patterns for a wide range of scenarios, including musical ensembles, interviews and ambient sound recording. The H2essential can be pre-ordered now for $170.

Anker's Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are due to launch soon, as per a recent leak that reveals the launch date and colorways for the wireless earbuds - alongside some speculations regarding the pricing of the same. The display on the charging case will likely be a standout feature of these wearables.

Xiaomi has expanded the Redmi Buds 6 series with a fourth option. Following on from the likes of the Redmi Buds 6 Lite, the Redmi Buds 6 offer a dual driver set-up, active noise cancellation and long battery life for ~$28.

The Xiaomi Buds 5 have launched in the global market as a new pair of half-in-ear buds. Competing against the likes of Apple AirPods 4, these new wireless earbuds cost €99, making them a pretty affordable option for those who don't like in-ear buds.

FiiO has just launched the KA15 portable DAC and headphone amplifier, featuring a 0.96 inch LCD screen that gives it a unique tape-player aesthetic. The KA15 offers sound customisation with a 10-band parametric EQ, as well as intelligent power management and a high output desktop mode. It is available on Amazon for $110, in two colours.

Up for purchase at $159.99, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds bring together active noise cancellation, Qi wireless charging, and instant swapping between mobile Bluetooth and console/PC audio. This piece of audio hardware for gamers is now available for online orders and will hit retail stores in late October.

Sony has officially confirmed its intention to release new audio hardware. Scheduled for October 1, the 'Sound Your Way' event appears designed to present three new LinkBuds audio products, including an innovative speaker.

The Monitor III ANC headphones are Marshall's latest pair of premium headphones and they bring a handful of upgrades when compared to their predecessor. However, what will set them apart from rival headphones is the incredibly long battery life.

Nothing has announced its latest audio product - the Ear (Open). Evident from its name, these earbuds feature an open-ear design that allows for ambient noise to enter, while also ensuring a decent sound stage.

Alienware's new Pro Headset is a premium wireless gaming headset with graphene-coated drivers and active noise-cancellation. At 315 grams, the headset is lighter than many of its competitors, with a commendable set of features promising a great gaming and audio experience.

Two leakers have outlined pretty much all there is to know about the Nothing Ear (open). Launching tomorrow as Nothing's next audio product, the Ear (open) sports an unusual design that is unlike even other pairs of open earbuds.

JBL has launched new white versions of the PartyBox Stage 320 and the PartyBox Stage 120. The speakers have built-in lights that can be controlled via the accompanying app, and they support Bluetooth Auracast. The more powerful of the two models has dual tweeters and subwoofers, with wheels and a handle to make it easier to transport.

Sony has decided to refresh the WF-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM5. Available globally, the new versions of its popular noise-cancelling audio products arrive in the wake of a similar update for Bose's QuietComfort Ultra alternatives.

Bose has launched a new pair of QuietComfort Earbuds. Unlike the Ultra variant, these new Bluetooth buds have a relatively affordable tag, $179. However, like the expensive wireless earbuds, the new ones have a couple of premium features.

The Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar has supposedly leaked on the Sonos website, pointing to a higher price point. Plus, this upcoming product and the Sonos Sub 4 have appeared in images shared by leaker @MysteryLupin, who has also shared pricing information on the two devices.

The wonderfully retro Koss Porta Pro Headphones have just received Bluetooth 5.2 treatment, along with some other dazzling features. Despite the premium price tag, the Porta Pro Wireless offers a compelling case to upgrade.

Nothing has started teasing the release of a new device. While the company has not revealed too many details yet, it has offered a hint as to what is to come and when they will be available.

The Soundcore Select 4 Go is the company's latest compact 5W Bluetooth speaker offering 20 hours of playtime, IP67 waterproof rating, and true wireless stereo pairing. It claims to withstand 5-day continuous playback at high temperatures. Available for $24.99, it also includes a 24-month warranty.

A new image of Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro reveals the charging case in all its glory, confirming its built-in display for battery and ambient sound indicators. With specs like dual drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC support, and up to 30 hours of ANC playback, the earbuds are expected to launch at $149.99 in October.

RedMagic has introduced the Rock Magnetic Bluetooth Speaker as its latest RGB-enabled mobile accessory. It is touted to deliver "Tiny but Tough" audio that can also be kept on the back of a smartphone thanks to its MagSafe-like attachment. It has been released to the global market alongside a cool new colorway for the brand's current mobile gaming flagship.

Edifier has unveiled the Stax Spirit S10 wireless earbuds with planar magnetic drivers and active noise cancellation. Unlike conventional earbuds that use cone-shaped drivers, the S10 earbuds use flat, 8 μm-thick planar diaphragms to move air, resulting in lower distortion and higher-quality sound.

Ultimate Ears announced the Miniroll as its latest portable smart speaker, replacing the Roll 2 released back in 2016. As the name implies, this is smaller than the Roll 2, but it brings some new features and improved durability.

Soundpeats has launched a new pair of wireless earbuds called Capsule3 Pro+. With xMEMS solid-state micro driver and LDAC, these Bluetooth buds promise high-resolution transmission. The current promotional price is $89.99.

Apple has given the AirPods Max a slight refresh for the first time since they were launched in 2020. The updated headphones now come with a USB-C port and are available to buy in five new colors.

Apple has announced that it can now help detect the conditions of sleep apnea and hearing loss in its users in conjunction with the launch of its latest wearables. They will be able to track and generate reports on the former over time, and push interactive Hearing Tests on paired iPhones for the purposes of the latter. The AirPods Pro 2 are also rated to act as a clinical-grade hearing aid if necessary.

The Sharp HT-SBW53121 and HT-SBW55121 soundbars have been unveiled ahead of their European launch early next year. The company states that the models are “tuned by Devialet”, supporting Dolby Atmos. Plus, there are optional wireless rear speakers to upgrade your sound system.

Timekettle has unveiled the W4 Pro AI interpreter earbuds providing real-time translations and transcripts between 40 languages. Three built-in microphones and a 0.2 second response time allow for hours of fluid, uninterrupted conversations during one-on-one or group meetings.

The well-known audio company Sonos had been planning a new product to take on the likes of Roku and Google Chromecast - however, it may have to delay the release of the brand-first product. The OEM is now reportedly shedding employees, not to mention the production of its inaugural Ace wireless headphones compared to in-house projections. The source of all this adversity is said to lie in the furore caused by what should have been a simple update to its smartphone app.

Technics has unveiled the premium SC-CX700 200-watt speaker system with Spotify, Tidal, FLAC, DSD, and record player compatibility along with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. The company’s first wireless speaker system has automatic room calibration, and the speakers use harmonic distortion cancellation to improve the quality of the sound output.

Sony has unveiled the MDR-M1 professional headphones with an ultra-wide frequency response for use in audio recording, mixing, and mastering. The closed ear headphones enable audio engineers to hear the nuances of their music work, while the soft padding enables comfortable wear for hours.