Audio

Realme offers new and completely wireless headphones. These support active noise cancellation and also feature a mode for particularly low-latency playback.

Sennheiser has expanded its ACCENTUM series with a pair of true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. Available in three colours and across multiple markets, the ACCENTUM True Wireless has 7 mm dynamic transducers, with support also provided for Bluetooth LC3 and Qualcomm aptX codecs, among other features.

The HD 620S is Sennheiser's latest pair of wired and closed-back headphones. Designed with audiophiles in mind, the Sennheiser HD 620S is already available to pre-order in multiple markets.

Sonos’ foray into the headphone category has been rumoured for some time, and now, images of its upcoming wireless headphone – the Sonos Ace – have leaked via an authorised dealer’s website, along with the retail price of around $430. Also discovered from the same source is a photo of the Roam 2 portable speaker, expected to be launched soon.

Huawei has updated the FreeClip, a pair of open earbuds that it only unveiled in December 2023. Five months later, the company has refreshed the earbuds with a new more neutral colour option sold simply as 'beige'.

The FreeBuds 6i is Huawei's latest pair of mid-range TWS earbuds. While the FreeBuds 6i succeeds the FreeBuds 5i, it also has plenty in common with the more expensive FreeBuds Pro 3.

Apple Music for LG TVs can now play tracks with Spatial Audio as well as in Dolby Atmos through a connected soundbars, so long as it is from the same brand. The feature, currently available on no other TVs, is backed to be the highest-end form of immersion on the app. LG TV users can try it out for free for a limited time.

Apple now makes AirPods that do not need a Lightning port to charge; however, the company seems in no hurry to do the same with its (even more expensive) flagship wireless headphones. However, as a popular device repair YouTuber has demonstrated, it is possible for a user to end the frustration and make their AirPods Max into USB-C devices with a kit that is available to buy online.

The Moondrop MIAD 01 is one of the most distinctive Android devices of 2024 thus far. It has a 4.4mm headphone jack to go with the more conventional 3.5mm type. Furthermore, it seems it might be as appealing to teardown enthusiasts as well as audiophiles, and may, therefore, also be easier to repair than most modern smartphones.

Sennheiser's latest offers on products such as its flagship Momentum 4 wireless headphones or Ambeo-series soundbars beat those of Amazon, albeit for one day only. The premium brand's latest 25% off deals are only available for one day: today, May the Fourth 2024.

F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo was recently spotted with what appears to be an unreleased model of Apple’s iconic Beats Pill portable speaker, sparking rumours that the portable speaker lineup – discontinued since January 2022 – could see a revival soon. Two weeks ago, NBA player LeBron James was also seen with the same speaker.

We have yet another Spotify HiFi leak. The new tier was announced back in February 2021 and has yet to arrive. However, after some tweaking, a Redditor named OhItsTom could forcefully make the UI elements appear on the desktop and a few dialog prompts pop up on mobile. These suggest that the "Supremium" tier is still being worked on.

Bose has just unveiled the SoundLink Max, the latest and largest member of the SoundLink portable speaker lineup, boasting a carry handle and rugged, IP67 rated construction. It also features Snapdragon Sound and Bose’s SimpleSync technology to enhance connectivity and sound quality. The speaker is priced at $399 and will be available from May 16.

Samsung has released the HW-LS60D Music Frame wireless speaker for home theater and audio enthusiasts. The speaker supports Dolby Atmos Music streaming, Spotify and Tidal Hi-Fi connect, and FLAC and Hi-Res audio support. Automatic room optimization and TV synchronization enable the Music Frame to be used as external speakers for televisions, phones, and computers.

With the FA19, FiiO presents new flagship earphones that feature a total of ten BA drivers per ear to achieve an enormously detailed sound. The transparent, 3D-printed housing allows a view of the drivers.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen) are discounted by 28% off their retail price on Amazon and Best Buy right now, putting them at their lowest price yet. The AirPods Pro 2 are ranked among the best wireless earphones today (specially for iPhone users) thanks to their stellar ANC, Adaptive Audio and spatial audio with head tracking.

The Beats Solo 4 are launching as the successor to the hugely popular Beats Solo 3, bringing with them a number of long overdue upgrades such as USB-C connectivity, Spatial Audio with head tracking and support for Google's Find My Device network.

SteelSeries is relaunching the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless gaming headphones, giving the headset a white housing and a comfort upgrade. The battery, which can be replaced in seconds, remains a unique selling point, while the company also promises console and PC compatibility.

Apple has presented its most affordable completely wireless earphones to date, the Beats Solo Buds, which are designed to impress with detailed sound. The particularly small charging case and special ventilation openings on the earphones are designed to ensure comfort, both in your pocket and in your ears.

Godox' latest clip-on wireless audio recording system comes with dual long-range mics rated for "impressive" Hi-Res audio. Furthermore, the Magic XT1's 2-in-1 receiver has its own OLED display to help control and monitor its audio in real time. It also supports connectivity via 3.5mm jack and the USB Audio Class (UAC) standard.

Baseus has announced an updated version of the "most popular" wireless earbuds it makes. The Bowie MA10s augment their immediate predecessors' hybrid ANC, "Oscar-Worthy" sound and "comfortable" build with in-demand features such as Immersive Spatial Audio Technology and a case capable of wireless charging. Nevertheless, they still stick to an introductory price of less than $40.

Moondrop has been teasing its first phone for a long time. Well, the audio-focused smartphone has now officially landed in the Chinese market. The MIAD 01 comes with mid-range Dimensity 7050, a 64 MP primary camera on the back, two headphone jacks, and MasterHiFi DACs. It costs CNY 2,499, around $345, which is a lot less than initially speculated.

Baseus launches new wireless headphones. The Baseus M2s Pro offer a particularly strong reduction of disturbing ambient noise and a relatively long battery life. The price is comparatively low.

Anker is offering new wireless headphones. These are in-ear headphones that still come with a headband and therefore promise a particularly good fit. This is not the only reason why the Soundcore Sport X20 should be safe to use during sport.

The MIAD01 is a smartphone from Moondrop for hi-fi enthusiasts that offers a high-quality, symmetrical 4.4 mm connection in addition to the regular 3.5 mm headphone connection. The white design with its orange color accents definitely makes it stand out from the smartphone crowd.

Canon Japan has developed a mixed-reality headset to enjoy live music performances outside traditional performance venues. This headset allows music goers to enjoy a more realistic performance than watching it on television or other sources.

With a total playtime of up to 24 hours (and 6 hours per charge), the Creative Aurvana Ace 2 TWS earbuds also feature both aptX lossless and adaptive audio, adaptive ANC, and ambient mode, all on top of custom-tuned 10 mm dynamic drivers and xMEMS speakers. Introduced for $149.99 in January 2024, it is now down to $129.99.

Xiaomi has a new and powerful Bluetooth speaker on offer. The model not only has high output power, but also high playback quality and is protected against damage from dust and water.

The XAV-AX3700 is a relatively compact, wallet-friendly addition to Sony's line of in-car AV receivers. Nevertheless, it integrates features such as FLAC, LDAC and Apple CarPlay support, not to mention the ability to hook rear-facing parking cameras to its matte display, which is found above large physical buttons to control its more customizable interface.

Sony is now accepting pre-orders for its BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 in Europe and has announced pricing for North America. The soundbar has 13 speakers including four woofers, but still has a slim profile. Other features include 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

With four speakers, each with one upward and three forward-facing drivers, Sony wants to bring "real cinema sound" into the living room. The loudspeakers are said to enable enormously spatial sound thanks to Sony 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Dolby Atmos.

Nothing has just made not one but two sets of new wireless audio accessories official. Both sets support the same upgraded kind of active noise cancellation (ANC), although one is the more premium option with features such as LHDC 5 support and improved IP ratings. The Ear and Ear (a) are also the OEM's inaugural AI-enabled earbuds, albeit with caveats.

Rode has just announced a trio of products targeted at mobile content creators and film-makers. While the Interview PRO is a $249 wireless handheld mic and field recorder with 32-bit float audio, the Phone Cage and Magnetic Mount are MagSafe-compatible modular mounts for mobile filmmaking, retailing for $120 and $90 respectively.

With the Buds T110, Realme is offering new completely wireless headphones. They promise high playback quality and are also available in rather unusual colors. Noise cancelation is available.

Anker has launched a crowdfunding campaign for its new Soundcore Sleep A20 Bluetooth Earbuds at Kickstarter. At the time of writing, the project had raised over $500,000, with early customers offered a price lower than the RRP. Features include sleep insights in the accompanying app and a longer battery life than the older A10 model.

Motorola has presented two new sets of earbuds that it has offered up as the Moto Buds and Moto Buds Plus. Available for €59 and €149, the pair offer ANC, Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity but differ in their drivers and battery life.

Why choose between QLED and micro-OLED displays when you can have either - or even both? That new feature debuts in the new Super version of Pimax' Crystal virtual reality (VR) headset. It can support a resolution of up to 4K at 90Hz, has a "massive" field of view (FOV) and has integrated audio. It debuts alongside its new Light sibling for potentially high-res, lightweight PCVR experiences on more of a budget.

The Sharp 2.0.2 Compact Dolby Atmos Soundbar, or HT-SB700, is now on sale in Europe. The new model is relatively cheap and offers a surround sound experience with support for Dolby Atmos. Other features include an HDMI eARC port, and a range of pre-sets such as Movie and Music.

A new and relatively cheap Bluetooth speaker from Xiaomi is now available for international customers outside China. A relatively long battery life is promised, and the device is IP certified against dust and water damage.

Xiaomi is launching a particularly compact Bluetooth speaker, namely the Sound Pocket, onto the global market as a direct competitor to the JBL Go 4. It offers Bluetooth 5.4 and up to 10 hours of battery life at a weight of just 200 g.

The Xiaomi Sound Outdoor is a new Bluetooth speaker that is being launched globally, is waterproof thanks to IP67 and is easy to carry thanks to its stylish and compact design.

OnePlus 12 launched with a lot of upgrades over its predecessor. These upgrades, for most, make the Android phone worth purchasing. Now, if you missed out on the launch promo, you have another chance to get a great deal on the smartphone. The company is currently bundling a pair of Buds Pro 2 with the phone for free.

The Comfo Run from Edifier is a new headphones that is particularly suitable for use during sports. The new model also comes with additional functions and particularly large drivers - this should benefit the playback quality.

Udio has launched a free AI song creation service. This AI service allows anyone typing text prompts to create songs of different genres, add custom lyrics, and remix songs into different styles in seconds. Udio was founded by ex-Google Deep Mind researchers in late 2023 as a stealth startup.

Sony has now released a new pair of over-ear wireless headphones after a spate of leaks. Surprisingly, the headphones have arrived as the Sony ULT Wear, contrary to expectations that they would be sold as the WH-ULT900N. Nonetheless, the new headphones offer plenty of features, given their mid-range price tag.

For a limited time, you can score a free pair of Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC by purchasing the XREAL Air 2 Pro smart glasses. The bundled noise cancelling wireless earbuds generally go for $99.99, and they work well with augmented reality (AR) glasses.

Razer has released versions of its BlackShark V2 Pro wireless headset compatible with either the Xbox or PlayStation. The OEM touts them as ideal for their respective consoles thanks to their "crystal-clear" TriForce audio, and noise-isolating cups with "all-day comfort" memory foam reinforcement.

Sennheiser's latest audio devices for active users are touted to double as fitness trackers as well, thanks to the ability to sense the user's body temperature as well as their heart-rate. The Momentum Sport Earbuds are also touted to unlock the ability to "hear more than music" with a custom 'sports EQ' and adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC).

Nothing is preparing to release new earbuds later this month. In the meantime, a detailed leaked has outlined not only the design of the Nothing Ear (a) and Nothing Ear but also their specifications and launch pricing.