Audio

Edifier's latest wireless headphones are touted as having an upgrade to the LDAC codec and certified Hi-Res Audio. Their "high capacity" battery is rated for nearly 50 hours of battery life, and recharges via USB type-C. The W820NB Plus are also touted as delivering high-quality audio with a form of active noise cancellation (ANC), yet start for well under US$100.

Sony has augmented its Mobile ES in-car audio line with a new AV receiver. The XAV-9000ES is the first double-DIN variant of its line, and also supports wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Its HD touchscreen can also switch between 3 different cameras in this generation as well as handle custom speaker configurations with an "enhanced" 5V 3-pre out. It has launched alongside 2 new power amplifiers for even more "High-Resolution Audio".

According to reports, Google is preparing to bring multiple new features to the Pixel Buds Pro. Rolling out in the next few months, the Pixel Buds Pro is rumoured to gain Clear Calling, among other new technologies.

iQOO has confirmed that it will make its inaugural Android tablet part of its next major product event. The brand has revealed that the first-gen just happens to follow a trend recently set by Vivo and OnePlus in showing its looks off ahead of its formal debut. The slate will run on a powerful MediaTek Dimensity chipset and have dual rear cameras.

For US$299 and up, the 3.2-inch full range speakers and 5.5-inch subwoofer promise a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 KHz and a sound pressure level of up to 99 dB. The customizable rear projection colors are a nice touch that many Razer fans will certainly appreciate.

Apple has announced the Beats Studio Buds Plus, a successor to the Beats Studio Buds. While the newer model looks a lot like the existing Beats Studio Buds, Apple has integrated numerous hardware changes to improve audio quality and immersion.

Samsung has finalised a revision to the transparency mode it offers with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Soon, the flagship earbuds will provide more control over it amplifies ambient noise, which Samsung will enable via a new firmware update.

The well-rounded 3.1.2 soundbar from LG's 2021 lineup is approaching the end of its market cycle, which may be the reason why Best Buy is now selling the Dolby Atmos audio system with a powerful subwoofer for a fraction of its regular price.

Fairphone has presented the Fairbuds XL, a new pair of over-ear headphones centred around repairability and sustainability. The Fairbuds XL supports Qualcomm aptX HD, ANC, Bluetooth Multipoint and is rated for up to 26 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. The Fairbuds XL is already orderable in multiple markets in black or green colourways.

Realme has added new members to its Buds Air-series TWS earbuds alongside its latest smartphones today (May 10, 2023). The 5 Pros are backed to rival others in its class with support for the LDAC codec, spatial audio and a class-leading (if technical) edge in terms of active noise cancellation (ANC). Nevertheless, they start for well under US$100 on their initial Chinese launch.

JBL has unveiled Wi-Fi-capable versions of its Charge 5 and Boombox 3 portable speakers. The improved connectivity reduces interruptions and enables you to wirelessly stream content from a mobile device via Apple AirPlay or Chromecast. The models also support HD audio with 24bit/96kHz playback over Wi-Fi.

The Fairbuds XL has leaked again, courtesy of Roland Quandt and WinFuture. Apparently, Fairphone plans to launch the Fairbuds XL within the next few weeks for €249 in two colour options, both with recycled plastic cases.

Panasonic has unveiled 2 new pairs of TWS earbuds, both of which have the brand's ErgoFit build for comfort, in-house XBS "extra bass" enhancements and Bluetooth 5.3. The RZ-B310Ws are equipped with (hybrid) active noise cancellation (ANC), whereas their RZ-B110W siblings are rated for prolonged battery life instead.

Sony has announced pricing and availability for the new BRAVIA XR TVs that are coming to the North American market. They will come in OLED, mini LED or Full Array LED varieties, all of which be 4K HDR, will run Google TV and have the latest Cognitive Processor XR. The new BRAVIA XR range for the US or Canada will have sizes ranging to 55-inch entry-level models to the top-end 98-inch X90L model.

Released back in 2020 with a US$129.99 US launch price, the Creative SXFI Gamer USB-C headset had dropped on Amazon to a US$79.99 list price about a year later. Now, it is available with a generous 31% discount which brings this headset with a pro-grade microphone down to a very tempting US$54.99.

The affordable JBL Bar 5.0 soundbar has returned to its lowest sale price to date as a reputable online retailer is currently selling the speaker system with Virtual Dolby Atmos support and 4K passthrough for just US$199 until the end of the week.

The allegedly upcoming new "Plus" version of the Beats Studio Buds have reportedly made it onto Amazon ahead of their scheduled release date by accident. The sales page may have revealed their specs and price as well as their latest, Nothing phone-like, colorway, prior to being yanked from the site.

Xiaomi has launched the Smart Speaker Lite, available in countries including Spain. The gadget has a 1.75-in loudspeaker unit and a 350cc sound cavity to enhance the audio. Plus, with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the speaker supports Amazon Alexa voice commands, Apple AirPlay2 and Spotify Connect.

IKEA is now selling the VAPPEBY Portable Bluetooth waterproof speaker in countries including the US, UK and the Netherlands. The gadget can run for up to 80 hours on a single charge and is rated as IP67 waterproof, meaning you can use the speaker outdoors or in the bathroom. Plus, you can pair two speakers for a stereo sound.

JMGO has announced that its Kickstarter campaign for the innovative N1 Ultra 4K projector has come to an end, having amassed over US$2 million in the process. The device attracted this much backing thanks to claims of in-house "Brilliant Color" optics and an innovative "Gimbal System". Now, the OEM indicates that it is getting ready to ship the N1 Ultra to its backers, and also prepare it for release to retail.

It's Earth Day 2023, and, thus, a potentially ideal time to augment your personal or home audio set-up finished in FSC-certified wood. If so, House of Marley has you covered with speakers, ANC TWS earbuds or wireless headphones in sustainable style. They often back it up with high-quality materials such as stainless steel and recyclable aluminum.

Acer asserts that its latest Vero-series projector has a laser source robust and stable enough to support "round-the-clock" throw in color-accurate FHD. The PL3510ATV also has in-built 10W speakers with an Audio Return Function to augment an external sound system. It runs Android TV and can act as a Chromecast for wireless content-control.

The new TravelMate P4 series has launched with most of the highest-end specs to be found in Acer's latest crop of Raptor Lake-powered business laptops. They include up to 64GB of RAM, up to 1TB SSDs, and RTX 2050 cards to drive 16:10 displays, even in the new 14-inch convertible version. It also has up-firing speakers with DTS Audio and 4G/LTE to augment Wi-Fi 6E connectivity in common with the non-Spin 14- and 16-inch variants.

Dell touts the Latitude 9440 as the smallest 14-inch laptop you can buy right now - then again, you may be most inclined to order it for work, as it is also hyped as the OEM's most "collaborative" PC yet. That entails Zoom controls baked right into the large haptics-enabled trackpad, found in an XPS-inspired chassis rated for durability through premium materials.

The TCL S642W and S643W soundbars have been revealed. The gadgets have won a 2023 Red Dot design award and are compatible with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X. The S643W is a 3.1ch soundbar, and the S642W is a 2.1ch model, with each set-up including a wireless subwoofer.

Xiaomi has introduced the Sound Move, a new Bluetooth speaker with plenty of features up its sleeve. Not only does the Xiaomi Sound Move offer up to 21 hours of battery life, but it also provides Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity.

Fairphone is preparing to release the Fairbuds XL, a pair of over-ear wireless headphones. Not only has the design of the Fairbuds XL leaked, but so has its European retail price.

As JerryRigEverything host Zach Nelson points out in the YouTube channel's latest video, the new OnePlus 11 sports an oddly-shaped "center vent" not typically found in Android smartphone frames. It was deemed not likely to be for something more normal, like a mic, due to its shape and size. Then again, the mystery "hole" might be there for a good reason, as the device's appearance in the popular teardown series reveals.

According to a new leak, Samsung is set to debut its next-gen earbuds, the Galaxy Buds3 shortly. As a direct successor to 2021's Buds2, the Buds3 are tipped to match the Buds2 Pro in terms of features. Sadly, however, it appears Samsung has now shelved all plans for the release of the bean-style Galaxy Buds2 Live.

JBL has reduced the price of its Partybox Encore Essential speaker in the US and Canada with discounts of up to 30%. The gadget has a built-in ring light with dynamic effects to sync with your music. With up to six hours of battery-powered playback, you can connect to the portable gadget via Bluetooth.

(Update: Sale extended) The 11.1.4-channel flagship from Samsung's recently released 2023 lineup of soundbars officially carries a lofty price tag of almost US$2,000, but thanks to a steep discount, that price has already dropped to a much more reasonable number.

LG has announced that it has re-vamped its signature logo with a "a new visual identity" that "smiles back" at an increasingly digital audience. It involves an upgrade for the basic 'face' made of the electronics giant's name to a solid "Active Red" background and the ability to become a GIF at any opportunity. This, according to the OEM, will turn it into an engaging and lively mascot for its "human-centered" business.

Available with three color choices, the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro wireless gaming headset is discounted between 11% and 38%. While those who choose the Six Siege finish have to pay US$178.57, customers who choose the black version only need to cash out US$111.99. The retail price is US$199.99, regardless of color.

The Anker Soundcore Motion X600 Bluetooth Speaker is now available for pre-order with a US$50 (or £50 or €50) discount. The X600 is Anker’s first high-fidelity portable speaker, with a three-channel speaker system and 50 W output. Plus, a 6,400 mAh battery allows up to twelve hours of playback time.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, which will soon be available via a pre-sale campaign in China. The gadget contains a speaker and microphone, allowing you to listen to music or take calls with the wearable. You can use touch gestures on the arms to control the device, which supports voice commands.

The US$2,796-priced bundle that brings together the Sony A90J BRAVIA XR OLED 4K HDR TV and the HT-A7000 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with DTS:X and 360 spatial sound mapping is now over US$1,100 cheaper than the US$3,899.98 list price. This combo works with Alexa, Google TV, and Apple Airplay.

LG's new Portable Tower Speaker takes the RGB lighting of its XBOOM series and re-imagines it in a whole new way. The "ring-light" around its main forward-facing driver is joined by a Matrix LED display that can show a range of animations, text banners or other effects, some of which can be customized in its app. It is now available on the US market.

The 34-inch BenQ Mobiuz EX3415R curved gaming monitor has been available on Amazon since March 28, 2021. Now, its price is down from the list value of US$999.99 to US$749.99, thanks to a generous 25% discount. Its highlights include a 2.1 speaker system with a 5 W subwoofer, HDRi optimization, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and more.

The standalone Bose Soundbar 700 may lack Dolby Atmos support and a dedicated subwoofer, but on sale for under US$500, the DTS-compatible audio system might be worth consideration for fans of a neutral sound profile and premium build quality.

The 2023 Samsung Q-Series Audio Range has been launched in the UK. Models in the line-up include the Samsung HW-Q990C, an 11.1.4 channel soundbar with a sub-woofer and rear speakers. The devices have tools like Samsung Q-Symphony and SpaceFIt Sound Pro and can be controlled with Alexa voice commands.

The new OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite will be available from April 11 in India and from April 25 in Europe. The smartphone features the same Snapdragon 695 SoC as its predecessor but now features a 108 MP camera and increased RAM. OnePlus also announced the Nord Buds with ANC support.

The Nord Buds 2 have now been unleashed to bring active noise cancellation (ANC) and the latest Bluetooth standard to its line of mid-range OnePlus audio accessories. They are also touted to get the user in the groove with software-based BassWave optimizations, "all-day" battery life and large drivers with "titanized" diaphragms. They have been released for sale in multiple markets, with availability in more to follow.

Pantheone Audio has launched the Obsidian speaker in the UK and Australia. The speaker contains a sub-woofer and two tweeters, supporting streaming rates of up to 24 bits/192 kbps. You can wirelessly cast content to the device via Apple AirPlay or Spotify Connect and connect gadgets via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Nothing touts its ear (stick) as an even better new pair of TWS earbuds than usual as a result of their latest software upgrade. The OTA is rated to confer improved battery life during voice calls and connection stability on the accessories, and may grant them more access to bass during audio streaming.

Sony has introduced a new pair of wireless earbuds. As expected, the WF-C700N has arrived ahead of the expected WF-1000XM5. Building on the WF-C500, the WF-C700N features active noise cancellation and is available in multiple colours.

Home tech brand VAVA insists that its latest sale is no joke today (April 1, 2023). Its best deal might involve a chance to buy a high-end laser projector with ALPD 3.0 and Harmon Kardon speakers along with a 100-inch "Pro" ALR backdrop for less than the normal retail cost of the "4K Laser TV" on its own.

European pricing has surfaced for the Sony WF-C700N, as well as various release dates across the region. A full specification sheet for Sony's next mid-range earbuds has leaked too.

(Update: Sale ending soon) The considerably discounted JBL Bar 5.0 is an adequate choice for budget-conscious soundbar buyers who are looking for a standalone audio system that supports Dolby Atmos and can passthrough a 4K Dolby Vision signal via HDMI 2.0.