Audio

Sony has announced a virtual launch event for next week, likely for one of the most unusual audio products of 2022. The company's teaser image and accompanying video preview image already outline what product to expect, which could be the Linkbuds WF-L900.

Sony has unveiled two new Walkmans aimed at audiophiles who wanted a dedicated MP3 player. Not only do the NW-WM1ZM2 and NW-WM1AM2 support modern streaming services and formats, but the more expensive model also relies on copper and gold for the best possible sound.

Step aside self-proclaimed audiophiles because this list is for active listeners who value durability, convenience, and just the right punch of bass needed to get those last few reps in. The fuss-free wireless headphones on this list can take a beating all while delivering great battery life and exceptional sound.

Apple has typically offered a three-month free trial for new users considering an account with its first-party Music service. However, this offer has been cut in more than half in a long list of countries where the Cupertino giant operates. The normal price thereafter remains unchanged, however.

It seems that Sony has a new pair of WF earbuds planned, but not successors to the WF-1000XM4. Instead, Sony has created the Linkbuds WF-L900, a strange pair of earbuds without ear tips. The Linkbuds WF-L900 will launch in two colours, matching the WF-1000XM4.

The Reno7 and 7 Pro has launched in the Indian market, having only been available in China prior to this. The series is still touted as the "Portrait Experts" in its new region. Then again, the vanilla 7 is not exactly the same phone as it was in China; its new international units come with a MediaTek Dimensity SoC rather than one from Qualcomm as before.

Xiaomi has launched the Soundbar 3.1ch, a soundbar that comes with a wireless subwoofer. The Xiaomi Soundbar 3.1ch costs €279 and delivers up to 430 W of output power across its seven speakers.

OPPO has announced that it will introduce the Watch Free, one of its latest fitness trackers, to the Indian market soon. It will debut when the Reno7 series does in early February 2022. They will be joined by the Enco M32 wireless earbuds in a new color.

According to reports, Apple is looking to shake up its AirPods series with a new design. Unfortunately, while details about the AirPods Pro 2 have already leaked, the earbuds may not arrive until the autumn, three years after the original AirPods Pro debuted.

Sony has unveiled the HT-S400, a mid-range soundbar that packs plenty of features. Not only does the HT-S400 support a wireless subwoofer, it can also be integrated within a surround sound setup. The HT-S400 delivers up to 330 W of power too, and even has a built-in OLED display.

The Beats Studio Buds were already a decent, if cheaper, alternative to the AirPods Pro. However, the more affordable earbuds have now received a few features from the AirPods Pro with their latest software update, blurring the line between them and Apple's premium earbuds.

Compatible with a wide range of devices, the TeamSpeak-certified Austrian Audio PG16 gaming headset features 44 mm high-excursion drivers, a lift-to-mute omnidirectional microphone, easily replaceable earcups, metal hinges, as well as a foldable design that ensures maximum portability. The price tag reads 139 Euros (about US$157).

Mobvoi invites its fans to turn down their distractions and turn up the fun via a pair of TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a succinct new name to match. They are rated for IP5X ingress-protection, "all-day" comfort and up to 21 hours of battery life thanks to their USB type-C charging case.

OPPO debuted flagship TWS earbuds with Dynaudio tuning in 2020. Now, they are tipped to get a second generation this year. According to a new leaked render for these accessories, they will retain their high-end co-branding and largely the same design as their predecessors.

With a certified frequency range from 10 Hz to 40 kHz, the Sharkoon SKILLER SGH50 gaming headset provides an excellent audio experience for more than just online or offline battles that require accurate reproduction of explosions, footsteps, or engine sounds. Those interested can already acquire it for less than 60 Euros (US$68).

Have you ever taken a look at a new product and thought "what was this product design team thinking"? Hi-fi speakers are notorious for having their aesthetics overlooked in favor of a design that stands out, provides enhanced acoustic transparency, or delivers deeper bass. The profoundly unappealing Hi-Fi speakers on this list more than live up to this stigma by achieving what we can only define as "eyesore status".

The Khadas Tea may be a MagSafe compatible DAC, but it also works with Android devices using USB Type-C or Bluetooth. The DAC supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio when using a wired connection and should start shipping in March 2022. The Khadas Tea is orderable now for US$159 through Indiegogo.

The CC2 earbuds are ready-to-use and ready-to-go faster than most others. Its touch-sensitive controls, however, could use a bit of a redesign since they are not always responsive.

TCL has brought its latest range of soundbars to keep its line of TVs company at CES 2022. They comprise 2 new additions to the OEM's Alto 7 and 9 series. They upgrade to the latest in-house RayDanz and Master Sound Calibration technologies, and also offer up to 7.1.4 channel audio and enhancements such as Dolby Atmos.

Samsung announced a unique projector device at CES 2022, called the Freestyle, as it shoehorns powerful projector features into a smart speaker form factor that weighs less than two pounds with the stand. The picture size output ranges from 30"-100", depending on the distance from the projecting surface, and the Freestyle can be powered by an external battery in case you want to take it on the road.

HyperX has revealed the Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset, a new headset with a removable microphone. The headset offers up to 300 hours of battery life and has 50 mm drivers, among other features. The Cloud Alpha Wireless Gaming Headset will be available next month for US$199.99.

The HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset has 53 mm drivers, a vibrant colour scheme and an audio control box. The headset offers 7.1 virtual surround sound too, along with a uni-directional microphone. The Cloud II Gaming Headset will retail for US$99.99 when HyperX starts selling it in March.

The HyperX Cloud Core Gaming Headset is a US$69.99 gaming headset with removable accessories. The headset is available in one colour and has 53 mm drivers, among other features.

Dell has launched the Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset to supplement its gaming laptops at CES 2022. It can interface with a device over Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and a 3.5mm audio jack. The headset costs US$199 and will go on sale in certain regions on February 9.

Sharkoon's latest headsets come with different treats for gaming fans, so while the first one sports stylish 3D-like RGB illumination, the second comes with a subtle black design that features modular cables and a detachable microphone. Their suggested prices are 31.90 Euros (RUSH ER40) and 49.90 Euros (B2).

Huawei has rounded its bumper product event of today (December 23, 2021) out with the introduction of new smart glasses. These accessories are, like their predecessors, equipped with speakers and mics for hands-free use and entertainment. Then again, this new generation also has something of a health-tracking component.

OnePlus recently launched the Buds Z2. These midrange TWS earbuds support Dolby Atmos, active noise cancellation, and have a 40-hour battery life. Their bass-tuned 11mm drivers promise solid sound quality, too. At US$99, they offer substantial value compared to the likes of the AirPods Pro.

The Buds Z2 are OnePlus' latest TWS earbuds, although they have not been available outside China to date. The OEM has revealed that this will change in mid-December 2021 with their debut in Europe. This launch is to be a social media-centric event, although the product is also intended to boost the company's Red Cable Club expansion into a new region.

Huawei has just released some details on another new product for its increasingly large-scale event later in December 2021. It is the OEM's latest generation of smart glasses. They are speaker-enabled wearables like their predecessors, although they will ship with Huawei's own software.

Lenovo is now believed to release an Android tablet under the Legion gaming brand for the first time soon. Now, this device is said to have emerged again in a hands-on photo. The leak may give an idea of its build, as well as some audio-related co-branding that it will bear.

Lenovo has launched a new projector under the Yoga brand in China. The T500 Play is an FHD variant of its line with a peak brightness of 700 nits. It has a large battery of just over 22,000mAh in capacity, and is thus rated for truly portable use, as well as the ability to connect mobile devices via its USB type-C port.

The Kokoon Nightbuds are a pair of (technically) wireless earbuds specifically designed to wear in bed. They are rated by their OEM to track and enhance sleep through a combination of hardware such as an in-built heart-rate sensor and an app that delivers "personalized sleep coaching". They are now available as a mainstream product rather than on crowdfunding as before.

Nothing had already revealed that the new, black versions of its inaugural ear (1) TWS buds would be sold through its own website from December 13, 2021. However, the OEM has also now stated that the new variants will also be available through a range of new and existing retailers, both online and physical, a few days beforehand.

UGREEN's "next step in the evolution of the X-series," namely the HiTune X6 ANC earbuds, come with 35 dB dual ANC (thanks to the use of six microphones), also adding 10 mm high fidelity dynamic drivers and 50 ms low-latency to the mix. Until December 11, this piece of tech is up for sale at US$48.99 instead of US$69.99.

YouTube Music has gained the option of saving your queue as a playlist, a feature previously available on Google Play Music. The feature should also work when using the 'Start radio' function.

Magico's latest subwoofer is like almost no other, with it weighing in at 177 kg and capable of outputting 6,500 W of power. The subwoofer has a frequency response of between 10 Hz and 150 Hz too, with a 136 dB peak volume.

Nothing has announced another pair of earbuds, albeit not successors to the Ear (1). Instead, the company has unveiled its eponymous earbuds in black. The Nothing Ear (1) black will be orderable using fiat money or cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Samsung is said to update its Galaxy A line of smartphones with devices with minimal design upgrades compared to the 2021 variants. Now, shots of a rear panel allegedly belonging to one of these next-gen smartphones has reportedly been taken from its factory. It shows camera cut-outs that may also be present in the rest of this "A13's" siblings.

Sonos has leaked that it will be announcing a new subwoofer soon. The new subwoofer is not a Gen 4 model though, which would be a successor to the current Sonos Sub.

Sony has announced that its headphones will lose Google Assistant support on iOS from early December. The change will affect all Sony headphones, although Google is discontinuing the service, not Sony itself.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are selling at a reduced price this Black Friday at two US retailers: Amazon and Best Buy. The device offers speak to chat and active noise cancellation features.