Audio

According to audio analysis tests, Nothing has equipped the Phone (1) with a set of weak speakers. Worse still, the device's microphones are subpar too, which helps rank the Nothing Phone (1) as one of the worse smartphones that DxOMark has reviewed in this regard.

Sony Electronics' latest stand-alone condenser microphone is a relatively affordable new offering from its Pro Audio division; however, it has inherited design elements from higher-end and "revered" counterparts such as the C-800G. Accordingly, the OEM asserts that the new uni-directional mic will deliver high-end audio specifically optimized for voice recording at a more accessible price.

The Marshall Emberton Black Diamond Jubilee model has been launched. The portable speaker has an all-black finish with similar features to the existing variants. For example, the device has up to 20 hours of playback time, and you can pair gadgets via Bluetooth 5.0. Plus, True Stereophonic technology brings a multi-directional sound experience.

Samsung has released the first public software update for the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Arriving roughly six weeks after the earbuds' launch, R510XXU0AVI7 is available to download now through the Galaxy Wearable app.

Tronsmart has announced a new, Mini version of its RGB-enabled Bluetooth speaker with an in-built power bank. The new Bang variant has 83.3% of the audio power of its inaugural larger sibling, as well as the same estimated max play-time; then again, it has a smaller on-board battery. It also drops proprietary Tronsmart multi-device connect technology and app support for a reduced asking price.

Renowned leaker OnLeaks has shared specifications of the OnePlus Buds Pro 2, the company's next high-end pair of earbuds. Reputedly, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 will launch with superior ANC, two drivers per earbud and LHDC codec support, among other changes.

Apple touts its new AirPods Pro (or AirPods Pro 2) as having prolonged use between charges compared to the previous generation. Now, their registration with the 3C regulator has reportedly revealed the batteries behind these claims. Their case is nearly comparable to the new Watch Ultra in these terms.

Carl Pei's new tech OEM Nothing has announced that its long-hyped Ear (stick) TWS earbuds later in October 2022. The brand patently aims for style with this new product, although it asserts that they will deliver its "most advanced sound experience yet". They are also backed to support prolonged wear times and to have a more portable case than their ear (1) predecessors.

Xiaomi has started selling the Redmi Buds 4 Pro in Europe, starting at €89.99 until October 11. Equipped with dual drivers per earbud, the Redmi Buds 4 Pro supports Hi-Res Audio, the LDAC codec and should deliver 9 hours of battery life between charges.

Xiaomi has presented the Redmi Buds 4 in Europe, a cheaper alternative to the Redmi Buds 4 Pro. Equipped with 10 mm dynamic drivers, the Redmi Buds 4 also support ANC and should deliver up to 30 hours of battery life, among other features.

Edifier asserts that its latest bookshelf-type speaker is high-end in terms of its specs and features, yet set at an cost-effective price-point. The WiFi/Bluetooth/OPT/COX/AUX-capable S1000W has aluminum bass drivers and a titanium dome tweeter rated to deliver "Hi-Res audio", and can pair to at least 1 additional unit for seamless music playback throughout the home.

iFixit has disassembled the AirPods Pro 2, Apple's latest flagship earbuds. Sadly, the AirPods Pro 2 is basically unrepairable and is at odds with Apple's apparent embrace of right to repair. As iFixit found out, destroying the AirPods Pro 2 is the only way to access some components.

Ulefone asserts that its latest IP68/69K/MIL-STD-810G-rated mobile device, the Power Armor 16 Pro, is now the "world's loudest rugged phone". It has launched with a disproportionately large speaker that shoulders the conventional camera hump aside in an effort to live up to this "122 decibel" spec. The 16 Pro debuts with its OEM's inaugural TWS earbuds as a free gift.

Skullcandy has just expanded its line of headphones with new sets specifically aimed at gamers. They include the new wireless PLYR headset and the wired SLYR PRO, with battery power that partially acts to power a feature rated to test the user's hearing to optimize their output. The accessories are joined by the more affordable new SLYR option with a core selection of its series' specs.

Nothing has officially announced that its second-gen audio accessories will go live as the Ear (stick) buds soon. They have been unveiled in a charging case very different to that of their ear (1) predecessors, presented in partnership with the clothes designer Chet Lo at London Fashion Week 2023. The TWS products are already being touted as the ideal companion to the OEM's inaugural Phone (1).

Honor has announced that its latest Android tablet is coming to the Indian market soon. The Pad 8 will bring its 2K "FullView" display, metallic unibody and 8 speakers with it to its next upcoming launch via Flipkart. However, it seems its top-end SKU will not be available on its new platform from its debut.

It's September 17, 2022, which means that the mobile consumer tech company OPPO has been around for 18 years to the day today. Carl Pei's former employer has marked this occasion with a debut for its new international Community website, which is also to act as a hub for initiatives such as its global Product Ambassadors Program.

1MORE touts its latest audio product as a world first, thanks to its combination of active noise cancellation and "LDAC Hi-Res Audio" in a wireless over-ear build. The SonoFlow headphones are rated for up to 70 hours of battery life (with their QuietMax noise-isolating mode turned off) and have debuted with early-bird and discount offers via platforms such as Amazon.

The OneOdio Monitor 60s have been announced at a price of well under US$100; nevertheless, the OEM asserts that they are ideal for work such as DJing and even recording songs. They have a "professional monitor" build with faux-leather "memory" ear-cushions for noise isolation and comfort, and is compatible with the 1/4-inch and 3.5mm interfaces.

Bose has broken its lengthy silence on the subject of new TWS accessories with the reveal of the second-gen QuietComfort Buds. They are rated for class-leading ANC with an Aware Mode, delivered via 4 mics in an earphone design refreshed to support prolonged wear in comfort. However, their high-end new specs come with a high-end new price.

Apple has announced a bunch of new devices at its "Far Out" event today. The devices include new Apple Watch models, the iPhone 14 series of smartphones, and the 2nd-gen AirPods Pro. The second-generation AirPods Pro promise longer battery life with a case that you can now locate with Apple Find My.

According to new rumours, Apple is finally ready to reveal next-generation AirPods Pro earbuds. Set to join the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro later this week, the AirPods Pro 2 is thought to contain several design changes from the original AirPods Pro, as well as a few new features.

The Tour ONE M2s are JBL's latest headphones, and as such feature large drivers enhanced with the brand's "PRO" and "Spatial" Sound features. They have an up-to-date wireless standard and are rated for lengthy battery life, although it is at its best when their new, "true" adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) is turned off.

JBL touts its latest Tour-series wireless earbuds as the world's first to come with their own touchscreen. The case-mounted LED panel is capable of displaying music controls as well as those for the PRO 2's advanced active noise-cancelling (ANC) functions. The case is also rated for up to 30 hours of additional play-time, while the earbuds pack "true adaptive" "immersive" JBL Spatial Sound.

Bose has partnered with Qualcomm to secure the new S5 Audio series of chipsets for its next-gen product portfolio. The SoCs will power future soundbars and speakers from the well-known brand as well as its headphones and earbuds. Therefore, they might be capable of the latest in wireless connectivity as well as "high-performance" sound at reduced levels of power consumption.

The Jabra Elite 5 has arrived during IFA 2022. Featuring 6 mm drivers and Hybrid ANC, the Elite 5 launches in two colours and is already orderable now in multiple markets. Jabra is running a short-term promotion on the Elite 5 too, reducing the earbuds by US$20.

The two new portable speakers from Danish startup Audiocase, namely the S5 and S10, can hit an SPL of 125 dB and feature Class-D amplifiers with advanced DSP and up to 30 hours of playtime. Both are available on Kickstarter for a limited period at promotional prices: US$541 (S5) and US$702 (S10).

DIZO has announced that its next smartwatches will launch as its Watch D Talk and Watch R Talk. They will be square- and round-faced respectively, and will both have the up-to-date spec of support for calls over Bluetooth. One will have an AMOLED display, whereas the other will have a larger-than-average screen for its class.

Sony has finally confirmed European and UK pricing for the HT-A5000, a soundbar that the company released last year in North America. Billed as a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, the HT-A5000 has a built-in subwoofer and supports PlayStation 5 features like Auto HDR Tone Mapping, as well as numerous network functions. Sony has outlined availability for the HT-A5000 in the Eurozone and the UK too.

Sony has introduced the HT-A3000, a new soundbar and a cheaper alternative than the HT-5000 and HT-7000. Equipped with a 3.1-channel configuration, the Sony AT-A3000 supports virtual surround sound, along with Apple AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos and Google Chromecast, among other things.

Sony's enticingly affordable alternative to the popular WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones is currently on sale with a notable 20% discount, which means that the Sony WH-CH710N have now returned to their lowest price ever on Amazon.

Jabra's upcoming Elite 5 earbuds have leaked, detailing their design, features and colour options. Building on the Elite 3, the Elite 5 has 6 mm drivers, active noise cancellation, 6 microphones and Bluetooth multipoint support. Effectively, Jabra has moved many of the Elite 7 Active and Elite 7 Pro features to its mid-range earbuds.

OnePlus' latest audio accessories might be a potentially welcome throwback thanks to their lesser-spotted non-wireless interface. Now, Nord-series fans in India will be able to buy these earphones through Amazon or the OEM's own web-store soon. The Wired 3.5mm also boast OnePlus' magnetic clips and physical in-line controls.

The Space Q45 headphones and Space A45 wireless earbuds have launched simultaneously from Soundcore as the Anker brand's latest audio accessories with "ultra long" play-times between charges. They also share adaptive active noise-cancellation (AANC) specs rated to block up to 98% of all environmental sounds.

OEPLAY is currently crowdfunding for its MusicStar5 Hi-Fi speaker on Indiegogo. Thanks to custom-designed AMT tweeters, the sound system has a wide frequency range from 33 Hz to 55 kHz. You can pair two of the gadgets for a stereo sound experience and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth 5.0.

The Yamaha SR-C30A Compact Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer has been revealed. The device will launch this October for US$279.95. The gadget comes with a range of sound-enhancing technologies, such as 3D Surround Sound, with support for Dolby Digital. You can connect to the sound system via Bluetooth and control the device with your smartphone.

Bose is on the verge of replacing the QuietComfort Earbuds, introduced two years ago next month. Based on a substantial leak, the QuietComfort Earbuds II will take its place, which has a more compact design, up to 6 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC), among other features.

OPPO has revealed that it has second-gen Enco Buds ready to launch. The OEM asserts that the upcoming likely mid-range TWS earbuds will have "strong" bass despite their relatively small driver size. Therefore, they are rated to unleash quality audio, starting with the Malaysian market.

MediaTek's latest Pentonic chipset has debuted with an emphasis on remote group-watching and group-calling use-cases. It also features the up-to-date specs and features required to enjoy 4K gaming and content in general. The 700 is also touted as being Wi-Fi 7-ready and supporting "powerful AI enhancements".

Motorola has launched the Moto Tab G62 as the latest option on the affordable Android tablet market in India. It has a 10.6-inch 2K display powered by the Snapdragon 680 SoC and a large battery. Accordingly, it has variants with and without 4G/LTE connectivity, both of which will be available through Flipkart, starting at just over US$200.

OnePlus has released the Nord Wired Earphones 3.5mm through its website. As the name suggests, they are earphones with a headphone jack, and, as such, can be used with some new smartphones of the same series name. The new accessories have a magnetic design similar to some of the brand's original audio products.

It might have come as a surprise to some when Huawei introduced the Mate Xs 2 in place of the Mate X3, a device thought to have a design much more like that of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, in 2022. However, according to the latest tip, the latter is on the way after all, as a more durable and affordable foldable phablet than ever before. It might launch alongside inaugural variants and new TWS earbuds during a very late-year event.

Although released half a decade ago, the Creative Outlier Sports remains an interesting product for active people who want a classic design and can live with some of the outdated specs, such as Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity. At US$19.99, down from a US$69.99 MSRP, these lightweight wireless in-ear headphones are a steal.

Xiaomi has now launched the Buds 4 Pro, new flagship TWS earbuds finished in two-tone gold or black so as to match the new Mix Fold 2. They improve on their previous generations in terms of noise-reduction, connectivity and battery life specs. They raise the new peripherals' price far above the US$100 mark, however.

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds2 Pro at its Unpacked event today. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro features improved ANC over the Buds2 and comes with IPX7 protection and support for Samsung's proprietary Seamless Hi-Fi codec for 24-bit audio. The Buds2 Pro are also slated to offer improved battery runtimes and can better distinguish between noise and human voices.

LG has released new TWS earbuds under its TONE Free series. Sold as the TONE Free T90, TONE Free Fit TF7 and TONE Free Fit TF8, the trio feature exciting features, including a charging case with a built-in UV light to disinfect the earbuds as they recharge. The TONE Free T90 are the world's first earbuds with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head tracking, too.

The new RS2 is HiBy's second digital audio player that uses the Darwin audio architecture and can be pre-ordered for US$479. It supports up to 4 TB of storage via two card slots, 3.5 / 4.4 mm dual headphone output, PCM 384 kHz/DSD 256 audio, as well as up to 10 hours of play time and 40 days standby.