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Blu-ray is in decline as a medium. (Source: Wikipedia)

Blu-ray disc shipments are now projected to fall by over 150 million units over the next 5 years

Once, long ago, Blu-ray was touted as the gold standard in media playback. Now, however, it has sunk into obscurity among a world's worth of streaming services compatible with high-res displays. The format's market value is now th...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Jan 2020 20:32

Mobvoi releases its updated, AI-powered TicPods

The TicPods 2 and 2 Pro are Mobvoi's new TWS earbuds. They look much like their predecessor: however, this series is the first to feature the OEM's new, proprietary assistant Tico. They also respond to gestures for call answering ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Jan 2020 23:03

The Doogee S95 Pro and its 2 new modules. (Source: Doogee)

Doogee launches the S95 Pro, a "modular" phone aimed at fans of rugged devices

The Doogee S95 Pro is a new phone with 8GB of RAM, a triple rear camera, an IP68 certification and a 5150mAh battery. This capacity can be extended with a 3500mAh power-pack for the device that fits onto its back via a magnetic in...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Jan 2020 18:09

LG releases its TWS earbuds to the US market

LG has announced that its latest truly wireless (or TWS) earbuds are now available to buy in the United States. These Tone Free devices are tuned by Meridian Audio and have a unique UVnano charging case. It also adds up to 21 hour...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Jan 2020 18:46

The new Audio-Technica TWS noise-cancelling earbuds. (Source: Audio-Technica)

CES 2020 | Audio-Technica's 2020 line-up includes TWS earbuds and premium over-ear headphones

Audio-Technica has packed its Las Vegas showcase with high-tech new products. They include 3 pairs of TWS earbuds, the flagship of which are the QuietPoint ATH-ANC300TW with hybrid noise cancellation. There are also headphones dir...

Deirdre O Donnell, 09 Jan 2020 22:39

The Harman Kardon Fly TWS earphones are set to tackle Apple's AirPods. (Source: Harman)

CES 2020 | Harman Kardon rolls out new 'Fly' range of headphones, including AirPods competitor

Samsung subsidiary Harman Kardon has taken the wraps off what it hopes will be able to take on Apple’s AirPods and headphones like the Apple-owned Beats Solo Pro among others. Each of the three new models, in total, also feature G...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 09 Jan 2020 12:20

The Amazfit SMART GYM HUB and Home Studio. (Source: Huami)

CES 2020 | Amazfit's HomeStudio is a new line of personal, at-home fitness machines

Amazfit has launched a series of products in a category new to this brand: personal work-out equipment. It consists of the SMART GYM HUB, a 43-inch vertical screen with AI and a ToF sensor that can deliver fitness classes right in...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Jan 2020 22:34

Smart assistant activation can result in embarrassing situations. (Source: The Manifest)

Up to 64% of users have activated a smart assistant by accident

A new study of those who use voice-activated searches have found that 64% of this group set the assistant in question off by mistake during December 2019. An accidental press of a hardware button was found to be the culprit in 49%...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Jan 2020 21:46

The new Amazfit PowerBuds. (Source: Huami)

CES 2020 | Amazfit unveils its PowerBuds and ZenBuds

Amazfit has announced that it's ready for the TWS earbud market in 2020. To this end, it has revealed 2 new products in this category: the PowerBuds and ZenBuds. The former are sports-focused, whereas the latter have been designed...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Jan 2020 19:38

The Wearbuds now have a Pro version. (Source: Aipower)

CES 2020 | Aipower updates its Wearbuds with a Pro variant

The Wearbuds are well known as the first true-wireless (TWS) earbuds that come with an innovative wrist-band into which they can slot and use to charge, rather than a case that has to be carried around. Now, their maker Aipower ha...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Jan 2020 18:54

The Panasonic 'gaming' soundbar. (Source: Panasonic)

CES 2020 | The Panasonic SC-HTB01 soundbar is "designed especially for gamers"

The Panasonic SC-HTB01 is a soundbar developed in partnership with Square Enix to suit gaming-related audio content. It has 3 appropriately-themed audio presets: RPG, FPS and Voice. They can inform the device's dual frontal speake...

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Jan 2020 21:20

The new Acer B250i LED projector. (Source: Acer)

CES 2020 | Acer unveils its compact, "Studio Sound"-enabled B250i LED projector

The B250i is Acer's latest projector. It uses LEDs to throw a FHD image at a brightness of 1000 ANSI lumens. The OEM has also outfitted it with 5W speakers, passive radiators and in-house TrueHarmony and Waves Maxx Audio technolog...

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Jan 2020 20:48

The Klipsch Over-Ear Active Noise Cancelling headphones will debut at CES 2020. (Source: Klipsch)

Klipsch takes on Sony, Bose with new Over-Ear Active Noise Cancelling headphones

Klipsch has taken the wraps off its first pair of wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. The segment is a popular one that is currently dominated by Sony with its WH-1000XM3 and Bose with its Quiet Comfort 35 II model.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 Jan 2020 09:55

LG will showcase its new soundbars at CES 2020. (Source: LG)

LG's 2020 premium soundbars will be able to adapt to a room using AI

LG's upcoming line of soundbars will be unveiled at CES 2020. However, the OEM has offered some details on these new products ahead of this event. They have been developed with Meridian Audio, while also supporting Dolby Atmos, DT...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Dec 2019 19:10

The Reno3's new 360-degree antenna system ensures high-speed connectivity. (Source: OPPO)

The OPPO Reno3 Pro 5G is the world's first Snapdragon 765G phone

OPPO has launched its Reno3 series. It consists of 2 phones, both of which have 12GB RAM SKUs and 1 of which is a Pro version. This device is now officially the first to rock the Snapdragon 765G processor, a vital boast as this ch...

Deirdre O Donnell, 26 Dec 2019 18:54

A future generation of this speaker may also offer wireless charging. (Source: HonorBuy)

Xiaomi makes a Bluetooth speaker that is also a wireless charger

If a hands-free speaker with the ability to deliver the kind of charging to match is all you want for the holidays, it seems Xiaomi (nearly) has you covered. It has just certified a device called the Mi Wireless Charger Bluetooth ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 25 Dec 2019 18:07

Xiaomi may be working on an inbuilt equalizer for MIUI 11

MIUI is Xiaomi's custom skin for Android, and incorporates a default audio app called MiSound. This may be handy; however, it has historically lacked an equalizer (or EQ) to adjust music playback to taste or genre. However, develo...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Dec 2019 18:59

Amazfit's CES 2020 teaser. (Source: Huami)

Amazfit will unveil its first set of earphones at CES 2020

The wearables brand Amazfit is increasingly well-known for its smartwatches. However, it intends to break into new categories of wearable in 2020. They will include the company's first pair of earphones, as well as another teased ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 23 Dec 2019 19:22

The Galaxy Buds+ are said to look similar to the current model. (Source: Notebookcheck)

Galaxy Buds+ with active noise-cancelling and larger batteries coming soon

Samsung’s rumored Apple Airpods Pro competitor looks like it is nearing release. Regulatory filings for the new headphones have hit the FCC and reveal, among other things, that they will pick up larger batteries.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 Dec 2019 04:05

The cast icon in the YouTube app may lead to new options soon. (Source: Google)

YouTube on smart TVs to gain voice-control support

YouTube has developed a panel of controls that come into effect when it is being used on a smart TV or Chromecast-enabled device. Now, it may have also added voice commands and new remote-style buttons in this menu. They have been...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2019 20:06

A GoPro HERO8 Black with a Light Mod. (Source: GoPro)

GoPro launches the Light Mod for the HERO8 Black

GoPro has released a new product that is compatible with its pre-existing mounts. However, it is not an action-cam: it is instead a mini LED floodlight intended to be used with one of them, the HERO8 Black. It can also clip onto t...

Deirdre O Donnell, 21 Dec 2019 20:19

What do you want from the Sony WH-1000XM4? (Image source: u/MoDanMitsDI)

Sony WH-1000XM4: Mediatek based and a June 2020 release for Sony's next wireless noise-cancelling headphones?

Have you been undecided about which pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones to buy this Christmas? While the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 and the Sony WH-1000XM3 are currently some of the most options on the market, i...

Alex Alderson, 19 Dec 2019 15:35

The JBL Reflect Eternal headphones. (Source: Indiegogo)

JBL claims that its new Reflect Eternal headphones can deliver "infinite" battery life

JBL has launched the Reflect Eternal headphones via Indiegogo. The OEM claims that they are capable of self-charging, so that it may never run out of battery life or be dependent on a cable for play-time. This is conferred by Powe...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Dec 2019 22:51

The Wearbuds will be at Aipower's CES 2020 booth. (Source: Aipower)

Aipower is going to CES 2020, bringing its innovative Wearbuds and more

Aipower is a start-up that had great success in its crowdfunding endeavors for its Wearbuds product. This is a type of fitness band that also houses a pair of truly wireless (or TWS) earbuds. They will be on show at CES 2020, alon...

Deirdre O Donnell, 18 Dec 2019 20:32

A render for the OnePlus 8. (Source: Android Authority)

OnePlus 8: new leak paints a picture of a real crowd-pleaser

OnePlus may launch the 8-series of phones in 2020. A new leak suggests that the OEM is covering nearly every base possible with at least 1 of its variants. They include the Snapdragon 865, wireless charging, an IP rating, the Sony...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Dec 2019 16:27

A teaser for Realme's upcoming Indian event. (Source: Realme)

Realme Buds Air to launch alongside the X2 in India

Realme will debut the X2 in a new market, India, tomorrow (December 17, 2019). It will be joined on stage by the brand's first fully-wireless (or TWS) audio accessories. According to official teasers, they look like AirPods, altho...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Dec 2019 15:26

The Reno3 Pro in all its colorways. (Source: GSMArena)

The OPPO Reno3 Pro 5G may launch alongside brand-first TWS earbuds

A promotional poster showing a number of new and new-ish devices made by OPPO has just leaked. It suggests that its upcoming 5G device will launch alongside the OEM's first-ever truly-wireless (or TWS) earbuds. This material also ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Dec 2019 21:34

The Element T6 Max Bluetooth speaker. (Source: Tronsmart)

The Tronsmart Element T6 Max is a 60 watt Bluetooth speaker

Tronsmart has announced the Element T6 Max, a new speaker that, despite being wireless and intended as a portable accessory, has a striking 60 watts (W) of total sound output power. The OEM claims this is due at least in part to i...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Dec 2019 22:31

The OPPO smartwatch trailer. (Source: GSMArena)

OPPO drops glimpses of its 2020 smartwatch and truly wireless earbuds

OPPO's Inno Day 2019 event was mostly dominated by upcoming products such as its AR headset. However, it also teased new wearables that may launch soon as well. They are a new pair of truly wireless (TWS) earbuds, as well as a squ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 10 Dec 2019 16:16

Samsung's flagship Galaxy Note 10 ditched the headphone jack. (Image source: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite renders reveal welcome presence of the headphone jack

New renders of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Lite have revealed that the smartphone apparently sports a headphone jack. It also appears to have a central punch-hole front-facing camera and a square housing for the rear-facing camera ...

Daniel R Deakin, 04 Dec 2019 19:54

The new Intel NUC 10 Performance series. (Source: Intel)

Intel debuts its new NUC 10 Performance series

Intel has released its latest Next-Unit Computing- (NUC) form-factor PCs. They are powered by 10th-generation Core processors, and have i3, i5 and i7 variants. This applies to the kits and the mini PCs in this series, which also h...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Nov 2019 13:36

The Surface Earbuds are delayed for at least 3 months. (Source: Microsoft)

Surface Earbuds delayed to spring 2020

Microsoft has announced it has delayed its recently unveiled Surface Earbuds. Originally set to ship this holiday season, the Surface Earbuds have now been delayed into Spring 2020, roughly another quarter away.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 23 Nov 2019 02:08

The Dripp Dropp truly wireless earbuds. (Source: Indiegogo)

The Dripp Dropps are the "most affordable" truly wireless earphones with Qualcomm tech on Indiegogo

Dripp Audio is a new company that has put its interestingly-named true-wireless earbuds on Indiegogo. The "Dropps" are described as the cheapest products in their category to have Qualcomm aptX and cVc noise-cancelling tech. They ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Nov 2019 21:48

The Huawei Sound X smart speaker is packed with hardware. (Image source: Weibo)

Huawei Sound X smart speaker images and specifications leaked

The information guide for Huawei’s Sound X smart speaker has leaked online ahead of the device’s expected launch. The Sound X offers an interesting collection of hardware specifications that includes two 60 W subwoofers and a 1.5 ...

Daniel R Deakin, 19 Nov 2019 07:16

The new Lenovo Smart Display 7. (Source: Lenovo)

Lenovo announces a new version of its Google Assistant-powered Smart Display

Lenovo has launched the Smart Display 7, which, like its predecessors, is a smart speaker with an in-built touchscreen. This new version has its display above its speakers this time, although they are still 10-watt (W) drivers. It...

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Nov 2019 20:16

The Samsung Galaxy A51's new renders. (Source: OnLeaks/PriceBaba)

New Samsung Galaxy A51 renders hint at a punch-hole display, quad cameras and a 3.5mm jack

The Galaxy A51 will probably be one of Samsung's new phones for 2020. It has attracted its first 360-degree set of renders (from OnLeaks), which incorporate rumors and theories about the phone such as that it will have quad rear c...

Deirdre O Donnell, 12 Nov 2019 16:56

An example of a home theater in a box. (Source: Lifewire)

The home theater market could be worth US$13.4 billion by 2025

Home theaters brought in a total of US$7.7 billion last year. However, this market value is thought to be capable of growing by up to $5.7 billion more over the next 6 years. The sound bar sector may grow at the greatest rate over...

Deirdre O Donnell, 08 Nov 2019 22:44

The new Mi TV 5 series. (Source: MySmartPrice)

Xiaomi launches the Mi TV 5 and 5 Pro

Xiaomi also promised details on a fifth generation of its smart TVs during the Mi CC9 Pro debut. The OEM made good on this - less expectedly, it introduced 2 new variants of the same during the event. The Mi TV 5 Pro is the one th...

Deirdre O Donnell, 06 Nov 2019 18:54

The new House of Marley Exodus headphones. (Source: House of Marley)

House of Marley updates its Exodus headphones with ANC

House of Marley's Exodus is a pair of premium over-ear headphones with 50-millimeter (mm) drivers and a sustainable provenance. Their latest refresh has active noise cancellation (ANC). They are also rated for a 28-hour battery li...

Deirdre O Donnell, 05 Nov 2019 23:09

Google's Recorder is smarter than the average dictation app. (Source: Google)

Google's advanced Recorder facility is coming to older Pixel devices

Google introduced a new kind of Recorder app with the Pixel 4 series. It is not merely capable of capturing audio, but of transcribing it in real time and making the resulting text searchable with the help of AI. A Mountain View r...

Deirdre O Donnell, 04 Nov 2019 19:34

Orbita believes AI assistants can do a lot for healthcare. (Source: Orbita)

New research asserts many adults want smart assistants to help look after their health

Orbita, a company that makes a personal assistant-like AI platform focused on healthcare, has published the results of a study that shows this is what the US adults recruited to it want from their voice-controlled searches. It app...

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 18:53

SiriusXM content will become playable on Google Nest products soon. (Source: SiriusXM)

The Google Assistant will start integrating SiriusXM soon

Google and SiriusXM have partnered in order to enable streaming of the latter on smart speakers from the former. In addition, the content provider's subscribers will be able to activate and control their channels by asking the Ass...

Deirdre O Donnell, 31 Oct 2019 15:33

Apple pulls iOS 13.2 after multiple reports of bricked HomePod smart speakers

Do not install iOS 13.2. If you have a HomePod and have installed iOS 13.2, DO NOT RESET YOUR HOMEPOD. Multiple users are reporting that iOS 13.2, released yesterday, bricked their HomePod smart speakers. Apple has since pulled th...

Sam Medley, 29 Oct 2019 18:35

Apple announces AirPods Pro: New design, higher price

Apple unveiled its new AirPods Pro wireless earbuds earlier today. The buds feature a new design and active noise cancellation. However, the $249 price tag is significantly higher ($90) than the current AirPods'. AirPods Pro will ...

Sam Medley, 29 Oct 2019 04:53

The new SHIELD TV and TV Pro. (Source: NVIDIA)

The 2019 NVIDIA SHIELD TV and SHIELD TV Pro are now live

NVIDIA now stocks the new Pro and non-Pro variants of the SHIELD TV on its official site. As projected, the latter is a 4K streaming stick with HDR 10. Both new Android 9.0 devices support Dolby Audio, can access GeForce NOW and h...

Deirdre O Donnell, 28 Oct 2019 16:39

Google Home speakers are left unresponsive after a firmware update. (Image via Reddit user Umagafr3sh.)

Firmware update bricks Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers

A firmware update pushed out to Google Home and Google Home Mini smart speakers earlier this month has been bricking devices, leaving them completely unresponsive. Google has acknowledged the problem and promised a resolution in t...

Sam Medley, 24 Oct 2019 16:36

1More announces the release of its first ANC true-wireless earbuds

1More is the ODM responsible for Xiaomi's audio wearables. However, it also releases these products under its own brand. The latest of these are truly wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC).

Deirdre O Donnell, 16 Oct 2019 20:35

Pharrell has helped with the some of the colors on the new Beats Solo Pro. (Source: Beats)

Apple drops new Beats Solo Pro with active noise cancelling

Apple’s wholly-owned subsidiary Beats has launched an all-new Beats Solo Pro range. Effectively the Beats Solo 4, the all-new design also brings improved audio performance as well as active noise cancelling to the Solo line for th...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 16 Oct 2019 08:59

Google launches its first pair of true wireless earbuds

Google unveiled its second-generation Pixel Buds at its 2019 'Made By' event. They are truly wireless products that, as the OEM claims, have been designed to be as compact and streamlined as possible. Nevertheless, they are rated...

Deirdre O Donnell, 15 Oct 2019 19:21