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Asus is offering a smart decluttering solution with Lyra Voice. (Source: Asus)

CES 2019 | Asus combines a Wi-Fi router and a smart speaker to create Lyra Voice

Taiwanese manufacturer Asus has announced the Lyra Voice device, or 3-in-1 Smart Voice Router. The gadget combines an AC2200 tri-band mesh Wi-Fi router with two 8 W stereo speakers and includes Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant. Th...

Daniel R Deakin, 07 Jan 2019 11:30

Amazon's Alexa-enabled Echo Dot speakers have sold out for the month. (Source: TechWiser)

Amazon executive reveals sales of over 100 million Alexa-enabled devices

In an interview with The Verge, Amazon’s SVP of devices and services, David Limp, has revealed how many devices have been sold that have Alexa built into them. Apparently, over 100 million speakers, smartphones, gadgets and other ...

Daniel R Deakin, 05 Jan 2019 03:42

The Zanco smart pen is available on Kickstarter now. (Source: Zanco)

A crowd-funding campaign for a mobile phone in pen form has raised 575% of its goal already

The Zanco smart pen is a stylus with (nearly) all the features of a smartphone crammed into it. It has physical buttons, a click-pad, front and rear cameras and even a teeny tiny screen. It is intended as a smartphone replacement ...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Dec 2018 17:09

Dirac will add another string to its phone-audio bow at CES 2019. (Source: Dirac)

Dirac plans to bring a smartphone-speaker bass enhancer to CES

Even the best speakers in smartphones struggle to produce even a relatively small amount of bass. Dirac, a rapidly-growing name in device audio, wants to change that with its new Dirac Bass feature. This tweak, which boosts the ba...

Deirdre O Donnell, 22 Dec 2018 18:16

The Pixel 3 and 3XL may have yet more issues. (Source: Engadget)

Pixel 3 and 3XL users allege call-quality issues in their phones

A number of Pixel 3 and 3XL owners have reportedly taken to the Google Product Forums to complain about issues with voice-calls on their devices. These problems apparently include low-quality in-call audio, connection issues and m...

Deirdre O Donnell, 20 Dec 2018 17:30

The ROG phone has multiple USB ports to support accessories like this one. (Source: Android Authority)

Reddit post shows what happens when the ASUS ROG Phone is connected to itself

The ASUS ROG Phone has multiple USB type C ports, so that it can support accessories that need two of these ports. A Redditor has demonstrated that this feature can be hi-jacked in order to make it appear that the phone can charge...

Deirdre O Donnell, 07 Dec 2018 19:32

The Antlion ModMic Wireless. (Source: Antlion)

Antlion Audio wants you to turn any set of headphones into a gaming headset with its ModMic Wireless

Antlion Audio claims that its ModMic Wireless attachment adds mic capabilities to any kind of headphone. It has the aptX low-energy Bluetooth codec, 16-bit 48khz audio and a USB type A receiver. The ModMic Wireless also has a pate...

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Nov 2018 19:50

Beleaguered Windows 10 1809 update breaks audio playback for some Intel display drivers

The latest issue in the growing string of problems with the Windows 10 1809 update affects devices using certain versions of Intel's display drivers. The Windows 10 October update breaks audio playback through monitors or TVs conn...

Sam Medley, 23 Nov 2018 21:22

Huawei claims that you can charge other phones wirelessly with the Mate 20 Pro. (Source: Huawei)

Huawei Mate 20 Pro's reverse wireless charging was tested and found to be extremely slow

Huawei introduced a new feature known as reverse (or inverted) wireless charging with the Mate 20 Pro. It means that the new flagship can be used as a charging pad for other devices with compatible technology. However, Android Aut...

Deirdre O Donnell, 13 Nov 2018 01:12

Spotify shares were affected by less than completely positive earnings reports. (Source: djtimes.com)

Spotify shares sank by 11% due to pessimistic earnings forecast

The shares of the company Spotify were down 11% at the start of today (November 1, 2018) due to a forecast that shows relatively poor fourth-quarter performance. In addition, Spotify is now reported to be committed to new investme...

Deirdre O Donnell, 01 Nov 2018 19:20

Huawei launches the new Huawei AI Speaker powered by Dynaudio high-end audio. (Source: Engagdet)

Huawei launches HomePod clone

Huawei has used its home market launch event for the Mate 20 series of smartphones to debut its Huawei AI Speaker. More than a little reminiscent of Apple's HomePod, the new speaker has been co-developed with famed Dutch audio spe...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 28 Oct 2018 10:21

Both speakers in this iPhone XS Max diagram should function to play audio. (Source: iphonefaqs.com)

Stereo-gate: iPhone XS and XS Max hit with new bug (audio this time)

The latest Apple flagship smartphones are facing yet another issue that means they do not work out of the box as described. This time, it seems that one of their dual speakers does not fire while playing audio. The bug has been re...

Deirdre O Donnell, 24 Oct 2018 18:56

Spotify has a refreshed Wear OS app. (Source: Spotify)

Spotify releases improved Wear OS app update

The music streaming service Spotify has finally pushed an update for the app used on Android smartwatches. This version takes on the functions users formerly had to turn to 3rd-party solutions for. For example, the new Spotify for...

Deirdre O Donnell, 19 Oct 2018 09:28

Winamp 2 default interface, Winamp 6 coming in 2019

Winamp is rising from the dead, version 6 coming in 2019

If everything works as planned, Winamp 5.8 will arrive tomorrow with a bunch of fixes in tow and — the best part of it all — without the paid options previously reserved to the users of the Pro version. However, this iconic piece ...

Codrut Nistor, 17 Oct 2018 10:15

The audio jack will soon lose its last supporters. (Source: Android Central)

Samsung may ditch the 3.5 mm audio jack on the Note 10 and Galaxy S11 models

A strong supporter for the 3.5 mm audio jack in the past, Samsung may soon be forced to get with the times and move on to wireless headphones. A recent report informs that at least the flagship smartphone models launching from fal...

Bogdan Solca, 11 Oct 2018 22:29

New Chrome OS tablet debuts at Made by Google event

The Pixel Slate is Google's latest tablet. It comes in one colour (Midnight Blue) and has an optional Pixelbook pen and keyboard with a dedicated Google Assistant button. The Pixel Slate runs Chrome OS and has its own Play Store a...

Deirdre O Donnell, 11 Oct 2018 00:44

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K may be intended to take the new Chromecast on. (Source: IoTGadgets)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K: this affordable streaming device may challenge new Chromecast

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K has just been announced. It may be able to deliver HDR10+, as well as Dolby Vision, in order to stream content. Amazon has also included object-based Dolby Atmos surround sound, for material that suppor...

Deirdre O Donnell, 03 Oct 2018 14:49

A render showing all the leaked color options for the Mate 20 Pro. (Source: gizmochina.com)

Huawei Mate 20 Pro may come with voice-based unlocking

Huawei is now rumored to be integrating a new form of device security, Voice Unlock, into its upcoming flagship, the Mate 20 Pro. This device may also have a 6.9-inch screen, as much as 6GB in RAM and an extra-large battery. Howev...

Deirdre O Donnell, 29 Sep 2018 17:26

The Razer Nari has an alarming range of new features. (Source: Razer)

Razer Nari: a new line of gaming headsets with haptic feedback

The new Razer Nari is a line of gaming-focused headsets that will incorporate Razer HyperSense. This is an advanced form of haptic feedback intended to intensify an immersive experience. The Nari headsets will also feature THX Spa...

Deirdre O Donnell, 27 Sep 2018 18:48

The new Amazon Echo Show features a large 10-inch display. (Source: Amazon)

Amazon launches a slew of new Alexa-powered products

Amazon has released a stunning array of new Alexa-powered devices that spans traditional products like its Echo range, through to a new car product and even an Alexa-enabled microwave oven. The new devices highlight the increasing...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 21 Sep 2018 12:24

OnePlus may need to include an adapter such as this in the 6T's retail box. (Source: AliExpress)

It's official: OnePlus 6T will ditch the headphone jack

Carl Pei, the OnePlus CEO, confirmed the fact that his company's upcoming late-year flagship refresh will not feature a headphone jack in an interview with TechRadar. Pei claimed that user feedback had contributed to this decision...

Deirdre O Donnell, 14 Sep 2018 00:02

The Sony Signature Series DMP-Z1 costs around US$7,900. (Source: Sony)

Sony launches US$7,900 Signature Series DMP-Z1 Digital Music Player, matching headphones

Sony has launched its most expensive digital music player and in-ear headphones to date. The new Signature Edition DMP-Z1 and IER-Z1Rs come in at a whopping US$7,900 and US$1,780, but promise an unmatched audio quality.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 12 Aug 2018 05:42

Blue Microphones is known for producing audio products that perform above their price point making them popular with modern content creators. (Source: Logitech)

Logitech has the blues: Announces purchase of Blue Microphones for US$117 million

Logitech and Blue Microphones have both announced the collective agreement for Logitech to purchase Blue and add them to their family of companies. Logitech's wider portfolio already includes Ultimate Ears, Jaybird, and Astro Gami...

Craig Ward, 01 Aug 2018 08:52

The Google Pixel 2 XL is US$100 off for a limited time. (Source: Google)

Google Store offering Pixel XL 2 at US$100 discount, other devices on special too

Google is currently offering its Pixel 2 XL models at US$100 off their regular price. The sale also includes other products in its hardware lineup and runs until July 17 while stocks last.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 10 Jul 2018 10:53

Alienware AW988 Wireless Gaming Headset now up for sale mid-June 2018 (Source: Dell United States)

The Alienware Wireless Gaming Headset (AW988) hits the market

The first such accessory by Alienware in almost a decade, the AW988 is a wireless 7.1 surround gaming headset with LED lights, active noise canceling, and a frequency response range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Covered by a two-year manufa...

Codrut Nistor, 13 Jun 2018 10:38

Sony Xperia Ear Duo headphones will ship May 31. (Source: Sony)

Futuristic Sony Xperia Ear Duo headphones up for pre-order, ship May 25

Sony's futuristic Xperia Ear Duo headphones are now up for pre-order in the US. The headphones allow listeners to hear both music or voice overs at the same time as being able to hear ambient sounds around them.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 02 May 2018 12:06

Barclays: Apple won't include Lightning to 3.5mm adapter this year

Barclay's analyst Blayne Curtis is predicting that Apple will stop bundling the Lightning to 3.5mm audio adapter with the iPhone released this fall. If this prediction comes true, iPhone users that want wired audio would have to s...

Sam Medley, 30 Apr 2018 23:13

Pre-orders for the Apple HomePod were apparently strong, but sales of the device have been slow. (Source: Apple)

Apple has reportedly reduced HomePod production

A report from Bloomberg has stated that Apple has had to cut manufacturing orders with Inventec in regard to the HomePod. Apparently, the smart speaker has not been selling in huge numbers and Apple workers have commented that sto...

Daniel R Deakin, 12 Apr 2018 08:53

SteelSeries Arctis Pro + GameDAC gaming headset (Source: SteelSeries)

SteelSeries intros the Arctis Pro lineup of gaming headsets

The family of gaming headsets introduced by SteelSeries earlier this month includes the Arctis Pro + GameDAC, which is the first certified Hi-Res Audio headset in the gaming world, and the Arctis Pro Wireless. Their prices are US$...

Codrut Nistor, 31 Mar 2018 12:35

Bose Audio AR prototype sunglasses. (Source: Bose)

Bose surprises with audio-focused AR smart glasses

Bose has launched a new type of AR technology that it is calling Audio AR. The prototype sunglasses on show at SXSW use an audio layer to supplement a user's interaction with their surrounds to provide more information and context...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 11 Mar 2018 00:55

The new Xperia Ear Duo earphones offer a "dual listening" experience. (Source: Sony)

MWC 2018 | Sony intros anti-noise-cancelling Xperia Ear Duo headphones

Sony has used MWC to introduce a new "dual listening" experience headset it calls the Xperia Ear Duo. The headphones allow users to interact with music, or notifications, at the same time as being able to hear their immediate envi...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 27 Feb 2018 10:27

Archos has presented 'Hello', a portable smart display running Google Assistant in two different sizes. (Source: Archos)

Archos presents 'Hello' portable smart home display with Google Assistant

Archos has presented Archos Hello, the company's first smart home device. Hello is a smart display with a built-in battery for optional portable use. The device runs on Android Oreo with Google Assistant and will come in two diffe...

Jonathan Maes, 24 Feb 2018 01:20

Apple's third-rated HomePod speaker (presumably not on a wooden shelf). (Source: Apple)

HomePod comes third in blind audio test, leaves marks on wooden furniture

Apple's HomePod has come third, after the Google Home Max and the Sonos One, in an independent blind audio test. It only finished ahead of the relatively weak audio quality of the Amazon Echo Plus in a test conducted by Yahoo tech...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 15 Feb 2018 02:21

Roccat introduces the Khan AIMO, a lightweight RGB gaming headset with integrated sound card. (Source: Roccat)

Roccat unveils Khan AIMO RGB gaming headset with integrated soundcard

Roccat has announced the Khan AIMO RGB, their new gaming headset with large 50mm drivers, a built-in soundcard and support for the company's own AIMO RGB ecosystem.

Jonathan Maes, 08 Feb 2018 11:30

Sony headquarters, Toyko, Japan. (Source: Zimbio)

Sony reports strong quarterly financial results, but loses ground in smartphones

Sony's third quarter results for 2017/18 show the company is performing well regarding profitability, with gaming, financial, semiconductor, and music standing out for income contribution. Mobile communication profitability drops ...

Craig Ward, 08 Feb 2018 01:29

Kazuo Hirai at Mobile World Congress 2013. (Source: Cellanr via flickr)

Kazuo Hirai steps down from Sony CEO role, replaced by man responsible for selling off VAIO

During the presentation of Sony's Q3 2017 financial ressults, they announced the resignation of their current President and CEO, Kazuo Hirai, to be replaced by Kenichiro Yoshida. Hirai's time at the top was defined by a return to ...

Craig Ward, 04 Feb 2018 14:24

The Apple HomePod packs a powerful CPU, directional speakers, and a 6-microphone array. (Source: Apple)

Apple HomePod up for pre-order on Jan 26, arriving Feb 9

Apple's wireless HomePod speaker is finally launching on February 9 for US$349 with pre-orders starting tomorrow in the US, UK, and Australia. The HomePod features an enhanced Siri experience, spatial awareness, and a wide soundst...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 25 Jan 2018 09:49

Apple's HomePod smart speaker is expected to launch soon. (Source: Apple)

Apple HomePod gets FCC certification, signals impending release

Apple is well behind the smart speaker 8-ball when it comes to the launch of its Siri-powered HomePod. First unveiled in June, it has now received FCC certification suggesting its launch can't be too far away.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 21 Jan 2018 06:49

The Alexa-powered Echo from Amazon is the top selling smart speaker. (Source: Amazon)

Smart speaker penetration in US households strong says study

A new study shows that there is strong consumer interest in smart speakers. As many as one in six households in the US have purchased a smart speaker with sales peaking during the recent holiday period.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 15 Jan 2018 11:05

LG ThinQ WK9 speaker with 8-inch display (Source: LG)

LG ThinQ speaker has an 8-inch touch screen

LG has launched its ThinQ WK9 Google Assistant Touch Screen Speaker. The AI-powered device also features audio tuned by high-end audio maker Meridian Audio.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 11 Jan 2018 11:50

The Anker PowerHouse 200 is suited to glamping. (Source: Anker Innovations)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A 200 Wh battery bank, portable projector with speaker, and an Alexa car kit

Anker Innovations, who is perhaps best known for their line of portable power banks, has announced a mammoth power bank, an Alexa powered car kit, and the expected availability of the Nebula Capsule

Craig Ward, 09 Jan 2018 04:00

The ZOLO Model Zero suits a modern minimalist design asthetic. (Source: Anker)

CES 2018 | From Anker Innovations: A funky home speaker with Google Assistant, and truly wireless Bluetooth earbuds

Anker Innovations has announced the ZOLO Model Zero, a new home speaker with a unique design, and a release date for the upcoming ZOLO Liberty+ Earbuds.

Craig Ward, 09 Jan 2018 04:00

Spotify has 70 million paid subscribers

Compared to September 2016, Spotify now has 50 percent more paid subscribers. The count of 70 million comes just in time since Spotify apparently filed for its direct listing IPO at the end of December.

Codrut Nistor, 05 Jan 2018 15:20

LG ThinQ Smart Speaker powered by Google Assistant. (Source: LG)

CES 2018 | LG previews their premium Google Assistant ThinQ smart speaker ahead of CES

We can expect three new audio products from LG at CES in the form of a 5.1.2 channel soundbar, an 1800-Watt party speaker, and a premium smart speaker powered by Google Assistant that likely sits between the Google Home and Google...

Craig Ward, 31 Dec 2017 01:42

Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker. (Source: Xiaomi)

The Xiaomi Yeelight Smart Assistant Speaker is a US$30 Alexa Dot

Xiaomi has announced a new smart speaker produced via their Yeelight subsidiary which will start shipping in early 2018. A dual AI system uses Xiaomi's AI technology inside China and Amazon Alexa worldwide.

Craig Ward, 30 Dec 2017 23:58

Razer is offering a free Bluetooth speaker with its phone for a limited time. (Source: Razer)

Razer offering free Leviathan Mini speaker with its Razer Phone

Razer is offering a free Leviathan Mini portable Bluetooth speaker worth US$179 with its Razer Phone for a limited time. The deal lasts until December 20 or while stocks last.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 19 Dec 2017 09:01

The trusty 3.5mm headphone jack is a versatile connection with support from many devices, and is capable of handling high-quality audio. (Source: Webandi/Pixabay)

69% of those polled wouldn't buy a phone without a 3.5 mm headphone jack

A GSM Arena poll regarding 3.5 mm headphone jacks on phones found that 69% of those polled wouldn't consider phones without a headphone jack, 14% didn't care, 9% had switched to Bluetooth/USB-C/Lightning products, and 8% were livi...

Craig Ward, 18 Dec 2017 23:19

Microsoft will remove option to sign in to Skype using Facebook account

The Skype desktop software and web interface will receive the update treatment soon to match the Android, iOS, and UWP applications. When this happens, the legacy feature to sign in using your Skype account will disappear so any a...

Craig Ward, 28 Nov 2017 02:39

Razer CEO says that the missing headphone jack is a feature. (Source: Razer)

Razer Phone CEO explains headphone jack absence

Min-Liang Tan has posted an explanation of why the gaming company dropped the venerable audio jack on its new Razer Phone. The demise of the headphone jack is all about giving users better features, according to Razer's CEO.

Sanjiv Sathiah, 27 Nov 2017 11:43